Facebook Credits Used in Voting for Big Brother Germany

COLOGNE: Endemol Germany, in cooperation with plazz entertainment, has developed an application that allows fans to use Facebook credits to cast their vote for who should leave the Big Brother house.

Previously, viewers could only vote via calling in or text messaging. The app makes it possible for fans on Facebook to take part in the weekly voting by using their Facebook credits. Each vote uses seven Facebook credits (about 49 cents). Payment is made via the network’s currency, Facebook credits, which can be purchased via direct debit, credit card or PayPal.

Endemol developed the app with plazz entertainment. Endemol is responsible for the content management and editorial maintenance of the site. Endemol is also looking at rolling out this app or similar premium voting applications across some of the 31 markets where it operates and distributes its properties.

“Being able to vote using Facebook will give Big Brother fans a whole new way to get involved in the decision about who leaves the house,” said Dr. Georg Ramme, the head of commercial at Endemol Germany. “The Facebook voting app is designed for a generation of fans who have grown up with social media, regularly chat about reality TV on Facebook and comment on events in these programs. It is this usage of social media that made us decide to expand online offers for our popular TV programs.”

“On a daily basis we see millions of people engaging with their favourite TV shows via Facebook," added Christian Hernandez, the director business development at Facebook. "Producers like Endemol and broadcasters like RTL II now start to discover ways how to expand this engagement. The Big Brother voting application is an innovative way for viewers to support their favorite candidates via Facebook and we are excited to see Endemol and RTL II bring it to market."