Turner Implements Scalable Solution for Verizon FiOS TV Online

ATLANTA, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.) announced today a new scalable online video solution as part of its agreement with Verizon to launch TBS and TNT as Turner's initial participating networks with FiOS TV Online. That programming is now available with the help of both Adobe Systems Incorporated and FreeWheel.

Adobe® provides a secure, seamless and cost efficient method of allowing distributors and programmers to create an endorsed authentication capability that leverages Adobe® Flash® technology and reach across multiple platforms, devices and content.  FreeWheel provides an innovative, flexible ad serving solution to monetize content beyond C3 on programmer sites or distributor portals and complements Nielsen measurement of C3 video (linear, online, VOD) beginning in September. Together, these partners provide a user friendly authentication model that leverages industry standard technologies to allow the industry to move beyond trials and tests to full scale deployment.

Verizon's FiOS TV subscribers can access Turner's online programming directly on the TBS (tbs.com/tveverywhere) and TNT (tnt.tv/tveverywhere) sites and through Verizon FiOS TV Online (www.verizon.com/fiostvonline). Turner provides FiOS TV Online users with next day access to significant HD/SD content offerings for authenticated subscribers. Popular content includes such shows as The Closer, Southland, Leverage, Lopez Tonight and Meet the Browns. All of these shows and more will be available within 24 hours after an episode airs live on television—free of charge. Turner expects to launch additional networks in the next few months.

"We are excited about this deployment and the next iteration of authenticated multi-screen content distribution," said Andrew T. Heller, vice chairman of TBS, Inc. "It is more imperative than ever that TV Everywhere gains traction throughout the industry given the rapid deployment of tablets and the ability of mobile devices to display long-form video directly from Web sites."

"As we progress with bringing more and more video content to FiOS TV Online, solutions like this bring us one step further in delivering real world value for consumers," said Shawn Strickland, vice president of consumer strategy for Verizon. "These new solutions from Adobe and FreeWheel have integrated well with Verizon's proven platform, helping to seamlessly provide our FiOS TV subscribers with anytime, anywhere access to programming. We look forward to bringing our customers more online programming from Turner and other programming partners."

"As one of the pioneers in the delivery of rich media, Adobe and the Flash Platform have transformed the way companies create, deploy and measure next-generation video," said Mark Randall, chief strategist for Digital Media Solutions at Adobe. "Adobe is pleased to extend its strategic alliance with Time Warner to redefine how subscription-based content is securely accessed and consumed across multiple platforms."

"Cooperation across companies like Turner, Verizon, Adobe and FreeWheel will help syndicated video rapidly scale and ensure that all involved parties can monetize like TV and get paid," said Jon Heller, co-CEO of FreeWheel.  "Our goal has always been to help the entire TV ecosystem efficiently grow both audience and revenues as convergence becomes real, and partnerships like these are what will make that vision a reality."  

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Time Warner Inc., a global leader in media and entertainment with businesses in television networks, filmed entertainment and publishing, uses its industry-leading operating scale and brands to create, package and deliver high-quality content worldwide through multiple distribution outlets.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 92 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

FreeWheel offers the most formidable system for digital video ad management and monetization. Built from the ground up by a handful of former DoubleClick executives, FreeWheel's solution-set has already armed companies like Turner Broadcasting System, Warner Bros., CBS, VEVO, Discovery Communications and others with the tools and services necessary to make more money from their video content. For more information, please visit www.freewheel.tv/. Follow the company on Twitter @FreeWheeldotTV.

The Adobe Flash Platform is the leading Web design and development platform for creating expressive applications, content, and video that run consistently across operating systems and devices and reach more than 98 percent of Internet-enabled desktops. Major broadcasters, gaming and media companies rely on the Adobe Flash Platform for delivering video on the Web and the platform powers social network sites such as YouTube and MySpace. For more information about the Adobe Flash Platform visit www.adobe.com/flashplatform.

SOURCE TBS, Inc.