First of Its Kind Internet Daily Television Webcasts Provide World Class
Financial Research
NEW YORK, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In the tradition of providing clients
with world-class financial research, the firm that brought "Wall Street to
Main Street" is now redefining "Wall Street in Cyberspace" with the
introduction of the Merrill Lynch Global Investor Network(SM).
The Global Investor Network is an exclusive Internet "webcast" featuring
investment research in streaming video. Updated daily with newsmaking video
reports from Merrill Lynch analysts and economists around the world, it
represents the first daily use by a financial services company of technology
that combines two dynamic media -- video news and the Internet.
The Global Investor Network is designed for Merrill Lynch clients who can
view the reports through Merrill Lynch OnLine. The public can now also access
a version of the Global Investor Network by registering for a 30-day free
trial through http://www.askmerrill.com.
"Consistent with the firm's goal to provide our clients with innovative
products and services, the Global Investor Network is a key element in the
evolution of the Merrill Lynch Internet strategy," said John L. Steffens,
Merrill Lynch Vice Chairman. "We believe that technology utilized in concert
with professional advice and guidance is the most effective model for
investors."
The introduction of the Global Investor Network follows the firm's recent
announcements, including a revolutionary new model for personal-financial
services in the Digital Age. This watershed initiative gives clients the
broadest range of choices and price options in the industry and includes an
Internet channel that provides on-line trading and access to market
information, e-commerce services, as well as cash management.
"Merrill Lynch has the #1 rated research department in the world," said
Fred Yager, Director of Merrill Lynch Global Broadcast Services. "Our goal
with the Global Investor Network is to present our analysts' commentary on
video, in clear, easy-to-understand language so that our clients gain a
greater awareness of the investment opportunities described in more detail in
research reports on Merrill Lynch OnLine."
The Global Investor Network gathers the latest research on markets and
investment opportunities from around the world using Merrill Lynch Television
cameras in Hong Kong, New York, London, Frankfurt, and Princeton, New Jersey.
Plans are underway to install cameras in Tokyo; Singapore; Madrid; Mexico
City; Sydney, Australia; Boston; and San Francisco.
Veteran newsman Bill Hartley, former anchor of CNBC Asia in Hong Kong,
anchors the network news segments, while former Fox Television business
reporter Bob Plunkett conducts most of the on-camera interviews with analysts
and economists.
This information is then edited and digitized by a "cyber-producer" and
sent to Merrill Lynch OnLine and RealNetworks' Real Broadcast Network, which
integrates and hosts the multi-media presentation.
RealNetworks, Inc., based in Seattle, Wash., develops and markets software
products and services designed to enable Internet users to send and receive
audio, video and multimedia services. RealNetworks' free downloadable
software, known as "Real Player G-2," is used to view the streaming audio and
video used in the Global Investor Network.
Some of the features on the network include the Morning Call Report, a
summary of key analyst reports issued before the opening bell. Analyst
Highlights, a video research report of a specific company; Mutual Funds
Update, a video presentation from a mutual fund manager; and Street Beat, a
feature exploring various trends in the marketplace.
Askmerrill.com, the current public site for the Merrill Lynch Global
Investor Network, is also the site for the free research trial, where visitors
can register and receive free Merrill Lynch research reports for a limited
time.
SOURCE Merrill Lynch
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Related links:
http://www.merrilllynch.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/555800.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 555800
CONTACT:
Bobbie Collins of Merrill Lynch, 212-449-7282
or bcollins@exchange.ml.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Journalists who wish to view the Global Investor
Network can call or e-mail Bobbie Collins for the special URL
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