Calkins Media’s over-the-top (OTT) business and mobile app technology, which enables media organizations to grow their audiences with branded channels on all of the major streaming platforms, has a new owner.
The entity acquiring the tech branded as BLOX OTT is Moline, Ill.-based TownNews.com.
With the acquisition, Susan Bell—formerly part of the Calkins Digital team—joins TownNews.com as Senior Product Manager of BLOX OTT products and services.
“Our content management ecosystem allows our partners to produce once, publish everywhere—be it web, mobile, social media, print, and more,” said Brad Ward, CEO of TownNews.com. “So, BLOX OTT is a great fit. These apps give our customers easy access to a highly engaged, rapidly growing audience.”
Bell commented, “Calkins Media could not have found a better home for its OTT technology and client base, and I’m thrilled to join the TownNews.com team. I am proud to be a part of a company that had a vision to expand its offerings and help shake up the competitive technology landscape for broadcasters and publishers.”
TownNews.com’s BLOX OTT app suite enables the creation of custom streaming channels featuring a combination of live/linear television, video on demand (VOD), podcasts, and branded content. Customers can build revenue with pre-roll ads and programmatic advertising, and track progress with full analytics capabilities.
“Our mission at TownNews.com is to provide an all-in-one solution for all media companies to grow audience and open new revenue streams,” said Rick Rogers, VP/Sales at TownNews.com. “With our launch of BLOX OTT, we now provide another tool for our partners to do just that through dedicated and branded OTT channels and exciting new marketing opportunities such as branded native videos.”
