Can NBC Brand Itself as the Green Network?

According to a Fast Company column, NBC Universal is chasing the Green Dream! Read more...

Would you watch a TV network just because it is somehow "greener" than the others? NBC Universal is betting on it. The company claims that polls show that its reputation as a green network is recognized among 82% of viewers. While this reputation hasn't translated into high ratings, NBC believes that advertisers are attracted to the idea of reaching out to environmentally-minded consumers.

NBC's 2009 Green is Universal campaign will be marked with the tagline "Green Lives Here". The network will use variations on the tagline like "Green Laughs Here" and "Green Shops Here" depending on which show or ad is running.

The company has touted its environmental awareness since 2007, when it launched the first Green is Universal week. 30 Rock's well-received "Greenzo" episode both played into Green is Universal week and made fun of it at the same time, while green-themed shows and PSAs were sprinkled throughout the network's schedule. Since then, NBC has purchased carbon offset credits in bulk and launched a green-themed section of its Web site. The company also tries to make its live events as sustainable as possible, according to Lauren Zalaznick, Chair of NBC Universal's Green Council and President of the Bravo Network.

There's a side benefit to NBC's initiatives: they have saved the company $2 million over the past year.

But unless NBC starts running green-themed programming, it will never be able to entirely win over the environmental crowd. If you like Lost and Grey's Anatomy better than 30 Rock and The Office, you're probably going to watch ABC--even if NBC brands itself to death with green taglines.

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