KFC Launches Ties Snacker Freebie to American Idol Premiere

KFC is reviving its Snacker promotion with a new TV twist.

Customers who watch the Jan. 17^th premiere of American Idol can vie for a chance to receive a free Buffalo KFC Snacker. During the show, the company will air a new version of its 30-second commercial on the product. The first 10,000 viewers who spot the difference and identify it online at KFC.com will receive a $1 gift check for the free Snacker. The show airs at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

Last year, KFC launched its Buffalo KFC Snacker embedding a hidden message in a national TV spot with an offer for a free Snacker sandwich (PROMO Xtra Feb. 28, 2006).

The company followed up the effort with a second promotion last September hiding the punch line to a "cheesy" joke in ad promote the ultimate Cheese KFC Snacker (PROMO Xtra Sept. 8).

"KFC Snacker fans come to expect unique advertising on the product," KFC spokesman Rick Maynard said. "We are continuing that tradition."

Louisville, KY-based KFC launched the Buffalo KFC Snacker in February 2005. Since, then, the company has sold more than 375 million, Maynard said.

Online materials and p.r. efforts support the promotion. KFC is handling the campaign in-house.