PAX TV and NBC Announce Joint Broadcast of 'Twenty-One'
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. & NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 15, 2000--
"Time Shifting" NBC's Popular Game Show
Paves Way for Upcoming Co-operative Programming Ventures
PAX TV (AMEX:PAX) and NBC today announced that they have reached an agreement for PAX to begin broadcasting NBC's popular revival of "Twenty-One" on a time-shifted basis this April. In addition to its regular Monday night timeslot (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT) on NBC, "Twenty-One" will become a weekly Saturday night series on PAX beginning April 8, 9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT (8:00-9:00 PM, CT/MT).
"Adding `Twenty-One' to PAX TV's regular Saturday primetime line-up is the beginning of a series of programming innovations sparked by our relationship with NBC," said Paxson President and CEO Jeff Saganksy. "During February Sweeps, we doubled the time period ratings of our adult audience when we scheduled two movies on PAX that had previously aired on NBC -- `Touch of Hope' and `The Promise.' Similarly, we expect the time-shifted run of NBC's heavily promoted `Twenty-One' to positively impact our ratings. In addition, while we continue to develop unique, original programs exclusive to PAX, we are excited about the opportunities that present themselves as our relationship grows with NBC. These include other time-shifting opportunities now under exploration, as well as the possibility of launching programs that complement NBC's sports, news and entertainment offerings."
"This is just the first of what we hope will be many opportunities for NBC and PAX to work together and mutually benefit from creative scheduling of programming," said Scott Sassa, President of NBC West Coast. "Our goal is to introduce some of our popular existing programming to new audiences watching PAX and look forward to finding creative ways to create some new programming as well."
Hosted by television news veteran and talk show host Maury Povich, "Twenty-One" has revived one of the most popular prime-time game shows in television history. Unlike other game shows, there's no limit to the amount - even multi-millions of dollars - that savvy contestants can win on this multiple-choice, question-and-answer quiz show. The game pits two individuals in head-to-head competition as they attempt to answer questions that vary in difficulty and point value. As in the original 1950s production, each contestant is encased in a soundproof booth, so neither competitor is aware of the other's questions, answers, or rival score. The champion keeps winning, regardless of the escalating total, until he or she is defeated by a challenger and retired. Making this edition of "Twenty-One" even more exciting is the addition of an Internet component.
"Twenty One" is a production of NBC Studios in association with The Fred Silverman Company and The Gurin Company. The executive producers are Fred Silverman and Phil Gurin. David Floyd is the producer.
About PAX TV:
Paxson Communications Corporation owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and PAX TV, the newest broadcast television network. PAX TV, the national family entertainment network, reaches 77% of U.S. television households via the Company's nationwide broadcast television and cable distribution system. Through the Company's strategic relationship with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), PAX TV is bolstering its regular programming line-up with the addition of NBC's popular game show Twenty-One to Saturday nights beginning April 8, 2000. The foundation of the PAX TV's Monday through Friday primetime schedule includes original series Hope Island, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Twice In A Lifetime, and It's A Miracle. Beginning April 3, leading into primetime is the all-new game show block that includes original episodes of Supermarket Sweep, Shop `Til You Drop and Hollywood Showdown. Additionally, the line-up features off-network runs of the hit series Touched By An Angel and Diagnosis Murder, as well as original specials and theatrical and made-for-television movies. For more information, visit PAX TV's website at www.paxtv.com.
About NBC:
NBC is a global media company with broadly diverse holdings. NBC owns and operates the NBC Television Network as well as thirteen television stations. In the United States, NBC owns CNBC, operates MSNBC in partnership with Microsoft, and maintains equity interests in Arts & Entertainment and The History Channel. NBC also has an equity stake in Rainbow Programming Holdings, a leading media company with a wide array of entertainment and sports cable channels, including the Madison Square Garden network, and ValueVision International. NBC is the leader among traditional media companies in Internet and new media business. NBC owns 47.3% of NBC Internet Inc. (NBCi), serving as the media company's exclusive Internet portal, community and broad-based e-commerce service. NBC also holds equity stakes in CNET, Talk City, iVillage, Telescan, 24/7 Media, TiVo, Wink Communications, Gemstar, Intertainer and other new media companies. Also, together with Microsoft and Dow Jones, NBC operates CNBC/Dow Jones Business Video, offering video-audio-based financial news and information to financial professionals and institutions. Internationally, NBC owns and operates CNBC: A Service of NBC and Dow Jones in partnership with Dow Jones & Company in Europe and Asia. In partnership with National Geographic and Fox/BSkyB, the network owns and operates the National Geographic Channel in Europe and Asia. Members of the media can get more information about NBC and its programming on the NBC Media Village Web site at www.nbcmv.com.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements herein, other than those consisting solely of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as business strategy, measures to implement strategy, competitive strengths, goals, references to future success and other events may be forward-looking statements. Statements herein are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and potential future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results, events and developments will conform with the Company's expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and important factors that could cause actual results, events and developments to differ materially from those referenced in, contemplated by or underlying any forward-looking statements herein, including, among others, the continued development and viability of the Company's television operations, the Company's ability to manage its growth, the Company's high level of indebtedness, restrictions imposed on the Company by the terms of its indebtedness and preferred stock, the impact of government regulations, industry and economic conditions, competition, changes in operating expenses, industry and economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized.
CONTACT:
Investor Contact:
Paxson Communications Corporation, West Palm Beach
Seth Grossman, Chief Financial Officer
561/659-4122
Fax: 561/659-4754
or
PAX TV
Laurel Whitcomb, Sr. VP Media Relations
818/487-2003; Fax: 818/980-6978
or
NBC
Shirley Powell, Sr. VP Media Relations
818/840-3511, Fax: 818/840-3626
KEYWORD: FLORIDA NEW YORK
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