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Tuesday, April 19, 2005

What's the Frequency Martha?

Sirius Satellite Radio to Launch Exclusive Martha Stewart Channel. Ahh, my two favorite topics come together like chocolate and peanut butter.

I've written about satellite radio before and really like the technology. Martha makes a smart move tying her brand to a popular cultural trend. Not to mention, it expands her dominant media presence.

According to the press release:

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) today announced an exclusive four-year agreement to create and launch a Martha Stewart-branded satellite radio channel. The channel, the first of its kind, will provide original programming specifically designed for women listeners and their families, 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Martha Stewart will be a regular presence on the channel and will be actively involved with program development. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's team of experts will also contribute. Martha Stewart Living Radio is expected to begin on SIRIUS later this year. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This will be the first 'around the clock' channel devoted entirely to areas of interest for women in particular. It has been our dream to bring our expertise in the life-style arena, and our vast library of how-to ideas, to radio programming. Just as we pioneered in the creation of the how-to lifestyle magazine and how-to television media categories, our new partnership with SIRIUS is breaking new ground in satellite radio," said Martha Stewart, founder Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

"Through magazines, books, television, Internet, and merchandising, Martha Stewart Living has become the leader in women's lifestyle as a brand that stands for quality and expertise around the world," said Scott Greenstein, President of Entertainment and Sports Programming. "SIRIUS and Martha Stewart Living together create a one-of-a-kind combination that will provide women with the definitive complement to their lives and lifestyle."

Public relations folks take note and add this target to your media list as warranted. A relevant, targeted media placement on satellite radio is sure to have some serious impressions. Not to mention it also attaches your client to this popular cultural trend.


Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Sears Prefers Ty Over Martha

According to the Chicago Tribune, Sears has no immediate plans to incorporate Martha Stewart's retail line into its stores. Sears just debuted a retail line from Ty Penngington, from Trading Spaces and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Not sure what the big deal is here. The two stores merged, K-Mart and Sears are not becoming ONE brand. As a result, they need to tailor offerings that are distinct from each other.