WGN America App to Extend Audience Experience to Mobile Devices
New York, NY - Nov 21, 2019 - Applicaster, the company simplifying the lifecycle management of direct-to-consumer media applications, today announced it has partnered with Nexstar Media Group-owned, WGN America, to build the media organization’s first ever mobile experience. WGN America is the flagship entertainment network of Nexstar Media Group and is nationally distributed across 75 million homes historically via cable, satellite, and telecommunications.
The new WGN America app was developed using Applicaster’s SaaS app management platform, Zapp, to provide users with a seamless digital experience across multiple connected platforms. The app enables users to experience WGN America content outside of traditional linear environments with enhanced capabilities to easily browse and view programming, as well as explore widgets like the WGN trivia game.
“As a media organization that is constantly generating fresh content for our viewers, it is important that we are able to reach audiences independent of device and location,” said Brian Dollenmayer, Chief Marketing Officer. “Applicaster’s platform has allowed us to quickly and efficiently create an engaging, user-friendly app experience to drive audience interaction. Media consumption is continually changing, and our work with Applicaster has enabled us to extend viewership and interaction beyond the historical viewing experience.”
The WGN America app allows the organization to diversify its content distribution strategy, providing consumers with a platform to enjoy WGN America content on their own time. On the backend, the flexibility of Applicaster’s Zapp platform allows WGN America to easily and efficiently iterate based on audience feedback without additional resources. Applicaster’s pluggable architecture has also enabled WGN America to build their app utilizing best-of-breed components from multiple third-party providers to deliver the best audience experience possible.
“Our goal from the start has been to help media companies evolve and thrive in the changing digital landscape,” said Jonathan Laor, CEO and Co-Founder at Applicaster. “We’re delivering on this mission for WGN America by bridging the gap between linear TV and mobile environments to create a consistent experience for their audience.”
The WGN America app will be available on iOS, Android, and tvOS.
About Applicaster
Applicaster simplifies the lifecycle management of direct-to-consumer media apps for today’s largest media companies and premium content providers. With its open APIs and extensive partner marketplace, the company’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, Zapp, serves as an open-ended resource for companies to prototype, develop, launch, and manage apps, utilize OTT services, and integrate key functionalities into third-party apps. Customers such as DirecTV, ProSiebenSat.1, and Hearst are utilizing Applicaster for direct-to-consumer app design and delivery across mobile and connected TVs. Applicaster has offices in New York, San Jose, Miami, London, and Tel Aviv. For more information, visit www.applicaster.com. For inquiries, contact sales@applicaster.com.
About WGN America
WGN America, the flagship entertainment destination of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a nationally distributed television network available in more than 75 million homes via cable, satellite, and telco. The network features a strong slate of original series, fan-favorite dramas, comedies, and blockbuster movies. Stay connected to WGN America on Twitter @wgnamerica. For additional information, please visit www.wgnamerica.com.
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital, and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs, or provides sales and other services to 197 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 115 markets or approximately 39% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC's UHF discount). Nexstar's portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV, and The CW. Nexstar's community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when, and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network, and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information please visit: https://www.nexstar.tv/.
