NBC Taking iCue To Facebook

Launching game to test web surfers' current affairs knowledge.

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/20/2008 7:09:00 AM EST

Its news, its an online game, its an ad vehicle. It's all those things as NBC works to drill down to where the viewers and ad consumers live.

NBC News said Thursday it is launching trivia game, “What's your iCue,” as an application on Facebook. It was developed by the educational arm of NBC news, NBC Learn, that created www.icue.com, the social network for students geared to NBC News content.

NBC will tap its news archives to test surfers’ current affairs IQ, with Lexus along for the ride as the exclusive ad partner.

Media companies and advertisers are increasingly using social networks to reach media consumers where they live, which for many is online.

The application is a video incorporating NBC News archival clips, as well as questions on current events and "iconic" stories. Scores are based on how rapidly answers are given, set against a 30-second clock.

NBC will also make full-length news videos available via a "flipable" Cue Card player. Facebook members are encouraged to play each other and set up teams.

B&C Schmooze July 6, 2009

Photos from around the TV industry compiled by B&C.

MSNBC's Hi-Def Rollout

MSNBC launches in high definition June 29 following major overhauls to its New York City control room and Washington D.C. studio. View images of the new control room and screenshots of the new HD picture for dayside programming. (Photos courtesy of NBC Universal)

OnDemand Media Summit

Scenes from the B&C and Multichannel News OnDemand Summit in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 10, 2009. Photos by Joshua Kristal (www.joshuakristal.com).

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