Commentary

Akoo Snares Big University Partners

Akoo, which operates a digital out-of-home "social music television network" in mall food courts and college dining facilities, announced deals giving it access to a raft of new university common areas across the country, including heavily trafficked student unions, large dining areas, and recreational centers. The new partnerships add a potential 330,000 college undergrads to Akoo's estimated 64.5 million monthly viewers. Although a relatively small increment compared to the total audience base (increasing it by just 0.5%), the college cohort is a prime, much-sought demo.

Akoo has deals with the University of Colorado, Boulder; George Mason University in Virginia; the University of Kentucky; the University of Utah; the University of Tennessee; Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.; Tulane University and Grambling State University in Louisiana; Bowling Green State University in Ohio; the University Center of Chicago (which serves Roosevelt, Columbia, and De Paul); and Southern Illinois University.

Akoo's network of digital displays show music videos and other entertainment content, allowing viewers to choose programming by using their mobile devices as remote controls. The company has licensing deals giving it access to music video content from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI. It also offers viewers live performances, exclusive interviews with performers, and a social network component, encouraging viewers to engage with location-based social media via free WiFi.

In January Akoo announced the launch of several major branded entertainment and advertising campaigns for clients including Best Buy, 20 Century Fox and gaming console and quick-service restaurant brands.

Next story loading loading..