Even MTV is pushing into the local arena. Through a partnership with Zvents, mtvU has rolled out out 25 sites that are essentially city guides for local colleges. Called the Campus Daily Guide, they feature events, restaurant and bar reviews, local search and campus resources. They’ve also tapped into content from the College Media Network — the college newspaper network MTV recently acquired — as well as RatemyProfessor.com, another MTV property. The idea is to bring in both national and local advertisers. “Brands like a Domino’s Pizza might want to advertise in a context that is truly local,” said mtvU’s general manager Steven Friedman. There are 25 sites to start with plans to launch 25 more. Here’s University of Washington…
I think this is a terrific idea — in fact, the best idea I’ve seen from MTV in years — and it makes perfect sense given mtvU’s touchpoints with the college community. The site is well-designed, Zvents is a solid events source, mtvU has plenty of great promotion avenues (college papers and mtvU) and local campus representatives will help with the site at each college. And there are plenty of national and local businesses who want to advertise to college students in their natural habitat.