Horizon Media Partners With Backchannelmedia to Use First Ever TV-to-Internet Click Through Advertising Platform for MGM Grand at Foxwoods Launch Campaign

Horizon Media, the largest independent media services agency in America and the fastest growing in the industry is partnering with Backchannelmedia, an innovative technology that unites the engaging experience of watching high-definition TV with the instantaneous access to information only the Internet can provide. MGM Grand at Foxwoods will be the first Horizon Media client and first advertiser in general to utilize this first-to-market media strategy. Hearst-Argyle owned ABC affiliate WCVB-DT Channel 5 in Boston will be the first broadcast TV station to work with Backchannelmedia and Horizon’s clients on utilizing this new technology.

“We’re constantly seeking out innovative and creative media strategies for our clients and I’m excited about this new partnership with Backchannelmedia that will begin mid-2008,” said Bill Koenigsberg, president and CEO of Horizon Media.

“From the start, Horizon Media has embraced our technology of linking the robust digital television platform to the application environment of the Internet,” said Michael Kokernak, Co-CEO of Backchannelmedia and primary inventor of the system. “It is a thrilling day for Backchannelmedia and its employees to welcome Horizon Media, and their client MGM Grand at Foxwoods, as the first advertising agency and television advertiser to launch on what we believe will be a groundbreaking event for the industry and the American television viewing audience.”

To support the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods opening May 17, 2008, Horizon Media will be running a multi-channel, cross market media campaign utilizing Local Television, Local Radio, Out-of-Home, Sports Partnerships and Local Print. This launch campaign is set to kick off this month.

“We’re thrilled to integrate Backchannelmedia’s ‘new’ communication capabilities with our multi-media channel approach to add to the support of the new brand launch. This approach will help to create a unique awareness for MGM Grand at Foxwoods that will ultimately make it the premiere gaming destination in the Northeast,” said Rob Kalman, Brand Group Director at Horizon Media.

About Horizon Media
Founded in 1989, Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest U.S. independent media services company. Dedicated to helping clients sell products and build brands through insightful marketing counsel, media-neutral strategic planning and effective negotiation and placement, Horizon’s exceptional holistic approach to brand marketing and development has resulted in estimated billings of $1.8 billion and established the company as the fastest growing agency in the industry. Headquartered in New York City with a full service office in Los Angeles, Horizon also has offices in Orlando, San Diego and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Horizon is also the founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.horizonmedia.com.

About Backchannelmedia
Boston-based Backchannelmedia Inc. (www.backchannelmedia.com) was founded in 2000. Backchannelmedia has developed technology that can be embedded into existing set-top boxes currently found in many TV viewer homes that allows the viewer to forward or “bookmark” their interests from TV to the online world. That interactive technology combined with the Backchannelmedia Portal on the Internet creates a secure link between the TV and Internet platforms. This secure link can be used to create a richer viewing experience for the TV viewer by linking it to content and e-commerce on the Internet. Backchannelmedia’s opt-in solution answers TV viewer concerns for increased online privacy by extending controls to the viewer for the television experience. Backchannelmedia’s patent pending technology can be deployed in consumer electronics equipment, television sets, over the air receivers, cable head-ends, switched digital video and network DVR technologies, direct broadcast providers, as well as a multitude of devices and delivery providers.

About MGM Grand at Foxwoods
The highly anticipated MGM Grand at Foxwoods will feature 825 luxurious guest rooms, 115,000 square feet of meeting space, 4,000-seat MGM Grand Theater, 21,000-square-foot spa, celebrity chef restaurants, high-end retail and a state-of-the-art casino when it debuts in May 2008. Adding another distinctive gaming and entertainment destination, the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods will be Connecticut’s third largest resort casino, evocative of the Las Vegas landmark: grand in every sense; classically elegant and refreshingly one-of-a-kind. The must-see MGM Grand at Foxwoods will enjoy the same amenities as Foxwoods Resort Casino, including access to Lake of Isles, featuring two, 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Rees Jones and a state-of-the-art Golf Academy. The property is easily accessible from Boston, New York, Hartford and Providence. For more information, call 1-866-MGM-0050 or visit www.mgmatfoxwoods.com.

About Foxwoods
North America’s largest casino, Foxwoods Resort Casinor is located in the rolling hills of southeastern Connecticut and is easily accessible from Boston, New York, Hartford and Providence. Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods features six casinos with more than 7,200 slots, 380 table games, the only WPT World Poker Room in New England, High Stakes Bingo and Ultimate Race Book. There are 1,416 guest rooms and suites in three hotels, more than 30 restaurants, a luxurious spa, more than 50,000 square feet of premium meeting and event space, 24 retail shops and five entertainment venues, including the 1,400-seat Fox Theatre. Conveniently located adjacent to Foxwoods is Lake of Isles, featuring two, 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Rees Jones and a state-of-the-art Golf Academy Foxwoods supports responsible gaming, and plays a leadership role in the Connecticut Council of Problem Gambling, of which it was a founding entity. For more information, call (800) FOXWOODS or visit www.foxwoods.com.

Primary Contact:
Terry Frechette
(781) 782-5791
[email protected]

Secondary Contact:
Cindy Riccio
Director of Communications
Horizon Media, Inc.
(212) 309-7906
[email protected]