MediaBuyerPlanner: Ford Motor Company has signed on as a key sponsor of AMC's four-hour Western, Broken Trail, which premieres as a two-part special June 25 and 26 at 8:00 p.m., Mediaweek reports. This is the first time Ford has bought time on AMC and the automaker will be featured in special 30- and 60-second vignettes as well as tagged tune-ins, integrated bumpers, logo presence on print ads and online exposure on AMCtv.com and the Broken Trail micro site.

Cable networks are increasingly crafting presenting sponsor opportunities for advertisers that offer exposure in pre-show promotions, allowing a marketer to link with programming beyond simple in-show spots, MediaPost reports. TNT has signed marketers to deals that include placement in extensive pre-show promotions for the premieres of new drama "Saved" and a Stephen King-themed limited series.