MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA,. - Ooyala, the leading innovator in premium video publishing, analytics and monetization, today announced it is powering multi-screen digital content from the 2014 World Cup for Fusion's World Cup site Soccer.Fusion.net. Fusion is an American television and digital network for millennials launched in 2013 as a joint venture between the Disney/ABC Television Group and Univision Communications, Inc. With Ooyala's video streaming and multi-screen distribution technology, soccer fans can watch up-to-date, on-demand highlights from the World Cup as well as live-streamed episodes of Fusion's primetime show "The Soccer Gods" anytime and on any device.
Soccer.Fusion.net is an example of a next-generation television model focused on engaging its audiences beyond traditional linear television. The site is taking a fresh approach to deliver content that is new and different for its millennial audience with recently hired top-notch talent, an on-site crew in Brazil and its process for speedy publishing of World Cup highlights. With Ooyala, the site is reaching viewers wherever they are, on any screen and bolstering revenue via ad monetization. Ooyala is powering all video content, both live and on-demand, for the site throughout the course of the World Cup tournament.
"Soccer.Fusion.net's digital offering aligns with what we believe the broadcasters of tomorrow will look like, particularly with regard to sports," said Jay Fulcher, chief executive officer of Ooyala. "Sports have paved the way for digital TV innovation. Fusion's site showcases how Ooyala's technology enables customers to build new business models incorporating social engagement and capturing lucrative sports audiences by capitalizing on the huge opportunity presented by the most popular online sporting event in history."
With the rise in mobile viewership, as seen from Ooyala's Q1 2014 Video Index Report, Soccer.Fusion.net prioritized its site to be mobile-centric, tapping Ooyala to ensure Soccer.Fusion.net's premium online content reaches any screen, anywhere and at anytime. Ooyala is also providing real-time analytics on performance of Soccer.Fusion.net's content so the broadcaster can tailor its strategy throughout the World Cup tournament to maximize viewers and revenue.
"Fusion is excited to be providing viewers with a fully immersive World Cup experience across our television, digital and social platforms," said Hong Qu, chief technology officer of Fusion. "We want to be an incubator for innovation, taking risks with new forms of online content and new ways of delivering that content to consumers -- especially on mobile devices. Ooyala's technology and analytics gave us the complete solution we needed to reach more audiences on more screens."
