Broadcast Industry Goes Green for Earth Day

April 15, 2009

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Several broadcasting networks, including Fox Broadcasting, NBC and Nickelodeon, have announced green-themed TV program scheduling in honor of Earth Day, April 22.

Fox Broadcasting plans to launch specially themed TV shows, on-air graphics and instructional segments about being more green, kicking off on April 19 through to April 22, reported Media Daily News. Fox’s corporate efforts, under its “Green It. Mean It” theme, are aimed at reducing the network’s impact on the world’s climate and becoming carbon neutral by 2010.

Fox.com will host a dedicated microsite featuring “Green Tips” segments that will also be distributed daily via Twitter, MySpace and other social-networking and new media sites.

Media Daily News also reported that NBC kicks off its second annual Earth Week April 19-26, with the “Miss USA” show. Earth Week will air more than 150 hours of green-themed programming across NBCU’s 40 on-air and digital brands, including a four-part MSNBC series called Future Earth.

Last year, NBC Universal also promoted over 150 hours of green-themed programming across its properties.

Lauren Zalaznick, president of NBCU women and lifestyle entertainment networks, told Media Daily News that NBC Universal has saved $2 million last year by going green.

A recent poll conducted by NBCU found that 73 percent of respondents say green is good for the economy and promotes job creation. In addition, six in 10 consumers (59 percent) believe “buying green can help consumers save money in the long run.”

Nickelodeon also has announced a green-themed programming schedule for Earth Day. It will include environmentally-themed episodes of hit shows including The Wonder Pets, Olivia, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, iCarly, and Yo Gabba Gabba! Nickelodeon will air vignettes of real kids taking action to improve the environment, and Nickelodeon, NOGGIN, and The N will all power down for 60 seconds at 9:00 p.m.

Nickelodeon also will unveil The Big Green Help grants program to support schools and local organizations with sustainability projects. Applications will be accepted online from April 22 to Dec. 31, 2009. The program is also designed to give kids the opportunity to take environmental action with more than 500 local grassroots Earth Day events.

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