CBS Launching Interactive Online Feature To Engage Fans

CBS Interactive is launching an "online feature that allows groups of viewers to watch and interact collectively with streaming TV content," according to James Hibberd of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The service, called "social viewing rooms," combines "elements of a chat room, video conferencing and standard live streaming to give fans a more communal experience when watching the network's content online." The feature will debut Wednesday for select CBS primetime and daytime shows, and Intel "has signed as the exclusive sponsor of the launch." CBS "hopes to eventually expand social viewing rooms" to other CBS properties (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 10/20).

COUPLES SKATE: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Etan Vlessing reported Rogers Sportsnet Friday signed a two-year deal with Ontario-based gaming producer LiveHive Systems to introduce "Game in the Game," an interactive "gaming platform" for the net's regional NHL telecasts through the 2009-10 season. The technology "enables hockey viewers to interact with a live NHL game onscreen and fellow fans online" at sportsnet.ca/gameinthegame (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 10/17).