Zap2it and SocialGuide Join Forces to Provide Consumers With Real-Time Social TV Buzz

CHICAGO, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zap2it, the leading TV information web site from Tribune Media Services (TMS), and SocialGuide, the social entertainment guide that connects viewers to real-time buzz on TV, have entered into a strategic collaboration.  The alliance brings together the go-to web site for TV fanatics and an innovator in social TV products and measurement, just as the 2011/2012 television season is gaining momentum.

Under the agreement, Zap2it has integrated a range of new modules powered by proprietary SocialGuide data throughout the Zap2it.com site.  The modules give the Zap2it audience of TV lovers timely and relevant information on the programs people are watching and talking about most on Twitter and Facebook.  By tracking and presenting real-time buzz on programs as they air, SocialGuide modules provide Zap2it readers with social information to help them make their tune-in decisions.

In turn, SocialGuide is linking to Zap2it TV Showcard pages to provide its growing user base the most recent show-specific news and recaps from the Zap2it editorial staff in Hollywood.  By offering quick access to comprehensive episode and cast information, photos and more, SocialGuide offers users richer content and more reasons to revisit the site.

The first SocialGuide modules are now live on Zap2it. The "Most Social TV Now" module lists the programs social TV viewers are watching at any given moment across popular genres including original series, movies on TV, reality TV, sports and news.  The "Social TV Ratings" module displays the top ten overall programs, primetime programs and broadcast/cable networks garnering the most social media mentions.  

"TV fans today want to know what their friends, fellow fans and favorite stars are watching and talking about on social media," said Rebecca Baldwin, Vice President and General Manager of Zap2it.  "Our collaboration with SocialGuide gives them that information at a glance.  By providing a range of information on what to watch, now including data on what others are watching, Zap2it helps TV fans make tune-in decisions.  This is what drives our value to our readers, advertisers and partners."

"We created SocialGuide to organize social media conversations around television, make it easy for viewers to decide what to watch and enhance their TV viewing by connecting them to those conversations," said Sean Casey, SocialGuide CEO and Founder.  "We're excited to partner with Zap2it and share our social TV insights and innovative products with their audience."  

Zap2it reaches a total audience of more than 18.6 million U.S.-based entertainment fans per month across its various online and mobile offerings (source: comScore, September 2011).  Since launching in March 2011, SocialGuide and its "Social 100" rankings have received accolades from influential industry publications including TechCrunch, Mashable, Broadcasting & Cable and more.  

About Zap2it

Zap2it is the destination for TV and Movie fans who want to stay connected to popular shows, films, events, celebrities, and other fans.  Zap2it is a service of Tribune Media Services, a division of Tribune Company.  For more information about Zap2it, visit Zap2it.com/MediaKit.

About Tribune Media Services

Tribune Media Services Entertainment Products is an international leader in entertainment navigation.  It provides industry-leading databases of TV, movie and celebrity information; guides in print, online and on-screen formats; and advertising and marketing services to build audiences.  For more information about TMS Entertainment Products, visit TribuneMediaServices.com.

About SocialGuide

SocialGuide (www.socialguide.com) is the entertainment guide that helps you decide what to watch and deepens your enjoyment by connecting you to real-time social buzz about TV and movies.  By curating social conversations about TV and movies, SocialGuide complements traditional cable guides and movies listings, and makes it easy to join the discussion through the web and mobile apps.  Networks, brands and agencies can use SocialGuide for comprehensive and relevant social TV data, giving them new metrics by which to measure the social impact of television, and to obtain engaging social content like real-time streams and widgets. SocialGuide is a privately-held company based in Brooklyn, NY.

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Zap2It Media Contact:
Mark Yamada
Marketing Manager
Zap2it
Office: 323.460.5216
Email: [email protected]

SocialGuide Media Contact:
Gina Preoteasa
Trylon SMR
Office: 212.905.6060
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Zap2it