DIRECTV Inc. will premiere an exclusive U2 television event in December free of charge to its more than 10.3 million residential and commercial customers. DIRECTV will roll out this commercial-free U2 broadcast as part of its DIRECTV ® FREEVIEW ® event series to customers beginning Saturday, December 1, and continuing throughout the month.
This original four-hour U2 event will include a concert film of the band’s sold-out Elevation Tour 2001, recorded live in Boston this past June. Other than the limited exhibition on DIRECTV, this long-format version is only available on U2’s new DVD. In addition, DIRECTV will premiere more than two hours of additional U2 programming including never-before-seen archived interview footage and music videos.
DIRECTV is also aligning with both VH1 and Best Buy to promote the launch of U2’s new DVD release featuring the concert film, “Elevation 2001 – U2 Live From Boston.” Through in-store promotions, as well as national print and outdoor marketing, Best Buy will drive demand for the new release and promote U2’s television broadcast on VH1 and DIRECTV. VH1 aired a shorter version of the concert film and conducted a radio contest to promote the availability of U2’s DVD at Best Buy and the U2 broadcast on VH1 and DIRECTV. DIRECTV will continue the promotion throughout December with extensive print and on-air promotions. While all three companies have worked together in the past, this is the first time they have aggregated their resources to deliver a national promotion designed to generate heightened awareness and demand for U2.
“DIRECTV is proud to be associated with U2, one of the hottest rock bands in history. We know that our more than 10.3 million subscribers will appreciate the chance to see and hear this exclusive compilation of incredible U2 performances all month long,” said Michael Thornton, senior vice president, Programming Acquisitions. “The DIRECTV ® FREEVIEW ® event series is indicative of our mission to bring the highest level of quality programming to our customers and to deliver exclusive features not available on any other multi-channel service. This collaboration between DIRECTV, VH1 and Best Buy has enabled all three companies to deliver one dynamic platform where musicians can reach millions of fans throughout the United States. We look forward to working with our partners to bring more events and promotions like this to fruition.”
Premiering on Saturday, December 1 at 6:00 AM (ET), “U2 Month” will air on DIRECTV channel 103, 24 hours a day through December 31. DIRECTV customers who tune in to the programming block can expect to see U2 perform hits from their illustrious career. Additional footage includes “U2 Legends” produced by VH1; The making of “All I Want Is You,” never before seen in the U.S.; “The Sweetest Thing” video; “Bullet the Blue Sky” filmed during the Rock the Vote election campaign; the Trabantland and Lovetown documentaries, and the “Lemon,” “Please,” “One,” and “Beautiful Day” music videos.