CBS Syncs Up New Second Screen App

CBS Connect iPad app offers social media tools and second screen experiences for TV viewing

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/3/2013 11:36:06 AM

CBS is launching a new free second screen iPad app for its programming that allows viewers to access a variety of social media tools for all of its daytime, primetime and late-night programming. The app also offers additional synchronized content and interactive features for three of its popular dramas, with more to follow.

The new CBS Connect app will initially offer synced second-screen content for CSI, Hawaii Five-0, and NCIS: Los Angeles. The network reports that more shows will be added later.

The app includes the same social TV tools as CBS.com's popular CBS Connect social hub. These allow fans to chat with other fans or CBS stars and view Twitter and Facebook feeds for its shows.

In addition, CBS Connect will host exclusive social events and regular live chats with CBS stars and creative talent. During these events, talent will chat with fans and take questions submitted through the CBS Connect platform, the network reports.

As previously reported, CBS had been planning to build on the success of its online CBS Connect social hub and its second screen app for NCIS: Los Angeles Connect app with additional second screen efforts. With the new app, the network has moved to aggregate all of those experiences in one place.

The second screen content and experiences for the three dramas are programmed by the shows' own writers and producers.

The app's sync functions work with live TV, on-demand or programs that had been recorded on a DVR.

The first synchronized experiences on CBS Connect app will be available on NCIS: Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. ET.

"We've seen a tremendous response to CBS.com's CBS Connect social hub and our recently launched NCIS: Los Angeles Connect app," said Marc DeBevoise, executive VP and general manager of CBS Interactive in a statement. "Seeing fans embrace the second screen in this way has further validated our multi-platform strategy and we're excited to bring fans one app that sits across CBS programming where they can engage in discussion, connect with their favorite CBS stars and talent, and dive deeper into each and every episode of the shows they love."

In addition to its social elements and second-screen experiences, the CBS Connect app includes new episode previews, video clips, photo galleries, behind-the-scenes access, special events and the ability to view CBS's full primetime schedule, the network reports.