NBCU & One Direction Sign Cross-Platform Pact to Promote New Album

NEW YORK: NBCUniversal (NBCU) has entered into an exclusive comprehensive partnership with One Direction for the November 17 global launch of the pop band's latest studio album, Four.

The agreement includes the band's first-ever U.S. network special, One Direction: The TV Special, which will air on December 23 at 8 p.m. on NBC. A live performance from Universal Orlando Resort's CityWalk is slated for broadcast on Today and Un Nuevo Dia on November 17. There will also be worldwide competitions for fans to win tickets to the previously mentioned performance and a special private performance at the Universal Studios Florida Music Plaza the following day.

Fans visiting Universal Orlando Resort on November 17 and 18 can ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a themed roller coaster featuring music from One Direction, and attend a special Universal Cinematic Spectacular nighttime show led by the band. Guests inside Universal Studios can visit the One Direction in Orlando Fan Zone on Park Avenue. Cabana Bay Beach Resort guests will have the chance to attend an exclusive album listening pool party on November 16 at 7 p.m., and can also sign up for specially recorded wake-up calls from members of the band.

Exclusive interviews and news about Four will be featured across NBCU's entertainment news platforms Access Hollywood, E! News and on Telemundo's Un Nuevo Dia. U.S. promotional partners involved in sending fans to Orlando include Amazon, Clear Channel, Vevo, Seventeen magazine, Rue 21 and Claire's, as well as the Just Dance video game.