AOL Introduces Video Ticker Ads

NEW YORK--(EON:Enhanced Online News)--AOL today announced the availability of video ticker ads, a new interactive video advertising solution that serves as a creative alternative to pre-roll ads that was developed in conjunction with PointRoll, the leading provider of rich media technology solutions.

“Already, TickerBoy is in exclusive company. Not only has AOL led the publisher/portal charge to adopt TickerBoy, this new video advertising solution will attract leading advertisers.”

AOL's video ticker ad is a graphic banner ad that is integrated within a streaming video, but without obstructing the video viewing experience. When clicked on by a consumer, the ticker expands to launch a video ad, or an interactive Flash ad, within the video player window. These ads will run across the AOL Network of premium video content within the newest version of the AOL Video media player platform.

“Online video consumption is a fast growing consumer behavior and our new video ticker ads give advertisers a new and creative opportunity to reach consumers through this burgeoning medium,” said Curt Viebranz, President of Platform-A. “With these ads, advertisers can target users who are consuming video with a clickable video or an interactive Flash ad, creating a deeper, longer brand dialogue that isn’t passive.”

“Other rudimentary overlay solutions exist, but ours is the only one that is fully interactive, offers such deep metrics and is backed by PointRoll’s technology, TickerBoy,” said Jason Tafler, Senior Vice President of Global Business Operations and Strategy for PointRoll. “Already, TickerBoy is in exclusive company. Not only has AOL led the publisher/portal charge to adopt TickerBoy, this new video advertising solution will attract leading advertisers.”

According to a recent survey by TNS Research, 78% of respondents agreed that online video ads provide as good as -- if not more -- of an opportunity to learn about an advertiser than TV. And 64% said that they have taken some action after seeing an online video ad. In addition, 41% of those surveyed stated that after they see a brand featured in an online video ad, they are more likely to think of that brand as having a strong presence on the Internet.*

Rather than overlaying an ad and obstructing the view of a video, AOL's video ticker ad appears at the bottom of the video player 10 seconds into the video stream. When clicked by a user, the ad expands while the video pauses. If the user does not interact with the ad, it will dissolve after 15 seconds leaving the branded text link. Clicking on the branded text link, located at the top of the video player, will relaunch the ticker.

Also announced today is a newly revamped media player platform which introduces several new and improved features, including:

• A single flexible experience: Sharing and social utilities - such as email, bookmarking and related videos - are available from the player view port;
• Multiple monetization options: New ad inventory includes 300 x 250 interstitials, video ticker ads and synched text ads;
• A new user interface and development framework: The new UI streamlines the control set and improves customization options, while the new development framework simplifies adding new features.

* TNS, AOL/Google Online Video Survey, September, 2007

About PointRoll, Inc.

PointRoll, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI – News), develops innovative rich media technology solutions that go beyond the creative limitations of existing advertising options. PointRoll’s ground-breaking products and superior service enable advertisers to connect with consumers by creating an interactive online environment that generates conversion. Alongside its unique, compelling offerings and service, PointRoll delivers comprehensive, real-time reporting capabilities that exponentially improve measurement, generating data that effectively illustrates how and why it maximizes return on investment.

About AOL

AOL® is a global Web services company that operates some of the most popular Web destinations, offers a comprehensive suite of free software and services, runs one of the largest Internet access businesses in the U.S., and provides a full set of advertising solutions. A majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), AOL LLC and its subsidiaries have operations in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. Learn more at AOL.com.

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