Uproar and Pearson Television Launch Multiplayer Online Version of 100% Game Show
On-Air, Online Convergence Offers More Opportunities for Consumers, Stations and Advertisers
NEW YORK, NY APRIL 12, 1999
Pearson Television, Inc. and Uproar, an online entertainment leader, today announced the launch of 100% online, an interactive version of the new television game show. The launch represents a synergy between television and the Internet that offers unparalleled opportunities for advertisers to target audiences across multiple platforms.
To maximize the potential of the convergence of television and the Internet, a light version (single-player version) of the online game show is now also being syndicated on the web sites of television stations that will carry the new show. Under the terms of their partnership agreement announced earlier this year, the two companies also plan to launch online versions of Family Feud and Match Game.
“Bringing 100% to both online and offline formats marks the beginning of a new era in which game shows are a form of entertainment that is multi-platform and interactive,” Uproar CEO Michael Simon said. “This opens up opportunities for advertisers to extend their brands across platforms and for consumers to entertain themselves in an exciting new way.”
Television stations, in addition to receiving free content for their web sites, also receive all revenues generated by local banner ads they sell on game pages. Affiliated stations will receive a cash “bounty” payment for station site users who become active players on Uproar. Stations' URLs are promoted on Uproar.com and visitors to the site are encouraged to tune-in to the television version of the game show. The television game show will also promote the online version.
“As we bring 100% to television, the online version offers a variety of additional benefits to stations that choose to syndicate the show,” Pearson Executive Vice President of Operations Catherine Mackay said. “The online version provides participating stations increased ad revenues and additional promotional opportunities that were not previously available.”
Online contestants will be able to participate in the fast-paced trivia style game show and win cash and prizes; and in a unique marketing twist, contestants playing the games on station web sites will also have the opportunity to be part of local contestant searches for the on-air game shows.
About Uproar
Two million registered users and millions of additional guests visit Uproar and its affiliated sites each month to participate as contestants in online game shows, play arcade games, enjoy humor, and solve puzzles. All Uproar properties are supported by advertising and licensing models. As part of Uproar's affiliate program, thousands of sites worldwide attract and retain visitors by running syndicated versions of Uproar's game shows. Founded in 1996 by CEO Michael Simon, Uproar is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange and has offices in New York, London, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Budapest.
About Pearson Television
Pearson Television is a division of Pearson plc, the international media group that also owns the Financial Times, Penguin Putnam Books and Addison Wesley Longman and recently acquired the educational publishing assets of Simon & Schuster.
Pearson Television is the world's largest international producer of entertainment and serial drama, with over 150 programs in production in over 30 countries.
In the U.S., the company produces The Price is Right, which has aired on the CBS Network for over 20 years, as well as Match Game and 100%, for broadcast syndication.
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