Variety reports that for the first time, CBS's fall marketing push includes full-length programs highlighting CBS shows on Viacom cable outlets. MTV will run the 30-minute special "Survivor: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," an original "greatest hits" compendium of "Survivor" moments, at least 10 times leading up to the September 19th premiere of "Survivor: Thailand" on CBS.
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The special, hosted by former contestants Elisabeth Filarski ("The Australian Outback") and "Survivor: Africa" winner Ethan Zohn, will frequently remind viewers about the upcoming premiere. At present it is unclear whether the special will include any "Survivor: Thailand" preview footage.
"This is beyond playing commercials," said CBS marketing chief George Schweitzer. "We're doing a half-hour entertainment show -- that's unheard of, different and very strategically placed. Obviously MTV's audience is an important one we want to attract." "MTV got a really cool program," Schweitzer said. "They don't look at this like they're doing a commercial for us. 'Survivor' is a very big lifestyle show for them. They worked with us and ('Survivor' exec producer) Mark Burnett, but produced the special in the MTV style."
A quick check of MTV.com reveals the following upcoming airing schedule for the special:
Thursday, September 12 - 5:30PM
Sunday, September 15 - 11:00PM
Monday, September 16 - 11:30AM
Tuesday, September 17 - 6:00PM
Tuesday, September 17 - 11:30PM
Wednesday, September 18 - 2:30PM
Wednesday, September 18 - 8:30PM
Wednesday, September 18 - 1:00AM
Thursday, September 19 - 12:30PM
Thursday, September 19 - 7:30PM