Network Ten On Board zeebox’s Expansion into Australia

SYDNEY: Network Ten has established a joint venture with the social TV platform zeebox that will bring the second-screen app to Australia later this year.

The JV, zeebox Australia, will bring the app into the local market for use on the iPhone, iPad and Android devices starting in the third quarter of 2012. Craig Blair will serve as the CEO of zeebox Australia. Alongside its investment in zeebox Australia, Network Ten will be providing promotional support for the launch and will integrate Ten programming in the second-screen platform.

zeebox launched in the U.K. last year and is also set for a U.S. launch.

“We’re delighted to launch in Australia with support from Network Ten, who share our vision of a second-screen platform that delivers value to consumers across all channels and providers,” said Max Bleyleben, the CFO of zeebox and director of zeebox Australia. “We look forward to working with Australian content owners to develop compelling social TV propositions around key shows and events, and to give the industry access to our unique monetization platform in sync with live TV.”

Jon Marquard, the COO of Network Ten, added, “The launch of zeebox in Australia is a key part of Network Ten’s digital media strategy.

“We know viewer behavior is changing and audiences are multitasking. About 70 percent of TV viewers use a second screen while they are watching TV. This creates an enormous opportunity for zeebox, a network-agnostic app that offers consumers a much broader and deeper experience than other second-screen apps.

“zeebox’s research shows people want an app that gives them a better way to find TV programs, a better way to know what TV programs their friends are watching, and a better way to find information on what they are watching. zeebox delivers all that, and more.”

“We are in active discussions with several broadcasters and content owners to offer zeebox functionality into their TV apps and to enhance their content within zeebox,” commented Blair. “With OpenBox, broadcasters and program-makers can engage closely with fans, create a lively, engaging, social distribution point for additional content, and obtain insightful analytics about their customers.”