NCAA Expands Use of Online Video Magazine

Initial Success From Pilot Program of NEWgame Communications’ Vmag(R) Prompts Further Use

CHARLOTTE, NC, 03/10/2005 -- The college sports market is one of the most expansive in the media industry. With so many people from so many different arenas to reach, and in order to differentiate themselves in the crowded marketplace, universities and sports marketers must take advantage of the new advances in rich media technology, the hottest of which is online video.

In early 2004, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), working in conjunction with NEWgame Communications, Inc., launched a video magazine (Vmag) pilot program sent to Division I Compliance Coordinators at 300 universities. Today, the NCAA announced plans to expand distribution to their entire membership consisting of over 1200 universities and launch additional Vmag communications for different uses to other key constituencies.

NEWgame Communications, Inc. produces the Vmag®, an opt-in broadcast platform that delivers video magazines to PC users. After a simple 1-2-3 install of the Vmag player, consumers receive Vmags that contain all types of digital content including full-screen, broadcast-quality video, audio, text, PDFs, Web links and graphics. The “polite” cache-and-play desktop delivery mechanism downloads Vmags in the background, allowing them to play on any connection speed. This allows the NCAA and other marketers to reach a broader audience than a streaming video that can only be watched on a broadband connection.

The initial NCAA series, used as an internal communications tool, contains an introduction from Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for membership services, timely legislative updates, recent interpretations, a section on technology in compliance and a “spotlight on staff.”

“We needed a method to communicate with our members in a timely and cost effective manner with measurable results,” Lennon said. “We also needed a communication channel that provided accountability and rapid dissemination of vital legislative updates. Due to the compelling nature of the Vmag and relevance of the content, the coordinators frequently shared the Vmag with athletic directors and coaches which inspired us to expand our use.”

Because of the Vmag’s initial success, the 2005 series will be sent to all 1200 NCAA institution members and will expand into a second constituency which will deliver NCAA president Myles Brand’s “President’s Report” to university presidents. The NCAA is also considering offering Vmags to student-athletes and coaches.

“The NCAA appreciates the value of delivering compelling messages and the Vmag opens a powerful channel that really captures viewers’ attention,” said NEWgame CEO Kathleen Hessert. “The Vmag has drawn attention from interactive ad agencies and e-marketers, email service providers, tour operators like Vacation Express, universities and colleges such as Saint Mary’s College and, of course, the NCAA. We’re thrilled that NCAA has committed to expanding their use of the Vmag as the applications are limitless and response rates have consistently outperformed other communication channels.”

For more information and results from the NCAA Vmag, please call Kathleen Formidoni of blast! PR at 919-833-9975. To download the Vmag player and receive complimentary Vmags delivered to your PC, please visit www.vmag.net/demo

About NEWgame Communications:

NEWgame is the producer of the Vmag®, a safe broadcast platform that delivers video magazines straight to the desktop using a “polite” background delivery method. By integrating text, images and full-screen, broadcast quality audio and video, Vmag gives brand marketers and advertising agencies a direct connection to consumers by opening a compelling, and unique, e-marketing channel. Saint Mary’s College, NCAA and Vacation Express currently use the Vmag to enhance their online marketing efforts. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, NEWgame can be found on the Web at www.vmag.net.

Contact Information

Kathleen Bagley Formidoni

Media Contact

blast! PR for NEWgame Communications

Contact via E-mail