ABC ENTERTAINEMENT ANNOUNCES RETAIL MEDIA ADVERTISING AND CONTENT DEAL WITH INSTORE BROADCASTING NETWORK AND KROGER
ABC Television Network has signed an agreement with InStore Broadcasting Network (IBN) making ABC a major advertiser and content provider on the IBN/Kroger Co. InStore PerfectMedia� Television/Video Network through the purchase of tune-in promotional spots through 2009 announced Michael Benson and Marla Provencio, co-senior vice presidents, Marketing, ABC Entertainment. Millions of Kroger customers will be exposed to unique content and messaging provided by ABC via monitors located at the checkout.
As a charter partner, ABC has exclusive rights to deliver its messages and made-for-store video content to supermarkets and multi-department stores owned by Kroger Co. in which IBN exclusively provides in-store media. Kroger Co., one of the nation�s largest retail grocery chains, operates (either directly or through its subsidiaries) Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, City Markets, Smith�s and Smith�s Marketplace, Fry�s and Fry�s Marketplace, Dillons and QFC stores.
�We�re always looking for new and innovative ways to connect with the audience. Partnering with IBN and Kroger Co. allows us to meet that goal and affords us the opportunity to introduce our content in a unique, enjoyable and organic way,� said Michael Benson, senior vice president, Marketing, ABC Entertainment. �This is broad-reaching platform that will benefit Kroger, ABC and ultimately the consumers with compelling, entertaining programming.�
�The exclusive aspects of our agreement with Kroger provide us with a great competitive advantage in introducing new shows and other programming to a vast audience,� added Marla Provencio, senior vice president, Marketing, ABC Entertainment. �This is a natural venue for us to reach an audience that is predisposed to watching television when they arrive home from the grocery store.�
�First and foremost, we know that the ABC content will be just right for the shoppers,� said Robert Brazell, IBN Chief Executive Officer. �Research will play a critical role in making absolutely certain that Kroger customers like the programming and find it valuable for information and for entertainment. We think this is a very significant distinction in the approach. Whether the content is informational or entertaining, the customer experience with Kroger stores will be enhanced because it will relate directly to the time and place where it is being viewed.�
Kroger�s vice president of Marketing, Evan Anthony said, �We trust the ABC brand and their commitment to this relationship is important. We know that our customer�s needs will come first in determining what kind of content is being developed and displayed. The checkout channel is the ideal area for appropriate entertainment and information. We have enjoyed a very strong relationship with ABC and look forward to continuing the relationship through our in-store television network.�
IBN PerfecMedia� combines overhead audio with multiple video channels inside a store to deliver synchronized, informative content for shoppers. The PerfectMedia� network can deliver content to specific zip codes, designated market areas (DMAs) and individual stores, thereby affording ABC an opportunity to present their messages to shoppers locally, regionally and nationally.
About ABC:
ABC Entertainment offers quality, award-winning programming that includes many of the most widely viewed series, specials and movies. Primetime Entertainment on ABC crosses various programming genres with hit series like �Desperate Housewives,� �Lost,� �Grey�s Anatomy,� Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition,� �Boston Legal,� �According to Jim,� �George Lopez,� �Dancing with the Stars,� �America�s Funniest Home Videos,� �Supernanny,� and �Wife Swap.� In Late-Night, �Jimmy Kimmel Live� celebrated its third anniversary in January, 2006. ABC Entertainment is part of the ABC Television Network, and is managed by Disney-ABC Television Group, a division of The Walt Disney Company.
About IBN:
The InStore Broadcasting Network is the largest retail media network in the United States. IBN is also the world�s first and only retail network which is measured and evaluated using traditional media metrics. The IBN network encompasses 1 billion shopper visits each month in more than 17,000 grocery and drug stores throughout the US and Canada. IBN deploys proprietary, patented technology and systems comprising �PerfectMedia�,� a uniquely synchronized and integrated media combination including audio, video, and other digital targeting technologies and methods. IBN recently partnered with retail giant Kroger to install a sophisticated multi-media network deployment across the 2,550 store chain and to provide third-party advertising and retailer-specific content. IBN also recently announced a synchronized in-store digital media agreement with Duane Reade, the largest chain drug retailer in New York City. More information is available at www.ibnads.com.
About Kroger:
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation�s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,483 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith�s and Smith�s Marketplace, Fry�s and Fry�s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 783 convenience stores, 423 fine jewelry stores, 593 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.
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