Game to turn live syndicated TV into interactive viewing experiences?
Fox Television Stations, XR (Extreme Reach) and LTN have announced the successful completion of a four-week live syndication initiative for the 25 Words or Less LIVE game show, demonstrating a modern approach to live television distribution that combines operational flexibility, reliability, and real-time audience engagement.
The initiative proved that managed IP distribution and cloud-based workflows can reliably deliver live programming at national scale.
During its four-week run in May 2026, the initiative brought more than 38 live broadcasts twice daily to 18 broadcast stations across key US markets through a workflow powered by Extreme Reach’s syndication services and LTN’s managed IP video transport network and master control operations.
XR managed the show’s distribution through its syndication platform, while LTN provided fully managed IP transport and master control services connecting Fox’s production facility to local stations. Together, the companies leveraged XR’s content delivery expertise and LTN’s broadcast infrastructure to bring the excitement of live television to viewers nationwide, allowing fans to watch, interact, and play along with the show as it happened.
The project marked a significant milestone for all three organisations, proving the viability of live syndicated television workflows that enable broadcasters to create more immediate and interactive viewing experiences.
The live delivery created new opportunities for stations to engage viewers through social media, local promotions, and real-time audience participation, allowing fans to play along with contestants live.
“Live programming creates unique opportunities for stations to engage viewers in real time,” said Stephen Brown, EVP Programming & Development, Fox Television Stations, Fox First Run. “This initiative demonstrated how innovative distribution strategies can support new programming models while maintaining the reliability broadcasters require.”
Matt Pagen, General Manager, XR Media, added, “Delivering live syndicated programming requires coordination, precision, and dependable technology partners. Together with Fox and LTN, we created a workflow that helps broadcasters and syndicators engage audiences in new ways while maximising their content investments.
“This combined offering delivered the performance we needed, while providing a more cost-efficient alternative to traditional satellite distribution.”
Beyond the technology, the project demonstrates a new model for broadcasters, enabling them to reduce distribution costs while creating more engaging live experiences through real-time audience participation, social engagement, and greater operational flexibility.
As broadcasters rethink distribution strategies and look to modernise aging infrastructure, this collaboration offers a tangible example of how live syndication can evolve.
