• Mediaweek, Friday, October 23, 2009 9:45 AM

USA Network has signed Ford and Ketel One Vodka as sponsors for its new original series, "White Collar." The series debuts tonight with limited commercial interruption, thanks in large part to Ford's sponsorship deal.

The deal allows Ford to kick start the premiere episode with exclusive ownership of the first 60-second commercial pod. Also in the show, FBI agent Peter Burke will drive a new Taurus throughout the first season. Beginning with episode four on Nov. 13, Ford will also sponsor a short "character profile" of the lawman -- an interstitial that shares info on Burke's back story.

Ketel One will ride shotgun with another character in the show, rehabilitated con artist Neal Caffrey. In the second half of the season, Ketel on the rocks will be established as Caffrey's signature drink. A Ketel-sponsored character profile of Bomer will also debut Nov. 20. Both profiles will live online at USA's 'White Collar' microsite.

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