ConnectTV's Local Ad Network

ConnecTV has unveiled a national and local ad network for second-screen TV ads. The company announced that over 400 ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and CW national and local affiliates will be the first participants in the new ad network, which allows advertisers to pair their TV spots with a synchronized experience on tablets and smartphones. Available via ConnectTV's free second-screen app or any ConnecTV syndication partner, the new Ad Sync platform allows brands to deliver extra goods such as promotional offers, contests, and marketing alerts, as well as the ability for viewers to watch product-related videos, find the nearest store, or even purchase what they're seeing on TV. At launch, ConnecTV says it's offering an exclusive "Charter Advertising" program, which will let brands and agencies to customize companion-marketing experiences and lead second-screen research panels, among other things. The new ad network will be sold by both ConnecTV and its broadcast partners, which include Belo, Cox, Scripps, Gannett, Hearst, Meredith, Post-Newsweek, and Raycom.