Cable Networks Slot $12M in Ad Time to New Orleans

By Anonymous

Eleven cable television system operators and cable advertiser Adlink are donating $12 million in advertising time on their networks to promote New Orleans tourism.

With Cox Communications organizing the effort, participating networks are Bresnan Communications, Bright House Networks, Cable One, Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast, Insight Communications, Mediacom, Suddenlink and Time Warner Cable.

“The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina was jaw-dropping for Americans who never dreamed that one of the nation’s most historic and beautiful cities could be so vulnerable,” said Greg Bicket, vice president and regional manager of Cox Communications in New Orleans. “The storm was unbelievable, but so is the spirit of the residents who are working to restore New Orleans to its former glory, as well as the generosity of our peers in the cable industry who are making this gift.”

“It’s no secret that I spent many successful years in the private sector, working in cable for Cox Communications,” said New Orleans’ Mayor Ray Nagin. “I know first-hand the incredible contributions that cable companies make to their local communities all across the country and Cox’s culture of community involvement. On behalf of everyone who calls New Orleans home, even those who remain relocated, I give heartfelt thanks to Cox and their cable peers for this incredible gift.”

The cable companies are placing commercials developed by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and their advertising agency Peter A. Mayer Advertising. The campaign features celebrities with connections to New Orleans inviting viewers to “come fall in love with New Orleans all over again.” Wynton Marsalis, Emeril Lagasse, Patricia Clarkson, Dan Akroyd, George Rodrigue, Dr. John, John Goodman and others share what they love about New Orleans in the spots.

The ads drive viewers to www.NewOrleansOnline.com for hotel and package rates, as well as to book their trips.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of New Orleans. The tourism industry and city as a whole will benefit tremendously from this unprecedented gift from another sector, our friends in cable TV,” said Sandra S. Shilstone, president and CEO of the NOTMC. “We are enormously grateful to Cox Communications for envisioning and leading this support from the cable industry. Our research suggests that the more than $12 million in advertising time cable is donating will yield greater than $1.3 billion in visitor spending. This is huge for New Orleans as we reach out nationally and internationally to let everyone know that the experience and authenticity of New Orleans is alive and flourishing.”

Credit: CityBusiness Staff Report

(Copyright 2007 Dolan Media Newswires)

(c) 2007 New Orleans CityBusiness. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.