G4 - Video Game Television - Shifts Into Overdrive in '05 With Two New Series 'Formula D' and 'Girls Gone Wired'

Featuring a New Slate of Programming, Video Game Network Changes Name, Look and Feel

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11 -- G4, the only 24/7 television network dedicated to video games, screeches into 2005 with announcements of a new name, look and feel as well as two new series, "Formula D" and "Girls Gone Wired." Charles Hirschhorn, Founder and CEO of the network, announced the channel's official name as G4 -- video game television -- earlier today at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour. The name change and new network look and feel will take effect on February 15, 2005.

"We're heading into 2005 with a well-defined and focused brand," commented Hirschhorn. "Video games offer us a distinctive voice that resonates with our target audience and G4 delivers the highest concentration of males 12-34 of any other television network." Hirschhorn also announced plans for a multi-million dollar marketing and advertising campaign to launch the G4 brand.

"Formula D," the first-ever series to showcase the world of drift racing, will burn up the screen in April on G4. This burgeoning sport began several years ago as an underground street scene in Japan. Featured on numerous hit video games, Drifting has now reached the U.S. and is on its way to becoming a cultural phenomenon.

"Not only will G4 cover the Formula Drift races, but we will also cover the Drifting culture, games, modding and music that surround the drift racing world," commented Peter Green, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production for G4, who introduced the series at TCA. "G4 will help launch Drifting into the mainstream as the exclusive network broadcaster of Formula Drift."

Two Drifting experts were among G4's "Formula D" TCA panel. Ryan Sage, the 24-year-old creator of Formula Drift, the only established Drifting championship series in the U.S., and Ken Gushi, a rising 18-year-old star on the Drifting scene and one of the youngest drivers on the Formula Drift circuit, offered their unique perspectives on the sport.

G4 promises superior race day coverage including profiles and interviews with the sport's hottest stars, expert race commentary and analysis, trackside reporting, drifting tips and tricks from the pros. "Formula D" will also give viewers the inside line on the latest in drifting culture from the coolest rides on the car show circuit to the hottest import car babes.

The network also presented TCA critics with "Girls Gone Wired," a digital beauty pageant featuring the hottest 2D and 3D women on the planet, which is set to premiere in May. Comedian, actor and avid gamer Hal Sparks, who currently stars on Showtime's hit series "Queer as Folk," is slated to host. Sparks, along with a panel of celebrity and industry commentators, will guide viewers in G4's quest to crown the hottest video game vixen. Finalists will be announced online and G4 viewers will vote for the pageant's top beauties.

"Our audience interacts with digital girls as much as real girls and we're tapping into that fantasy," commented Laura Civiello, Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for G4. "'Girls Gone Wired' is the first pageant of its kind on television with contestants competing for titles like "Hottest Newcomer," "Sexiest Voice" and "Most Likely to Kick Enemy Ass."

"X-Play's" Adam Sessler and "Judgment Day's" Victor Lucas, two of G4's leading video game experts, were among the "Girls Gone Wired" TCA panelists and provided critics with insight on which video game hotties should make the cut. In addition, sexy video game warrior Jade took a break from doing battle in Mortal Kombat: Deception to make a special virtual appearance.

About G4:
G4 is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to videogames. It features all original programming that covers every aspect of the video game culture -- games, gear, gadgets and girls -- with live shows, insider information and breaking news. The network is available in 50 million cable and satellite homes nationwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, G4 is owned by Comcast Corporation. To learn more, log onto http://www.g4tv.com.

SOURCE G4 Media
Web Site: http://www.g4tv.com