Monday, June 28, 2010

MediaMojos Kicks off One World Sports in the U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release)Jun 22, 2010 – Vancouver, British Columbia; Los Angeles, California:

MediaMojos is pleased to announce that it has signed carriage Agreements for its One World Sports WAP site on the sports deck of one of the largest mobile networks in the U.S., with further announcements pending in regard to launch details and further U.S. and international carriage Agreements . One World Sports is produced in association with Trajectory Sports & Media Group, LLC and Axonista.

One World Sports is an international sports news and information site that features the world’s most popular sports, including Soccer, Formula 1, Rugby, Cricket, Pub Sports (featuring darts, snooker, poker, pool and tenpin, which have large followings around the world) and more. Cross-platform Video and personalization products are expected to follow the WAP launch.

Soccer has a well established following in the U.S., and Rugby is rapidly growing among college students and expats. Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world, after Soccer, and has an active following in the U.S. Formula 1 has a passionate and well established fan base across the country and more and more international sports are capturing the enthusiasm of U.S. fans from all national backgrounds and walks of life.

Marjorie DeHey Daleo, MediaMojos’ Co-founder and Executive Vice President, Program Development/Marketing said, “One World Sports’ presence on mobile devices is supported by its television network and its growing presence in Broadband television. We are very pleased to be working with the top mobile networks to bring such an exciting and growing range of international sports to U.S. fans.”

About MediaMojos

MediaMojos http://www.mediamojos.com provides direction and solutions for Current and Emerging Digital Media companies and established Channels such as Mobile, Social Media, Out-of-Home, Digital TV, Internet, WiFi and beyond, which require new content, new thinking and new means of delivery & distribution in order to achieve success in domestic and international markets. Working closely with innovative content and technology firms from around the world to identify and deliver compelling cross-platform programming, MediaMojos is becoming a leading provider of innovative cross-platform sports and entertainment content to audiences worldwide.

About Trajectory Sports & Media Group, LLC

Trajectory Sports & Media Group, LLC, http://www.trajectorysports.com is a U.S.-based sports marketing and media company with global resources. Its assets are utilized to help clients acquire content, expand distribution, strengthen brands, secure sponsorships and open new markets. It works closely with One World Sports, a multi-media company that brings international sports to U.S. consumers via traditional television, Broadband TV and mobile applications. .

About Axonista

Axonista http://www.axonista.com connects audiences through mobile. It delivers cost effective multi-platform applications that unlock the value of existing information through new delivery channels. Axonista specializes in TV and live events and has a high profile international client base including MTV, ESPN and Setanta Sport. Axonista is based in the vibrant Docklands area of Dublin, Ireland - also home to the European headquarters of Google, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

MediaMojos
Anthony Dillistone
Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, Content Acquisition/Distribution
Phone - +1 604-765-2460
Email – info@mediamojos.com



Friday, June 11, 2010

World Cup and Mobile TV


By Dr. Mehmet Unsoy - mSolve Partners



The 2010 World Cup is kicking off today in South Africa. This is world’s biggest sporting event, held once every 4 years, when 32 football (soccer in the U.S.) teams battle for the trophy. It starts today with the match between South Africa and Mexico, and ends with the final match a month later on July 11th. For sure, billions of fans will be avidly watching and talking about football during the next 4 weeks. The television rights of these matches have been quoted as more than $2 Billion.

Compared to 4 years ago, this time around, a significant number of mobile video and mobile TV services are targeting the World Cup audiences. First, we have about 500 Million Smartphones, including iPhones, that are capable of watching videos. In the U.S., Sprint has partnered with ESPN Mobile TV, offering all the World Cup games on certain Smartphones. In the same manner, MobiTV as well as FLO TV will be offering channels of World Cup coverage to AT&A and Verizon users.

Yahoo has set up the largest mobile site dedicated to cover the World Cup, with lots of mobile video choices. It is available in 13 languages and in 40+ markets. In Africa, which is the hosting continent, there are more than 10 mobile TV broadcasting services, and FIFA, the governing organization for football, will also be providing live mobile TV broadcast, for the first time.

When South Korea plays Greece on the second day of the tournament, there may be up to 27 million Koreans watching their team on their mobile handsets! Korea is the global leader in free-to-air mobile TV, where 56% of the population regularly watches TV on their phones.

Emerging markets like China, South East Asia, Africa and Latin America have been ahead of Europe and the U.S. in the development and deployment of mobile TV, especially since the technology behind the digital free-to-air mobile TV is relatively simple. A small chip and a telescoping antenna are all you need to receive free digital or analog signals off the air!

In the U.S., the major industry initiative is around ATSC standards, which allow local TV stations to broadcast digital mobile TV to users with handsets that are equipped with ATSC chips. Trials have been running in different parts of the country, and the industry is very optimistic that, this time round, mobile TV may take off in the U.S. provided that the business model and the price are right. They are targeting to reach 150 Million mobile users in the U.S.! In addition, there are lots of Smartphone apps targeting World Cup, for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Some of these are more global and some are targeting local markets. Most of apps would be offering video clips of the matches, in addition to scores and all the other information. All in all, mobile video and mobile TV might be one of the big winners at World Cup 2010.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

PR - MediaMojos' Broadcast Partner, One World Sports, lands RFL Deal.

England’s Rugby Football League (RFL) has appointed One World Sports as its exclusive worldwide broadband broadcasting partner for 2010 and 2011. The Engage Super League is the premiere rugby league competition in the United Kingdom and Europe. The 2010 season has seen a substantial raise in attendance and television interest. The season runs through October

The new deal will enable millions around the world to watch Engage Super League and Co-operative Championship rugby league games in areas where previously no alternative broadcast arrangements existed. The agreement expands the RFL’s relationship with One World Sports, which has exclusive U.S. rights to a number of televised games in 2010.

Engage Super League matches are already distributed by 12 international broadcast partners to more than 40 countries worldwide and Paul Kimberley, the RFL’s Commercial Director, said the arrangement would open up the sport to new audiences around the world. “This new online partnership means that Engage Super League and The Co-operative Championships can now be watched from anywhere in the world – literally from Afghanistan to Zambia - and to more than 200 countries in between,” said Kimberley. “Viewers worldwide will be able to view weekly rugby league game from the regular season and play-offs series, including the Engage Super League and Co-operative Championship Grand Finals,” he added.

Fans can purchase individual game passes for $7.00 (US) each or a Season pass for $29.95(US). In order to view the games, users will need a high-speed internet connection and the current version of Microsoft Windows Media Player. Purchases can be made at http://www.oneworldsports.tv/ in most international currencies via valid credit card.
Global Rugby League fans are encouraged to check throughout the Engage Super League Season to see which teams will be playing in featured games.

“One World Sports has built a global infrastructure for the Broadband delivery of live sports worldwide on a secure premium basis,” said Preston Bornman, President of One World Sports.
“Rugby league fans worldwide will now have live access to this hugely popular and growing sport.” “’We have been working closely with the American National Rugby League (AMNRL) to expand the sport of rugby league in the U.S. and elsewhere,” added Bornman. “By combing our distribution with their knowledge and passion for the sport, we believe we have developed a way to bring more people into this incredibly exciting game.” The deal was brokered by media specialists IMG, which has a growing presence in rugby league worldwide.
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About One World Sports
One World Sports is one of the world’s largest live sports pay per view providers and has been delivering live sporting events over the internet since 2004. Powered by B2 Technology, the company provides secure a global payment solution, so you can watch your favorite sports worldwide. One World Sports also offers global internet delivered SD/HD television packages for businesses and homes that require the best quality broadcast available. In select areas, One World Sports offers viewing enhancements such as live/VOD mobile video, mobile web news, and delayed television broadcasts. In the U.S., the One World Sports television network features exclusive live and on-demand coverage of US and international professional sports, as well as in-depth access to sports news and information from Asia, Europe and points in between. As a three-screen network, One World Sports is also available on mobile devices. The company is privately held. Learn more at http://www.oneworldsports.tv/

About Engage Super League
RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. The 2010 Super League season (known as the Engage Super League XV) is the fifteenth season of rugby league since the Super League format was introduced in 1996. Fourteen teams will compete for the Minor Premiership over 27 rounds (including the Magic Weekend at Murrayfield Stadium) after which, the highest finishing teams enter the play-offs to compete for a place in the Grand Final and a chance to win the Super League Trophy. The 2010 season will officially kick off on 5 February. All clubs will also participate in the 2010 Challenge Cup tournament. Learn more at http://www.superleague.co.uk/

About American National Rugby League
The American National Rugby League (AMNRL) is the governing body for the development of the sport of rugby league in America and member of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF). The AMNRL national club competition features 12 teams in major US markets spanning from Boston, MA to Jacksonville, FL with developing programs in the West, Midwest, and Pacific regions. The USA Tomahawks are the national team of the AMNRL that contest international matches and participate in the qualification process for the Rugby League World Cup which is held every four years. The AMNRL Season XIII kicks off on Saturday, June 5, 2010 with the Grand Final on Saturday, August 28 in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at http://www.amnrl.com/

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

China Checks Into Branded Entertainment

By Barry Silverstein - Brand Channel

As we've reported, China's economy keeps chugging along and, with it, high-end hoteliers are finding the country to be fertile ground for growth. Now the challenge is for one homegrown luxury hotel brand to differentiate itself from its competitors, including international hotel groups, in the nation's booming hospitality business.

Swire's flagship property, The Opposite House, is one of those hotels. It is located in Beijing's Sanlitun Village, a tony open-plan shopping, dining and entertainment destination developed by Hong Kong-based Swire Properties, which recently spun off Swire Hotels to manage its urban hotels in mainland China, Hong Kong, and the UK.

As Swire's first hotel, it boasts 99 guest studios, 9 spacious suites, and a penthouse duplex with a roof terrace. It's also inspiring Swire to pioneer branded entertainment in China, in step with international luxury brands such as Dior also looking to communicate their brand essence with cinematic flair.

In an unusual marketing ploy to set itself apart, Swire is promoting the luxury boutique hotel by releasing Short Stays, a suite of three short films it commissioned from some of China's leading filmmakers.

Anthony Ross, GM of The Opposite House, says the 7- to 15-minute long films reflect the hotel's continuing support of the Chinese contemporary art scene. "We've given these talented young film makers a platform and open brief to interpret our space -- given them full creative reign over what the House means to them and stories captured in the transient space of hotel rooms."

Short Stays, according to series producers Samantha Culp and Zhang Xianmin, "was inspired by this notion of a hotel as a blank slate for the imagination. Three emerging filmmakers were invited to take The Opposite House as a starting point, and create a short film inspired by this borderline space ... the directors had total freedom. And the results of this creative experiment are as wildly unique as the filmmakers that made them."

The project is nothing if not one-of-a-kind. Not many hotels would let film makers have the run of the place; in fact, just the opposite. But The Opposite Hotel is making a statement that it not only supports the arts -- it's also putting China on the cutting edge of brand marketing