Twitter, Comcast Create New TV Feature

9 Oct, 2013 By: Chris Tribbey

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Comcast and Twitter Oct. 9 announced a new partnership that allows users of Comcast Xfinity TV Everywhere platform to immediately watch or record TV shows, sporting events and movies on Twitter via a new feature, dubbed “See It.”

See It will launch in November with shows from NBC Universal’s networks. Twitter also announced a new advertising partnership with NBC Universal that will embed real-time video clips in Tweets.

“Twitter is where TV viewers come to talk about what they’re watching on TV when they’re watching it,” said Twitter CEO Dick Costolo. “Millions of users are exposed to the live conversation that unfolds on Twitter while a show is on the air and now, with See It, they’ll be able to tune in directly from a tweet. It’s a great example of Comcast’s leadership in bringing TV to new platforms.”

Twitter will host real-time conversations around live broadcasts, allowing Twitter users subscribed to Comcast to tune-in with one click. Users will be able to access VOD, watch shows on mobile devices, set their DVRs, and buy movie tickets through Fandango.

“See It is a simple yet powerful feature that creates an instant online remote control,” said Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast. “Comcast is taking a leap forward in social TV by enabling Twitter users to more easily find and view the shows they want to watch and discover new shows. Twitter complements the live viewing experience and is an ideal partner for Comcast and NBC Universal.”

NBC, NBC Sports Network, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Syfy, Bravo, Oxygen, E!, Esquire Network and The Golf Channel will be the first channels to carry the feature. Twitter users will be able to access the following shows and sporting events first: “The Voice,” “The Blacklist,” “Chicago Fire,” “The Michael J. Fox Show,” “Sunday Night Football,” “Access Hollywood,” NHL, Premier League Soccer, the Sochi Olympics, “Today Show,” “Psych” and “Suits.”

Comcast and Twitter are in discussions with other video distribution partners, TV networks and websites to carry the See It feature.

Regarding the NBC Universal and Twitter advertising partnership, the companies said NBC Sports Group will be the first NBC Universal property to participate, delivering Premier League short-form video highlights sponsored by General Electric.

“NBC Universal’s content is driving the most popular conversations in social media,” said NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke. “Now with this partnership, our advertisers will be able to reach even more of the specific audiences that they desire.”

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