CBS to do online bonus scene for CSI Miami

[Rover_Wow]

MediaWeek sez:

CBS.com to Run New CSI Scene

Mike Shields

NOVEMBER 15, 2005 -

CBS has produced an original scene for its hit CSI: Miami that will run exclusively on CBS.com.

The bonus scene will be tied to next Monday's episode of the series, and will be posted online immediately following the 10 p.m. East Coast broadcast of the show on Nov. 21. According to CBS, the online scene, which features a "dramatic revelation" which will effect the storyline on upcoming episodes of the series.

Hummer, the "official crime scene vehicle" for the show, is sponsoring the bonus scene, running both ads on the Web site as well as spots on the on-air broadcast. In additional to the original scene, CBS.com will house original CSI content tied to the episode, including behind the scenes footage and cast interviews - which will also be sponsored by Hummer.

Your say, please. Quite frankly, I don't give a freak about anything CSI.

[Colin]

MediaWeek sez:



Your say, please. Quite frankly, I don't give a freak about anything CSI.
Firstly, the question that you beg is, why bother posting if you care not about the source? It makes no sense to post something that you aren't really interested in...

But I digress... If this gimmick is utilized correctly, it could become an interesting way to cross-promote the network websites into the actual TV network. Viewers who don't want to be lost about certain aspects of a show's plot will want to check out the online footage, otherwise they'll be behind. If it increases the number of hits to CBS.com, I'd expect to see it being done on more of their dramas... and then other networks will jump aboard... that's only if it's done right, and the scene that they air online is something that will have a huge impact and be such a major revelation that anyone who's NOT viewing the web content will be lost... however, by doing that, you risk alienating your audience who doesn't have access to that kind of content. It's a risky move... we'll have to see what kind of payoff it gets.