Gannett partners with ViewLift to offer digital sports and entertainment video content
April 16 2015 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
Parties will develop custom applications across mobile and
OTT
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announced today an agreement with
ViewLift, a full-service provider of custom video applications (and
a unit of SnagFilms, Inc.), to explore development of a new digital
sports video service. This new entity will focus on streaming
unique sports-related content and select, relevant movies across
multiple devices – smartphones, tablets, televisions, and PCs.
The new entity will explore a hybrid service harnessing local
broadcast TV capabilities for the national distribution of digital
video aimed at delighting the avid sports fan. This content will
give viewers the opportunity to go beyond the game and its
highlights by accessing a rich library of video about players,
teams and others who make sports one of our nation’s prime
passions.
As part of this agreement, Gannett will leverage one of the
nation’s largest affiliate television station groups and its
editorial and marketing solutions leadership while ViewLift will
provide platform services, proprietary technology, complementary
content and operating expertise.
“We are excited by the opportunities this venture provides us to
explore new video services that combine traditional over the air
with OTT distribution and local and national content,” said Dave
Lougee, president, Gannett Broadcasting. “Our extensive station
footprint, combined with the ViewLift OTT platform, will allow us
to pursue a range of new multi-device, multi-pathway
opportunities.”
“Americans simultaneously live in their hometown, our country
and the globe,” said Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift’s parent
SnagFilms. “Serving all three takes a unique content provider – one
that inherently understands both the very local, and the broader
stage, and faces the digital future with enthusiasm. We are honored
to be pioneering with Gannett to surprise and delight viewers and
readers where they are most engaged – on the go and on their home
screens.”
The partners expect to market-test their first digital channel
on devices later this spring.
About Gannett
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an international media and
marketing solutions company that informs and engages more than 115
million people every month through its powerful network of
broadcast, digital, mobile and publishing properties. Our portfolio
of trusted brands offers marketers unmatched local-to-national
reach and customizable, innovative marketing solutions across any
platform. Gannett is committed to connecting people – and the
companies who want to reach them – with their interests and
communities. For more information, visit www.gannett.com.
About ViewLift™
ViewLift is a full-service video platform, empowering brands to
distribute content through custom, branded apps on every major
digital device. Part of the SnagFilms and Indiewire family,
ViewLift leverages years of domain experience as an operator (not
just tech provider) and strong industry relationships to offer a
complete end-to-end solution for creating, launching and monetizing
video applications across 21 digital platforms, including mobile,
over-the-top, connected TV and game consoles – more than any other
platform. ViewLift offers clients a range of monetization models on
a proprietary platform with advanced analytics, tracking
performance in real-time. From design and marketing to content
curation and app hosting, ViewLift operates across the digital
ecosystem, understanding each device’s unique requirements and best
practices. ViewLift’s parent SnagFilms is backed by leading VC
firms, including New Enterprise Associates, Comcast Ventures,
Revolution LLC and Clark Ventures, as well as tech and media
pioneers Ted Leonsis, Steve and Jean Case, Terry Semel and
others.
Gannett Co., Inc.For media inquiries, contact:Jeremy
GainesVice President, Corporate
Communications703-854-6049jmgaines@gannett.comorFor investor
inquiries, contact:Jeffrey HeinzVice President, Investor
Relations703-854-6917jheinz@gannett.comorFor ViewLift:Beth
Cleveland415-283-7333beth@praytellstrategy.com