In an effort to boost is subscriptions and showcase its programming, Showtime Networks is offering consumers free podcasts with stars and producers from some of its top programs.
The promotion marks the first time a premium network has launched such a program.
"Our objective is to get a new audience to sample our programming," said Mark Greenberg, executive VP-Showtime Networks, Inc., said in a statement. "Given the widespread acceptance of portable audio devices, offering audio content for our shows is another way for those consumers to find our TV programming."
Each week, Showtime will release new podcasts, which will include interviews with the producers and stars of Showtime's original series, Weeds and Barbershop. Audio interviews are now available with Weeds stars Elizabeth Perkins, Tonye Patano, Justin Kirk, and Kevin Nealon, and Jenji Kohan, the show's executive producer and creator. The Barbershop podcast features Omar Gooding, Anna Brown, Leslie Elliard and Barry Shabaka Henley. Consumers log on to Sho.com/site/downloads/podcasts.do.
The network plans to release future podcast for its upcoming premiere of Masters of Horror, a one-hour series featuring noted film directors, the third season of The L Word and upcoming dramas Sleeper Cell and Brotherhood.
