FanChat - Broadcast Engineering "Pick Hit"

Florical Systems unveiled several new products at NAB2008. One such product provides the local broadcaster with the ability to generate revenue through social networking called FanChat. FanChat is an instant messaging-styled chat agent that ties into Florical’s AirBoss system. The FanChat user subscribes to chat rooms based on the programming provided by the local station; i.e. primetime, news, sports. Prior to the start of the show the agent prompts the user to connect. Once connected, they enter an exclusive room with other local users that are connected through the local station. This product allows the local viewer the opportunity to socially network with other viewers in the station’s market.

FanChat features web banners above the chat room that provide revenue to the local station when the user clicks the ads. The on-line banner ads can be set to change based on on-air commercial breaks including links for local commercials during on air playback. For example: During the station’s local break in a popular primetime show, a web link is sent to FanChat users for the commercial that is live on the air. Users will click the link that can take them to the advertiser’s website offering a special coupon. This process was developed by Florical to allow local viewers the opportunity to connect while also providing the station the ability to generate revenue in the new media space.