Washington, D.C. - NAB Show today announced that Hearst Television Inc., parent of one of the country's largest television station groups, has joined SPROCKIT 2014 as a corporate member. Through this partnership, Hearst will play an active role in SPROCKIT, a startup program that brings together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to spur innovation in media and entertainment.
SPROCKIT is a year-round program that goes beyond showcasing market-ready startups by making introductions and fostering relationships with influencers and decision-makers. Now in its second year, SPROCKIT will kick off at the 2014 NAB Show with up to 30 startups working alongside corporate members like Hearst in a week-long series of events. The program will continue through SPROCKIT Sync meetings in Los Angeles in July 2014, New York in October 2014 and Silicon Valley in January 2015. Corporate membership is a new aspect of the 2014 program that furthers SPROCKIT's mission of bringing startups and leading companies together to collaboratively shape the future of the industry.
"Hearst Television recognizes the importance of supporting startup organizations that bring new opportunities to the local television industry," said Jordan Wertlieb, President of Hearst Television. "Our SPROCKIT relationship, led by Roger Keating, Hearst Television Senior Vice President of digital media and a SPROCKIT 2014 mentor, exemplifies our company's commitment to innovation, which is strengthened by helping today's entrepreneurs fulfill their vision."
Hearst Television is an innovator in the television broadcast industry. Among other initiatives, the company live-streams news video to smartphones and tablets; is a leading partner with the ABC Network in rolling out the new Watch ABC app, which enables authenticated users to view simulcast programming from sign-on to sign-off; and is a leader among station groups offering Dyle mobile digital television service live to enabled hand-held devices. As a corporate member of SPROCKIT, Hearst Television executives will provide insights and mentorship to participating startups to help foster their own growth and to help advance the industry as a whole.
"As SPROCKIT moves into its second year, having a partner like Hearst Television is invaluable to the ecosystem and overall community SPROCKIT is building," said Harry Glazer, founder and CEO of World Series of Start-Ups, LLC and the creator and co-producer of SPROCKIT. "With the guidance of industry icons, like Hearst, startups invited into the SPROCKIT program are presented with an opportunity like no other to forge long-lasting relationships that will ultimately help spur further growth in media and entertainment."
For more information about SPROCKIT or if you are interested in getting involved, please visit http://sprockitglory.com.
About NAB Show
NAB Show, held April 5-10, 2014 in Las Vegas, is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With more than 93,000 attendees from 156 countries and 1,550+ exhibitors, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.
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About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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