NBC Universal to embed marketing messages in online shows

In the latest example of how commercialism continues to creep into art, NBC Universal has plans to create programming designed to highlight a sponsor's products, the company said Friday.

The new shows, which will appear on NBC Universal digital properties, are being produced by the company's Digital Studio division and units, in conjunction with the Omnicom Group, one of the world's most powerful advertising and marketing companies.

One of the first shows to emerge form the partnership will be an Internet sci-fi show called Gemini Division, starring actress Rosario Dawson. The show's planned sponsors are Acura, Intel, Microsoft, and UPS.

Just how the program's creators will weave the commercial products into the story line without alienating an audience that might feel manipulated is anyone's guess.

Sony Pictures Entertainment last year began offering advertisers the chance to have their products take more of a starring role in Web productions.

Gemini Division and shows like it from NBC Universal will likely be offered by Hulu, the video portal created by the TV network and News Corp.

[dascha1]

Old Radio shows - do you listen?

Nothing brings back comfort like hearing a Jack Benny show with
an in-script gag about Jell-o or wax, or soap. But I still won't pay
for content after "we'll back right back after this..."!

[QuetzalcoatlUSA]

Didn't "30 Rock" do this, already?

I seem to remember this being a episode of "30 Rock" during its first season. Which, not coincidentally, is being shown on Hulu, and produced by NBC/GE. Just another example of art imitating life imitating art about commercials.

[vaughn2974]

Since when is TV considered art?

Just wondering as last time i watched One Tree Hill, it certainly didn't uplift my spirit.

[Norseman]

What an ingenious way...

to get people to stop watching their shows.

[wangbang]

Archie Bunker

I remember when I was a kid watching All in the Family, I thought it was distracting when Archie Bunker would drink his generic beer. I always wondered why they didn't use real products, but now that they actually do put in product placements in tv and movies, I find that even more distracting, like when they put in the Nissa Versa and Rogue in "Heroes", the Yaris in "Smallville." The worse case I'd ever seen was Dr. Pepper in "Mission to Mars."

[Mr. Salty]

BMW Films were great, but ...

This worked for BMW with their series of short films. But those were made by A-list directors who were given large budgets. Under NBC Universal's guidance, I have a feeling the whole thing will have the stink of prostitution around it.

[Stating]

Jeff Immelt To Wear Toyota T-shirts

I think Jeff Immelt, CEO of GE which owns NBC should start wearing advertisers' T-shirts. Maybe have Coca Cola tatooed on his forehead. Exposure to a product by a CEO could make TV ad free.

[AlyssaLitwin]

Hey Everyone!
Alanis Morissette wil be on A&E's show Private Sessions this Sunday! There will be an interview along with some performances! Definitely check it out on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.!