StepLeader, a digital solutions provider that delivers information across mobile technology, OTT/Smart TV applications and more, announced recently that it closed one of its best quarters to date, adding six new projects awarded from four new and two existing broadcast partners to its development pipeline. In addition, StepLeader is spinning-off from parent company CBC New Media Group in support of new opportunities for expansion in the mobile and Smart TV space.
Compared to the same time period last year, StepLeaderpartners experienced a 49% increase in the first quarter in the number of unique users on iOS and Android devices accessing their mobile news applications. Partners saw a 51% rise in video-on-demand (VOD) views this quarter, while a growing number of broadcast station partners also took advantage of StepLeader’s live streaming capabilities. On the ad management side, StepLeader logged 128% growth in ad impressions served per day over the past year. In comparison to Q1 2011, StepLeader experienced 24% growth in national ad revenue, including direct sales and ad network sales. “A spin-off is the right move strategically for our company. We have a reputation for being first to the broadcast market in many categories and it’s our goal to continue with this innovative focus,” commented Brian Handly, StepLeader CEO. “We see tremendous potential in the mobile and Smart TV markets and want to be well-positionedstructurally and from a product development standpoint to support the growing needs of our partners in these rapidly changing areas.” “I am very excited about the direction StepLeader is taking and how this positions the company for even greater success in the future,” said James F. Goodmon, Jr., Vice President & General Manager of CBC New Media Group. “The team is strong, the platform is solid, and as a free standing company, StepLeader will have the focus and investment to build the next generation of digital content distribution with a real focus on driving revenue for our partners.” StepLeader is expected to double its staff in 2012, pushing forward with significant growth on the sales and business development side of the business as well as continuing to build upon the innovative technology team in place today. The company is actively hiring in support of its ad operations and broadcast affiliate management teams and expects to post several additional openings over the coming weeks. “Our goal is to have the flexibility and nimbleness to push innovative digital media products and solutions to market more rapidly,” said Sam Matheny, Vice President, Policy & Innovation, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Mobile Evangelist, StepLeader. “We look forward to continuing this level of momentum throughout 2012 and growing our partner base by remaining at the forefront of digital solutions while continuing to provide exceptional support for our existing partners.”