Zap2it and Reality Rocks Expo Join Forces in Promotional Partnership

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Zap2it, the leading TV and celebrity news web site from Tribune Media Services (TMS), and Reality Rocks Expo, the first and only reality television expo for and about fans of the genre, today announced a multi-faceted promotional partnership.  

Zap2it will serve as the Premier Digital Media Sponsor for the inaugural Reality Rocks Expo taking place April 9-10, 2011 in Los Angeles.  The entertainment web site will provide relevant headline feeds to the Reality Rocks web site, special editorial coverage of the Online Fan Awards and Expo, as well as advertising and promotion.  Reality Rocks will highlight Zap2it as a primary media sponsor at the event and afford the Zap2it Editorial staff opportunities to program a live panel discussion and sponsor a custom Award category.

This promotional partnership helps Zap2it solidify its position as the go-to web site for fans of reality, unscripted and factual TV.  Simultaneously, it helps Reality Rocks maximize awareness and interest among a large, engaged and connected community of viewers with a passion for reality TV.  

The partnership kicks off with Zap2it promoting round one of voting in the Reality Rocks Online Fan Awards at http://www.realityrocks.net/ and announcing preliminary results.  Fans have until November 30, 2010 to weigh in and select their most beloved reality shows.  A list of 400 shows will be narrowed down based on voting to a list of the top 75.  Starting in January, 2011, round two will commence in which fans vote again, this time by genre and category.  The big winners will be presented during the Reality Rocks Expo and announced on Zap2it.

Additionally, Zap2it will host a special promotion designed to bring die-hard fans of reality TV to the Reality Rocks Expo this spring.  Sweepstakes winners will receive airfare to and from Los Angeles, hotel accommodations and VIP passes to the event which will afford them full access to all the live demonstrations, panels and screenings the event has to offer.  VIP pass-holders will receive reality star treatment at the event by enjoying special treatment including the opportunity to jump long lines for panels, photos, autographs and merchandise.  

"We're beyond psyched that Zap2it and Reality Rocks are teaming up to bring reality TV fanatics closer to the genre's stars and fellow fans," said Joseph Kapsch, Editorial Director of Zap2it.  "Nobody covers reality quite like Zap2it does, bringing the freshest, most compelling content to fans of 'American Idol,' 'Dancing with the Stars,' 'Real Housewives,' and all of TV's most buzzed-about reality series.  Reality Rocks gives a voice to loyal fans around the globe by engaging them in its first-ever Online Awards and creating a one-of-a-kind experience via the Expo.  Together, we're going to make Reality Rocks the go-to franchise for fans and followers of this unstoppable genre."

Zap2it recently reached its largest audience ever in September 2010 based on the popularity of its comprehensive Fall TV Preview coverage as well as "The Mirrorball Diaries," a special section dedicated to its "Dancing with the Stars" coverage.  The site's "State of the American Idol Union" special section which aggregates all Zap2it's original "Idol" reports and related content is getting ready for the hit show's 10th season and brand new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.  The hub page is available now at http://www.zap2it.com/tv/american-idol/.

Reality Rocks Expo aspires to offer the ultimate reality TV fan experience through a "Fan Central" show floor, live demonstrations, performances and interactive panels.  Fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite reality stars, watch and participate in live demos, preview never-before-seen reality shows and get photos, autographs and fan merchandise.  Those whose interest in reality TV extends beyond casual viewing will benefit from informative workshops and panel discussions, open casting calls for upcoming shows and concept pitch sessions with producers and development executives.

About Zap2it

Zap2it is the online destination for more than 7 million TV and Movie fans who want to stay connected to popular shows, films, events, celebrities, and other fans.  Zap2it is a service of Tribune Media Services, a division of Tribune Company.  For more information about Zap2it, visit Zap2it.com/MediaKit.

About Tribune Media Services

Tribune Media Services' Entertainment Products division is an international leader in entertainment navigation.  It provides industry-leading databases of TV, movie and celebrity information; guides in print, online and on-screen formats; and advertising and marketing services to build audiences.  For more information about TMS Entertainment Products, visit TribuneMediaServices.com.

About Reality Rocks Expo™

Reality Rocks Expo™, is the first and only comprehensive, live fan-based happening that brings the invaluable world of avid and loyal viewers of Reality TV together in an up close and personal setting with their favorite reality, factual, and lifestyle shows, celebrities, hosts and judges networks and producers. The ultimate Realty TV fan experience, Reality Rocks Expo is about the fans, for the fans and by the fans.  The inaugural edition of Reality Rocks Expo will be held April 9-10, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA.  Reality Rocks Expo™ is a production of Prometheus Global Media, a diversified company with leading assets in the media and entertainment arenas, including: Music (Billboard and its related conferences and events, including The Billboard Latin Music Awards), Entertainment (The Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, ShoWest, ShowEast, Cineasia, and Cinema Expo International); and Advertising & Marketing (Adweek, Mediaweek, Brandweek, Adweek Conferences, and The Clio Awards).  Official media sponsors for Reality Rocks Expo include Zap2it, GotCast.com and RealityWanted.com. 

SOURCE Zap2it