RNWK--RealNetworks Delivers Exclusive Video Coverage on Oscar.com GO.com's ABC.com Selects RealNetworks as Exclusive Streaming Media Platform To Provide Online Programming of the 72nd Academy Awards(R)
PR NEWSWIRE - March 20, 2000 09:00
SEATTLE, Mar 20, 2000 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- RealNetworks, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), the recognized leader in media delivery on the Internet, today announced that it has been selected by ABC.com as the exclusive streaming format for this year's Academy Awards coverage on Oscar.com, the official Web site of the Oscars(R). RealNetworks will also serve as the premier sponsor of the site's first-ever "Movies and Sound" section, which features exclusive clips of on-air promotion outtakes featuring host Billy Crystal, clips of nominated actors and films, interviews with the Academy Awards(R) show producers, director, writers and crew, red carpet arrivals and backstage interviews from last year's Academy Awards ceremonies. As part of the arrangement, RealNetworks(R) Real Broadcast Network(R) (RBN), with its distributed broadcast hubs and multicast delivery, will be the exclusive provider of streaming media hosting and services for all video content on Oscar.com. Oscar.com is a co-production of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC.com, which is part of GO.com (NYSE: GO).
The video is particularly concentrated in Oscar.com's "Movies and Sound" section for ease of use and an overall enjoyable visitor experience. Oscar.com's first live webcast was the Tuesday, February 15, Academy Award nominations announcement, followed by the Nominees Luncheon on Monday, March 13.
On Oscar Night(R) itself, Sunday, March 26, Oscar.com will be live with webcasting of:
-- Red carpet arrival of nominees, presenters and guests at the front of the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, commencing at approximately 3:00 p.m., PT. -- Live from backstage: Interviews with the winners as soon as they exit the stage with Oscars in hand. -- Entrance into the Governors Ball: A view of the winners as they enter the party.
"This year is Oscar.com's biggest to date in terms of online content, and we're thrilled that Oscar.com has awarded RealNetworks the role as exclusive streaming format provider for all of their online video," said Mark Hall, vice president of Media Publishing, RealNetworks.
"This year, you will get an all-access pass to the most widely watched entertainment event of the year simply by clicking onto Oscar.com for exclusive coverage throughout Oscar weekend," said Brian Bowman, vice president and general manager, ABC.com. "We are pleased that RealNetworks will contribute to our effort by distributing the exclusive video on Oscar.com to millions of visitors worldwide."
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc., based in Seattle, is the recognized leader in streaming media delivery on the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks consumer software on the Internet at real.com . All RealNetworks systems and corporate information is located on the Internet at realnetworks.com .
About GO.com
ABC.com is part of GO.com, which is the result of a merger between Infoseek Corporation and The Walt Disney Company's online unit, Buena Vista Internet Group (BVIG). GO.com oversees many of the Web's most popular sites and services, including the GO Network portal, ABC.com, ABCNEWS.com, Disney.com, Disneystore.com, ESPN.com, NFL.com, NBA.com, NASCAR Online, Family.com and Mr. Showbiz.
NOTE: RealNetworks and Real Broadcast Networks are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other companies or products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE RealNetworks, Inc. |
