Coca-Cola Kicks Off New Ads with 'American Idol'

Food & Beverage Close-Up, Jan 17, 2007

FOOD AND BEVERAGE CLOSE-UP-17 January 2007-Coca-Cola Kicks Off New Ads with 'American Idol'(C)2007 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com

As the American Idol TV show kicked off its sixth season this week, Coca-Cola said that it is debuting new commercials, including one celebrating black history.

The new ad, entitled "Timeline," features a series of milestones in black history complemented by images which illustrate the progression of the Coca-Cola contour bottle over time.

"'Timeline' pays respect to the many incredible contributions that African Americans have made to culture, science and community," said Anne Sempowski Ward, assistant vice president, African American Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "This special salute honors the past and inspires optimism for the future, and reminds people that Coca-Cola was there to celebrate these landmark achievements."

"Timeline" first aired on Tuesday, January 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT during the season's first episode of American Idol. The commercial is just one element in a 2007 African-American marketing program, which includes sponsorship integration and television, print, cinema and digital advertising.

Two new "Coke Side of Life" ads that bring the experience of drinking a Coca-Cola to life -- "Happiness Factory" and "Video Game" -- will also make their television debut on American Idol.

Twenty-two-time Emmy-nominated American Idol is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

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