NBC's 'Heroes' Gets Free Download On iTunes

NBC wants viewers to watch "Heroes." To get them started, the network will offer a rare free screening of its new fall drama from its iTunes Music Store partner. The move is part of an overall marketing deal with in-theater media company National CineMedia and Nissan North America.

Starting September 1, iTunes Music Store will offer the debut episode of the show gratis--as well as other bonus material. NBC has been a partner with iTunes to promote a number of its programs over the last several months, touting a free episode of the Dick Wolf-produced "Conviction" last March. The download charge is usually $1.99 an episode.

Along with National CineMedia and Nissan North America, co-branded promotional cards will be given out at the box offices of AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Entertainment Group theaters nationwide. Moviegoers can use these cards to go online and download the show for free.

In addition, National CineMedia will run a 10-second teaser spot for "Heroes" in theaters in August. Plus, "Heroes" will get a two-minute 30-second content segment of "Heroes" playing on select AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Entertainment Group screens. National CineMedia had run special NBC content this way for several shows, including the Olympics.

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Also on NBC's own airwaves, it will air a schedule of co-branded 20-second promos touting the free preview download of "Heroes" on iTunes and NCM, courtesy of Nissan.

NCM will make "Heroes" part of its in-theater lobby marketing efforts, with a 30-second spot on NCM's Lobby Entertainment Network's plasma screens, as well as branding signage on popcorn bags, among other promotional items.

As has been previously announced, Nissan will be the exclusive sponsor of the series broadcast premiere. Nissan will have a presenting credit in the episode, which will include limited commercial interruption.

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