A multimedia production and distribution system collects or assembles a
media production (such as, a news program, television programming, or
radio broadcast) from a variety of sources, including television stations
and other media hosting facilities. The media production is categorized
and indexed for retrieval and distribution across a wired or wireless
network, such as the Internet, to any client, such as a personal computer,
television, or personal digital assistant. A user can operate the client
to display and interact with the media production, or select various
options to customize the transmission or request a standard program.
Alternatively, the user can establish a template to generate the media
production automatically based on personal preferences. The media
production is displayed on the client with various media enhancements to
add value to the media production. Such enhancements include graphics,
extended play segments, opinion research, and URLs. The enhancements also
include advertisements, such as commercials, active banners, and
sponsorship buttons. An advertisement reporting system monitors the sale
and distribution of advertisements within the network. The advertisements
are priced according to factors that measure the likelihood of an
advertisement actually being presented or viewed by users most likely to
purchase the advertised item or service. The advertisement reporting
system also collects metrics to invoice and apportion income derived from
the advertisements among the network participants, including a portal host
and/or producer of the content.
