Many fans find it much more than coincidence that Michelle Kwan has been contracted to be a judge on NBC's production of this year's Miss Universe Pageant that is scheduled to air Monday night at 9 p.m. EDT.
With Phil Hersh's last report strongly suggesting NBC was hoping to sign on Michelle as a commentator for it's coverage of the National Championships in January, many including this writer are convinced she'll be in the booth when the blades hit the ice in the Twin Cities.
Considering the power of her draw among skating fans this move makes sense both dollar-wise and skate-wise. If we take this to the next level... how then to best capitalize on the move? How to make Kwan's participation the most profitable for NBC, IceNetwork.com and the USFSA?
Born out of an online chat with a friend and fellow skating fan, are these thoughts...
NBC and U.S. Figure Skating are looking to maximize the impact from their joint venture right out of the gate. Why not use Michelle's ability to draw fans and their dollars by putting together a tease as a part of the coverage promotion on NBC, IceNetwork.com and U.S. Figure Skating and their affiliates. Include brief clips of her readiness performance (done for U.S. Figure Skating officials at EWIP) prior to gaining entry to U.S. Olympic Team in early 2006. Produce a promotional series with Kwan as the centerpiece, teasing both her role as commentator (if in fact she is signed on the NBC team); and her Olympic program never seen competitively.
Here's the kicker! Tease it as "See the entire program only on IceNetwork.com" (Webcast it there only after the coverage of the Ladies event commences.) The effect of this serves to heighten viewers to NBC coverage of Nationals, and maximizes the potential for increased subscriptions to IceNetwork.com prior to start of nationals.
‘The Kwan Olympic Program never competed’...what an electric jolt that would be to skating fans on the internet. IceNetwork.com would of course encrypt the video to prevent it from being dubbed and put on YouTube or Google or downloaded by fans.
Additionally, U.S. Figure Skating should sign Kwan to do a bi-monthly or monthly skating show or promotion on IceNetwork.com. It could begin with behind the scenes at Skate America and Nationals.
Bottom line is, Kwan = $$$ which is good news for NBC, U.S. Figure Skating and IceNetwork.com. What better opportunity to frame the upcoming coverage for all three entities!
With Phil Hersh's last report strongly suggesting NBC was hoping to sign on Michelle as a commentator for it's coverage of the National Championships in January, many including this writer are convinced she'll be in the booth when the blades hit the ice in the Twin Cities.
Considering the power of her draw among skating fans this move makes sense both dollar-wise and skate-wise. If we take this to the next level... how then to best capitalize on the move? How to make Kwan's participation the most profitable for NBC, IceNetwork.com and the USFSA?
Born out of an online chat with a friend and fellow skating fan, are these thoughts...
NBC and U.S. Figure Skating are looking to maximize the impact from their joint venture right out of the gate. Why not use Michelle's ability to draw fans and their dollars by putting together a tease as a part of the coverage promotion on NBC, IceNetwork.com and U.S. Figure Skating and their affiliates. Include brief clips of her readiness performance (done for U.S. Figure Skating officials at EWIP) prior to gaining entry to U.S. Olympic Team in early 2006. Produce a promotional series with Kwan as the centerpiece, teasing both her role as commentator (if in fact she is signed on the NBC team); and her Olympic program never seen competitively.
Here's the kicker! Tease it as "See the entire program only on IceNetwork.com" (Webcast it there only after the coverage of the Ladies event commences.) The effect of this serves to heighten viewers to NBC coverage of Nationals, and maximizes the potential for increased subscriptions to IceNetwork.com prior to start of nationals.
‘The Kwan Olympic Program never competed’...what an electric jolt that would be to skating fans on the internet. IceNetwork.com would of course encrypt the video to prevent it from being dubbed and put on YouTube or Google or downloaded by fans.
Additionally, U.S. Figure Skating should sign Kwan to do a bi-monthly or monthly skating show or promotion on IceNetwork.com. It could begin with behind the scenes at Skate America and Nationals.
Bottom line is, Kwan = $$$ which is good news for NBC, U.S. Figure Skating and IceNetwork.com. What better opportunity to frame the upcoming coverage for all three entities!