OPTUS AND NETWORK TEN TAKE TO THE DANCE FLOOR FOR A BIGGER SECOND YEAR WITH SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA

After a hugely successful first year, Optus and Network Ten today announced an expanded, fully integrated sponsorship that will see TEN's hit show So You Think You Can Dance Australia delivered in compelling interactive formats to TV, online and mobile audiences.

Optus has also established the 'Optus Dance Crew Fund', a nationwide competition to support the development of the booming dance culture that has been boosted by the success of So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

Optus mobile customers can stay close to the action with exclusive made-for-mobile video content, including a pre-performance show, exit interviews and hosted dance tips¹.

Optus customers can also access individual, group and 'dance for your life' performances and weekly recaps via their Optus mobile for FREE².

Michael Smith, Acting Managing Director, Optus Consumer said: “With the increasing popularity of smart phones, more people are turning to their mobile as a source of entertainment.

"Our collaboration with TEN's So You Think You Can Dance Australia supports this trend, allowing us to deliver richer and more interactive mobile content experiences to our customers, while allowing Network Ten to expand its reach from television to mobile and online audiences.

"We are excited to be part of this popular, high energy TV program for a second year and look forward to seeing the fresh Australian talent this year's competition has to offer," Mr Smith said.

TEN's chief network sales officer, Vance Lothringer, said: "Dance is inspirational and uplifting viewing that really connects with our audience, so it's no surprise Optus has chosen to return as a major sponsor for the 2009 season.

"The first season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia was a run-away ratings hit and we're confident season two will continue to engage viewers who are looking to expand their television viewing experience with fun and accessible online and mobile content," Mr Lothringer said.

Optus content available to mobile customers includes:

• Video Content - pre-performance and exit interviews, hosted dance tips, individual, group and 'dance for your life' performances and more.
• Editorial - weekly news, results show wraps and dancer profiles.
• Wallpapers - dancer images & dance logos.

Optus Pre-Paid and Post-Paid mobile customers can SMS 'Dance' to 966 to access Dance content³. Customers can also obtain an unlimited 'Dance Season Pass' giving them access to all the exclusive videos for $12.99⁴ or access individual clips for 75 cents per video clip. Some video content is FREE⁵ including individual performances, group performances and dance for your life performances. Customers without video compatible handsets can still access news, profiles, and much more⁶.

In conjunction with So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Optus has also established the 'Optus Dance Crew Fund' a nationwide competition giving dance groups and schools the opportunity to win one of three $5000 cash prizes to go towards their school's arts program. The 'Optus Dance Crew Fund' is aimed at helping to develop dance talent in the wider Australian community. Schools can access more information and submit their video entries online at www.ten.com.au/dance.

Optus offers a constantly expanding suite of mobile content in areas of sport, news, weather, shopping and lifestyle from some of the best content providers in the industry.

Note to Editor:

• Optus is also a premium sponsor of the So You Think You Can Dance Australia website, www.ten.com.au/dance. Look out for further details of special features including extensive video, community, fan, music and competition opportunities, coming soon.

Content is not available on iphone.
1. Charges apply for exclusive content. Requires dual band compatible handset in Optus dual band coverage area or 3G handset in Optus 3G area. Details at www.optus.com.au/coverage
2. Pre-Paid customers incur a 22c flagfall per data session. Full details at www.optuszoo.com.au/mobile
3. SMS to 966 is free until 30.04.09. Optus Pre-Paid customers are charged a 22c data flagfall to click link in reply message and per data session. To receive a WAP push message, your handset must be a dual band compatible handset in Optus dual band coverage area or 3G handset in Optus 3G area. To check 3G and Dual Band coverage maps, go to www.optus.com.au/coverage
4. You must have a 3G/dual band compatible mobile that supports video service to access this pack with a XHTML browser.
5. Charges apply for exclusive Dance content. Standard charges apply for all other downloadable content within the Dance mobile site. Full details are available at www.optuszoo.com.au/mobile. Data flagfall of 22c applies per data session for Pre-Paid customers.
6. You must have a 2G compatible mobile to access this content with a XHTML browser. Full terms and conditions at www.optuszoo.com.au/mobile/T&Cs

Media contacts: 

About Optus
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television. For more information please visit www.optus.com.au

About Network Ten
www.tencorporate.com.au
Network Ten (TEN) is one of Australia’s three national commercial free-to-air broadcasters. TEN has a ‘seriously different business model’ focused on a strategy of building share in the highly important 18-49 demographic, while leading in the 16-39 demographic. TEN is also the number one network in daytime. In 2009, the Network will also launch ONE, a dedicated sports channel, targeting all ages and both genders.