ConnecTV

Broadcaster-backed ConnecTV says its new Clip Ads app lets consumers and stations create six-second clips and send them out to Facebook friends and Twitter followers. The service can be monetized by attaching ads to the clips. “It’s really a way for the traditional broadcast spot to be extended into this social video space,” says CEO Ian Aaron.

ConnecTV moves from its original social media app function to video clip sharing, selling advertising and offering video clips that link to stations’ websites and YouTube channels. It may be facing competition from Shazam, a sound-recognition app that identifies music, TV shows and commercials, that wants to forge local TV station partnerships and will soon introduce multiple platforms for TV outlets to generate revenue.

ConnecTV is teaming up with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to host a live Twitter chat during the Primetime Emmy nominations broadcast this morning. The live chat will use the hashtag #emmyschat.

The network is partnering with Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV and NextGuide to feature Fox Now sync-to-broadcast content.

ConnecTV and a consortium of TV station groups — including Belo Corp., Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps, Gannett Broadcasting and Hearst Television — are launching a new type of advertising network that will enable brands to enhance their television commercials by delivering a second-screen experience to smartphones and tablets.

The second screen app ConnecTV has launched its marketing campaign at its first wave of partner TV stations, hitting the airwaves with 30-second spots tailored to each station. As the battle for the second screen intensifies — Zeebox is preparing to launch in the U.S. later this summer, likely with its own TV promotion — ConnecTV is counting on its partnership with over 200 TV stations to establish a foothold.

With the free app downloaded and installed, tablets, smartphones and computers in the same room as a TV will be able to identify what TV station and programming is on by listening to the audio. Within seconds, the app will provide related programming and advertising as well as an interface for interacting with other invited viewers through social media like Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning June 12, 10 major TV station groups will be able to offer online content related to live broadcast shows as well as featuring live social media discussions about a program and showing users what programs their friends are watching. For all that’s going on at NAB 2012, click here.

The partnership will offer a “second screen” app in early 2012, allowing viewers to tap into related content and swap comments with friends watching the same broadcast TV show at the same time. Broadcasters hope the app with lead to increased revenue, greater engagement and better tune-in promotion. Participating station groups include those of Pearl, the joint venture formed last year to pursue the mobile DTV business. They include Belo, Cox, Scripps, Gannett, Hearst Television, Media General, Meredith, Post-Newsweek and Raycom.