NTN Retains Ad Rep Firm

Carlsbad, CA-based NTN Communications Inc., an Interactive TV company, said it has retained ad sales company Beverage Industry Marketing Services (BIMS) for ad representation.

The company said it wants to capitalize on the revenue potential of the nearly 100 million impressions made each month through the NTN Network, the company's hospitality division. Billings were not disclosed.

NTN had previously handled ad sales in-house. BIMS will also create promotions and innovative media unique to NTN's interactive television network.

"NTN is strategically positioning itself to migrate from strictly an entertainment company to an advertising-subsidized television network," said Tyrone Lam, vice president and general manager of the NTN Network. "But unlike other broadcast networks, NTN players and viewers interact with the programming, involving them directly with advertised products."

The NTN Network is an interactive games broadcast network, offering consumers at hospitality venues such as bars, restaurants and hotels the opportunity to compete with each other, via satellite, in live trivia and sports-related game shows. A recent independent research audit reported that NTN reaches more than 15 million viewers/participants each month, the company said.

"NTN is really the only true on-site interactive television network in existence," said Rod Groetzinger, president of BIMS. "As a result, we will be able to create some very unique marketing opportunities for food and beverage companies looking to increase brand awareness, generate immediate trial and drive sales at the point of consumption."

Beverage Industry Marketing Services develops strategic marketing plans, sales promotions and advertising campaigns for beverage companies, including Miller Brewing Company and IDV, which markets Smirnoff vodka, Jose Cuervo tequila, Black Velvet Canadian whiskey, and other brands.

NTN broadcasts to a variety of delivery platforms 24 hours a day; an additional 12 million users are exposed to NTN through America Online and the Internet.