Tuesday 1 March 2005

American Idol, Clear Channel To Go With All-Beyonce Format

Following her ubiquitous appearance at the 77th Academy Awards program Sunday evening, where she sang three of the five Best Song nominations, Beyonce has signed a multi-million-dollar deal to appear on American Idol.

In a separate agreement inked yesterday, Clear Channel announced they will switch their 1,200-station empire to an All-Beyonce format.

On American Idol, while constantents will continue to sign-up for the program, and choose the tune, Beyonce will perform all songs. The program will expand to 90-minutes, to accommodate the wardrobe changes by Beyonce, as her appearance will also be rated in the judging.

Clear Channel, in a deal with both Beyonce and American Idol, will convert their 1,200+ stations to an All-Beyonce format, covering the genres of Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Urban, Gospel, Country, Smooth Jazz, Broadway Show Tunes, Jazz, Oldies and World Music.

Clear Channel will promote Beyonce's appearances on American Idol and American Idol will direct viewers to Clear Channel station websites to be able to download the songs she performs on the program.

"This is a real coup for us" offered Clear Channel Radio President, John Hogan. "We're working on a deal that will have Beyonce tour and perform at all our Clear Channel venues".



Hershey Splitting Company, Changing Name, New Tag

Hershey Foods Corp. announced yesterday they will split the company into two new companies - candy and snacks - and take the risky route of launching a new branding campaign.

In a play off the Pork industry's successful promotions, Hershey's Chocolates will now carry the tag - 'The Other White Chocolate'.

Company officials conceded that not all the chocolate they produce is white chocolate but "in the spirit of the campaign", they want to distinguish Hershey Chocolate from other competeing brands.

The tongue-in-cheek campaign was launched with a press conference yesterday, with a barbeque-theme that included 'chocolate' pork chops and baby-back ribs "roasting" on an all-chocolate barbeque.

Company official also announced tie-in products with Ms. Piggy, Babe and, in a retro spot, Arnold Ziffer.