NBC has
been in a hole for a few years now. They have had modest hits with several
different shows that appeal to niche audiences, but they have not been able to
secure a solid identity and viewership. Their latest attempt at breaking out of
their rut has worked. Using a famous movie and a lot of advertising, the
excellent Sound of Music, they broadcasted a live performance using new
actors but retaining all of the classic songs. Audiences responded
enthusiastically and beat skeptical expectations, scoring high ratings and
almost 20 million viewers, a feat NBC has not managed to achieve on Thursday
nights in four years. They even beat Big Bang Theory for the top
network show. Clearly, an identifiable brand and a stellar performance were the
winners that night. At Centel Media™, we
understand how strategic marketing and careful reputation management can lead to phenomenal
success.
Before
the show, critics derided it as nothing more than a desperate publicity stunt.
They viewed Sound of Music as one of those American classics that should
not be touched because there is no way to improve on it. While that point is
debatable, nonetheless the film is a masterpiece of delightful artistry that
stands on its own even today. So when NBC wanted to remake it, it was only
expected that loyal film fans would react negatively before the new program had
even aired.
However,
the warm reception to the live musical performance on TV has proven the critics
wrong. People do want to see a great performance of a classic, even if it isn't
exactly the same as the movie. In fact, rebranding may have been a key reason
why the show gained such an astounding audience. While some people only want
the original, a creative remake usually motivates many viewers to go out and
see the 'improved' version. While people may debate if NBC’s version tops the
original, it still manages to stand on its own merits.
Proper
advertising of their known brand is what gave NBC the success it needed. If you
or your organization needs a professional hand in proper marketing, onlinereputation management firm Centel Media™ has the
know-how to get you on the right track. In addition to our classic service of press releases, we also offer products
which increase traffic to your website such as Google AdWords optimization, social media optimization, website design, and domain name registration. Be sure
to take ample opportunity of all of the possibilities online branding gives in
order to increase your sales and profitability.
Jonathan
Wong,
Creative
Writer,
Chris
MacEachern,
Editor,