Emmis’ HOT 97 New York announced two new multimedia initiatives to exhibit the New York Hip Hop scene and bring its universe of fans together. HOT 97 Mobile merges the worlds of text messaging and social networking together, and HOT 97 TV provides an online hub for continuous Hip Hop music videos reminiscent of music television before the advent of reality programming.
“We’re delivering on both our commitment to provide HOT 97 listeners with innovative ways to connect with each other and the music…and to our advertisers with new ways to successfully engage with those consumers” said Emmis New York Director of Marketing & Interactive Brian D’Aurelio. “We’re opening the door for Hip Hop and R&B fans world-wide to immerse themselves into the New York scene online with the launch of HOT 97 TV, and we’re launching a mobile platform that allows our listeners to network with each other through their mobile devices, as opposed to offering just another networking website to add to their long list.”
HOT 97 MOBILE: The HOT 97 mobile social networking community is available on all mobile devices for a free trial period by browsing www.Hot97Mobile.com with any mobile device. The service allows consumers to build a profile and connect with peers similar to online networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, however with the added convenience of mobility and instant connectivity. The HOT 97 service is compatible with all mobile devices and continues after an initial free trial period at the consumer’s choice for a monthly fee of $6.99.
HOT 97 TV: Available immediately on Hot97.com, HOT 97 TV provides a free continuous stream of free video on demand including music videos and behind the scenes footage of HOT 97 artists, personalities, interviews and events. The launch also coincides with the announcement of Aminah Salaam who will take the helm of the HOT 97 video program and HOT 97 TV as full time Hot 97 Video Coordinator.
The new position and platforms represent the launch of HOT 97 International, a series of distribution platforms and content aimed at the global Hip Hop audience, centered around the New York scene and HOT 97’s dominance of it.
Currently HOT 97 is heard by large audiences in Japan through an exclusive cable stream reflecting its appeal beyond its core tri-state listenership. Additional “Hot 97 International“ launches will be forthcoming in 2008 including web streaming and national radio promotions surrounding the stations heritage annual event “HOT 97’s Summerjam.”
