or


[10/13/09 - 03:22 PM]
Microsoft and FOX One to Collaborate on Exclusive Windows 7 Brand Sponsorship of "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" (Working Title)
The half-hour special airs Sunday, November 8 at 8:30/7:30c.

[via press release from FOX]

MICROSOFT AND FOX ONE TO COLLABORATE ON EXCLUSIVE WINDOWS 7 BRAND SPONSORSHIP OF "FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: SETH & ALEX'S ALMOST LIVE COMEDY SHOW" (working title)

Windows 7 to Enhance Viewing Experience of Original Variety Show Special Airing Sunday, November 8, on FOX

Broader Multi-Platform Marketing Initiative Also Encompasses 20th Century Fox Television, Fox Licensing and Merchandising, FOX Sports, FX, FOX.com, FOXSports.com on MSN and Hulu Assets

Today, Microsoft Corp. and FOX One announced an ambitious, unique marketing collaboration that will showcase the best of Windows 7, the newest version of Microsoft's operating system that will be available in market on Oct. 22. The cornerstone of the effort is the exclusive Windows 7 sponsorship of an upcoming television event devoted to the comedy of Seth MacFarlane, creator of FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW.

Taking the idea of "commercial-free" to the next level, the original FOX variety special FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: SETH & ALEX'S ALMOST LIVE COMEDY SHOW (working title), airing Sunday, Nov. 8 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) and starring MacFarlane and his FAMILY GUY co-star Alex Borstein, will deliver simplicity for viewers � no commercial ad time, no network promotions and no commercial breaks � and instead will feature unique Windows 7-branded programming that blends seamlessly with show content. In a network first, MacFarlane and Borstein have teamed with Windows and their agencies, Universal McCann and Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, to develop, write and produce the customized branded integrations that seek to bring the old "Texaco Star Theater"-style sponsorships into the 21st century. The half-hour special will highlight the comedy duo's subversive and unique humor with original animation, live-action performances of FAMILY GUY's most memorable musical numbers, comedy sketches and surprise celebrity guests. That night, FOX turns the reins over to MacFarlane for an all-MacFarlane lineup as he also hosts all-new episodes of AMERICAN DAD (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT), FAMILY GUY (8:00-8:30 and 9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and THE CLEVELAND SHOW (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).

While the way people watch TV has evolved, their desire to be entertained, and marketers' need to deliver compelling content, hasn't changed. Microsoft and FOX are joining forces to showcase how the power and simplicity of Windows 7 can enhance the content FOX viewers enjoy most, whether it's comedy, drama, sports or reality programming on TV or on the web.

"We're working with FOX on innovative brand integrations that will show how the power and simplicity of Windows 7 can enhance the content FOX viewers love" said Gayle Troberman, general manager of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft. "We have simplified the PC with Windows 7, and together with FOX, we're simplifying entertainment."

"We're thrilled to be joining forces with Windows 7 on such an exciting, highly collaborative marketing campaign featuring the very unique talents of Seth MacFarlane as he overhauls the old Hollywood tradition of the sponsored variety show by marrying Windows 7 messaging with content," said Jean Rossi, President of FOX One and Executive Vice President of Sales for FOX. "By partnering with 20th Century Fox Television, Fox Licensing and Merchandising, FOX Sports, FX, FOXSports.com on MSN and Hulu, we have developed a complementary initiative that goes well beyond the screen with customized assets that connect consumers with Windows 7."

In addition to sponsorship of the variety show special, Microsoft and Fox Licensing and Merchandising are working together to reach more than 4.3 million college students in-person on campuses across the country. The joint 12-week college tour gives students the chance to try Windows 7 for themselves and enjoy customized entertainment created by Fox Licensing and Merchandising such as outdoor movie nights hosted by FAMILY GUY's Stewie and Brian, online videos and other customized FAMILY GUY content.

Microsoft and FOX One will roll out marketing collaboration efforts with a variety of FOX One properties including 20th Century Fox Television, FOX Sports, FX, FOX.com, FOXSports.com on MSN and Hulu.

ABOUT MICROSOFT

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

ABOUT FOX ONE

FOX ONE, formed in 2007, is a sales unit of Fox Entertainment Group. It develops and implements strategic integrated marketing opportunities and solutions crossing the full range of News Corp.'s global assets and a variety of media platforms, including broadcast, cable, digital, filmed entertainment, print and international.

ABOUT SETH MACFARLANE

One of the youngest people ever to create a television series, Seth MacFarlane is the creator/executive producer/voice actor on FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW. In 2009, FAMILY GUY received an Emmy nomination making it the second animated series ever to be nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Previously, FAMILY GUY garnered three nominations for Outstanding Animated Series.

ABOUT FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) is a unit of News Corporation and the leading broadcast television network among Adults 18-49. FOX finished the 2008-2009 season at No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year � a feat that hasn't been achieved since the mid-1990s � while continuing to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news.

ABOUT FOX LICENSING AND MERCHANDISING

A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.





  [october 2009]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
    


· AMERICAN DAD (FOX)
· CLEVELAND SHOW, THE (FOX)
· FAMILY GUY (FOX)





[09/08/26 - 05:06 PM]
Netflix Announces New Drama Series "Lonesome Dove"
The new Larry McMurtry adaptation will reunite Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart, who will co-showrun the new series after also serving as co-showrunners for Netflix's highly anticipated limited series, "East of Eden."

[09/08/26 - 04:01 PM]
Video: "Love Village" Season 3 - Official Trailer - Netflix
This romantic reality series sees men and women aged 35 to 60 move in together into a vintage house in Love Village in search of one last shot at love.

[09/08/26 - 02:59 PM]
Video: "NCIS: Origins" Season 3 Official Trailer - CBS
Mark Harmon returns for Season 3, premiering Tuesday, October 6.

[09/08/26 - 12:34 PM]
ESPN and Apple Music Collaborate on "Monday Night Football" Music Curation for the 2026-27 Season, Leading Up to ESPN's First-Ever Super Bowl and the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show
The first song and artist Apple Music has selected is the recently-released single, "Dead Fresh" by Lil Baby, which will run in ESPN's Week 1 promotional efforts.

[09/08/26 - 12:01 PM]
Netflix Top 10: Week of August 31 - "The Whisper Man" Tracks Down No. 1 in This Week's Top 10
"Death of the Pastor's Wife" held the top spot of the English TV list with 13.9 million views.

[09/08/26 - 12:01 PM]
Drama and Rumors Bloom as "The Real Housewives of Potomac" Season 11 Launches on Sunday, Oct 11. at 8 P.M. ET/PT
Returning "housewives" include Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Dr. Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch and Tia Glover.

[09/08/26 - 11:13 AM]
Jamie Demetriou and Amelia Dimoldenberg to Host Next Two Episodes of "Saturday Night Live UK," with Musical Guests Royal Blood and Rachel Chinouriri
They'll join the previously announced Jeff Goldblum and CMAT.

[09/08/26 - 10:30 AM]
Prime Video Announces September 24 Premiere Date for "Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story"
The groundbreaking documentary traces the story of a father, his two sons, and their family's pursuit of the American Dream through football excellence.

[09/08/26 - 10:09 AM]
FOX MLB Posts Best Regular Season Thursday Night Baseball Telecast Since 2022
2,668,000 viewers tuned-in to FOX Thursday for a two-game slate highlighted by the Cubs' 2-1 win over the Brewers in most of the country.

[09/08/26 - 10:03 AM]
"Moonshiners" Celebrates 250 Years of American Rebellion, Risk and Reward in All-New Season Premiering Tuesday, September 29 at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel
It's a 250-year celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of tax-free liquor when America's favorite Appalachian distillers return in an all-new season.

[09/08/26 - 10:02 AM]
ESPN Studio Lineup Continues 2026 Momentum with Record August Audiences
As a year-long pattern of strong viewership continued, multiple programs delivered their best August viewership on record, while overall studio show audiences increased 13% year over year.

[09/08/26 - 10:01 AM]
"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Scores Four Special Episodes Post-"Sunday Night Football" This Fall on NBC
The first Sunday night show is set for September 27 when Fallon will welcome an all-star lineup of guests, including Sylvester Stallone and Luke Bryan.

[09/08/26 - 10:01 AM]
HBO Original Documentary "Siren: The Voices of Shelley" Beattie Debuts September 22
While searching the internet one day, Hollywood veteran Marlee Matlin came upon the story of athlete Shelley Beattie - a fellow Deaf woman whose life felt eerily like her own.

[09/08/26 - 09:40 AM]
Following Their Emmy Win for Outstanding Animated Program, "South Park" Is Making a Big Change
Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone announced: "Inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google, we are changing the name of South Park to SOUTH AMERICA. We especially want to thank our parent company Paramount -- a Skydance Capitulation."

[09/08/26 - 09:29 AM]
Paramount+ and T-Mobile Arena Launch Paramount+ Plaza in New Multi-Year Partnership
The agreement establishes a prominent new platform for the streaming service to connect its expansive portfolio of original series, films, live sports and iconic franchises with millions of fans visiting Las Vegas.