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.