• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, June 28, 2006

Continuing the trend of networks airing full episodes online as a promotional vehicle, MTV Networks' teen-targeted The N will look to broaden sampling of new drama "Whistler" with an online/on-air simulcast.

The online version of the drama about life in the eponymous upper-class Canadian ski resort will run on The N's broadband channel "The Click" as it debuts on the network. The simulcast takes place June 30 at 9:00 p.m.

Ads that appear on-air won't make it into the online version. The broadband episode will be available in two content blocks and will run commercial-free, unless MTVN opts to sell advertising in the "bridge" space.

Networks are increasingly dabbling in online distribution of on-air products: This spring, ABC placed multiple episodes of hit shows on ABC.com, while FX made the premiere of reality show "Black. White." available on MSN, and Fox offered the opening episode of short-lived comedy "Free Ride" on MySpace.com. This fall, NBC is launching what will arguably be the most ambitious initiative in the arena--Web site NBCFirstLook.com, which will offer premieres of up to four episodes of an NBC series each year.

Teen-targeted The N runs at night on the same channel as Noggin, which is aimed at preschool-age children during the daytime.