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BOSTON – June 21, 2005 – The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub
Association (IHRSA) announced today that IdeaCast, Inc., a Chicago-based company specializing in television broadcasting, has been named the official satellite/cable TV provider of IHRSA.
IdeaCast will be introducing an exclusive program for IHRSA member clubs that will provide clubs with free satellite or cable TV service. This program will only be available to clubs that are IHRSA members.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring to our members and the club industry this great new benefit,” said John McCarthy, IHRSA executive director. “This program will annually save clubs hundreds, perhaps even several thousand dollars. And the program is set up to provide a no-risk opportunity.”
IdeaCast has purchased the health club channel distribution rights to several major cable networks, including CNN, CNBC, ESPN, and other well-known networks. Clubs will receive identical and simultaneous programming that all recipients of those networks receive.
“The only difference will be the commercials,” said Fred Smith, president of IdeaCast. “Our company will sell the commercial time, assuring health club viewers a more relevant commercial message.”
IdeaCast will provide participating clubs with free equipment, installation and programming. Clubs are encouraged to continue to use their current satellite/cable provider and run the IdeaCast programming parallel for several months.
“We will be adding networks continually over the next four to six months,” said Smith.
There is no cost clubs to receive IdeaCast equipment and programming. In other words, those monthly fees to other satellite/cable providers will go away.
“We are thrilled to be acknowledged by IHRSA as providers of an important industry service,” said Smith. “We are absolutely certain that we’ve developed a money-saving program for clubs that will actually be worth more in hard dollars than their IHRSA membership.”
There are two requirements for clubs to receive this free service. First, there’s a fully refundable $100 security deposit for the installation/equipment. Second, clubs will need to report their monthly traffic numbers (confidentially) in order for IdeaCast to provide evidence of potential viewer ship to advertisers.
Clubs interested in the free IdeaCast service can enroll by logging onto www.ihrsa.org/ideacast or by contacting IHRSA’s Brooke Basile at 1-800-228-4772 ext.173 or bdb@ihrsa.org.
ABOUT IDEACAST, INC.
IdeaCast, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in the free-commercial cable television. IdeaCast markets and sells national advertising time to advertisers of premium products and services across its ad-supported cable networks. Using its private satellite distribution system, IdeaCast integrates commercials targeted for key demographic consumers into the programming and delivers this modified feed to health clubs nationwide. For further information visit www.ideacast.net or call 1-312-988-4115.
ABOUT IHRSA
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to the growth, protection, and promotion of the health club industry, and represents more than 7,000 clubs worldwide. IHRSA is an international leader in health club industry education and research.
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