The Alaska Intermittent Tribune

Alaska HDTV began as an audio only show back in 2005, but has quickly become a video podcast that’s making the leap from the small screen to the TV. In the press release, I talk about the basics of how Alaska HDTV is now being seen on TVs inside all 130 Fred Meyer stores in the USA. More important than the sheer volume of eyes that will be seeing the podcast excerpts on TV, is that we’ve managed to transcend the stigma of a being an internet only production.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely believe that the online audience is infinitely more valuable in the long run. Convincing advertisers and marketers that “podcasts” are the place to be is whole different challenge, and that’s where bringing Alaska HDTV to the TV screen in the digital out-of-home market will further legitimize what we are doing and hopefully attract some new sponsors!

Digital out-of-home marketing is a buzz phrase that basically means, TV screens and advertising messages everywhere you go. At the gas pump, the grocery store, standing in line at the amusement park, billboards, etc., etc. In some cases, I believe this method will become interruptive and annoying, essentially becoming a banner ad in real life.

Alaska HDTV’s objective with the Fred Meyer connection is to create real conversion and sales opportunities for a potential sponsor such as Clif Bar, Coca-cola or Nestle – just to name a few names. The idea is to create interesting and contextual relationships between the audience, the content and sponsor/advertiser and deliver that message in a way that doesn’t take away from the viewer experience or damage the advertiser’s image.

This is a little on the experimental side of things, but I believe has the potential to pilot new and interesting approaches to blending media, messages and great content with advertising that appeals instead of interrupts the viewer experience.

The method:

• Present an Alaska HDTV show about hiking around Alaska
• Sports drink or energy bar message embedded in the show
• Drink or energy bar display at POS
• Viewer connects with the content, message and brand and buys!

So the next step: Alaska HDTV will find an advertiser that can convert their message into sales inside the store.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alaska HDTV now seen by 4.2 million monthly

Alaska HDTV content is now seen in 130 Fred Meyer stores across the Pacific Northwest

Anchorage, AK (July 15, 2008) – Perfect Blend Media, LLC today announces the arrival of Alaska HDTV content in Fred Meyer stores around the USA.

In a collaborative effort with Retail Entertainment Design (RED), Alaska HDTV is now showing two videos approximately every 30 minutes in all of the Fred Meyer electronic departments nationwide. Fred Meyer TV monitors reach more than 4.2 million viewers every month. RED delivers digital video content in HD (high definition) to all of the Fred Meyer stores as well as several other retail operations in North America.

By expanding the Alaska HDTV brand to digital out-of-home markets, we are targeting a new audience and attracting new sponsors to support the Alaska experience both at home and in the store. Our goal is to provide attractive content to promote high definition television sales for Fred Meyer and provide a new delivery of product and branding messages for Alaska HDTV sponsors/advertisers who will benefit from in-store sales.

About Alaska HDTV
Alaska HDTV is product of Perfect Blend Media, LLC an Alaska company based in Anchorage, Alaska.

Alaska HDTV is a series of shows produced in high definition – dedicated to sharing the Alaska experience with a global audience. Our approach is to extend a real life experience for the viewer – allowing them to connect with the host, the location and the adventure. Alaska HDTV averages 100,000+ show downloads per month with a consistently growing subscriber base. Alaska HDTV is syndicated through major online venues such as iTunes, Mevio and direct RSS feeds.

Perfect Blend Media, LLC is a boutique production company specialized in creating mixed media productions that reach the correct audience with the right message at the right time – in the right place. We use a blend of new media applications including podcasts and social media with a dash of traditional media tactics such as TV, DVD and out of home marketing.

Media Contact:
www.alaskahdtv.com