Powells.com Sponsors Live
Wire April 20, 2006, Portland, OR — Powells.com today announced a foray into local radio — sort of. The Oregon-based online bookseller has signed on as an official sponsor of Live Wire, a radio show featuring music, interviews, and sketch comedy, recorded live at the Aladdin Theater in Portland and broadcast on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB). The sponsorship provides funding at a time when the locally produced, monthly radio program aims to secure national distribution as a weekly show. Live Wire's smart, irreverent tone shares a sensibility with Powell's award-winning web site, explains company president Michael Powell, who added, "The sponsorship builds on our effort to cultivate a customer base through a variety of media." Since September, Powells.com has been attracting attention across online communities with its introduction of the Bookcast (guests to date include Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and rock band Queens of the Stone Age in a live performance at the independent bookseller's flagship store) and a widely praised bookseller blog, showcasing commentary from staff members alongside the likes of New Yorker contributors Susan Orlean ("The Orchid Thief") and Elizabeth Kolbert ("Field Notes from a Catastrophe"). Live Wire features at least one prominent literary figure in each performance, and its upcoming Wordstock Extravaganza (April 22) will be devoted to guests from Portland’s largest book-related event of the year. "I heart Live Wire," attests Dave Weich, director of marketing and business development at Powells.com. "In the last few episodes I've laughed at Dan Savage, boogied to Storm and the Balls, and listened to the screenwriter of Walk the Line talk about his relationship with Johnny Cash. We're proud to be associated with the show." About Powells.com |
