(San Francisco, CA, April 4, 2005) – Fuse, the nation's only viewer-driven, all-music network, announced that it is taking video on demand to the next level by introducing one of the industry's most innovative interactive gaming features to its popular service, Fuse On Demand. The announcement was made today at The National Cable Television Association's annual convention by Joe Glennon, Senior Vice President of Distribution for Fuse.
"Fuse has created a unique environment where the audience influences the programming of the network, so developing interactive VOD is a natural progression for the brand," said Glennon. "Operators tap into our expertise as the only multi-platform, interactive music network to reach the tech savvy younger audience. Fuse on Demand's interactivity is designed to help them involve this audience by bridging the VOD and online experience. "
This spring, Fuse On Demand will not only continue its on-going commitment to provide more original music programming, but begin offering an exciting interactive gaming format for the cable network's marquee music and music video shows. With it, viewers can solve puzzles and answer trivia questions to win daily and weekly prizes.
"With these enhancements, Fuse On Demand now offers not only the best in music, but the kind of rich, competition-driven gaming content that is especially appealing to a tech-savvy young adults," said Jan Diedrichsen, Vice President of Affiliate Marketing for Fuse. "We're confident that our new, gaming-enhanced on-demand format will lead to increase usage of these features by young people, the main educators and influencers on all tech purchases in their households."
Some of the unique offerings ahead include:
Video IQ
Featuring artist videos by Linkin Park, Beastie Boys, Lil' Jon, Slipknot, and My Chemical Romance, Fuse's video puzzle show Video IQ will now be offered on Fuse on Demand. Each individual video will challenge the viewer to solve a puzzle based on clues from the video. Viewers will then be prompted to log on to a specially co-branded Fuse on Demand website to submit their answers. Viewers who solve the puzzle will receive Fuse merchandise, and be entered to win iPods, iTunes Gift Certificates, and CDs.
Uranium/100%/Steven's Untitled Rock Show
Episodes of some of Fuse's most popular shows will be offered on Fuse on Demand, each followed by a group of trivia questions based on artists featured on the shows. To encourage repeat viewing, the answers to the trivia questions can be found within the content of each show. Viewers again will be prompted to log on to a Fuse on Demand website to submit their answers and win prizes.
Launched in May 2004, Fuse On Demand currently offers viewers the opportunity to watch 75 full-length music videos from the industry's top recording artists in addition to exclusive artist interviews, concert footage, and the weekly "What's New on Fuse" promotion video.
Like all of Fuse's programming, Fuse On Demand's content is organized into six primary categories from Rock and Alternative to Pop, Hip-Hop and R&B that is refreshed bi-weekly basis based on viewer input. A companion Web site on www.fuse.tv also offers more artist information and links to other products, in addition to delivering retail and digital product sales.
About Fuse
Fuse, a network of Cablevision Systems Corporation, is the nation's only all-music, viewer-influenced television network, featuring music videos, exclusive artist interviews, live concerts and specials — all rooted in the music experience. Fuse reflects the rapidly changing interests and attitudes of its 12-34 year-old audience by uniting the media platforms that are at the center of their communication and entertainment – TV, online, and interactive games – and by incorporating their opinions and suggestions into its on-air and online programming. More information about Fuse is available at www.fuse.tv.
About Cablevision Systems Corporation
Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading entertainment, media and telecommunications companies. In addition to its broadband, cable, Internet, telephone and satellite television offerings, the company owns and operates Rainbow Media Holdings LLC and its networks; Madison Square Garden and its teams; and, Clearview Cinemas. In addition, Cablevision operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall. Additional information about Cablevision Systems Corporation is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.
Artwork is available for download at http://fuse.tv/press/press.html