mcm puts Kyle and Jackie O at audiences’ fingertips - Australia’s leading hosts get mobile with The Hot Hits® Connected by Optus®

29 Sep 2008

Optus mobile phone users now have exclusive access to Kyle and Jackie O, following the launch of The Hot Hits on Optus Zoo, including a daily video show - a new made for mobile programme from mcm entertainment (mcm).

Marking Australia’s first free-to-stream, fully produced daily mobile music programme, mcm’s latest version of Australia’s No.1 interactive countdown is now available to Optus mobile customers via Optus Zoo. The offering further cements mcm’s vision to offer premium content across radio, online and mobile platforms.

The result of a new partnership between mcm and Optus, The Hot Hits Daily Show, is hosted by Kyle and Jackie O and features three minutes of popular music, Jackie O gossip, plus the latest entertainment news and movie reviews.

“We’re very excited to be taking The Hot Hits direct to Optus mobile customers via Optus Zoo – now they never need to miss out on what’s hot and happening in music and entertainment,” says host Jackie O.

As part of the innovative offering, mobile-users will be able to stream the mobile three minute daily video show or listen to the actual weekly radio show, including the music countdown.
Users will also be able to interact via their mobile, download wallpapers and ringtones, and sign up to receive alerts to notify them when new daily programmes and weekly countdowns are available to stream.

Simon Joyce, mcm National Sales Director says the new program widens communication channels, and presents new avenues for advertisers to reach engaged consumers.

“The demand for mobile content is growing, and our cross-media strategy opens a number of opportunities for advertisers. Our partnership with Optus commenced via a discussion with media planning agency MPG, who recognised entertainment content for mobile as an opportunity to take a traditional media buy to a new, innovative level. Made for mobile programs present advertisers with a fresh and powerful medium to reach consumers on the go,” he said.

Michael Smith, Group Marketing Director, Optus Consumer said the new partnership is a significant value-add for their customers.

“Optus is excited to be connecting its’ customers to The Hot Hits music programme. We are always looking at innovative ways to give Optus users more and can now offer them free access to Australia’s top radio show which they can tune into while on the move. Optus is committed to continually delivering the best mobile music content in the market.’ he said.

mcm’s high-quality snack-size bite of entertainment is available free-to-stream (browsing costs may apply) to all Optus 3G (video and audio format) and 2G customers (audio format).

“Mobile snacking is becoming increasingly popular amongst young consumers. With The Hot Hits’ video and audio portfolio spanning several platforms, these consumers can enjoy their favourite hosts – and their favourite music – whilst on the go,” says mcm’s Mr Joyce.

The official partnership expands media platforms for The Hot Hits brand in line with mcm’s cross-media strategy. First available on radio in 1996, The Hot Hits brand spans radio (73 stations including Austereo’s Today network), online (www.thehothits.com) and now mobile.

mcm are now selling advertising on The Hot Hits Daily Video Show and weekly audio countdown via exclusive integrated weekly sponsorship packages and limited commercial placement in the audio stream.

Optus 2G and 3G customers can access The Hot Hits via SMS by sending the word “HITS’ to 966 and following the prompts. Alternatively, they can visit the Optus Zoo homepage via their handset and clicking on the Optus button, scrolling down and clicking on The Hot Hits icon on the Optus Zoo homepage.
ENDS

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For interviews, images or further information please contact:

Lin Macdonald
Burson-Marsteller
0408501381
AiLin.Macdonald@bm.com

Tracy Monkman
Optus
02 8082 5302
Tracy.monkman@optus.com.au