NOTHING BUT NETZERO AT THE HALF: ISP ON WITH NBA BROADCASTS

          CA-based ISP NetZero announced its halftime title 
     sponsorship of all "NBA on NBC" telecasts this season (see
     THE DAILY, 12/17).  As part of the deal, NBC's halftime show
     will now be called "NetZero @ the Half."  The effort will
     launch December 25 during the net's doubleheader coverage. 
     To support, NetZero will unveil new TV creative in its
     "Defenders of the Free World" campaign (NetZero).  The L.A.
     DAILY NEWS reports that the sponsorship, terms of which were
     not disclosed, is "part of a push" by NetZero "to establish
     a national brand identity."  NetZero replaces Prudential,
     which did not renew its deal, and NetZero CMO Brian Woods
     said, "Prudential's halftime report has become something of
     a household name.  Through our partnership with NBC, we're
     going to position NetZero as just such a brand."  Woods
     added that the halftime show will "get an updated look and a
     more interactive feel" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 12/21).