TV Guide Network Announces Host and Judges for Upcoming Reality Competition Series, AMERICA'S NEXT PRODUCER
Former Talk Show Host Ananda Lewis Hosts Ten Producer Hopefuls in New Reality Competition
LOS ANGELES -- TV Guide Network, a leading television entertainment network providing original programming to more than 80 million homes, has signed Ananda Lewis (The Ananda Lewis Show) as host of the upcoming ten-episode reality competition series, AMERICA'S NEXT PRODUCER and David Hill (FOX Sports Television Group) and Matt Roush (TV Guide magazine) as the series' resident judges. Rounding out the three-judge panel each week will be a celebrity guest.
Ms. Lewis is an award-winning broadcast personality whose years on-air with BET, MTV and The Ananda Lewis Show have earned her recognition from her peers and the adoration of a worldwide fan base. Ms. Lewis has co-hosted the "John Salley Block Party with Ananda Lewis" radio show on 100.3FM The Beat in Los Angeles, has been a correspondent for The Insider, and a host of her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show. She was also voted one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2000, and was the recipient of the NAACP Image Awards for her documentary, True Life: I am Driving While Black.
Mr. Hill has the experience and know-how on what makes good television, and how to sell it to the networks and viewers. He is chairman and chief executive officer of the FOX Sports Television Group and is also executive producer, FOX Sports. In 1996, Mr. Hill helped launch what is now FSN. He was also charged with making over the Fox Television Network in 1997, overseeing programming, marketing, advertising sales and business affairs. Under his stewardship, the network launched Ally McBeal, That 70's Show, King of the Hill and Family Guy. Mr. Hill has won over 70 Emmy� Awards.
Mr. Roush will bring his vast knowledge of television and humor to the judging panel. He is the senior television critic for TV Guide magazine and TVGuide.com. Widely recognized for his weekly column, "Roush Review," his knowledge of television history has led him to frequent appearances on news and entertainment shows, and he has provided expert commentary for a variety of specials and documentaries. Previously, Mr. Roush was the TV critic and columnist for USA Today.
Each week, AMERICA'S NEXT PRODUCER will feature a guest celebrity judge who will participate on the judging panel by offering their expertise on the episode's producer challenge. The celebrity judge will have a background relating to that week's challenge, and will offer expert insight and commentary on how each of the contestants fared in their quest for the winning title.
AMERICA'S NEXT PRODUCER will give a group of television producers the chance to prove they have what it takes to create the next generation of TV hits. Contestants will be judged on their ability to create and execute compelling TV concepts in a variety of genres from scripted to reality. Contestants will compete each week to survive elimination rounds and the winner will receive the ultimate TV producer prize package: $100,000 cash, a production office in Hollywood, and a first-look deal with TV Guide Network.
AMERICA'S NEXT PRODUCER is executive produced by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, co-founders of Magical Elves, the Emmy�-nominated producers of Project Runway and Top Chef, along with executive producer Richard Bye and co-executive producer Casey Kriley.
About TV Guide Network
TV Guide Network reaches over 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 at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original 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 owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., 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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