Nashville Star returns Jan. 11th

[DaysFanJean]

http://www.realitytvmagazine.com:80/blog/2...etwork_ann.html

December 07, 2006

USA Network Announces Nashville Star Marketing Partnership With Sonic Drive-In

On January 11, 2007, USA Network's fifth season premiere of the top-rated country music series NASHVILLE STAR debuts a duet with Sonic, the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain, for a multi-media co-branded marketing partnership, it was announced by Chris McCumber, senior vice president, marketing and brand strategy. NASHVILLE STAR is hosted by music superstar Jewel and co-hosted by Cowboy Troy.

The expansive partnership with Sonic includes the first-ever entitled sponsorship of NASHVILLE STAR, plus extensive promotional, on-air, in-store and online co-branded content. Highlights include:

ON-AIR – As the entitled sponsor, Sonic will be included in all USA Network promos. The brand's affiliation is extended via the following:

For the first time ever, USA Network has created a scripted sponsor-integrated vignette featuring co-host Cowboy Troy and NASHVILLE STAR judge Anastasia Brown. It was filmed at a Sonic location in Clarksville, TN and teases the old adage that "something bad has to happen to you to write a country music song." The :40/:30 spot is scheduled to air on USA Network beginning December 1 and will continue in rotation for the duration of the series.

IN-STORE – Sonic is conducting a NASHVILLE STAR themed sweepstakes in each of its 3,200 drive-ins beginning January 11 and concluding February 16, with winner announcement following the finale. Support includes NASHVILLE STAR branded bags and cups. Sweepstakes prizes include five Chevy Silverados and a year's supply of Sonic food and drink.

ONLINE – Sonic will also receive a customized presenting sponsorship of NASHVILLE STAR microsite including rich media banners, video pre-rolls and exclusive ownership of the contestant bios, behind the scenes content area and the "What Rocks in Vegas, Rolls in Vegas" NASHVILLE STAR sweepstakes. Additionally, both usanetwork.com and sonicdrivein.com will link to one another.

"Sonic is a perfect fit for a franchise such as NASHVILLE STAR and we are thrilled to have them on board for this co-branded marketing partnership. Sonic's reach will help extend the NASHVILLE STAR brand to over a million people each day," said McCumber.

"The combination of Sonic and NASHVILLE STAR creates a powerful and truly organic marketing partnership for both brands," said Kevin McAuliffe, vice president, NBCU Cable Branded Entertainment Group. "The target audience and marketing objectives aligned perfectly which allowed Sonic to capitalize on the full life cycle of NASHVILLE STAR. Both brands used local auditions, live show sponsorship with integrations and ultimately the follow-on tour to reach consumers/viewers."

"Sonic is pleased to exclusively present NASHVILLE STAR for the fifth season of the popular show," says Todd Townsend, vice president and chief marketing officer of Sonic Industries. "The energetic and family-fun appeal of the show makes it a natural fit for Sonic."

[KBT]

I have this thing for Jewel so I had to read about this, but even with her I wouldnt watch Nashville Star and I was born and raised in Nashville. One of my favorite fast food chains is also Sonic, I just can't get into country music though.

[DaysFanJean]

LOL, I hear you. I am not a country music fan either, but I am a reality show fan and the hoopla of this show is as much fun as any. Actually, I even learned to have favorites, too. But, sad to say, I'd never buy one of their recordings.

[Josh]

I'm a huge country music fan!! So this will be fun to watch...