NBC Universal and Cingular announced yesterday that legendary sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live will now be available on Cingular mobile handsets.
The deal between NBC Universal, Broadway Video Entertainment, and Cingular Wireless provides all of the hilarious sketches and shorts from America’s longest running television comedy to Cingular customers. The collaboration also marks the first time that SNL content can be viewed from a mobile device.
According to Cingular representatives, mobile access to Saturday Night Live content, including video clips from classic and current episodes, as well as original material produced especially for the mobile screen will be available to Cingular Video subscribers.
Customers who are true blue fans of SNL can download and purchase themed ringtones, such as the SNL theme song, memorable quotes, and graphics from both current and classic seasons.
The deal comes soon after the announcement by NBC Universal chief digital officer, George Kliavkoff, that SNL dress rehearsals would be aired via webcast.
“For more than 30 years, SNL has entertained television audiences throughout the world with some of the most memorable comedic sketches Now, with the introduction of Saturday Night Live Mobile, Cingular becomes the first wireless carrier to deliver classic and current SNL shorts, as well as newly produced original content, to the mobile stage-exclusively for the enjoyment of our customers,” said John Burbank, vice president of marketing at Cingular Wireless.
Cingular Video subscribers will also have access to over 100 video shorts, ranging in duration of 2-3 minutes each, from current and classic SNL episodes, as well as some original shorts produced solely for Cingular Video. Shorts from the current season will appear on Cingular Video the day after the Saturday night premiere, according to representatives.
Representatives from all involved parties are extremely optimistic about the possibility for growth in the mobile market with this landmark deal, and hope to have future collaborations with other highly reputable franchises.
“This is a landmark deal for NBC Universal and Cingular, said Ron Lamprecht, Vice President, New Media, NBC Universal Television Networks Distribution. “This agreement will allow consumers to watch NBC’s Emmy Award- winning late-night comedy showcase, SNL, in a way that’s convenient for them. NBC Universal is committed to providing our customers with content on a variety of platforms to meet their needs.”
SNL has won 18 Emmy awards in it’s 32 seasons and has been nominated for 80, all while launching some of the most famous names ever in entertainment.
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Autmn Davis is a staff writer for Murdok covering ebusiness and technology.
