Jack Perry has gained a reputation for broadcast technology innovation as the founder of TitanTV, the first electronic program guide with built-in DVR capabilities. Now leading Syncbak, which fuels various OTT platforms used across the U.S., Perry is launching a new streaming platform focused on “in-between binge sessions.”
In other words, Zeam seeks to attract viewers to local news and information when taking a break from the shows they enjoy on such platforms as Netflix, bridging SVOD and AVOD to broadcast TV’s online capabilities.
With a thumbs up for its product line from entities including Gray Television, Morgan Murphy, former Northwest Broadcasting head Brian Brady and the NAB, Syncbak has fueled the “guts” behind many streaming platforms used by broadcast TV companies.
Now comes Zeam, a free app that, like the 2020-launched VUit platform created by Syncbak, brings together content from broadcast TV stations across the U.S.
Never heard of it? That is poised to change on February 11, when an “eight-figure” marketing campaign begins with a bang as localized Super Bowl LVIII advertising featuring actor and musician John Stamos air in some 100 markets and will be customized with local callouts.
“Zeam’s mission is to connect every broadcaster to every viewer through a platform that makes viewers feel connected to any locale and any news, sports, or cultural event that has meaning to them,” Syncbak said in a Thursday announcement. “In doing so, Zeam also creates a huge opportunity for marketers to reach and follow, at scale, the local and regional audiences that most matter to them.”
According to Syncbak, Gray Television, News Press & Gazette Co., Hearst Television, Morgan Murphy Media and CBS News & Stations are participating.
Perry, who serves as Syncbak’s CEO, comments, “As viewers and the industry continue to migrate to streaming, local television stations need to find a way to build a sustainable business that helps them not just survive but thrive in the streaming age. That’s why we are launching Zeam, which not only serves as a master connector between stations, advertisers and viewers, but will also redefine what a successful model for local OTT looks like by breaking down the biggest obstacles local stations face in streaming – cost and complexity.”
Gray Television co-President/CEO Pat LaPlatney commented, “Under Jack Perry’s leadership, Syncbak has a long-established reputation for being the champion of local content that the industry needs and deserves. With the launch of Zeam, we are taking this to a whole new level, providing a platform that will benefit not just local station groups and advertisers, but also viewers themselves.”
VAN-TO-TV PROGRAMMING AHEAD
With the debut of Zeam comes the concurrent launch of Zeam360, a mobile production studio in the form of a Zeam-branded van, which Syncbak is marketing as “the first-ever, 24/7 livestream mobile channel.”
As part of the launch, Zeam360 is embarking on a “barnstorming tour,” stopping at about 30 local broadcast stations en route to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas to help local broadcast stations learn about the possibilities of OTT while also creating compelling hyperlocal content for viewers.
Zeam360 will continue on the road, visiting local broadcasters after the Super Bowl.
There’s also a Gotham connection, as Zeam has established a new studio in Times Square, New York, to host local, independent creators and provide a platform for them to reach a broad base of viewers.
The studio will also serve as a billboard, Syncbak says.
How will Zeam differ from VUit? Syncbak says that platform was “meant as a sandbox for local stations to experiment in streaming.” It worked, as it reports the service saw the average VUit user log on for 29 sessions a month and watch content from several markets. Meanwhile, stations that took advantage of VUit’s full technology and distribution capabilities saw some of them generating in excess of six figures in monthly streaming revenue. Syncbak adds.
A company spokesperson tells RBR+TVBR VUit will be phased out. “Zeam is an entirely new offering and an evolution in local streaming overall,” the spokesperson said. “They took all of the learnings they had with VUit that proved the opportunity and it helped them define what a new streaming service centered on local could and should look like.”
Further updates regarding Zeam content and programming will be announced at a later date, the company says.
