• April 9, 2003

The WB and Pepsi-Cola North America announced a partnership for two major summer programming initiatives that will include the development of Play for a Billion, a live television special in which a contestant will have the chance to win $1 billion, and Pepsi Smash, a six-week series that will feature performances by today's top musical acts. Play for a Billion, which will be produced by Michael Davies (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) guarantees a $1 million winner who will then have the chance to play for $1 billion. There is a one in 1,000 chance that the $1 billion will be awarded. The show, set to air in September, will be the culmination of Pepsi's summer promotion Play for a Billion that begins May 1. Pepsi has taken out an insurance policy in case someone wins the billion-dollar prize. "The WB couldn't be prouder to partner with Pepsi, whose brand is synonymous around the world for high quality, style and everything young. Our brands are a perfect fit with a history of defining pop culture and this live broadcast will energize the launch of The WB's fall season," said Jed Patrick, president/COO of The WB. Another part of The WB/Pepsi relationship, a new prime time show titled PEPSI SMASH will begin a six-week run on The WB in July. SMASH is a one-hour show featuring live musical performances from some of the biggest music artists across all genres in front of a live audience. As many as five groups or artists will perform on each show, and viewers will have the opportunity to see up close and personal segments with artists backstage as well as behind-the-scenes footage of artists in the U.S. and around the world .