For immediate release
Chicago, IL - July 2, 2012
Chicago-area companies Akoo and WTTW National Productions are forming a content-sharing partnership to help develop and distribute next-generation music programming. The partnership will bring together the reach, social and mobile power of digital video network Akoo and its 46 million monthly viewers with WTTW’s tradition of quality programming, including future productions of the acclaimed music series Soundstage. The partnership will also provide the opportunity for shared resources between the two organizations, with possible collaborations involving WTTW tapings at the Akoo Theatre in Rosemont and Akoo content being filmed at WTTW’s facilities. Both companies are at work now and expect to bring the resulting content to market in the near future.
“At Akoo, we are always focused on developing innovative new ways to reach and engage with music lovers. And what better way to do that than to join forces with a company that’s produced one of the most respected platforms for great music in the last fifty years?” said Niko Drakoulis, founder and CEO, Akoo. “I’m looking forward to working with our friends at WTTW so that together we can evolve music programming for the next generation.”
“WTTW is thrilled to partner with Akoo, a cutting-edge company that is continually breaking new ground in connecting music with audiences,” said Parke Richeson, SVP of WTTW National Productions. “As WTTW enters its fifth decade of producing award-winning music programming, we are looking for new ways to build a relationship with fans – and Akoo is a perfect match,” she added.
About Akoo
Akoo International, Inc. is a global media and technology innovator. The Company's flagship digital video network "Akoo" delivers a premium audience of 46 million* across 62 DMAs that reach 77% of the U.S. population. Akoo's audience is highly engaged, socially savvy, and connected through a participatory music video and entertainment experience whereby viewers can use their mobile devices to make on-demand content requests, connect with friends via Facebook and Twitter, and access exclusive special offers. As a result, Akoo drives unmatched marketing effectiveness and ROI for its clients and partners.
In recognition of its innovative technology, Akoo International holds several patents in major global markets, including the U.S., China, and Japan. The company is based in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside Chicago, where its namesake Akoo Theatre attracts some of the world’s biggest stars and performers for sold-out performances all year-round. In 2012, Akoo International was named one of the Best Places to Work in Media and Marketing by Advertising Age magazine. Find out more at akoo.com.
*Source: Nielsen Activity Report, Q1 2012
About WTTW National Productions
WTTW National Productions is a division of Window to the World Communications, Inc., the parent company of WTTW11 Chicago, and is a premier producer and presenter of Emmy – winning, high-quality television programs for both public and commercial television broadcast. For more than 50 years, WTTW National Productions has introduced a diverse array of programming to a national audience – from music, dance, theatre and the visual arts to programs focusing on education, politics, public affairs, business, and religion. Its landmark innovative series and original productions include the critically-acclaimed music series Soundstage and Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis; the music specials Proclamation of Hope and David Broza at Masada: The Sunrise Concert; the culinary series MEXICO—One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless, the weekly movie review series Ebert Presents At the Movies; the creative arts series The Artist Toolbox; the transmedia online educational children’s properties Mission to Planet 429 and UMIGO, and the award-winning animated children’s series WordWorld. For more information, please visit wttw.com/national, our Facebook page at facebook.com/wttw11, or find us on Twitter at twitter.com/wttw.
