Youtoo TV, the new network that has replaced AmericanLife TV Network, has obtained carriage on Comcast's Houston, Texas, system, reaching 385,000 subscribers, and is bringing a custom-built video booth to the Galleria mall there on Saturday (Oct. 29) that will let visitors upload short videos of themselves onto the network, the channel said.
"We think it will be successful, because we know people really want to be on television," Chris Wyatt, the channel's CEO, said.
Shandi Finnessey, a former Miss USA, will be on hand to help attract people to the booth, where the network will collect leads for Comcast to potentially sign up new subscribers.
Youtoo's concept is to put up to 500 people per day on the network, via 15-second videos ("fame spots") they can upload from their computers or mobile devices. The spots are used as interstitial programming during shows. The booth will facilitate that process, creating the look and feel of a TV studio, Wyatt said.
Participants will be emailed to know when their spot will be on the network, and to see it on the network's Web site. The network plans to buy local ads publicizing the event, he said.
A Comcast Houston spokesman told Multichannel News: "In an effort to deliver high quality programming that best meets the needs of our customers, we regularly evaluate our channel lineup. We're thrilled to bring Youtoo's interactive television content involving the 2nd and 3rd screen experience to our customers in Houston. The kick-off event will be a lot of fun and give viewers a chance to actually participate in television programming and interact with millions on national television."
