Omniverse World Television, Wylie Studios Team To Distribute Multcultural-Themed Scripted Content

Syndication company Omniverse One World Television and content production company Wylie Studios have teamed to distribute original, multicultural-themed programming to broadcast stations, cable MSOs and new media platforms.

The strategic alliance will look to syndicate original, first-run scripted programming simultaneously to linear television companies as well as via broadband internet, over-the-top companies and mobile devices worldwide, according to company officials. The companies expect to clear its content in all major markets representing 80 million households, although no distribution deals were disclosed.

The first project under the alliance will be a scripted dramedy set in the world of television and headlined by an as yet announced multi-ethnic cast.

"I'm so pleased to share a mutual vision with Omniverse about using advanced media technologies to reach global audiences on the go in today's competitive marketplace," says Wylie Studios CEO, Arthur Wylie in a statement. "As broadcast, cable and dish providers scramble to keep market share by integrating their systems on the web and for mobile, we are pleased to be on the forefront of this technology."

Wylie Studios and Omniverse are looking to target the "verge generation" of young, multicultural consumers who spend $90 billion annually in the U.S. on entertainment and other goods, according to Jason DeMeo, Omniverse CEO.

"What's great about the Verge Generation is they don't put boundaries on when and where they view content," he said. "They sample TV, You Tube, Netflix, Pandora, iTunes, 24 hours a day, on-the-go, from anywhere, which is why we're excited to be at the forefront of new technology that allows us to reach them on their terms." 

The company is hoping to draw advertisers with its multi-platform approach to distributing content, according to Dale Godboldo, COO of Wylie Studios. "Through Omniverse's technology and our proprietary media player, they gain additional sources for accurate tracking and segmented demographic data. This enables advertisers to reach millions more target consumers and to be 100% confident in their figures," he added.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.