HitFix And NCM Media Networks Bring Entertainment News To The Big Screen With New In-Theater Editorial Relationship

LOS ANGELES and CENTENNIAL, Colo., July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HitFix, the top online destination for what's new in entertainment, and NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology, today announced a new strategic relationship that will bring exclusive entertainment news to the big screen in NCM's FirstLook pre-show program, seen by over 700 million moviegoers every year.

The new "HitFix Big Story" segment will feature 30 seconds of exclusive entertainment and pop culture news content in FirstLook each week, further enhancing the pre-show experience for patrons of NCM's theater circuit partners.  

In addition to the big screen, "HitFix Big Story" will also run on NCM's FirstLook Sync mobile app. FirstLook Sync is the only app that syncs the cinema experience right to your phone, with enhanced content, special offers, games and more. Designed to sync with the cinema experience during the FirstLook pre-show presentation, FirstLook Sync also provides a courtesy message that reminds moviegoers to turn off their cell-phone prior to the start of the movie trailers.

"We are thrilled to work with NCM to bring our unique style of entertainment news and analysis to the largest cinema network in the country," said HitFix co-founder and CEO Jen Sargent. "NCM and HitFix share a vision of creating high-quality, fun and engaging experiences for consumers, and combining the reach of NCM with HitFix's existing  digital and Out Of Home (OOH) distribution network further cements HitFix as 'The Entertainment Authority, Everywhere.'"

"NCM is focused on adding interesting entertainment experiences to our network and media offerings, and HitFix is well positioned to help us further develop innovative content," said Ken Venturi, executive vice president and Chief Creative Officer with NCM Media Networks. "FirstLook is all about bringing the moviegoer closer to what's happening in entertainment, so breaking news from HitFix fits perfectly.  We look forward to this collaboration and to working with such an innovative company in the online and mobile entertainment news space."

NCM Media Networks is the top national cinema network reaching moviegoers on-screen, on-site, online and on the go. NCM operates the largest digital in-theater network in North America and is the No. 1 weekend network in the U.S., consistently ranking higher in reach than any other network on Fridays and Saturdays.*

About National CineMedia (NCM)
National CineMedia (NCM) operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom Events present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 183 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes approximately 19,300 screens (over 18,400 digital). During 2012, approximately 710 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place.  The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network ("DBN") is comprised of over 740 locations in 172 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 41 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications.  National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 44.9% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com. (NCMI-A)

About HitFix
Co-founded by Jennifer Sargent and Gregory Ellwood, HitFix is the top destination for 18-34 year old consumers to discover what's next in entertainment news and events. 

Reaching more than 100 million viewers per month through their video distribution channels, with upwards of 200 million monthly video streams, HitFix has the largest Out Of Home (OOH) distribution network of any entertainment news brand in the United States. HitFix calls on the talents of renowned entertainment journalists such as Alan Sepinwall, Drew McWeeny , Daniel Fienberg , Kris Tapley, Melinda Newman and Liana Maeby to produce wide-ranging news, interviews and commentary on all aspects of entertainment.  On a monthly basis, the site reaches over 4 million uniques directly and over 100 million viewers across their multi-platform video distribution. For more information visit www.HitFix.com, www.facebook.com/hitfix, www.twitter.com/hitfix or www.youtube.com/hitfix.

*Source: Nielsen Monitor Plus, A18-49, Mon-Sa 8p-11p; Su 7p-11p, 60 min qualifier, Nielsen Cinema Audience Reports Feb 2012, May 2012; July 2012; Nov 2012.

SOURCE HitFix