Gemstar-TV Guide Announces Re-Branding of ''TV Guide Channel'' as ''TV Guide Network''
TV Guide Network Debuts June 4, 2007
LOS ANGELES -- Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMST), a leading media, entertainment and technology company, announced today that effective June 4, 2007, it will re-brand its television entity, TV Guide Channel, under a new name, TV Guide Network. The move reflects the continued evolution of the Channel from primarily a utility service, to a more fully developed television guidance and entertainment network with a continued commitment to high quality programming. Distributed to more than 80 million homes nationwide on cable and satellite, TV Guide provides unique programming that is dedicated to the world of television. The network will continue to provide valuable guidance and recommendations about current television programs, as well as a TV listings service that delivers localized or national information to viewers across the country.
"TV Guide Network is on the rise and our new name better reflects our business today as we have evolved to become a TV destination with high quality entertainment programming," said Ryan O'Hara, president of TV Guide Network. "Over the past 18-24 months, we have green-lit productions, launched new shows, and orchestrated deals that define our network as the ideal source for entertainment, news and information for fans of television."
TV Guide Network produces, markets, and distributes more than 14 hours per week of new and original content from its studio in Hollywood. One of the network's signature series is IDOL TONIGHT, the exclusive pre-show to American Idol, hosted by former Idols Justin Guarini and Kimberly Caldwell and Popstars winner Rosanna Tavarez. Other signature programs include, WATCH THIS, THE 411, and THE FASHION TEAM. The network is also well-known for its live coverage of television's biggest events. The network recently signed TV star and fashion maven Lisa Rinna, as the lead host of its live Red Carpet coverage at major industry award shows.
This summer, TV Guide Network will launch two new series, AMERICA'S NEXT PRODUCER, a 10-episode reality competition series from the executive producers of Project Runway and Top Chef, and MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE, a 13-episode series that will give viewers an inside look at the inner-workings of a local news station in Midland, Texas. Earlier this month, TV Guide Network acquired the highly rated "Surreal TV" collection of reality shows � The Surreal Life, Flavor of Love, My Fair Brady, and I Love New York, among others. These programs will help drive the network's late-night program lineup starting in July 2007.
TV Guide Network's reach and length-of-tune, a metric that measures how long viewers are tuned in to a particular channel or show, are up year-to-year. TV Guide Network reached seven percent more households in the first quarter of 2007 versus the first quarter of 2006 and the length of tune in is up 14 percent for the time frame, suggesting that the network's programming is resonating with audiences. And, TV Guide Networks' ratings for its Red Carpet pre-show coverage at the Golden Globes�, Academy Awards� and Grammy� Awards were up an average of 33 percent in households and 50 percent in women 18-34 and 18-49 compared to 2006, while Live at the Screen Actor's Guild� Awards, the latest addition to the network's Red Carpet coverage which premiered in 2007, improved the network's rating in the applicable time period by 33 percent over the prior year. TV Guide Network's programming is also attracting younger viewers. Ratings for "Idol Tonight" are up 200 percent with persons ages 18-34, and up 67 percent in households year-to-year.
Distribution for TV Guide Network is at an all-time high. In addition to its widespread cable carriage, the network is also distributed on satellite via DirecTV (channel 237) and DISH Network (channel 117), which both deliver TV Guide Network programming in full screen. TV Guide branded programming is also available via our on-demand service, TV Guide SPOT, on Comcast, Time Warner, Bright House and Insight Communication, Cox Communications, Cablevision Systems and Charter Communications; and through TV Guide Broadband on TVGuide.com, AOL Video, Google Video, Brightcove.com and Veoh.
About TV Guide Network
TV Guide Network reaches more than 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood, TV Guide Network combines programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Network is a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
About Gemstar-TV Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading global media, entertainment, and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes products and services that maximize the video guidance and entertainment experience for consumers. The Company's businesses include: television, publishing, and new media properties; interactive program guide services and products; and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties related to the timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investments in new and existing businesses; the impact of competitive products and services; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, 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 Network, and TV Guide SPOT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies, products and services used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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