The Video Call Center announces global licensing deal with TEGNA Media and TEGNA television stations covering VCC's video caller technology
Arrangement includes increased TEGNA investment in VCC
NEW YORK, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Video Call Center announced today it has licensed global rights to use their IP video management and products technologies to TEGNA Media and their 46 television stations across the U.S.
VCC managing partner Wolzien LLC also announced TEGNA Media is increasing their investment in the company. TEGNA Media announced an initial investment in the VCC in June, 2015. "We are glad TEGNA Media is continuing to partner with us and admire their efforts to deliver relevant, engaging and innovative programming across platforms," said Tom Wolzien, VCC executive chairman.
The Video Call Center has created a new genre of television called video caller television, where entire programs are built with video callers from anywhere in the world. The VCC's remote-by-smartphone technology allows cost-effective, interactive programming to be controlled by the show's host with no crews in the field or production staff in a control room for smartphone remotes. Using the VCC's unique technology, the program's host controls on-air guests, experts, reporters, personalities and video callers from anywhere in the world, all connected by smartphones, tablets and laptop computers with webcams.
"We appreciate the opportunity to continue working with TEGNA Media to drive audience engagement and participation in new and creative ways that helps TEGNA differentiate itself from its competitors," said VCC CEO Larry Thaler.
The announcements come after the VCC launched two hours of live weekly programs on Wednesday evenings for online and OTT (Over the Top) audiences earlier this year on its TalkCenterAmerica.com platform. In addition, KUSA, TEGNA Media's Denver station, has produced dozens of video-caller programming over the past several months. The station created programming focused on the Colorado Theater Shooting Trial in August, 2015, the Republican presidential debate in Boulder, CO in October, 2015, and most recently, during Denver Broncos training camp and again during their victorious post-season Super Bowl run this past season. Next, TEGNA Media will use the VCC technology at WXIA in Atlanta.
"We have to continually find ways to improve and innovate to meet the changing needs of our audiences," said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media. "Using the VCC platform, we are able to produce original, interactive programming. We are excited about this technology and look forward to rolling it out to other TEGNA Media stations."
About The Video Call Center, LLC.
The VCC delivers a totally new approach to live IP video acquisition, caller based content, and host television program control through assistive automation (no control room). VCC LLC is owned by Wolzien LLC and TEGNA Inc., which made a significant investment in June 2015. VCC provides extremely efficient video caller program production services on a work for hire and co-production basis. The specialized Video Call Center caller acquisition and host automation technology is covered by US Patent 8,767,031 issued in July 2014, with other patents pending. After more than 100 hours of live web broadcasts and dozens of programs transmitted live over KUSA (TEGNA) in Denver, the on air call drop rate for IP video is one percent. See www.thevideocallcenter.com for details.
CONTACT
Tony Herrling / Sharon Oh
Brainerd Communicators, Inc.
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(212) 986-6667
SOURCE Video Call Center
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