Zoom Media announced today that it has extended its partnership with GoodLife Fitness clubs to include the Flexcast digital media suite, which will be installed in 275 locations across Canada.
The high-definition overhead entertainment and digital signage system will be operated by ClubCom International Limited, a subsidiary of the Montreal-based digital out-of-home company.
GoodLife will use the network to provide its members with health and wellness information and tips, and to promote in-club activities, explained Zoom Media’s chief executive officer, François de Gaspé Beaubien.
“Think of it as digital magazine content on screen,” he said.
Each location will have its own IP number to allow GoodLife to tailor the content by venue and day part to provide members with the information most pertinent to that venue.
The content is developed by Zoom teams both in Canada and the U.S. that can work with the individual gyms to customize the content to their needs. Zoom Media has an editorial advisory board in place.
Commercial content will run every 15 minutes, for approximately two minutes. The program can also help connect members to community businesses such as hair salons or chiropractors.
Essentially, Zoom is launching a television network within gyms, said de Gaspé Beaubien, adding that advertisers often provide the company with existing television commercials or material that’s already running online.
The Flexcast network allows advertisers to not only reach a captive audience, but also one that is affluent, healthy and active, said de Gaspé Beaubien, who has taken a more hands-on role within the company since the departure of former president and chief operating officer, Andy Querin.
de Gaspé Beaubien said he is in the process of looking for Querin’s replacement, and hopes to make a decision within the next eight weeks.
Zoom Media has been working with GoodLife for over 10 years, placing static billboards in the common areas and locker rooms. This deal marks the first time Zoom Media has introduced digital boards to the fitness chain.
With the latest GoodLife deal in place, Zoom Media will have a total of 1,600 digital screens in place by the end of this year. Zoom’s digital Fitness Network includes over 400 health clubs in Canada, and over 3,000 around the world.
