--ABC Adding Several Holiday Specials to ABC.com Full Episode Player
--STV's mySTV Integrated with Facebook Connect
US broadcast network, Fox, on Tuesday launched a user-generated content (UGC) promotion that invites fans of the reality show, "American Idol," to create "video testimonials sharing what they love" about the show, and upload their testimonials to a special "Idol Fans" section of its Web site (http://www.fox.com/idolfans).
According to Fox, the testimonials will be evaluated for inclusion in a promotional campaign for "American Idol"--whose next season kicks off with a two-night premiere on January 13th and 14th. Submitted videos may appear on the "Idol Fans" site or on AmericanIdol.com, the broadcaster says, and, most notably, may be used for on-air promotional spots (note: Fox says that its marketing department is looking for "diverse fans who are passionate about 'American Idol'"). Fox suggests that the testimonials should answer such questions as: "What is your all-time favorite 'Idol' moment? Who is your favorite 'Idol'? Who is your favorite judge? [and] What has you most excited for the return of 'American Idol'?" The promotion is open to viewers 18 and older.
In other broadcaster news:
- ABC said Tuesday that it is adding several holiday specials to its ABC.com Full Episode Player. According to the broadcaster, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the new animated special, "Disney Prep & Landing," will be available on the player from December 9th through January 1st; "Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special" will be available for two weeks, starting December 14th; an hour-long holiday music special starring Jennifer Hudson will be available from December 15th through January 1st (note: the latter two shows will air on ABC on December 13th and 14th respectively); and "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" will be available later this month following its broadcast on Christmas morning. According to ABC, the ABC.com Full Episode Player presentation of "Disney Prep & Landing" will feature "Expert Commentary" from the show's stars, elves Wayne and Lanny and Thrasher the Reindeer (note: for more on the ABC.com Full Episode Player Expert Commentary feature--which ABC bills as providing viewers with "an opportunity to experience insights from the stars of ABC's series and specials, as well as producers, writers, directors, production and costume designers, music supervisors and network executives"--see the article published on itvt.com, November 5th).
- Scottish terrestrial broadcaster, STV, has signed a deal with Facebook to integrate the latter's Facebook Connect service with its mySTV Web site. Broadcast has more.
