Broadcasters Connect With ConnecTV

Ten broadcast groups covering 76 million American homes are partnering with ConnecTV to launch a free second screen application in early 2012 that will offer viewers additional content and social media features tied to live TV.

As part of the agreement, a number of the broadcasters have also made an undisclosed investment in the Silicon Valley start-up, ConnecTV. Many national broadcasters, cable channels and programs have launched second screen apps as a way of enhancing live TV viewing and to capitalize on the growing usage of mobile devices and social media. But the deal between the broadcast groups and ConnecTV marks the largest attempt by local broadcasters -- a number of whom compete with each other -- to work together on social media and second screen applications. The ConnecTV platform automatically synchronizes with whatever channel a viewer is watching. Users who have signed up for the service at its web site or have downloaded an app for smart phones or tablets can interact with others who are watching the same show and access a wide array of related content.