Archive News

06 December 2006

Yomego wins GMTV first, as user generated content hits terrestrial TV

DA Group plc, the leading provider of interactive entertainment and communications solutions, is pleased to announce that Yomego, the entertainment division of the Group is providing GMTV with an infrastructure linking mobile, web and TV which will support viewer generated content.

From 11th December 2006, Yomego will deploy its blogging platform, to allow GMTV’s six million plus audience to participate visually in debates, competitions and features by uploading video clips from their desktops or mobile phones.

Linking seamlessly into the TV broadcast, it is a new way for viewers to take part in TV programmes and grab a moment of fame. It is also a means for GMTV to capture the public’s fascination for citizen journalism and embrace it within a progressive and dynamic TV format. It is YouTube going mainstream.

Yomego will create wap and websites with the functionality to allow viewers to upload their video clips, which can then be broadcast directly on to TV. These services will be integrated with GMTV’s telecoms partner Opera to maximise the use of shortcodes and existing familiar systems. Viewers will provide the programme, the website and GMTV’s soon to be launched mobile site, with a stream of broadcast ready compelling content.

Before Christmas, GMTV is launching viewers’ video Xmas cards, providing a platform on GM.TV, the programme’s website, where friends and families can search for their own video Xmas cards from their relatives, including those sent in by expats in countries such as Australia. GMTV will align the interactive format with specific programmes and features within programmes, promoting the service extensively on air.

Mike Antliff, CEO of DA Group, said, “This is a real advance for mainstream terrestrial TV and we are delighted to have been chosen to work with GMTV to make this happen. There is clear evidence that TV is embracing the opportunities brought by the proliferation of social networking communities. Genuine interactive services like these are increasingly in demand from mainstream broadcasters. GMTV scores another first by integrating user generated content into its programmes and with such a well defined audience it is easy to see how it will capture people’s imagination.”

Commenting for GMTV, which has pioneered both SMS and MMS messaging in its programming, Nog Sawdon, Head of Digital for GMTV, said, “This interactive user generated platform is exactly what GMTV viewers will want and use. We fully intend to incorporate as much of their content sent to us in our daily programming as possible.

“The viewers’ video Xmas card is a true digital innovation which could lead the way the traditional Xmas card is sent and enjoyed.”