• by Fern Siegel , February 1, 2010

Bravo Media has teamed with mobile social network foursquare to launch a branded experience on its site. Starting today, the partnership includes network branded "badges" and special prizes for "check-ins" at Bravo-themed locations. BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm Pre Android and Bravo apps can access the service.

Bravo will create on-air spots to drive users to check-in to foursquare from various nationwide locations featured in the network's series.

The net will supply branded badges designed around "The Real Housewives," "The Millionaire Matchmaker," "Top Chef," "Top Chef Masters" and "Shear Genius." Viewers will compete to be the "mayor" of Bravo-related locations and win prizes.

Foursquare users will find special Bravo badges as they visit the more than 500 selected Bravo locations across the U.S.

Ellen Stone, senior vice president, marketing, Bravo Media, said the foursquare alliance would provide "the perfect extension of Bravo's core areas of food, fashion, beauty, design and pop culture."

Sponsors will also be integrated into the branded experience with various tie-ins, such as partner sweepstakes. Users will also be given helpful tips on cities and behind-the-scenes program action.

Bravo has been a program service of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment since 2002. foursquare debuted in March 2009, functioning as part friend-finder, part social city guide. A location-based social networking game, foursquare awards points for broadcasting the places you visit, such as restaurants, cafes, and malls. Every time users check in at a location, they earn points and eventually unlock virtual badges.