10/26/06

Online Video Network wins AP's 2006 Chairman's Prize

NEW YORK -- The team responsible for creating AP's new online video network has won The Associated Press' 2006 Chairman's Prize.

Jim Kathman, Director of Marketing & Strategy, AP Broadcast, and his 23-member team were honored for creating the service. The Online Video Network is based on a free, ad-supported business model in a partnership with Microsoft, which sells the advertising and provides the video player.

The service, which was brought to the market earlier this year, features unique content with video packages specifically designed for the Web. The contributors on the team will receive $1,000 each.

The winner was announced Oct. 25 by AP Board Chairman Burl Osborne at the annual AP Staff Recognition awards dinner at the news cooperative's headquarters.

The Chairman's Prize was created in 2004 to stimulate staff innovation that advances AP and journalism. The prize is named after the current chairman and past chairs Frank Batten, Frank Daniels, William Keating and Donald Newhouse.

The runner-up was asap, a creative multimedia service to help the AP membership reach the elusive 18-34 demographic group of readers. The 46 contributors will receive $500 apiece for their role in the success of the service.

"The winning AP teams delivered breakthrough products that have helped members and showcased important content initiatives," said AP President and CEO Tom Curley.

About The Associated Press
The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the largest and most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.
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On the Net:

The Associated Press
http://www.ap.org

AP Online Video Network
http://www.ap.org/ovn/

asap
http://www.ap.org/asap/index.html



Contact: Jack Stokes, AP Corporate Communications, 212.621.1720