Sci-Fi Channel/DirecTV deal

Source: Live Journal

Comprehensive Cross-Platform Sponsorship Deal With SCI FI Channel Puts DIRECTV Everywhere 'Battlestar' Has Presence

NEW YORK – January 18, 2007 – SCI FI Channel has partnered with DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, for a comprehensive sponsorship package that will give DIRECTV a presence everywhere 'Battlestar Galactica' is available. The first deal of its kind for the Channel, this "360-degree" cross-platform partnership will put DIRECTV alongside SCI FI's most critically-acclaimed series on-air, online and in print.

Through this unique broad-ranging deal, DIRECTV will sponsor every episode of SCI FI's hit original series 'Battlestar Galactica' – including the January 21 mid-season premiere – with on-air ads and through a customized promo highlighting the 360 package. Online, DIRECTV's sponsorship will be ever-present throughout the SCIFI.COM site. In addition to being represented in the 'Battlestar Galactica' iTunes page, Ronald D. Moore's podcasts, David Eick's blogs and in the Webisodes page, they will be a sponsor of 'Battlestar's weekly episodic recaps on SCI FI's 'Pulse' broadband channel via DIRECTV pre-rolls. SCIFI.COM will also house a sweepstakes for a chance to win a flat screen television and a year's subscription to the satellite service. In print, there will be a customized DIRECTV ad prominently featured in SCI FI Magazine. DIRECTV will also sponsor the SMS mobile alerts sent by the Channel to Battlestar viewers with updates on upcoming episodes. They will also have a presence in 'Battlestar Galactica's upcoming season 3 home video release.

Mark Miller, Senior Vice President of Sales for the SCI FI Channel notes, "The partnership between 'Battlestar Galactica' and DIRECTV is an exciting opportunity for both brands. With one of the most active and engaged audiences in television, SCI FI viewers are constantly looking for new ways to connect with the brand, and DIRECTV is taking advantage of the power of the SCI FI audience."

"We are constantly on the lookout for media partners that are forward looking and willing to integrate our messaging across all their platforms," added Jon Gieselman, DIRECTV Senior Vice President of Advertising and Public Relations. "There is nothing better than enjoying 'Battlestar Galactica' with the best picture on TV, except later this year when we rule the airwaves with 100 channels in HD."

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 15.6 million customers through exclusive content, industry-leading customer service (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound; exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere including NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, and MLB EXTRA INNINGS™. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan™, US Open Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on the Company, please visit directv.com.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 86 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.