Potential viewers and fans of live event television programs like the "American Music Awards" are surrounded by computers, mobile technology and 'alternative' entertainment. In order to keep viewers engaged on your programming you need to take the content live with online companion coverage where people can directly and immediately interact, stay put, and tune-in to a TV show or special. Important factors like innovation, creative programming, talent interaction, and social media applications drive viewers to tune in while interact online. This is what is now being called the "split screen experience." For example: In 2009, dick clark productions and Ustream set not only digital viewing records with the American Music Awards pre-telecast and red carpet specials, but traditional broadcast ratings were up year-to-year again showing an important correlation. The American Music Awards red carpet pre-show garnered 3.5MM live viewers, 2.3MM uniques and established a record for the most-watched live digital red carpet event. Topics for discussion to include: Companion coverage; Audience viewing patterns; Live digital streaming with major network TV shows; Roles of social media; Technical aspects of producing live streams; Organic marketing and engagement; Creative ways to leverage the online coverage to generate revenue; Incorporating sponsors and brands into digital programming; Live interaction via social media applications.
http://schedule.sxsw.com/events/event_FP990109
