Showtime Networks has launched a promotion around its upcoming live concert featuring R&B star Usher as part of the network’s “Big Fat Free Preview Weekend” to entice new subscribers
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| Showtime to promote Usher’s upcoming live concert |
The network is teaming up with sister Viacom company MTV to treat Usher fans to the superstar’s live Showtime concert from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a special half-hour pre-show. The pre-show will air simultaneously on Showtime and MTV from 8:30 to 9 p.m. ET/PT on Mar. 5 as a lead in to the 90-minute
One Night One Star Usher Live concert on Showtime.
The venture marks the first time Usher, a Grammy winner for Best R&B Album, will perform a full-length live show on television in 2005.
The pre-show, hosted by MTV’s Total Request Live host Quddus, will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Usher’s rehearsals, including a one-on-one interview and a “Making of the Show” segment. Usher is also scheduled to make a drop-in appearance via satellite on Total Request Live on Mar. 3.
MTV and MTV2 will run TV spots to promote the Showtime concert and banners ads on mtv.com.
Showtime Networks has also launched a radio campaign in 20 markets giving consumers a chance to receive Usher gift packs, including F.Y.E. gift cards, CDs, T-shirts, Dr Pepper gear and a year’s worth of free Dr Pepper coupons. That promotion runs through Mar. 4.
The network is airing the live concert during a free preview weekend, which runs Mar. 4 through 7 with select cable providers. In addition to the live Usher concert, Showtime will host the world premiere of the comedy series Fat Actress, featuring Kirstie Alley Mar. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
The free preview is designed to encourage new viewers to subscribe to the pay channel. And as an extra incentive, customers who sign up for Showtime during the preview weekend will receive a $25 gift card good at any Apple retail store in the U.S. TV spots, print ads, text messaging alerts and e-mail blasts support.
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