ABC Selects Wink for Interactive Programming and Advertising Platform

ABC Selects Wink for Interactive Programming and Advertising Platform

ABC Selects Wink for Interactive Programming and Advertising Platform

The ABC Television Network and Wink Communications, Inc., today announced an agreement through which Wink's Enhanced Broadcasting technology will be used to add interactive capabilities to ABC's programming and advertising. The Wink-enhanced programming and advertising on ABC will soon be available to the more than four million homes nationwide with a Wink-enabled cable set-top box or satellite receiver.

"This new agreement is significant in that it solidifies Wink's position as THE enhanced broadcast technology provider to the Nation's four major broadcast networks," said Maggie Wilderotter, President and CEO of Wink Communications. "ABC has always been very progressive with the integration of new media and traditional broadcast and we are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in their continued innovation."

When an ABC viewer chooses to interact with a Wink enabled broadcast or advertising, they simply press a button on the remote control to access companion data instantly -- including supplementary program information, promotional messaging or special offers.

"ABC, with its Enhanced TV Group and other new media initiatives, has made a concerted effort to be the leader in the convergence of emerging technologies," said Alex Wallau, President of the ABC Television Network. "Our goal is to provide highly effective, cutting edge opportunities for advertisers as well as the best possible experience for our viewers. We feel that Wink's enhanced broadcasting service will complement our existing business ventures and add a welcome dimension to our broadcasts."

About Wink Communications, Inc.

Wink is the leading mass-market interactive television solution in North America, giving viewers a free and convenient way to interact with programs and advertisements while they continue to watch TV. By clicking a button on their remote control during an enhanced program or advertisement, viewers can access program-related information (such as weather, sports updates, trivia and play-along games) request product samples, coupons and other free offers from advertisers or make purchases instantly.

The company's end-to-end system enables advertisers and programmers to process t-commerce transactions while offering viewers instant interactive entertainment and information retrieval. Wink's technology also collects, analyzes and routes viewer behavior and response data to give advertisers and broadcasters a tool to collect consumer & viewer research and to evaluate the success and value of their television campaigns.

Introduced in June of 1998, Wink is currently available to more than four million satellite and cable households in North America and is distributed through partnership agreements with major cable and satellite operators, network and cable broadcasters, national advertisers and manufacturers of consumer electronics equipment. For more information, visit www.wink.com.

--posted November 28, 2001

Source: Wink Communications, Inc Press Release