social TV
Social TV is a technology that enables viewers to exchange views and express their opinions via social networks during the broadcast. The underlying technology requires the media user to have TV reception and Internet access. Technologically, the trend is therefore toward smart TV, or hybrid TV, which supports both technologies.
Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are available for interaction between viewers and TV producers, as are blogs, discussion forums and chats, and apps for smartphones and tablet PCs. Viewers can talk and interact during and after the broadcast. Communicating and sharing information about a show can have a positive impact on viewer engagement and the success of a show, and can drive viral spread following tell-a-friend.
Social TV is already very widespread in Anglo-Saxon countries and is also used for viral marketing. In the USA, there are TV shows on which several million comments are made.
In social TV, the viewers are confronted with advertisements via the TV makers, which focus on joint actions: At fan parties promoted by the TV broadcasters, where viewers meet in venues to celebrate together or for discussion sessions. On the other hand, the TV stations can also have the program voted on and make appropriate corrections.