AOL Uses Big Brother To Boost Broadband

AOL has teamed up with Channel 4 to provide its users access to live feeds from the Big Brother house, in an attempt to increase the popularity of its broadband product.

The internet service provider is offering its members round the clock video and audio streams, on-demand diary room footage and the latest news from the gameshow.

The fourth series of Big Brother returned to Channel 4 earlier this month with a record audience of more than 7 million people tuning in for the first episode of the reality TV extravaganza (see Big Brother Bounces Back With Record Audiences).

According to AOL, the Big Brother service is already proving to be the most popular content on its broadband service, with members spending an “unprecedented” amount of time watching the live video feeds.

Chris Condron, AOL’s head of broadband content, said: “Broadband is an ideal platform for reality TV – just leave it on or dip in and check out the on-demand footage when you want. As well as the latest news and gossip, pictures from the house, chat rooms and message boards, AOL broadband members will be able to catch the housemates’ every move via video and audio streams.”

The Big Brother service is being provided via Channel 4’s new online venture, 4Broadband, which is available to subscribers at www.channel4.co.uk

Recent figures from Hitwise show that the official Big Brother website has become the most visited television website in the UK, with reality TV fans spending an average of 6 minutes and 37 seconds making use of the services on offer (see Big Brother Draws Audiences Online).

AOL: 01268 530919 www.aol.co.uk

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