• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, September 20, 2007

Seeking another avenue to plug its content, NBC has signed a deal giving it placement on ATM-style machines that allow users to download music to a mobile phone or burn it onto a CD.

NBC Universal will use the kiosks from Salt Lake City-based Mediaport to promote its late-night lineup and news offerings, as well as MSNBC content. While the late-night lineup clearly appeals to a younger demo, the tactic may have greater potential with the news programs, which may be an afterthought to that group.

NBC's in-house ad agency orchestrated the deal.

The network will have access to hundreds--an exact figure was not provided--of so-called Mediaport ATMs at retail locations to display their promo content. The ATMs, or "vending machines," offer some 1 million tracks that can be downloaded to mobile devices or CDs.

"The partnership is an ideal way for us to reach digital-savvy 18- to-28-year-olds," said Frank Radice, an executive with the NBC Agency. "Media kiosks have a promising future and present an exciting new channel for us to reach and influence these target groups."

Helen Seltzer, CEO of Mediaport Entertainment, said the partnership could also open the door "to making other kinds of entertainment content available for download besides digital music."