Bravo, Bravo!

A Highlight into Bravo’s Multimedia Plan

Nearly 15 years ago in 2007 television network Bravo announced its brand-new multimedia plan. Its plan included expansion into other forms of media. Reshaped as Bravo Media, the NBC Universal unit launched several divisions to widen its television and digital content offerings in the areas as such as publishing, merchandising and radio.

The year 2007 also marked the beginning of Bravo’s partnership with Pangea Management Group, the talent management division of RDF USA as an effort to boost the careers of talent appearing in the network’s programming. The Hollywood Reporter spoke to Bravo president Lauren Zalaznick and when asked about its multimedia plans Zalaznick commented, “we’ve evolved into a multimedia company with a strong, clear brand and are organizing our business for the future.”

Now almost 15 years later since the inception of its multimedia plan Bravo has seen massive success with its seven different cities in its The Real Housewives franchise, along with other shows like Married to Medicine, Summer House, Vanderpump Rules, Southern Charm, Shahs of Sunset, and more.

Many of its programming talent has went on to carve out highly successful names for themselves such as former The Real Housewives of New York City castmate Bethenny Frankel who starred in the New York series from seasons 1-3 and later returned in season 7 before permanently leaving the show to pursue other ventures. As a result of her time as a Bravo talent Bethenny went on to have her own television show in 2013, owning her own lifestyle brand and low-calorie alcoholic drink called Skinnygirl Cocktails, starring in The Celebrity Apprentice and is now an estimated worth of $70 million dollars.

Other talent from Bravo has gone on to build similar success such as former castmate NeNe Leakes from The Real Housewives of Atlanta who starred in the Atlanta series from seasons 1-12. While a Bravo talent, Nene appeared in NBC’s scripted series The New Normal, launched her own clothing line, starred in The Celebrity Apprentice, and appeared in Broadway’s musical production of Chicago along with many other endeavors.

So, with the list of now famous Housewives and other talent from a variety of shows on Bravo continuing to increase what makes Bravo stand out in 2021? How does multimedia help or hinder them?

I sat down with 23-year-old Media Commentator and popular YouTuber, Aaron Keenan and got his opinion on the success Bravo has been able to have from its initial multimedia plan in 2007.

When asked about how he feels that Bravo has been able to help themselves from garnering partnerships and executing different types of multimedia Aaron said that “Bravo’s biggest gain from their on-going media presence is relevancy. You have to be relevant in today’s time to last.”

Aaron said that he believes social media is one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep people paying attention to you. “However, not just any and all social media. You have to target the outlets that work best for what you’re looking to do. For instance, if I want to get the word out quickly about a live stream or whatever I’m doing I will use Instagram because its quick and straight to the point. People in my target audience are utilizing Instagram at all hours of the day. That strategy tends to work best for me, and I can tell Bravo is strategic about where, when, and how they promote their production.”

Aaron Hall is a full time Media Commentator with a YouTube following of over 30,000 subscribers in just a little over a year now. His work can be seen on Haus of Aaron on a daily basis. Hall comments on entertainment, fashion, politics and more and looks forward to growing his brand in the years to come.

Aaron has noted that once you create and keep you following the profit will come and he is impressed with the number of housewives that have garnered fame and profit from simply being Bravo Talent.

As Bravo continues to keep their current programming rolling in below is a snapshot of 10 of its Richest Housewives Talent. Much of the wealth can be attributed to the success of their current or former time with NBC’s Universal Bravo network.

Data reference