NBC Launches Multiple Online Content Features

NBC Universal is moving beyond simple television shows to offer Internet-only Webisodes and live broadcast talk shows that will act as spear points for bringing viewers into a community online.

NBC Universal Digital Studios and MSN are teaming up to create “A Big Life With Sally Biggers” to play exclusively on MSN Video, while NBC Universal Television Stations is working with iVillage and the Universal Orlando Resort to launch “iVillage Live” as a live-audience talk show broadcast on air and online simultaneously.

“A Big Life With Sally Biggers,” hosted by Sally Biggers formerly of the Food Network Channel’s “Ready, Set, Cook!” show, will not only offer cooking and entertaining tips, but will provide forums for viewer comments, additional information on topics discussed and blogs. The Webisodes are sponsored by Nintendo of America Inc., which plans to feature video ads for the launch of its Wii video game console.

“iVillage Live,” which is scheduled to launch on December 4 at noon, will be shot on location at Universal Orlando Resort. In addition to a live broadcast, viewers will be able to participate in a daily, live online chat which will scroll along the bottom of the television screen and may be discussed as part of the programming. Viewers will also be able to participate in polls online, using mobile phone text messages, or polling devices provided to studio audience viewers.

“iVillage Live” topics will range from parenting and pregnancy to style and lifestyle issues, and has already signed on charter sponsors Bally Total Fitness; Calphalon; The Estee Lauder Companies, GE Profile Appliances; Goody; Graco; Healthy Choice; Overstock.com; Priceline.com and Unilever.

Sponsors will be invited to participate in on-air segments and viewers on the Internet site will be able to purchase the sponsor’s products in real time while the show is streaming.