"Ghost Whisperer" Brings Supernatural Energy to ION Television
Slated for 2009 Primetime, the Series Further Expands ION's Widely Appealing and Contemporary Programming Offerings
(West Palm Beach, Fla. � April 29, 2008) � ION Media Networks, Inc. today announced it has entered into a content agreement with CBS Television Distribution for the broadcast syndication rights to the hit television series, "Ghost Whisperer." ION Television will debut this popular show in primetime, beginning in 2009. The deal continues the network's positioning momentum as a general entertainment destination.
"Heading into its fourth season on CBS, this award-winning supernatural series has the great stories and loyal audience we're seeking in order to grow ION Television into a popular, entertainment network," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. "Together with recent acquisitions like 'Boston Legal' and 'Criminal Minds,' 'Ghost Whisperer' extends our reach to a broad upscale adult 25-54 demographic."
A drama-fantasy-thriller, "Ghost Whisperer" presents the adventures of a young newlywed, Melinda Gordon, who has the ability to communicate with the dead. Played by Jennifer Love Hewitt ("Party of Five," "I Know What You Did Last Summer"), Melinda helps restless spirits relay messages and deal with unresolved issues that are keeping them earth-bound. Created by John Gray, the show also stars David Conrad ("Miss Match," "Relativity"), Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Camryn Manheim ("The Practice," "Dark Water") and Jay Mohr ("Saturday Night Live," "Jerry Maguire"). Aisha Tyler ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Friends") was part of the first season cast.
"Ghost Whisperer" joins "Criminal Minds" and other recent additions, including "Boston Legal," coming to ION off-network later this year, as well as "The Steve Harvey Show," "Family Feud" and "Quantum Leap," currently airing in ION Television's expanded entertainment schedule. The network continues to push forward with its long-term strategy to meet the entertainment needs of the adult 25-54 demographic with a mix of compelling television series, theatrical and made-for-television movies, specials and sports.
About ION Media Networks
ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, which reaches over 94 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems, and features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning libraries of RHI Entertainment, CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others. Using its digital multicasting capability, the Company has launched several digital TV brands, including qubo, a channel for children focusing on literacy and values, and ION Life, a channel dedicated to active living and personal growth. It also has launched Open Mobile Ventures Corporation (OMVION), a business unit focused on the research and development of portable, mobile and out-of-home transmission technology using over-the-air digital television spectrum. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.tv.
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