Gannett To Build Digital Sports Video Service

Gannett Co. today signed today an agreement with ViewLift, a full-service provider of custom video applications (and a unit of SnagFilms Inc.), to explore development of a new digital sports video service. This new entity will focus on streaming unique sports-related content and select, relevant movies across multiple devices — smartphones, tablets, televisions and PCs.

The new entity will explore a hybrid service harnessing local broadcast TV capabilities for the national distribution of digital video aimed at delighting the avid sports fan. This content will give viewers the opportunity to go beyond the game and its highlights by accessing a library of video about players, teams and others in sports.

As part of this agreement, Gannett will leverage its television station group and its editorial and marketing solutions while ViewLift will provide platform services, proprietary technology, complementary content and operating expertise.

“We are excited by the opportunities this venture provides us to explore new video services that combine traditional over the air with OTT distribution and local and national content,” said Dave Lougee, president, Gannett Broadcasting. “Our extensive station footprint, combined with the ViewLift OTT platform, will allow us to pursue a range of new multi-device, multi-pathway opportunities.”

“Americans simultaneously live in their hometown, our country and the globe,” said Rick Allen, CEO of ViewLift’s parent SnagFilms. “Serving all three takes a unique content provider — one that inherently understands both the very local, and the broader stage, and faces the digital future with enthusiasm. We are honored to be pioneering with Gannett to surprise and delight viewers and readers where they are most engaged — on the go and on their home screens.”

The partners expect to market-test their first digital channel on devices later this spring.