William Morris to Help Digest Expand Into TV
The Reader's Digest Association, the direct mail and publishing giant, announced a deal yesterday with the William Morris Agency to expand its brands into new entertainment distribution channels including television, radio and motion pictures.William Morris, Los Angeles, is expected to execute entertainment-based marketing and business initiatives in three areas: original television and radio programming, cross-promotional marketing and new business ventures.
Reader's Digest, Pleasantville, NY, reportedly aims to be on TV regularly. Ideas discussed include a Reader's Digest weekday show, either in a talk show format or a magazine format that draws on the publication's content, as well as made-for-TV movies.
William Morris will ally with writers, directors, producers and others who will work with Reader's Digest to create that programming. The agency also will develop new revenue-generating business opportunities between Reader's Digest and relevant media and entertainment properties. And it will create cross-marketing and promotional opportunities for various Reader's Digest properties.
