Gemstar-TV Guide Debuts All New TV Guide Channel; New Programming Delivers on Viewers' Need for an Entertaining and Easy Guide to 'What's On'
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--01/20/2004-- New Branding, Studio and Talent Reinvigorate Channel's On-Air Identity; DIRECTV Launch Drives Distribution Towards 70 Million
As the TV Guide Channel nears the 70 million subscriber milestone with its launch on DIRECTV this week, Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMST) today unveiled a completely reinvigorated and revamped network. The new TV Guide Channel features a broad range of new programming, on-air branding, studios and talent that will establish the network as the destination for TV viewers seeking recommendations and information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television.
"There has never been a better time for TV Guide. Americans are watching more television today than ever and they are also faced with an exploding range of choices that makes finding what they really want to watch more complicated and confusing," said Jeff Shell, CEO of Gemstar-TV Guide International. "Gemstar-TV Guide is the only company dedicated to simplifying and enhancing the television viewing experience. The TV Guide Channel is an essential component of our strategy, because it offers viewers a unique guide to this complexity through the familiar and relaxing television experience they are comfortable with."
"Today we are debuting a formula which we believe will resonate with consumers, advertisers and our affiliate partners. As digital technology supports an increasing number of programming options, viewers are looking not only for comprehensive listings, but also for previews, reviews and recommendations. They don't want to miss the program everyone is talking about around the water cooler," said Ian Aaron, president of the TV Guide Television Group. "Backed by more than 50 years of television history and authority, the TV Guide Channel is uniquely positioned to help consumers make viewing choices while serving as a unique platform for advertising and program partners to reach their targeted audience in an increasingly competitive environment."
On Monday, January 26, the TV Guide Channel will introduce new long-form programming including daily programs and monthly specials. TV Guide Channel's new signature show, What's On, is television's only nightly guide to each hour of primetime programming. Hosted by new TV Guide Channel personality Lesley Ann Machado, most recently of TBS Superstation's "The Movie Break," What's On will be produced daily from TV Guide Channel's new studio on Hollywood Boulevard. The network will also debut two new original, hour-long specials a month, tying into key television news and events. The original programming will be supported by a new on-air look with sharp, bold icons and graphics that reflect the network's commitment to providing viewers with an easy and entertaining guide to navigating what's on. TV Guide Channel's new look and expanded programming will be supported by trade advertising and the network's first-ever consumer marketing campaign.
"Like TV Guide magazine, which debuted a redesign last year, the changes we're making to the TV Guide Channel are part of a renewal and reinvestment in all of our TV Guide businesses," added Mr. Shell. "No matter how consumers want to make their viewing choices, TV Guide is there, on the newsstand, on screen and on the Web."
DIRECTV Launch
As TV Guide Channel launches on DIRECTV on Friday, January 23, the network is poised to hit the 70 million household mark. The Company today also announced that the TV Guide Channel has reached its first-ever multi-year carriage agreement with Mediacom LLC and Mediacom Broadband LLC. Leading up to the long-term agreement, Mediacom has expanded its carriage of TV Guide Channel by 25 percent during the past 12 months. In addition, the TV Guide Channel is launching on multiple Cebridge Connections systems, which will nearly double the MSO's existing analog carriage of the Channel. In addition to Mediacom, TV Guide Channel has signed new agreements over the past several months with cable affiliates including Insight Communications, Cox Communications, and RCN.
"We are delighted to be launching for the first time on DIRECTV, and to reach agreement with Mediacom," said Ray Hopkins, executive vice president, TV Guide Affiliate Sales & Marketing. "Whether in an analog cable, digital cable or satellite environment, TV Guide Channel plays a key role for consumers when they are deciding what to watch."
New Original Programming & Studios
Series
What's On -TV Guide Channel's daily signature show hosted by Lesley Ann Machado, What's On will be telecast on Sunday through Friday at 7 PM, with updated shows running again each night at 8 PM and 9 PM. The centerpiece of the program is the "What's Next" segment, which will point viewers to programs worth watching in the next hour. What's On will also feature daily news coverage from the world of entertainment; one-on-one interviews with celebrities about their favorite TV; movie recommendations for video-on-demand and pay-per-view; a guide to music-related events and interviews on TV, and family viewing recommendations. TV Guide Channel field correspondents and TV Guide magazine editors will join Ms. Machado to provide reviews, previews and recommendations.
TV Guide Close-Up - You can never get too close to television, so this new one-hour weekly series will provide viewers with an up-close and personal look at the hottest happenings from the world of television and entertainment. Premieres Saturdays at 7 PM.
TV Talk - What do Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt watch? How about the cast of the O.C.? On TV Talk celebrities dish about television - their likes, dislikes, childhood favorites, and guilty pleasures. Premieres Saturdays at 8 PM.
Specials
In addition to its new slate of regular series, TV Guide Channel will expand its entertainment coverage to produce two original, one-hour thematic specials every month, taking viewers into the center of television news and events from sports to music to film premieres to award shows. Following its debut, each special will repeat at various times throughout the month. Upcoming specials include: Golden Globes Preview, Grammy Awards Wrap-Up, TV's Hottest Stars, Sitcom Send-Offs, New Faces of Television and Greatest TV Moments 2004.
The new original programming represents a 30 percent increase in hours of original programming produced by the Channel in 2003.
"What's On is not only our signature show, it reflects the central mission of the network. Every day, we answer the questions: what's on, what's hot, what's new, what's best? That means that TV Guide Channel must give viewers a 360 degree view of television, from backstage to the red carpet to reviews and recommendations," continued Ms. Koverman. "We're confident our new line-up will strengthen our position as the destination for everything about TV and help viewers make the most out of the time they spend watching TV."
New Studios in Hollywood
Putting itself in the center of the Hollywood scene, TV Guide Channel is opening new production facilities overlooking Hollywood Boulevard: a windowed studio which will serve as the home of What's On; and an exposed mini-studio located directly across from Grauman's Chinese Theater, which will provide the ideal backdrop for coverage of premieres, television events and breaking news. In combination with the network's existing studio in Gemstar-TV Guide's headquarters, the new facilities give viewers a literal "window on Hollywood." To manage its new production schedule, TV Guide Channel is strengthening its programming and production team in Los Angeles. The network also made a separate announcement on new appointments today.
New On-Air Identity and Branding
Award-winning Los Angeles-based Troika Design Group created TV Guide Channel's new network identity, integrating the spirit of entertainment with the credibility of the 50-year old brand. The talent behind ABC's "yellow" on-air campaign, Troika worked with the TV Guide Channel marketing group to create on-air packaging that brings to life TV Guide Channel's positioning as the authority on all things television, while reflecting a sensibility that is fun and simple - just the way watching TV should be. The Channel's innovative approach includes a series of playful network IDs. TV Q&A tests viewers' knowledge of television and TV Fun Facts serves up little known, behind-the-scenes tidbits. Combined, the network's new packaging and promotions say "we love television."
"500 channels? 5000 shows? Great. As far as we're concerned, you can't have too much of a good thing. We're exhilarated by the sheer number and diversity of programming choices," added Mr. Aaron. "At TV Guide Channel, we love television as much as our viewers do, and everything we do reflects that spirit."
New Opportunities for Advertisers
TV Guide Channel's expanded original programming slate will yield new opportunities for advertisers to showcase their brands in a compelling and dynamic environment. These advertiser opportunities include event marketing and merchandising -- including on-site VIP hospitality suites -- tying into the network's monthly specials, content integration in original programming, cross-platform marketing opportunities, and category-exclusive sponsorships. Over the past 4 months, TV Guide Channel has added more than 25 new advertisers including Honda, Fannie Mae, Suzuki, Verizon Wireless, and eBay. The network just completed an integrated advertising initiative with Verizon Wireless, for the TV Guide Greatest Moments 2003 special. As part of the promotion, viewers used their Verizon wireless devices to vote for their favorite TV couple during the show. Among the network's upcoming advertising partnerships, TV Guide Channel will feature a Suzuki SUV as part of the network's Academy Awards Theme week.
About Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., is a leading media and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the Company's transition to a new management and corporate governance structure; an ongoing SEC investigation and pending litigation; the timely availability and acceptance of new products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 8-K and 10-Q, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: Gemstar-TV Guide, TV Guide Channel, TV Guide Interactive and TV Guide On Demand are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Screenshots of the new TV Guide Channel are available for hi-resolution download at www.gemstartvguide.com. Click on "press room" and "screenshots."
CONTACT:Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. Media: Georgia Juvelis, 212-626-2564 georgia.juvelis@tvguide.com or Mark Braff, 201-797-8182 mbraff@braffcommunications.com or Analysts: Amanda Tappen, 212-852-7333 amanda.tappen@tvguide.com
SOURCE: Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
01/20/2004 13:00 EASTERN |
