Auction Network Delivers Sport, Spirit of Live Auction in Hi-Def via Internet Broadcast

Auction Network Delivers Sport, Spirit of Live Auction in Hi-Def via Internet Broadcast

Showcases platform during Feb. 8 live webcast of Grammy(R) charity auction presented by Julien's Auctions to benefit MusiCares

TULSA, Okla., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A front row seat at a live televised competition with the power to win at your fingertips. That's Auction Network, recently launched as the first 24/7 multi-media network devoted to the $270 billion global auction industry.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080206/CLW119 )

Everyone from the enthusiast to the causal bidder can participate real-time in more than 20 categories of auctions taking place worldwide, including the live webcast of the Grammy(R) charity auction to benefit MusiCares on Friday, February 8. This invitation-only event presented by Julien's Auctions features an auction of personal items from the lives and performing careers of some of the world's most accomplished musicians. For the first time in the event's history, music fans anywhere will be able to go to http://www.auctionnetwork.com/ and bid in real-time on items ranging from Frank Sinatra's personal letters and Slash's guitar to a pink Cadillac in honor of Aretha Franklin, the 2008 MusiCares "Person of the Year."

"Auction Network saw a tremendous opportunity in the multi-billion dollar global auction market to make the fast-paced excitement of live auctions available to more people through a variety of media platforms," says Auction Network CEO and founder Pam McKissick, who is a television industry veteran and former President and COO of TV Guide Television Group and TV Guide Networks. "This launch demonstrates our ability to deliver high-definition entertainment with secure, instant bidding features that will successfully cross over into our broadcast and mobile strategy."

According to Auction Network General Manager Fontana Fitzwilson, the company made a significant investment in its proprietary interactive platform to ensure bidders the pace and immediacy equivalent to being in person at an auction event. "We have an unmatched ability to provide high-definition live streaming video in tandem with enterprise-level security for transactions, management of multiple currencies, and real time tallying of bids from around the world," says Fitzwilson. "We believe this model not only provides a secure, exciting entertainment venue for online viewers, but advertisers have the chance to effectively target niche consumer audiences in a quality, interactive setting."

Programming on Auction Network includes "behind-the-scenes" features and profiles of auctioneers, collectors, artists, and buyers and sellers of all kinds. "Auction Network takes viewers on auction road trips to locales and auction venues they have never seen before," says McKissick. "It's a great way to discover many of the unique places, stories, and personalities in America and around the world." The network also highlights youth auctions and auctioneer contests in which voting -- just like everything else on Auction Network -- is live and interactive.

Live auctions are currently an entertainment destination for more than 70 million Americans every year. To truly capture the excitement and appeal of competitive bidding, Auction Network has brought together a team of executives with strong television and production backgrounds who have a deep understanding and appreciation for the auction industry. A key component of Auction Network's programming is an exclusive partnership with the National Auctioneer's Association (NAA) and its approximately 6,000 members.

McKissick says the NAA member auctioneers bring an unmistakable energy and personality to Auction Network live programming and Auction Network is proud to be the official network of the NAA. "I believe this partnership will not only reshape the industry, the profession, and NAA, but will lead to a greater awareness and branding of the organization," says NAA CEO Robert A. Shively.

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Source: Auction Network

CONTACT: Matthew Seaman of Ackermann PR, for Auction Network,
+1-865-584-0550

Web site: http://www.auctionnetwork.com/

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