Proteus to Drive Wireless Voting For TLCs TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE

Proteus, a leading producer and developer of wireless applications, today announced that it has been selected to develop a new text message voting solution for TLCs newest television series TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE, which premiered Sunday, March 7 from 7 to 9 PM (ET/PT).

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) March 12, 2004 - Proteus, a leading producer and developer of wireless applications, today announced that it has been selected to develop a new voting solution for TLCs newest television series TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE, which premiered Sunday, March 7 from 7 to 9 PM (ET/PT).

TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE pits neighbor against neighbor in an elimination-style tournament to win their mortgage paid off. Each week, homeowners will go head-to-head in unexpected challenges that test their design mettle, perseverance and personal styles. Viewers will vote online, through a toll-free number, and via text messaging on their mobile phone for their favorite neighbors to move to the next round. As part of TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE, Proteus will work closely with TLC to develop and implement a major wireless voting and sweepstakes initiative entitled TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE VIEWER SWEEPSTAKES. The sweepstakes will engage TLC viewers by offering a chance to win their mortgage by entering via online (viewers can access by going to Discovery.com and clicking on TLC), text message or mail.

The initiative will leverage Proteus deep understanding of the wireless market and experience implementing large-scale campaigns. Additionally, TLC will have access to Proteus network of operator partners, which includes relationships with AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

''Proteus provides a unique combination of technical and creative abilities,'' said Bill Allman, senior vice president and general manager of Discovery Interactive Media at Discovery Networks, U.S. ''We are confident those qualities will ensure that TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE viewers have an opportunity to participate through the world of wireless technology.''

''As an industry leader, Discovery has always recognized the importance of developing and delivering innovative programs for their viewers,'' said Patrick McQuown, president of Proteus. ''We look forward to helping Discovery continue that tradition and pioneer new and exciting ways to leverage wireless technology.''

To participate in the TRADING SPACES: HOME FREE VIEWERS SWEEPSTAKES, viewers can either pre-register online at www.discovery.com and click on TLC or simply send a text message to common short code 85288(TLCTV) indicating their vote. Each subsequent week the online winners will be revealed and ushered into the next round.

About TLC:
TLC is the only television network that uses real-life storytelling to connect over 93 million viewers in North America to the breadth of the human experience. Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc., operates and manages the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, the Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery HD Theater, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery Wings Channel, Discovery en Espanol and FitTV. The unit also distributes BBC AMERICA. Visit TLC on the web by going to www.discovery.com and clicking on TLC.

About Proteus:
Proteus is a leading provider of wireless applications and carrier connectivity to the global content community.  Founded in 1996, Proteus has pioneered the use of revenue-generating audience interactivity using mobile phones, including live-to-air SMS (short messaging service). Proteus' broadcast partners include FOX Sports, ABC Enhanced Television, Univision, and Discovery Communications, and some of the popular programs that have utilized Proteus' services include NFL, MLB, and NASCAR on FOX, ABC's Emmy-nominated The View: His & Her Body Test, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and TLC's Trading Spaces: Home Free. Proteus' proprietary mobile development platform enables media and content owners to quickly and cost-effectively take advantage of the numerous mobile distribution opportunities available, including SMS, MMS, WAP, J2ME, and BREW, while leveraging Proteus' direct relationships with all of the major U.S. wireless carriers.  Proteus is based in Washington, D.C., and has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
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