VarsityTV to Be Launched on Gen2Media's Custom Video Publishing Platform
Varsity Brands Names Gen2Media Exclusive Media Sales Agent for World's Leading Internet Destination for Cheerleading and Dance Enthusiasts
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gen2Media Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: GTWO), a digital media network where broadcast meets broadband, today announced that the Company's high-powered custom video publishing platform will enable a much more vibrant, immersive, interactive and ad-supported video viewing experience on VarsityTV. VarsityTV airs on-demand video programming on Varsity.com, the world's leading online destination for cheerleading and dance enthusiasts where more than one million videos are viewed each month.
Owned by Memphis-based Varsity Brands, Inc., Varsity.com is an online portal that features team customized options, informative content, interactive community components and cheerleader spotlights; and serves as a direct gateway to Varsity's multitude of brands and affiliate organizations' web sites. Video content featured on VarsityTV includes a robust line-up of original programming, such as "Friday Night Cheerleading in America" and "Step by Step"; exclusive coverage of national cheerleading and dance competitions, such as the recent "2009 UDA College 1A Hip Hop Finals"; rebroadcasts of competitions aired on televised sports networks; and educational videos offering everything from dance techniques and conditioning tips to advice for new coaches and ideas for creating team routines.
"Enabled by Gen2's proprietary custom video publishing platform, audience engagement on VarsityTV is expected to be significantly enriched and amplified, delivering superior video viewing quality and enhanced functionality that will allow site visitors to browse, upload, manage and experience Varsity's extensive library of on-demand digital video programming in a much more compelling and user-specific way," stated Mary Spio, President of Gen2Media. "Just as important, the Gen2Media platform will enable Varsity to monetize its valuable online properties by empowering national advertisers to forge, measure and quantify meaningful connections with this large and affluent affinity group."
2008 web statistics for Varsity.com reflect that the site attracts over 200,000 unique monthly visitors who view more than one million videos each month. Demographically, its online audience is characterized largely as female teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 who reside in higher income households ($60K-$100K). Cheerleaders, in general, are smart, peer influential and connected via cellphones, instant messages, email and online social communities. According to American Sports Data, 83% of today's cheerleaders carry a "B" average or higher in school; 62% are involved in a second sport outside of cheerleading; and 83% are leaders in various student organizations. Cheerleaders are also brand-conscious and brand-loyal. Harris Interactive reports that two thirds of teens tend to be loyal to those brands that they identify with.
Jeff Webb, Founder and CEO of Varsity Brands, noted that more than one million teens have interacted with Varsity's sponsors at cheerleading events across the country. "Through polling, we've discovered that 72% of cheerleaders who are exposed to corporate brands at our events remember them; and 89% of the cheerleaders who enjoy a direct brand experience are more likely to purchase the product. Consequently, we recognize and appreciate how advertisers can benefit by engaging this market through our web portal."
Continuing, Webb added, "In this regard, we are very excited to be partnering with Gen2Media to provide even greater individualized experiences for the cheerleaders, dancers and coaches who commune on Varsity.com, while enhancing our Company's business growth opportunities through the introduction of an innovative online advertising platform."
Gen2Media's media production team will also support development, production and post-production of original VarsityTV programming. In addition, Varsity Brands has named Gen2Media as its exclusive media sales agent of record. Jim Byrd, Chairman and CEO of Gen2Media, said, "Our new relationship with Varsity serves as yet another affirmation of the strength and rising notoriety of Gen2's reputation and capabilities. With the proliferation of online video creating unprecedented chaos in the media industry - and with very few in the industry having the experience, technological know-how or resources to rise above the din, Gen2 is quickly making a name for itself as the definitive full service digital media company to which content publishers and advertisers are turning for smart solutions."
To learn more about Varsity.com's new digital advertising programs, please contact Gen2Media President Mary Spio at 321-293-3360 or via email at mspio@e360LIVE.com.
About Varsity Brands, Inc.
Since its founding in 1974, Varsity Brands has been the driving force behind making cheerleading the dynamic, athletic, high profile sports activity it is today. Varsity is comprised of leading organizations and brands within various cheerleading and dance segments, including educational camps and clinics, competitions and uniforms and apparel. While Varsity's heritage is rich and its traditions renowned, it continues to be the innovative global leader in growing cheerleading's influence and profile worldwide.
About Gen2Media Corporation
Based in Orlando, Florida, Gen2Media is a full-service digital media and marketing company that has created the world's first true end-to-end online interactive network that combines the best of broadcast and broadband. The Company has perfected the combination and delivery of cutting-edge infrastructure, patent-pending video technology, channel distribution, digital media content and applications, back-end metrics and industry expertise to achieve quantifiable results for its blue chip partners and customers; and to create rich, robust and engaging on-demand experiential entertainment and infotainment for consumers.
Gen2Media owns and operates the e360LIVE online interactive entertainment network, which delivers highly specialized and desirable content across multiple platforms, both independently and through a number of channel partnerships including Microsoft Xbox, Clear Channel Radio, Emmis Communications and others. Its talented and acclaimed production team has handled live concert and video production for some of the most high profile entertainers and events in the world, including Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, The Billboard Awards Show and Live 8. For more information, please visit www.gen2media.com.
Statements made in this Press Release that are not historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements." These statements often can be identified by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "believes," "anticipate," "estimate," "approximate" or "continue," or the negative thereof. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Any forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and important factors beyond the control of the Company that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from historical results of operations and events and those presently anticipated or projected. These factors include, among others, adverse economic conditions, entry of new and stronger competitors, inadequate capital, unexpected costs, and failure to capitalize upon access to new markets. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. These factors and others are discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section of the Company's Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Elite Financial Communications Group, LLC
Dodi Handy, President and CEO
Tiffany Korkis or John Morrison, Directors of Elite Media Group
407-585-1080 or via email at GTWO@efcg.net
