It’s being hailed as a “modern approach to live television distribution,” one that combines operational flexibility, reliability and real-time audience engagement. And, it proved to be success during a four-week initiative for a game show that Fox Television Stations believes can make Live Syndication a viable revenue generator.
The monthlong endeavor involved not only the FOX owned-and-operated broadcast TV stations but also XR (Extreme Reach) and LTN and centered around the series “25 Words or Less” — which aired live at 1pm Eastern between May 4 and May 29.
Produced for Fox First Run and hosted by Meredith Vieira, “25 Words or Less LIVE” aired as a special adaptation of the seven-year competition show from Parlay Studios in Jersey City, N.J.
According to Fox, the plan during its four-week run brought more than 38 live broadcasts twice daily to 18 broadcast stations, many of them Fox O&O’s, through a workflow powered by Extreme Reach’s syndication services and LTN’s managed IP video transport network and master control operations.
The project, Fox added, confirms the viability of live syndicated television workflows that enable broadcasters to create more immediate and interactive viewing experiences. Specifically, it said the live delivery created new opportunities for stations to engage viewers through social media, local promotions, and real-time audience participation, allowing fans to play along with contestants live.
“Live programming creates unique opportunities for stations to engage viewers in real time,” said Stephen Brown, Executive VP of Programming and Development for Fox Television Stations’ Fox First Run unit. “This initiative demonstrated how innovative distribution strategies can support new programming models while maintaining the reliability broadcasters require.”
XR and LTN delivered a live syndication workflow that allowed Fox to distribute the programming to participating stations nationwide. At the same time, XR managed the show’s distribution through its syndication platform, while LTN provided fully managed IP transport and master control services connecting Fox’s production facility to local stations. “Together, the companies leveraged XR’s content delivery expertise and LTN’s proven broadcast infrastructure to bring the excitement of live television to viewers nationwide, allowing fans to watch, interact, and play along with the show as it happened,” Fox and XR Media said.
For LTN Sr. VP of Global Products Rick Young, “This project represents the kind of innovation content creators and broadcasters are actively exploring as they modernize their distribution strategies. By combining Extreme Reach’s syndication expertise with LTN’s managed IP network and operational services, we enabled a reliable live television experience to stations across the country.”
