Professional contractor and TV star Mike Holmes will be writing a new weekly column for Canwest’s major daily newspapers, the media conglom announced today. The newly expanded relationship with the plain-speaking overalls-wearing Canadian reno expert also extends to Canwest’s TV and web properties.
A Canwest original series titled Holmes in New Orleans will air as a two-part doc special on Global Television on April 7 and 8 at 9 pm, and as a six-part series on HGTV. Online initiatives include a microsite on HGTV.ca launching March 23. It will stream full episodes of the series after its broadcast debut, as well as exclusive web videos and ‘Mike’s Blog,’ featuring original entries penned during the build.
Holmes, who is best known from his HGTV series Holmes on Homes, will launch his ‘Making it Right’ column March 30 in the National Post plus 10 other Canwest metro newspapers. The column aims to help navigate the ins and outs of home improvements – from finding a reliable contractor to avoiding common pitfalls and costly mistakes. Holmes will also share new materials and techniques that save time and money.
Promotional support for the new Mike Holmes content extends across all Canwest properties and includes a targeted print campaign and a cross-network on-air strategy (featuring promos, bumpers, menu frames and a specially designed bug). Online promotion across Canwest’s websites includes banners, big-box and skyscraper ads.
