Television
March 12, 2001
"Extra" And AOL Join Forces For Multimedia Pop Culture Consumer Polling
(March 12, 2001 – Burbank, CA) - The nationally syndicated television magazine series "Extra" and America Online (AOL), the world's leading interactive service, announced today that they have joined forces to create an interactive topical consumer polling segment inviting AOL's more than 28 million members, as well as Internet users and "Extra's" viewers, to log on and participate.
Available at AOL Keyword: Extra and on the Internet at www.extratv.com, the AOL/"Extra" Polls will be featured as a regular part of "Extra's" programming. Regina Lewis, AOL's Online Advisor, will become the series' new Internet commentator and will report poll results, as well as Internet news, consumer trends and tips to ensure a safe and secure online experience.
The polls will cover everything from pop culture to politics, offering a broad range of questions about family, relationships, entertainment, health, beauty, consumer issues and the topical news of the day that people are talking about most.
"AOL offers 'Extra' the unique ability to tap into the pulse of America on the topics of the day, and at the same time connect the online community with the show" said Jim Paratore, President, Telepictures Productions which produces "Extra" under the Time Telepictures Television banner. "It is the beginning of our process of figuring out how to marry the reach of television with the personalization of AOL."
"People love polls," said Joe Redling, President, Brand Marketing, America Online. "There's a real sense of community that comes from making your voice part of what you are reading or watching. Working with Extra highlights the terrific way in which the convergence of television and the interactive medium can create a better and more enjoyable experience for the consumer."
"We are excited to have Regina on board and I am confident that her breadth of knowledge and experience will be a resource in building more Internet based activity for the show," said "Extra's" Executive Producer, Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey. "We think that these new polling opportunities will give our viewers more on-demand interactive participation."
"I am thrilled to bring the voice of the online community to television and to be a part of 'Extra,'" said Lewis. "It's an incredible opportunity to be able to receive instant feedback from our members through poll results on AOL and now, with the added bonus of a well-established television series like 'Extra,' we will give AOL members and Extra fans a unique forum to weigh in and have their opinion count."
A leading expert in helping people make the most of the Internet in their everyday lives, Lewis regularly contributes to network television and national magazines. She has conducted hundreds of national interviews, and recently appeared on the CBS reality series "Big Brother." Her book "Wired in a Week" climbed to number six on the UPI Trade Paperback best seller's list. Lewis also has her own area on America Online at Keyword: Wired in a Week.
"Extra," a Time Telepictures Television production, is distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and is a part of AOL Time Warner. For more information on "Extra" reports please visit "Extra" at www.extratv.com or AOL Keyword: "Extra." # # #