or


[12/19/06 - 10:12 AM]
NBC Universal Interactive Television Has Ground-Breaking Year in 2006
The company's 40 iTV programs or events across 12 business units generated over 130 million web votes and SMS messages.

[via press release from NBC Universal Television Studio]

NBC UNIVERSAL INTERACTIVE TELEVISION HAS GROUND-BREAKING YEAR IN 2006

NEW YORK � December 19, 2006 � The television networks of NBC Universal had a ground breaking year in interactive television, launching a total of 40 iTV programs or events across 12 business units, and generating over 130 million web votes and SMS messages. The wide variety of iTV features ranged from choosing the "Lucky Case" for the chance to win $10,000 on NBC's "Deal or No Deal" to single-screen synchronous interaction with Bravo's "Top Chef" to in-show text alerts from the characters of USA Network's "The 4400."

"We need to find ways to engage consumers like never before," said Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, Digital Content and Cross-Network Strategy. "These interactive applications give us insight into our viewers' behavior and offer them opportunities to connect with their favorite programming."

"ITV is a huge area of growth for the company," said Jon Dakss, Director, iTV Product Development, NBC Universal. "It has significantly changed television viewing habits, making it a much more hands-on experience. Viewers are clearly responding in record numbers, and we are excited to launch a number of new interactive features in the coming year."

This year, NBCU achieved several milestones in the iTV universe. The company launched seven single-screen iTV applications, more than any media company in the U.S., reaching millions of viewers. In addition, NBCU's interactive programs, like "Deal or No Deal" and Bravo's "Project Runway" received over 100 million web votes and 30 million SMS messages. In February, NBC became the first U.S. network to deploy the same single-screen iTV application to multiple digital platforms simultaneously during the 2006 Winter Olympics.

NBCU's success in the iTV space has translated into several landmark sponsorship opportunities. Bravo's "Top Chef" and Sears Kenmore PRO accomplished three firsts for a U.S. network program by deploying the first sponsored 1-screen enhanced TV element over a digital cable network, the first 1-screen enhanced TV element for a show across multiple digital cable systems simultaneously, and the first sponsored cross-carrier video message to a cell phone. In Bravo's first season of "Top Chef," single-screen interactivity that was made available to Time Warner Cable digital subscribers culminated in a peak of an impressive 30% viewer participation.

NBCU's iTV department is part of a new NBC Universal division known as the Technology Growth Center, which continues to grow as NBCU's digital efforts expand. The iTV team has made two new hires further bolstering its team. Andy Castin joins from ABC/Disney as a Senior iTV Technical Producer, working with NBC's Sports and News divisions. Elena Ritchie from Motricity (formerly GoldPocket Wireless) also joins the group as an iTV Technical Producer and will focus on iTV initiatives for NBC's entertainment properties.

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.





  [december 2006]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
     


· 4400, THE (USA)
· DEAL OR NO DEAL (CNBC)
· PROJECT RUNWAY (FREEFORM)
· TOP CHEF (BRAVO)





[09/18/25 - 11:52 AM]
Video: "House of David" Season 2 Official Trailer - Watch Only on Wonder Project on Prime Video October 5th
As Saul's reign unravels, the nation stands on the edge of chaos.

[09/18/25 - 11:36 AM]
Great American Media Serves Up "Christmas By the Spoonful" (wt), Starring Jill Wagner and Trevor Donovan, An Original Movie Premiere for Great American Christmas 2025
In the film, Beth Green (Wagner) a devoted cafe owner, returns to her hometown of Snow Ridge to help her parents host the town's most cherished tradition, the annual Yuletide Potluck, a holiday potluck that welcome military families and veterans who might otherwise spend Christmas alone.

[09/18/25 - 11:15 AM]
NBC Comedy Locks in Comedy Slate Adding "Stumble" and "The Paper" to November Schedule
New series "Stumble" will debut Friday, November 7 at 8:30/7:30c; while "The Paper" is set to premiere Monday, November 10 at 8:30/7:30c.

[09/18/25 - 11:00 AM]
Starz Sets Lead Cast for Propulsive New Crime Drama "Fightland" as Production Begins in London
In addition, BAFTA-Award winner Otto Bathurst has been confirmed as director for the first two episodes, and Sebastain Thiel has been confirmed as a director on season one.

[09/18/25 - 10:31 AM]
"Starting 5" Season 2 - Date Announcement & First Look Photos
The new season - featuring Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and James Harden - premieres October 16 on Netflix.

[09/18/25 - 10:08 AM]
"106 & Sports" Set to Premiere October 15 on BET, Hosted by Cam Newton and Ashley Nicole Moss
Marking the 25th anniversary of the legacy show and capturing the energy of the iconic brand, "106 & Sports" delivers a fresh countdown highlighting sports, music, and entertainment like never before.

[09/18/25 - 10:03 AM]
"Dancing with the Stars" Reveals Season 34 Theme Nights
Each week, the celebrity and pro duos will dance routines set to iconic music celebrating legendary eras and artists, unforgettable pop-culture moments and more.

[09/18/25 - 10:02 AM]
ABC News Studios and "20/20" Announce "Robert Redford: The Life & Legacy of an American Icon - Special Edition of 20/20"
The one-hour special - airing Thursday, September 18 on ABC - celebrates the life and legacy of the actor and Oscar-winning filmmaker who passed away on September 16.

[09/18/25 - 10:00 AM]
"Saturday Night Live" to Premiere 51st Season Oct. 4 on NBC and Peacock with Three Back-to-Back Shows
Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler, and Sabrina Carpenter are among the first wave of hosts.

[09/18/25 - 10:00 AM]
CBS Studios Returns to New York Comic Con with "Star Trek" Universe Panel and New Series "NCIS: Tony & Ziva"
CBS Studios is back at New York Comic Con, offering exclusive first looks, panel discussions, screenings and unique fan experiences.

[09/18/25 - 09:30 AM]
French HBO Original Series "The Seduction" Debuts November 14
To be the hero of your own story, you sometimes have to be the villain in others'.

[09/18/25 - 09:30 AM]
Video: Starz Releases Heart-Pounding Teaser Trailer for the Final Season of "Outlander"
As the groundbreaking series prepares for its last chapter, the teaser shares a glimpse into the heart-wrenching journey that lies ahead for Claire and Jamie's enduring love story.

[09/18/25 - 09:10 AM]
CBS and Dick Clark Productions Announce New "Golden Eve" Primetime Special, Honoring Golden Globes Cecil B. DeMille and Carol Burnett Award-Recipients, Airing Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
The special will air as a marquee event during Golden Week, a new dynamic week-long experience across Paramount platforms as well as celebratory kick-off events ahead of the 83rd Annual Golden Globes, the first major awards show of the season, airing live Sunday, January 11, 2026.

[09/18/25 - 09:02 AM]
Video: "Chad Powers" - Eli Manning + Glen Powell Sneak Peek - Hulu
A sneak peek brought to you by the "Chad Powers" multiverse...

[09/18/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "The Chair Company" - Official Trailer - HBO Max
Ron witnessed a problem. It was a big problem.