NTV is proud to announce that "Wild FANtasista", its double screen social cheering tool, was selected to become one of three finalists in the Best Branded Sports Social TV Award category of the 2013 Sports Social TV Awards held on May 29, 2013 in Los Angeles. "Wild FANtasista" was implemented during live broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012 tournament, presented by TOYOTA.

The Sports Social TV Awards, held for the first time this year, received over 300 entries from media players such as the four major American television networks and sports channels. Only the best sports broadcasts and social media integrated initiatives were nominated to become finalists.

NTV's "Wild FANtasista" was the only finalist from outside the United States. We are truly honored that our social TV initiative was highly regarded in the country that leads the rest of the pack in the field of social media.

"Wild FANtasista" was implemented on the "JoinTV" platform, which is a program-linked social interactive application that NTV developed. Viewers participate on their smart phones or through the data broadcast on TV. After the game starts, participants hit "GO!" repeatedly. The more they hit "GO!", the higher their heat point rises, and the higher their heat point rises, the higher up they go in the levels. Participants receive titles such as "Apprentice FANtasista" and "Hard-Core FANtasista" according to their heat level. Moreover, during key moments of the game such as the kickoff, goals, and additional time, "Wild Time" is activated and participants get to earn a lot more points.

We also succeeded in keeping our viewers engaged and excited during commercials by activating "Bonus Time" during the TOYOTA Prius ad shown at the halftime of every match, which allowed participants to rack up tons of heat points.

Double screen participation through smart phones and data broadcast.

Participation during commercials is also possible.

Visit the "Wild FANtasista" homepage (in Japanese): http://www.ntv.co.jp/fcwc/nekkyo/

At NTV, we are committed to leveraging our JoinTV platform to develop interactive content that provides viewers with new and exciting experiences when watching programs and commercials.