New York -- HLN, now the home for the social world and its millennial proponents, announced strategic partnership with Twitter encompassing both content and advertising components, talked up a new nightly news program and unveiled an expansive development slate at part of CNN’s upfront presentation to advertisers here Tuesday.
Executive vice president and general manager Albie Hecht said HLN's deal with Twitter will result in the visualization of the social media platform’s data on air. The info will steer segments about trending topics on the network’s Morning Express with Robin Meade.
The partnership also will manifest in Tweet DVR, a feature that will assemble the best live Tweets from TV premieres and run them alongside digital video and encores of the same programs. HLN will unveil this Twitter-enhanced video experience in 2014.
Twitter will also be integrated into HLN’s coverage of this year’s mid-term election cycle, as the network plans to use the social platform to gain info on the issues that matter to people and push them toward the polls. In turn, this will open the door to new sponsorship opportunities across TV, digital and socail
HLN is also entering the Twitter Amplify program, which will give the the network an assist in promoting sponsored video clips on the social platform.
From a programming perspective, HLN announced that The Daily Share, a one-hour nightly news program will be joining its lineup, proffering a digest of what people are watching, searching for, playing, sharing, shopping for and creating in their social media lives.
In addition to the previously announced Keywords, NewsToonz (formerly I Can Haz NewsToons), One.Click.Away, Vacation Hunters, Videocracy and #WhatsYourFOMO app, HLN unveiled 11 more projects in its development pipeline.
The network’s descriptions follow:
2 Spouses, 3 Houses—YouTube star Jessica Edwards (@JRiffleEdwards) looks at a couples’ social media ‘likes, hearts and pins’ to help her find three choices for their dream home; one perfect for one, one for the other, and one she thinks they both will ‘like.’ Created by Red Arrow Industries, the team behind the HGTV version of the hit series Love It or List It.
America's Most Liked—Now there’s a game show that can take someone from Internet nobody to web superstar. One just has to use their special or unusual talents to compete in viral challenges and try to get the most “likes” from the all screens audience. Created by David Sidebotham’s Babyfoot Productions, and Eero Hietala’s Aito Entertainment, and developed by Michael Yudin, My Tupelo Entertainment.
What’s Trending—A weekly look at the hottest trending topics and personalities that everyone is buzzing about and sharing. Hosted by co-founder of @whatstrending, Shira Lazar (@shiralazar). Created by Damon Berger and Shira Lazar/What’s Trending.
The Indie Machines Project—Digital filmmakers Erik Beck and Justin Johnson (@indiemachines) are developing two 11 minute series, the interactive sketch show 5 Word Films, and animated parody talk show Action Tonight.
Wkly M@shup with Chuey Martinez—An exciting new 'late night' experience, hosted by one of LA’s top rated radio personalities, Chuey Martinez (@ChueyMartinez), who will invite an eclectic mix of social media stars, established celebs and other faces from popular culture, who are making, spinning and spreading news to join him for this late-night talk show, that is one-part talk, two-parts performance, and a spicy splash of sketch comedy. Created by Doug Greiff and Beatriz Acevedo, and inspired by the hit MiTu Network digital series, El Show w/ Chuey Martinez.
Natural Born Mixer with Alex Ott—This series follows master mixologist and scientist Alex Ott (@alexottscience), whose adventures and challenges are mined from his social media following. Created by Robert Small/Robert Small Entertainment (co-creator, Unplugged/MTV).
Web Mysteries—A half-hour series that seeks the truth behind the Web’s most fascinating, amusing and otherworldly stories and videos. Created by HLN.
News or Not—This game show challenges viewers knowledge of real social media news headlines. Created by Nancy Glass & Eric Neuhaus/Nancy Glass Productions (Tanked/Animal Planet & Dangerous Grounds/Travel Channel).
The Social Life—Twitter star, travel junkie, sports fan and foodie, Ali Nejad (@Ali_Nejad) enlists his nearly one million online followers to help him take on missions—from building homes for the homeless to joining a pro soccer team for a day. Created by Ali Nejad and Hugh Arian/Echo Entertainment.
Beyond The Like—Sometimes, there's a lot more to a viral video than a quick thrill. From digital artist and director Joe Sabia, this themed half-hour series curates viral moments and explores how the individuals behind extraordinary projects have made their mark online.
Trip Traders—Tapping into the fast growing online community of people around the world who trade homes for vacations, the show will follow one ‘trader’ as they decide which of three offers to accept. Created by Alan Goodman.
