Meanwhile, the Big Brother 2 sponsorships have been sold out. Vodacom is on board once more as the headline sponsor, whilst Nandos, Steers and Debonairs also return for the second season. MWeb is a newcomer, as are Play Energy Drink and Distell, the new beverage sponsors. Shoprite Checkers is providing the housemates with groceries and Bakos Brothers has revamped the entire Big Brother house.
Samsung, as the appliance supplier, has converted the Big Brother house into a fully digital home complete with airconditioner and plasma television screens. Unilever is supplying their range of Unifoods and personal care products, whilst Reckitt Benckiser is sponsoring cleaning products. Aspirational brand Bolle', is providing the housemates with sunglasses, whilst clothing sponsor, Edgars, came on board following its success as a sponsor on Idols, where the company showcased its upcoming fashions.
Despite the sponsorships having been snapped up, and the Sunday shows almost sold out, Oracle Airtime Sales has confirmed that there are still other airtime opportunities available, which can be tailor-made to suit advertisers and ensure their inclusion in the show. There is also space available on the 24-hour Channel 37 on DStv, as well as on M-Net during the week.
The response from sponsors and advertisers to Big Brother 2 is not surprising, given the unprecedented success of the first series. It is now a proven format, guaranteed to deliver invaluable exposure to millions.
At the same time, M-Net is satisfying viewer demand with one reality offering after another. Idols was launched close on the heels of Big Brother 2. Then followed the US version of Fear Factor which ran concurrently, in part, with Idols. The local version of Fear Factor begins on 3 August 2002 and will be broadcast concurrently with Big Brother 2, which started on 28 July 2002. As a result, M-Net will be leading with reality TV viewing throughout the week: Big Brother 2 from Monday to Friday, as well as on Sunday, with Fear Factor on Saturday.
