Granite TV sites relaunch with Broadcast Interactive

Cory Bergman December 20th, 2007

Broadcast Interactive Media (BIM) has relaunched nine Granite TV sites with new designs and the YouNewsTV platform. Up until now, Granite had handled all their sites internally. “Within 30 days of site launch, BIM helped us grow our internet revenue with projects such as Your Health Matters and the YouNewsTV platform,” said Mark DeSantis, WEEK TV General Manager. “WEEK.com alone saw over a 400% return on investment with these sponsorships, as our advertisers just loved the programs.” YouNewsTV allows users to submit video and photos, and all the content is moderated before appearing. WEEK.com’s YouNewsTV section:

Press release follows below…

MADISON, Wis. - December 20, 2007 – Broadcast Interactive Media (BIM) announces the multi-site integration of Granite Broadcasting TV station websites onto its hosting and YouNewsTV™ platform.

YouNewsTV will run on all Granite sites. YouNewsTV brings the user-generated video movement to local media outlets with an innovative, locally-focused approach. Visitors to the Granite sites are turned into “virtual reporters” when they easily upload video and photo stories. All submissions are moderated providing local and national advertisers the security of sponsoring clean and relevant content.

“Within 30 days of site launch, BIM helped us grow our internet revenue with projects such as Your Health Matters and the YouNewsTV platform. WEEK alone saw over a 400% return on investment with these sponsorships, as our advertisers just loved the programs,” said Mark DeSantis, WEEK General Manager.

Incorporating their websites onto the BIM hosted platform allows Granite to utilize BIM expertise, development resources and CMS functionality.

“Previously, Granite handled all of our websites internally,” said Marcy Timpone, Vice President of Operational Finance for Granite. “We’re thrilled now to have BIM as technology and interactive salespartners, as they help us in all the ways we could imagine: developing leading-edge sites, enhancing our interactive revenues, and driving a strong connection with our audience through programs like YouNewsTV.”

The Granite integrations process focused on improving the user experience by creating ease-of-access to the station’s news content.

John Deushane, Granite Broadcasting COO, said, “The BIM team has been fantastic. Even under extreme pressure in converting our sites, they never missed a deadline and handled all issues with a high level of professionalism and expertise. In fact, we launched all nine sites in about 60 days.”

“Granite Broadcasting had a clear vision of the growth they wanted to see from their interactive platforms,” said Timur Yarnall, President/CEO Broadcast Interactive Media. “With robust publishing tools and cutting-edge initiatives like YouNewsTV rolling out across all their brands, they’re achieving strong market gains while strengthening and streamlining operations.”

Granite Broadcasting owns and operates, or provides programming, sales and other services to 23 channels in the following 11 markets: San Francisco, Calif.; Detroit, Mich.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Fresno, Calif.; Syracuse, N.Y.; Utica, N.Y.; Binghamton, N.Y.; Elmira, N.Y.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Peoria, Ill.; and Duluth, Minn.-Superior, Wis.

Based in New York City and Madison, Wis., Broadcast Interactive Media is the leading provider of locally-focused Web solutions for more than 120 television and radio broadcast station websites. Offerings include a comprehensive suite of revenue-generating programs and national sales support, video streaming, content feeds, and technology development. Customers include Granite Broadcasting, Fisher Communications, Journal Broadcast Group, Meredith Broadcasting, Schurz Communications, and Equity Communications. Visit www.broadcast-interactive.com for more information on BIM.