News
Fandango links to TV platform for direct tix sales
By Robert Marich
March 18, 2009 -- Satellite TV provider DISH Network is offering its subscribers the ability to buy movie tickets via Fandango.com, as the trend for media overlap and consumer convenience continues unabated.
Says a DISH press release: “The new Fandango application…automatically uses customers’ zip codes to search for nearby theater listings and show times. Subscribers with phone lines connected to their set-top boxes can use their DISH Network remote control and credit card to purchase tickets at Fandango-enabled theaters through a secure connection.”
DISH customers who buy tickets will use the credit card that made the purchase at the theater to claim their tickets—by swiping at a kiosk in the theater lobby – or else enter a confirmation number. DISH is the second largest direct-to-home satellite TV provider with 13.7 million subscribers, though only subs with a phone connection to their settop boxes can buy Fandango tickets.
An interesting wrinkle to this alliance is that Fandango, which is one of two big national cinema ticketing outfits, is owned by cable system giant Comcast, which is an arch rival to DISH. But with consumers increasingly in control in the emerging digital media world, companies put aside rivalries to form specific alliances when such ventures make sense. It's also noteworthy because a subscription TV platform and movie ticket business join forces.
Cable TV system operators are increasingly offering interactive services – using the superior two-way connections of cable—leaving satellite platforms like DISH (and DirecTV) to craft applications where feasible to try to catch up. DISH hopes to monetize the Fandango hookup with movie ads and film marketing materials on its channel 100, where its subscribers tune to purchase tickets.
DISH joins a growing list of companies in marketing alliance with Fandango. Other Fandango partners include IMDb, AT&T (a DISH competitor), Google and TiVi, to name a few.
ABOUT FANDANGO:
One of the Web’s top movie and entertainment destinations, Fandango sells tickets to more than 15,000 screens. Fandango entertains and informs consumers with reviews, commentary and trailers, and offers the ability to quickly select a film, plan where and when to see it, and conveniently buy tickets in advance. Fandango is available at www.fandango.com, 1-800-FANDANGO and via your wireless mobile device at mobile.fandango.com. Fandango is a unit of Comcast Interactive Media.