The Seven Network has announced Optus and Arnott’s Tim Tam as its major broadcast partners of the new series of Australian Idol, premiering Monday, 30 January at 7.30pm on Channel Seven and 7plus.
The sponsorships with Optus and Arnott’s Tim Tam have been strategically developed with the agencies UM (Optus) and The Neighbourhood, Publicis Groupe’s bespoke connected agency platform for Arnott’s.
The partnerships include bespoke activation packages, in-program integration, premium commercial assets on Channel Seven and 7plus across metro, regional and digital screens, social support and amplification on Seven’s new channel, 7Bravo.
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Creative ideation, executions and on-air sponsorship assets and extensions have been produced by 7RED in partnership with UM, The Neighbourhood, Optus and Arnott’s Tim Tam. Other key sponsors include Samsung and Universal Pictures Australia.
Using the Optus Living Network, Optus will keep Australian Idol contestants connected with their loved ones during crucial moments, such as following a successful audition or progressing through to the finals.
Arnott’s Tim Tam’s partnership will include on-air promotions, experiences and special giveaways. The Australian Idol sponsorship aims to inspire viewers with exciting new ways to indulge in Arnott’s Tim Tams.
Idol judges: Kyle Sandilands, Meghan Trainor, Amy Shark, Harry Connick Jr
Optus senior director, brand marketing, Cameron Luby, said: “Australian Idol is the perfect brand alignment for Optus as aspiring singers say YES to the opportunity of pursuing their musical dreams.
“With its extraordinary auditions and uplifting performances, Australian Idol embodies Optus’ spirit of optimism and our active role in reminding Australians that extraordinary opportunities ‘Start with YES’.”
Arnott’s Tim Tam marketing manager, Rebecca Chan, said: “Arnott’s Tim Tam is one of Australia’s national icons so who better to be there when a new national superstar is discovered! We are excited to be a part of Australian Idol’s return; the perfect program for Aussies to watch together and enjoy a Tim Tam. What more could you wish for?”
Director of 7RED, Katie Finney, said: “We are delighted to welcome Optus and Arnott’s Tim Tam as major sponsors for the highly anticipated new season of Australian Idol on Channel Seven and 7plus.
“Australian Idol offers our commercial partners a unique opportunity to engage with a multi-generational audience across metro, regional and digital screens in a trusted, brand-safe environment.
“With massive live shows, electrifying performances and guaranteed feel-good moments, there’s no show more exciting than Australian Idol for brands to align with,” she said.
The Neighbourhood chief client officer, Toby Aldred, said: “Australian Idol provides a great and playful opportunity to connect the everyday indulgence of a Tim Tam with everyday Australians. Seven have been great partners in helping develop an exciting platform to run throughout the series.”
UM senior creative connections director, Amy Cummings, said: “Australian Idol has been an instrumental tentpole on Australian screens that has surfaced some of our nation’s greatest musical talent by fostering and championing the ambition and talent of everyday Aussies. With Optus sharing that same spirit, the exciting return of Australian Idol represented the perfect media vehicle to partner with and demonstrate the role and value Optus has in the lives of everyday Australians. This has been a truly integrated brand and content partnership between Seven, Optus and UM to showcase how Optus creates meaningful connections between people and services to make great things happen.”