'Extra' host launches social TV venture

Menounos She might be most widely known as host of syndie newsmag "Extra," but Maria Menounos continues to be silently creating a different type of brand since the entertainment world.Menounos may be the sole backer of AfterBuzz TV, a web-based network formally starting Monday. The web site is continuing to grow enough in beta mode over its first 10 several weeks to draw in new close ties with Microsoft internet search engine Bing and movies online specialist Akamai.Afterbuzz rides the coattails close to 40 of TV's most widely used primetime series online as rapidly as 10-fifteen minutes after each episode's original airdate having a live webcast transmitting from the La HQ for fans to dissect the things they just viewed. The venture utilizes a roster of hosts who moderate discussions which include fans who are able to get in touch with or weigh in from chat rooms in addition to visitors from each side from the camera around the shows being talked about.This past year, Afterbuzz held an active screening from the "Breaking Bad" season finale with stars in the series with you including Aaron Paul, who became a member of Menounos for any publish-episode conversation. But it is audio podcasts of Afterbuzz implies that have demonstrated even accepted the live webinars, which might be expected because of the significant part of audiences who might be watching their most favorite shows days later via VOD or Digital recording device.The series which are typically the most popular draws on Afterbuzz -- USA's "WWE Raw," MTV's "Jersey Shoreline" and FX's "American Horror Story" rank as top points of interest -- can yield between 250,000-500,000 downloads on iTunes."I do believe strongly in digital media being the near future,Inch stated Menounos who runs AfterBuzz with Keven Undergaro, someone in her own production company. "Like a passionate TV fan, it was something I simply needed to do."Menounos also hopes to provide Afterbuzz a lift like a cast member around the approaching season of ABC's "Dwts.Inch It will likely be the very first series her company may have a correspondent based within the production and she or he intends to do Afterbuzz periods after each "Dancing" episode using the periodic contribution of fellow castmates (should she remain on the series lengthy enough).While she adds towards the periodic program, most AfterBuzz programming is located by 100s of various TV fans attracted in the scores of stars, comics along with other industry types residing in La.Msn can come on like a sponsor prior to additional integrations between your two qualities. Another is by using movies online specialist Akamai takes over hosting responsibilities for audio and video versions of AfterBuzz programming.Whether streaming live or installing later, all Afterbuzz programs have the freedom to eat. And also the consumption is originating from around the globe because of the recognition of U.S. Tv show in overseas marketplaces. Next on Afterbuzz agenda may be the launch of the application to take advantage of the growing number of its audience watching and listening from wireless products. The venture has extended to covering movies right after their release.Afterbuzz is staking out territory that an increasing number of Television channels are beginning to create themselves. MTV, Bravo, AMC and Lifetime are some of the nets recently who've given existing hits their very own companion implies that air immediately after. The venture also finds itself increasing like a cottage industry of social-TV online companies attempt to grab share of the market from the conversation surrounding hit TV programming. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com