# Cross-Media Promotions TV shows turn to unexpected marketing tactics to encourage fandom. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Sep 4, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crossmedia-promotions ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Cross-Media Promotions trend? **Cross-Media Promotions:** Taking exposure beyond simple TV and print ads, franchises are using multiple media platforms to increase hype and fan engagement. Reaching out to consumers through publicity stunts, pop-up shops and even branded products, shows like the Walking Dead are showcasing a move toward more expansive promotional tactics. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 14, 2012 to Jul 8, 2014 - Published: Sep 4, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Cross-Media Promotions trend ### Cross-Media Promotions TV shows are using expansive promotional tactics with multiple media platforms to increase hype and fan engagement. ### Interactive TV Viewing Creating interactive applications that add depth to the TV watching experience is becoming more popular as viewing habits and technology evolve. ### Non-traditional Advertising Creating urban zombie pranks, goat brain brews, and blood currency shops to promote a show challenge traditional advertising methods. ## What the Cross-Media Promotions trend means for industry ### For Television Production In the television production industry, cross-media promotions and interactive applications create opportunities for audience engagement and new revenue streams. ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can explore new flavors and ingredients, such as goat brains, to create unique and unconventional products inspired by popular culture. ### For Marketing and Advertising The marketing and advertising industry can learn from non-traditional advertising tactics that promote engagement and encourage consumers to think about their products in fun and innovative ways. ## Trend signals for Cross-Media Promotions Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 31%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Cross-Media Promotions trend 6 featured examples from Feb 14, 2012 to Jul 8, 2014. - [Goat Brain Brews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-dead-beer): This 'Walking Dead' Beer is Brewed to the Likes of Brain-Eating Zombies (Category: Unique) Implication: Craft breweries have the freedom to experiment with unconventional ingredients, allowing them to continuously innovate and create new and unique beer experiences. - [Terrifying Urban Zombie Pranks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zombie-pranks): The AMC Walking Dead Hoax Terrorized Unsuspecting New Yorkers (Category: Unique) Implication: The entertainment industry can leverage the popularity of zombie-themed content by creating immersive experiences, events, and attractions for fans. - [Blood Currency Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-dead-tv-show): The Blood Store Trades Blood Donations for Walking Dead TV Show Merchandise (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for companies in the entertainment merchandise industry to collaborate with blood donation organizations to create unique promotions that drive brand awareness and inc… - [Fantasy Family Wines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wines-of-westeros): Game of Thrones Fans Can Enjoy a Glass of the Wines of Westeros (Category: Marketing) Implication: Alcoholic beverage companies can create themed drinks and partner with popular TV shows and movies for licensing opportunities. - [Zombie-Shooting Publicity Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shooting-zombies): Wacky Promo From Loducca, Brazil for the Walking Dead TV Series (Category: Marketing) Implication: Incorporating interactive and memorable experiences, like shooting range promotions, into entertainment marketing strategies can enhance audience engagement and drive fan enthusia… - [Interactive Kill Count Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-dead-story-sync1): 'The Walking Dead Story Sync' Adds More to the Viewing Experience (Category: Tech) Implication: The television broadcasting industry can embrace interactive apps like 'The Walking Dead Story Sync' to enhance viewer engagement and offer a more immersive experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)