NEW YORK, NY, April 5, 2004 – FUSE, the nation’s only all-music, viewer-influence music network, and Telenor Mobile Interactive (www.telenor-interactive.com), America’s leading mobile messaging service company, are preparing to launch on April 1st a series of text messaging services for viewers of the network’s popular daily request show, Dedicate Live.
In a two-tiered launch, viewers will initially be able to submit dedications via text message for $0.50 each (plus standard messaging costs), direct to the producers of Dedicate Live. Their messages will then be scrolled across the TV screen together with the dedicated song. In addition participating viewers, are sent a non-premium text alert each day to tell them which has been the ‘wireless’ song of the day – i.e. the song most dedicated via text message.
This service is another cross-carrier wireless application, available to subscribers of AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile, the leading wireless carriers in the U.S*.
Later this summer, a second tier of text messaging services are planned for launch on FUSE that include a premium messaging club where viewers can send unlimited numbers of dedications for a flat fee each month.
“Across the world it have been the 18-35 year olds who are tech-savvy and keen to communicate – constantly, that have driven the growth of mobile messaging,” explained Steinar Svalesen, CEO of Telenor Mobile Interactive. “We are delighted, therefore, to be working with such a creative, forward thinking group at FUSE to develop mobile messaging service that will not only add value to their shows but also the ability for viewers to interact with the programs and each other.” He adds.
“Dedicate LIVE is one of the most popular shows on FUSE and its interactivity a key attraction to our audience. By allowing people to dedicate via their mobile phone is a natural progression that I believe with also add to the program overall,” said Michael Goldstein, VP of Business Development, FUSE.
* Additional carrier charges may apply. Please check with provider for details
About Telenor Mobile Interactive USA
Telenor Mobile Interactive USA, an interactive media company, develops and implements innovative mobile applications based on cross-carrier premium messaging capabilities. The company is a fully owned subsidiary of Telenor Mobile, the wireless business area of Telenor ASA (Nasdaq: TELN). Telenor ASA is an international telecommunications company headquartered in Oslo, Norway. In 1999, Telenor pioneered premium wireless text messaging and allowed audience interaction for European media productions through the introduction of new innovative business models. Telenor Mobile Interactive USA (www.telenor-interactive.com) is spearheading Telenor’s introduction of interactive mobile services and cross-carrier premium text messaging in the United States.
About Fuse
Fuse, a network of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, 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.