VVTV, PAX & NBC...
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.
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
What will happen to PAX, anything mlike VVTV? |
