Local Stations to Test Interactive Services for Viewers
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Some of the first news to trickle out of the NAB convention is that some broadcast groups have announced that they will be testing interactive content and advertising services delivered to LG Smart TVs.
The services will be tested in three markets during live newscasts.
The tests will occur in Atlanta, Cleveland and Orlando.
Stations participating in Atlanta are WSB (Cox), WGCL (Meredith) and WXIA (Gannett). In Cleveland, WOIO (Raycom), WEWS (Scripps), and WKYC (Gannett) will test the idea and in Orlando, participating stations are WKMG (Post-Newsweek), WFTV (Cox), and WESH (Hearst).
During the tests, broadcasters will offer additional photo and map overlays to viewers wanting more information about particular news events and weather reports, as well as personalized traffic information and content from the station’s own websites.
The interactive material will be shown in the lower third of the screen so it doesn’t interfere with the program or broadcast TV ad.
The technology also makes it possible for viewers to interact with advertising by requesting more information such as store locations or receiving coupons.
The tests are expected to run through the spring and examples of the technology will be shown at NAB.
