MobiTV, a leading video provider for mobile phones, reportedly is joining Sinclair Broadcast Group and the Public Broadcasting Service to offer a new business model, called “mixTV,” for Mobile DTV.
The converged business model offers free Mobile DTV content with a subscription-based 7-day window of on-demand programming. mixTV also supports interactivity, audience measurement and dynamic ad insertion via mobile broadcast, or on-demand content over existing wireless networks.
Officials say that mixTV could emerge as a strong business model for Mobile DTV because it opens several monetization opportunities for broadcasters, mobile network operators and content providers while providing a compelling user experience for consumers. They say mixTV also provides highly targeted opportunities for advertisers.
“We’ve seen great success with a subscriber-based business model delivering content over existing wireless networks, and this model shall evolve as new technologies become available,” said Kay Johansson (News - Alert), chief technical officer at MobiTV. “We are looking forward to working with our ecosystem partners to deliver on the promise of mixTV.”
Sinclair is one of the most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. The company owns and operates, programs, or provides sales services to 58 television stations in 35 markets.
According to David Amy, an executive vice president and chief financial officer at Sinclair, the company is committed to developing realistic business models for the mobile space.
“It has been a pleasure to build this together with MobiTV (News - Alert) in the development of the mixTV concept,” Amy said.
PBS is home to more than 1,000 TV show companion sites. With its 356 member stations, each week PBS reaches more than 65 million people and invites them to “experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs, hear diverse viewpoints, and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances.”
“PBS is committed to being everywhere viewers want to access programming, and to supporting the development of new ways to provide public service,” said Andrew Russell, senior vice president, PBS Ventures. “The mixTV model offers some viable options to provide Mobile TV services to the public in an exciting, sustainable way.”
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Edited by Michael Dinan