WDT Acquires ChaserTV

[Verne Carlson]

Details are still forthcoming but in case you haven't heard of the acquisition: WDT Acquires ChaserTV I for one was hoping for this. I think this will drive viewer minutes up as viewers, Mets and the NWS will have more streamers on one site. Welcome CTV streamers!

 

[Scott Bennett]

Thanks Verne!

There are more details on the www.chasertv.com website for those interested. CTV Members received an email this morning just before the release to the press.

We are really excited to have ChaserTV become part of WDT for the exact reason you said more viewers.

For ChaserTV subscribers they have the option to keep everything the same as it is now or they can opt into the iMap.

But yes many more details to come.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

I'm very excited by all of this - I think it'll be a great thing for chasers and for the iMap. It'll allow ChaserTV chasers to opt into the iMap and make money off their streams, and give us all one portal to view both TVN and those CTV streams that opt into the iMap.

 

[Danny Neal]

Great move by Scott and Steve! I left TVN, but really enjoyed using the IMAP tracker, and to have it again at my disposal is just amazing! A couple comments have surfaced to ask if CTV and TVN have joined up and again that is NO!!! TVN uses WDT just like CTV will now use WDT. If anyone has anymore questions I encourage you to post them here to Scott or Steve.

 

[Steve Miller]

Here is the official press release from WDT. It can be found HERE.
Subscribers were notified this morning via email. If you are a ChaserTV subscriber and did not get a copy, please check your spam folder. Even more info can be found at http://www.ChaserTV.com

Norman, OK, January 25, 2011 – Weather industry leader Weather Decision Technologies Inc., (WDT) has acquired ChaserTV, a network of professional storm chasers in the United States, Europe and Asia. The network is the largest subscription-based service of its kind, bringing live, severe weather video to an online interactive site http://chasertv.com and in turn supporting advanced weather warnings and notifications across the world.

Founded in 2008, Chaser TV has grown rapidly to include 150+ dedicated members who regularly submit streaming video and help local weather offices and the public when severe weather strikes. The network’s interactive site includes an innovative video display, known as “The Wall,†which allows media companies to view live video streams occurring simultaneously across severe weather zones.

“We are excited to add ChaserTV to our growing portfolio of high quality severe weather services for media companies,†said Mike Eilts, President and CEO of WDT. “ChaserTV is not only the largest network of its kind, it’s a network with a very proud tradition of superior customer service,†said Eilts.

Unlike other storm chasing networks, ChaserTV not only offers the video wall, but innovative features like auto-restart and the exclusive Media Access Key,†said Steve Miller, Partner at ChaserTV. “Most of all, our chaser members are offered world class support, available 24/7 every day. We are proud of the community we have built and the service we provide, and none of that is going to change with this acquisition,†said Miller.

WDT is acquiring the network from Bennett Miller, LLP. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Bennett Miller, LLP
Bennett Miller, LLP is a holding company focusing on multimedia technology, specifically, live breaking news and weather. The company maintains and accesses a vast network of servers capable of delivering live and stored on-demand video and syndicated programming for primary use by networks and network affiliates. The company delivers multimedia content to thousands of simultaneous viewers. Bennett Miller maintains corporate offices in Oklahoma City and technical offices in Omaha.

About Weather Decision Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Weather Decision Technologies has become a global leader in providing state-of-the-science weather detection, nowcasting, and forecasting systems and services to our partners and customers. WDT's iMap services provide dynamic, web-based and mobile interactive mapping solutions for the world's leading local media companies. WDT maintains operational and international offices in Norman, Oklahoma, and Atlanta, Georgia. http://www.wdtinc.com.

For more information:
Matthew R. Piette
Weather Decision Technologies, Inc.
Tel: 405.579.7675 Ext. 271
Mobile: 512.736.8316
mpiette @ wdtinc.com

 

[Steve Miller]

I too would like to thank everyone for making ChaserTV what it is today. Scott and I put in a lot of hours over the past couple years. Without the quality content provided by an outstanding subscriber-base, we would be in a much different situation. I'd also like to thank the viewers. Obviously without viewers there is no reason for chasers to want to use the service to begin with!
Moving forward, WDT will continue with the ChaserTV brand. Current subscribers may opt into the iMap tracker or use CTV as they always have. MAK codes still work, third party brokers are still in business and the most important building block of this business model is in place; 24/7 customer support by a team of WDT developers. I want to be clear that CTV is not in any way, merging with TVN. They simply use WDT's iMap to deliver content.

Scott and I want to assure you we have taken this step very seriously and have covered all the bases to guarantee subscribers and viewers will enjoy the same experience they always have with ChaserTV. We wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Scott Hammel]

This is really great news, so congrats to both of you guys! I cannot wait to opt in to the iMap tracker. It's a win-win for everyone. Chasers get more exposure with their stream, and the viewers get more ways to watch it. Excellent stuff guys!

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

Congrats guys!

I'll probably be signing up for ChaserTV in the next few days

 

[J Brooks]

Big congrats on this move Steve and Scott! I'm definitely opting in to the iMap tracker when it becomes available.

 

[Bill Tabor]

Will ChaserTv members receive ad revenue from WDT IMap ads running on their streams?

How will IMap display the separate ChaserTv and TVN chasers? Will their be a separate IMap for each?

 

[Scott Bennett]

Will ChaserTv members receive ad revenue from WDT IMap ads running on their streams?
Yes if they opt in otherwise CTV remains the same

How will IMap display the separate ChaserTv and TVN chasers? Will their be a separate IMap for each?
The ChaserTV logo will be used place of where the TVN one is now if the streamer is on CTV.

Obviously all depending on what map you look at... I am not a expert so I am trying to fill in best I can.
There are many iMaps and chasers can embargo stations and maps so many of the maps will be different.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

ChaserTV members will need to opt into the iMap to receive revenue, since that is how ads are displayed.

 

[JR Hehnly]

Will ChaserTv members receive ad revenue from WDT IMap ads running on their streams?

Just to clarify how this works for TVN and will work for ChaserTV streamers, the revenue paid to the streamers is based on the length of time people watch the streams (what we call "viewer minutes) and is paid whether or not any ads run on the streams. WDT intends to have ads running so that we can finance this, but all the streamer needs to make money are viewers. We don't like ads either, so we continue fine-tuning our system to show the fewest and least obtrusive ads, but still generate enough revenue to pay the streamers.

 

[Skip Talbot]

I agree that this is a positive changeover.

When I left TVN for CTV, one of the things I missed having was the iMap tracker. It was a really neat feature, and I'm excited to see that we have it back again. The main reason I joined CTV, favoring it over TVN, however, was for the close knit community and the eye-to-eye leadership and openness Scott and Steve had with that community. They were out there chasing with us, hung out with us, and if we ever had a problem or comment, they were available to listen. It was like we were all on the same level and in it together. I was little skeptical at first when I heard about the aquisition, fearing that the suits over at WDT would eventually steer CTV in a new direction and impose their corporate policies on the streamers. After talking with Scott and Steve, however, it seems like they have worked very hard in ensuring that CTV retains its identity and that the streamers not only get to keep what they have, but have several new opportunities opening up for them as well such as ad revenue sharing, and the iMap Tracker. CTV was already the best of the streaming options with innovative features and the best group of streamers, but these are powerful features that will make CTV even better. In my opinion, there is little incentive left now to choose anything else. I'll be a little sad now that Steve and Scott aren't calling the shots over at CTV, but we can't be dependent on these guys for everything. They've put way too much of their time into CTV, and they need to be able to go out and chase, and do what makes them happy. Overall, I'm excited for the new doors opening here, I'm glad I have access again to features like the iMap tracker, I'm happy for Steve and Scott, and I'm hopeful that WDT preserves the CTV community and maintains the awesome level of support, openness, and chaser orientated focus that Scott and Steve worked hard to create.

 

[Jason Foster]

Wow...now understand about some inquires I was receiving, and suspect a few others likely received prior to this (of course it could just have been coincidence too). Good things come to those that wait, and wait I did.

I had inquired about the previous program that CTV had regarding ad revenue, but it didn't seem fruitful and was 'hinted' at something better coming. I am curious as to the level of revenue the iMap could bring...although I'd be surprised if it's much, but money is money sometimes...right...especially if you are doing the iMap thing anyway.

One thing I'll have to re-read is all the terms of service and agreements and such (always good to refresh the memory). As TVN has been mentioned, I know they talk about bonuses and such for top stringers and such....wonder if that would ever be considered. Probably not since TVN does things a lot different. I reviewed them, but could never see them as more than support system for Timmer's business. I feel more freedom and independence with CTV....which many of you know I was very critical of when all this streaming stuff started. Bennett and Miller have done a good job enhancing the system. I am a little unsure of the future, but for now...I like it.

Maybe one of the two of you guys and tell us a little bit more on the roles each of you play, and if that is changing, and any future plans you can talk about. Also...how is the overall Management tree now structured with WDT doing the buyout?