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[05/03/07 - 03:30 PM]
Ion Media Networks Upfront Unveils Fresh Wave of New Programming, Attracting Boomer Demo Via Unparalleled Distribution Platform
The first of a promised 12 originals per year is "Killer Wave," a political-thriller miniseries featuring "a multi billion-dollar conspiracy that will have audiences at the edge of their seats."

[via press release from ION]

ION Media Networks Upfront Unveils Fresh Wave of New Programming, Attracting Boomer Demo via Unparalleled Distribution Platform

Partnership with RHI Brings Diverse Slate of Original and Quality Library Programming; "Killer Wave" to Debut in July, First of 12 Originals

High Growth for Primetime and Weekend Schedules; Track Record of Innovation in Digital and Mobile TV

Firebrand on ION: New Interactive Entertainment and Marketing Platform Features TV Advertising as Pop Culture, Weeknights 11 p.m. to Midnight

Special Appearances by Timothy Dalton, Darrell Hammond and F. Murray Abraham, Along With Beloved Performers from Classic Series: Vicki Lawrence of "Mama's Family," Tracey Gold of "Growing Pains," and Bronson Pinchot of "Perfect Strangers"

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- At its first upfront presentation as ION Media Networks, Inc. (AMEX:ION), the company today presented the advertising community with an impressive, multi-platform blend of hot new programming from RHI and Firebrand and the network's signature quality content. Led by ION CEO Brandon Burgess and President of Sales and Marketing Steve Appel, ION's presentation highlighted how the network's unparalleled national reach, strong programming and ongoing content and technology innovation can powerfully connect advertisers with audiences in the lucrative and growing "baby boomer" demographic.

Held today at the Prince George Ballroom in New York, the event also featured live appearances by Vicki Lawrence of "Mama's Family," Tracey Gold of "Growing Pains" and Bronson Pinchot of "Perfect Strangers." Veteran "SNL" comedian Darrell Hammond was on hand with a brief performance. Timothy Dalton and F. Murray Abraham were also in attendance.

"This is an exciting time for ION, and we look forward to updating the advertising community on the dramatic programming and content changes we've instituted across our distribution network," said Mr. Burgess. "In addition to our success in growing our weekday primetime ratings with our signature quality programming, our partnership with RHI brings exclusive original content and award-winning library titles that will attract even more consumers."

Leveraging its national network of over 60 stations reaching more than 92 million households in an advantageous channel position (95 percent under Channel 32), ION Television is hitting new milestones in creating and deploying content relevant to its lucrative target demographic. Compared to the first quarter of last year, the network's weekday primetime average is up 37 percent in households for the first quarter 2007, reaching its highest ratings ever with target audiences.

"ION Television is a unique platform for advertisers to reach the adult 35-64 demographic � a powerful consumer group wielding over $3 trillion in purchasing power," said Mr. Appel. "Our growth has been a phenomenal 26 percent this year compared with declines for our key competitors. And with the exciting programming we're adding, we see that momentum continuing and accelerating."

Mr. Appel showcased how ION's signature quality programming is creating value for advertisers by expanding an audience that is growing, affluent, culturally influential and digitally connected. The strength of classic programming like "The Wonder Years," "Charlie's Angels," "The A-Team," "Alice" and "Diagnosis Murder" � among many others � is demonstrated in strong audience growth � especially in adults ages 25-54, which experienced a 31 percent gain in Monday to Sunday primetime. And new programming deals are on the horizon. Stay tuned!

The centerpiece of the presentation was an explosive new programming partnership with RHI Entertainment, the award-winning producer and distributor of groundbreaking miniseries and movies for television. RHI's exciting lineup of programming for ION will include the creation of exclusive original programming as well as quality library titles. The first of a promised 12 originals per year is "Killer Wave," a political-thriller miniseries featuring a multi billion-dollar conspiracy that will have audiences at the edge of their seats.

"'Killer Wave' is the first miniseries event that we will be premiering on ION Television," said Robert Halmi, Jr., President and CEO of RHI Entertainment. "This is a big action production completely in the vein of our other recent successes in previous seasons. We look forward to elevating the weekend ratings of our new network partner ION with these original productions."

The upfront included a sneak peek at ION's partnership with Firebrand, a first-of-its-kind multi-platform experience that gives consumers interactive access to their favorite brands, products and promotions, set to launch in the fall. Firebrand programs only the best TV commercials as a reflection of pop culture in an environment rich with consumer touch points.

ION also highlighted its leadership and innovation in digital and mobile digital broadcasting. The company has launched exciting new digital TV brands, including qubo, a television and multimedia network for children formed in partnership with Scholastic, Corus Entertainment, Classic Media and NBC Universal, and ION Life, a television and multimedia network dedicated to health and wellness for consumers and families.

More recently, ION Media spearheaded the movement toward accelerating the development of mobile digital broadcast TV. Through the formation of the Open Mobile Video Coalition, the company, along with numerous other broadcasters, is leading the way in realizing the full potential of the digital broadcast TV spectrum via handheld and portable devices, to reach consumers wherever they are.

About ION Media Networks

ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, reaching over 90 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. ION Television currently features popular television series and movies from the award-winning libraries of Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Television, CBS Television and NBC Universal. In addition, the network has partnered with RHI Entertainment, which owns over 4,000 hours of acclaimed television content, to provide high-quality primetime programming beginning June 2007. Utilizing its digital multicasting capability, ION Media Networks has launched several new digital TV brands, including qubo, a television and multimedia network for children formed in partnership with Scholastic, Corus Entertainment, Classic Media and NBC Universal, as well as ION Life, a television and multimedia network dedicated to health and wellness for consumers and families. For more information, please visit www.ionmedia.tv.





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· DIAGNOSIS MURDER (CBS)
· KILLER WAVE (ION)





[05/08/26 - 11:01 AM]
NBC Announces Four Series Orders for the 2026-27 Season
Dramas "Line of Fire" and "The Rockford Files" and comedies "Newlyweds" and "Sunset P.I." are on tap.

[05/08/26 - 10:50 AM]
"Law & Order" to Return for Season 26 on NBC
The network confirmed the news on social media this morning.

[05/08/26 - 09:26 AM]
"FOX College Football Friday" Returns to Primetime with Biggest Season Yet
The network's strongest Friday night slate to-date features elite matchups across partner conferences - with appearances from the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers, projected Top-25 matchups, and culminating with the Mountain West Championship.

[05/08/26 - 09:18 AM]
TNT Sports Delivers Its Most-Watched MLB Regular Season Start Since 2015
The Yankees/Mariners season opener on March 31 delivered 562,000 viewers and peaked at 735,000, making it the most watched opener on TBS since 2012.

[05/08/26 - 09:02 AM]
ABC Renews "R.J. Decker" for Second Season
Get your flip flops and your lawn flamingos ready.

[05/08/26 - 08:30 AM]
Video: Trailer & Key Art Debut - Hulu's "Not Suitable For Work"
The series will premiere with three episodes on June 2, then two episodes weekly until the finale on June 23, only on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.

[05/08/26 - 08:01 AM]
ABC Announces Summer 2026 Premiere Dates and Unscripted Renewals
New seasons of "Celebrity Family Feud," "Press Your Luck," and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" will join the previously announced newcomer "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro."

[05/08/26 - 07:31 AM]
Video: "James." - Official Trailer - Netflix
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[05/08/26 - 07:16 AM]
CNN Film "Why We Dream" to Premiere Memorial Day at 8PM ET/PT
The film chronicles the final generation of World War II veterans as they return to France and is produced by Delta Air Lines' Window Seat Studios in partnership with Vice Media's Pulse Films.

[05/08/26 - 07:01 AM]
"Forever" Season 2 Starts Production in Los Angeles
Additionally, Malaika Guttoh is set to join the cast as a series regular with Avery Wills Jr. and Tre McBride joining as recurring guests.

[05/08/26 - 02:31 AM]
Netflix Announces Standalone Sequel to Global Hit "La Palma"
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[05/07/26 - 04:01 PM]
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[05/07/26 - 02:00 PM]
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Taking attendance as host is acclaimed comedian Jack Whitehall, who presides over the chaos as contestants relive the highs and humiliations of school life - from pop quizzes and report cards to recess and parent teacher conferences - all while trying to stay out of last place.

[05/07/26 - 01:10 PM]
ESPN Debuts Short Documentary "Messi: The Forgotten Tape / Messi: La Cinta Olvidada"
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[05/07/26 - 12:21 PM]
FOX Television Network Renews "Murder in a Small Town" for Season Three
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