When you ask people what sort of information they want at their fingertips, news about the local community almost always comes up at the top of the list. Verizon FiOS TV is giving subscribers more ways to get the local information, entertainment, weather and sports that matters most.
Since we first started offering FiOS TV, customers have been able to quickly check local traffic and weather with Widgets. We’ve added other Widgets for news, sports and weather. Click the Widgets button on your remote control and useful real-time information pops up on your TV screen. In addition, since 2007, FiOS TV customers in the Washington, D.C., area have enjoyed our FiOS1 local channel bringing them local weather, sports, news and community features.
Now, FiOS TV subscribers on Long Island and in northern New Jersey can tune to their own FiOS1 channels for local information about people, news and what’s happening in these regions. FiOS1 is a different kind of channel – where the community is the star.
Viewers will, of course, find local news, weather, traffic and sports on these channels. In both areas, we’re partnering with Regional News Network (RNN). We’ll also draw on resources such as Rutgers University and The Star-Ledger in New Jersey and North Shore – LIJ Health System on Long Island for programming tied directly to their communities.
Because so many families have kids who play high school sports, FiOS1 will carry games throughout the school year. On Long Island, we will air full-length high school games from Nassau and Suffolk counties for the entire 36 weeks of the school year. The games will include both boys and girls sports. This week, we are airing the Nassau County Division ABC boys lacrosse championships from Hofstra University.
In New Jersey, we have partnered with the Star-Ledger and NJ.com to produce a high school game of the week for the entire 36 weeks of the school year along with the exclusive rights to the New Jersey state high school playoffs and championships. This week, we are airing the Tournament of Champions New Jersey state championships for boys and girls lacrosse from Rutgers University.
FiOS1 will also air local features produced by a team of mobile journalists called “Mo-Jos,” who are already out covering stories. They’re equipped with Verizon’s latest wireless technology so the interviews and stories can be sent from anywhere and get on their air more quickly. There’s also a user-generated show called “Photo ID,” in which local residents can submit photos about themselves. It’s all those biography programs you’ve seen gone local.
We’re excited to bring FiOS1 to our customers on Long Island and in northern New Jersey, and we’d like to know how you like it.