• Mediaweek, Tuesday, July 25, 2006 12:45 PM

"It's no secret there is a strong connection between Nascar and country music," notes Mediaweek, and ABC is looking to make hay out of both. Starting this fall, the network is set to air the annual Country Music Association Awards for the next six years, while wheeling out Nascar next summer. The CMA is hoping that a move from CBS to ABC will help it reach younger viewers. ABC sees a chance to draw new eyeballs and promote the CMA and country music at various Disney properties. "There are a lot of opportunities for synergy with Nascar, ESPN and other Disney properties," says Steve McPherson, ABC entertainment president. They include signage at Disney theme parks and on the Nascar programming, with appearances by more country music artists on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" also under consideration.

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