By Claire Reilly
SYDNEY, NSW: Following the release of its Smart TV range in April this year, LG Electronics yesterday announced partnerships with SBS and Fairfax Media for the provision of content, building on the existing apps available from Fox Sports.
Cycling fans will be rejoicing LG’s union with SBS – just in time for the start of the world’s most famous cycling race, SBS and LG will be releasing a dedicated Tour de France app.
Due to be released at the beginning of July, the app will allow users to stream races directly to their LG Smart TV.
Adam Sadler, NSW sales manager, SBS, said the partnership would bring quality content to direct to LG users. “The Tour de France is one of the most exciting and fast paced sports competitions in the world, and we’re excited to be partnering with LG to bring all the action to living rooms all around Australia,” he said.
“The new and innovative features mean that even though the event is taking place on the other side of the world, and in the middle of the night our time, viewers need not miss out on anything anymore.”
The app will allow users to customise the content they want to watch, whether that’s “action-packed replays, interviews, images or factual information such as maps, distances, stage results, and the latest standings.”
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For those who like to stay up-to-date with a different medium, LG has joined with Fairfax Media to bring a range of content from Fairfax publications to LG Smart TVs.
Building on Fairfax’s existing online presence, the new partnership will allow users to access content from publications such as the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age or WA Today, as well as additional web-only content.
Speaking about the new Fairfax-LG joint venture was Jane Huxley, CEO and Digital Publisher, Fairfax Media.
“The rapid proliferation of new internet-enabled devices is an important shift in the digital landscape. We are excited to partner with LG on this strategic initiative,” said Huxley. “The combination of this innovative new platform with our trusted brands and high quality journalism will extend our news experience into the living rooms of many Australians.”
“We look forward to continuing this partnership with LG through subsequent releases and will be watching the development and evolution of these new digital platforms with keen interest.”
In addition to the new SBS and Fairfax content, Fox Sports’ rugby and tennis apps are available for immediate use on the LG Smart TV range.
According to Jon Marquard, chief operating officer, Fox Sports, these apps have “exceeded expectations”.
“Our Rugby and Grand Slam tennis applications demonstrate our ability to provide integrated products that leverage our market leadership in vision, stats and cross-platform distribution,” said Marquard.
The apps will allow sports fans to watch replays of Super Rugby, Tri-Nations rugby and Grand Slam Tennis matches on demand, and to access statistics and highlights from each sporting event.