24/7 Real Media Expands its Streaming Video Advertising capabilities with new, network wide "Intermercial" Ad Unit
Intermercials Complement 24/7's Interactive TV and Online Video Delivery Offerings
24/7 Becomes Exclusive Third-Party Sales Rep for New Ad-Based Online Game, Ad-DictionTV.com
NEW YORK - September 27, 2005 - To meet growing demand for more targeted and effective digital advertising solutions, interactive marketing and technology pioneer 24/7 Real Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: TFSM) today announced expanded capabilities to deliver video-based ads through a new advertising unit and Web network dedicated to "Intermercials" - short, full-page, rich-media ads displayed within the active browser window while the user navigates between Web pages or sites.
In addition, the company also announced an exclusive ad sales relationship with Ad-DictionTV.com - an innovative online trivia game that rewards players for viewing video ads. These two new offerings build upon 24/7 Real Media's existing video-related services, including serving ads to more than 2.7 million interactive television households in the UK, and traditional video ad delivery via the company's Open AdStream® platform.
According to a study conducted earlier this year by the Online Publishers Association1, of the 70 percent of respondents who said they had seen a video advertisement online, 44 percent said they had taken some kind of action as a result of seeing that ad: going to the advertiser's site, visiting a brick-and-mortar store to see the product, buying the product or purchasing a subscription.
"Video is the future of digital advertising - no other advertising vehicle combines the sight, sound and motion of television ads with the interactivity, targeting and measurability of the Internet," said David J. Moore, chairman and CEO of 24/7 Real Media.
Moore continues, "Consumer demand for high-quality broadband video content is creating extraordinary new opportunities for online advertisers, and 24/7 Real Media will continue to create innovative video-based products and services that empower advertisers to take full advantage of this exciting medium."
Unlike pop-ups, pop-unders and interstitials, 24/7 Real Media's Intermercials are served within the user's current active browser window, with the persistent header, look and feel of the destination site, so as to not disrupt the user experience. By making the advertisement the sole focus of the page, it eliminates other visual distractions and ensures that ads are viewed. 24/7 Real Media's new 24/7 Web Alliance Intermercial Network is the only network delivering this persistent experience.
The 24/7 Web Alliance Intermercial Network can deliver Intermercials to a single site, across one of 16 content channels or throughout 24/7 Real Media's network of more than 850 sites, extending a campaign's reach while offering the same targeting capabilities of in-page ad units. 24/7 Real Media's Intermercials support both Flash and video, enabling advertisers to maximize the value of existing dynamic visual assets.
"Intermercials are a more engaging and less intrusive alternative to pop-ups and pop-unders for both advertisers and consumers, said Steven Goldberg, vice president of business development at 24/7 Real Media. "The short, dynamic format will encourage advertisers to be much more creative in their content and message delivery, which we believe will build stronger consumer brand awareness and relationships."
Building upon its Intermercials offering, 24/7 Real Media announced that it is now the exclusive third-party sales representative for Ad-DictionTV.com, the fun and addicting online game where video-based ads serve as the primary focus of the game. By requiring players to closely watch a variety of ads in order to correctly answer trivia questions, Ad-DictionTV.com offers advertisers guaranteed viewers and unprecedented branding and sponsorship opportunities. The game will officially launch later this year.
1 "Drivers & Barriers To Online Video Viewing," Online Publishers Association, February 8, 2005
About 24/7 Real Media, Inc.
24/7 Real Media, a pioneer in interactive marketing and technology, targets and delivers audiences for publishers and marketers. Our customers generate increased revenue and profits through media and search services, coupled with one seamless platform of serving, targeting, tracking and analytics technologies. The company is adquartered in New York, with offices in other major U.S. cities, Canada, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.247realmedia.com. 24/7 Real Media: Delivering Today. Defining Tomorrow.
Caution concerning forward-looking statements:
This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from the expectations contained herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors. More detailed information about those factors is set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein: the potential for impairment of relationships with employees or major customers, loss of faith in Internet advertising, international risks, regulatory risks, and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the businesses of 24/7 Real Media. All information in this release is as of September 7, 2005. The Company is not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For more information on 24/7 Real Media, Inc., please contact:
Investor Relations
Sushene Leitch
Director, Investor Relations
24/7 Real Media, Inc.
Telephone: 212-231-7990
Email: sushene.leitch@247realmedia.com
Media Relations
Eric Sokolsky
Weber Shandwick
Director
Telephone: 212.445-8081
Email: esokolsky@webershandwick.com
