[Sydney, AUSTRALIA] i7, the online arm of the Seven Network, has launched its integrated portfolio of Web sites, representing the company’s move to create a greater online presence and marking its convergent platform strategy.
The portal network combines individual Seven Network program sites, i7-created sites covering news, sports and entertainment, and joint venture and partner sites including olympics.com.au and afl.com.au, Ticketmaster7, Digital One, My Money, RushTV, Womenzone, SEEK and Stuff.
i7’s partnerships and investments in a number of online businesses form part of the network’s long-term strategy to become a leading aggregator of content, and to market that content through Seven’s broadcast platforms.
Over the coming months, i7 said much of its presence will be online, but as communications converge and the introduction of digital television occurs, much of the content will have multiple applications across a range of delivery platforms.
Executive chairman of Seven Network Kerry Stokes said management of content in this landscape would determine the network’s success as a media and communications company, while i7 chief executive officer Steve Wise said the launch represented a starting point for the ongoing and continuing development of the i7 Network.
“The past 12 months have provided us with an opportunity to carefully consider new technology developments in international markets, develop partnerships with global leaders in both old and new world economies and clearly identify a way forward for us in online, broadband, wireless technology and digital television environments,” said Wise.
“Rather than adopt a simple, all-encompassing single-entry point portal, we have pursued an online strategy which directly delivers relevant material to our audiences, providing readily accessible information and content,” he said.
