Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for displaying a program, commercial or a promotional message to a viewer of a viewing appliance. A method has steps of transmitting a television signal such that a display screen displays live or pre-recorded audio/visual programming; and opening a visually distinct on-screen area, region, window or stripe on the display screen upon command of the viewer, the on-screen area displaying information that provides the viewer with a capability to interactively obtain selected information from an information provider through a data communications network, such as the Internet, or to participate in an interactive application, such as a poll. The method implements steps of sending a first trigger signal (a VBI trigger) from a server for prompting the viewer to select whether the viewer wishes to have the on-screen area displayed during a program and, if the viewer so wishes, operating an input device for sending an affirmative signal to the viewing appliance.