Microsoft and ESPN are Bedfellows

According to an article in today’s MediaPost, "Microsoft 'bought out' the flagship 11 p.m. ET version of 'SportsCenter' last night, airing seven minutes of commercials during the hour--down from the program's usual 15. The technology giant's initiative focused on its Xbox 360, which is facing a major challenge from the just-released Sony PlayStation 3 as the holiday season approaches."

This is a smart marketing move for Microsoft. They have the opportunity to reach one of their core audiences – sports fans – and their message is not diluted with other commercials during the show. As more shows allow companies to buy out shows, it will be interesting to see who takes advantage on the opportunities and markets their business or product correctly.