Buena Vista Television and America Online, Inc. entered a deal that will allow tens of millions of AOL members, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) users and other fans of the show to participate in "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire's" "Ask The Audience" polling.

Those who add the "MillionaireIM" screen name to their AIM Buddy List can participate in the show when a contestant selects "Ask the Audience" by receiving actual game questions via instant message (IM) or mobile instant message and answering them in real-time.

With the addition of this new IM component, a contestant who chooses "Ask The Audience" will see the responses of both the studio audience and those participating via IM. "Millionaire's" third season will tape from September 1 through January 16, 2005. During that time, people with "MillionaireIM" on their Buddy List will be able to receive a multiple-choice question via IM at their desktop or on their mobile device and play along when the "Ask The Audience" lifeline is used.