MILITARY CHANNEL MARCHES INTO THE UPFRONT SEASON WITH AN AMBITIOUS SLATE OF ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING
SILVER SPRING, Md., April 08, 2008 � Military Channel takes viewers "behind the lines," presenting the real-world stories of human drama, heroism and technological innovation intrinsic to the armed forces. Viewers are responding positively to this unique programming offering. In first quarter 2008, Military Channel experienced its strongest quarterly primetime and total day delivery levels among key demographics including P2+, P25-54 and M25-54, representing double-digit increases over first quarter 2007.*
"Military Channel is proud to honor the courage and valor demonstrated by the men and women who fill the ranks of the armed forces both today and throughout history," said Clark Bunting, president and general manager of Military Channel. "Ranging from profiling the innovative technology on the front lines to the emotional homecomings on the home front, Military Channel explores the struggles and triumphs that shape the full experience of the armed forces."
Complementing the current slate of landmark specials like FLIGHT OF THE V-22 OSPREY and groundbreaking series like WEAPONOLOGY, the network profiles real-life competitive action in the series of T.O.P. COMPETITIONS. These multipart events feature some of the Toughest Operation Personnel (T.O.P.), who compete in disciplines ranging from sniper techniques to hand-to-hand combat.
Military Channel's 2008/2009 upfront season builds upon this foundation of high-quality programming with the following lineup:
NEW SERIES
SPECIAL OPS: PURSUIT
This new series pits some of the world's most elite squads of hunter-seekers against Wil Willis, a former Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman, who attempts to evade and escape these skilled teams. Each episode introduces pursuit specialists ranging from Army Rangers to FBI Urban Pursuit teams, the British Special Air Services to the elite "Shadow Wolves" of the U.S. Border Patrol, as they seek to capture Willis before he completes a diverse set of operational missions. 4th Quarter, 2008
TAC-TECH (wt)
TAC-TECH takes an inside look at the design, testing and manufacturing of equipment that allows the men and women of the armed forces to maintain the U.S. military's superiority. However, instead of highlighting big-ticket items like an F-22A Raptor or an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, this innovative series explores the vital equipment carried into battle on the backs, in the pockets and in the arms of the U.S. military. 1st Quarter, 2009
BACKYARD TO BATTLEFIELD
Far away from the defense contractors' multibillion-dollar research facilities, this series goes off the beaten path to feature the inventors who work out of their garages, basements and dorms to create amazing gadgets, vehicles and equipment�all of which help the U.S. Armed Forces. The series explores the real-world military applications for each invention and the science required to bring the creation to life. BACKYARD TO BATTLEFIELD also profiles the unique civilians and their ingenuity in developing these innovations. 2nd Quarter, 2009
COMBAT TECH (wt)
To meet the evolving challenges of military conflict in the 21st century, innovation is vital to the success of the armed forces. COMBAT TECH profiles some of the scientists and engineers who have pioneered innovative technology and techniques to better arm, protect and train the men and women of the military. 3rd Quarter, 2009
RETURNING SERIES
T.O.P. COMPETITIONS
Showcasing some of the Toughest Operational Personnel (T.O.P.) in the military, this multipart series covers armed forces' competitions and the best of the best who have mastered skills ranging from hand-to-hand combat to sniper techniques. From bases across the United States, the Military Channel's T.O.P. COMPETITIONS are the exclusive home on television for these dramatic tournaments. While the participants' competitive spirit matches that of collegiate and professional athletes, these competitions are not simply fun and games. T.O.P COMPETITIONS represent the pinnacle of achievement for personnel who have trained for the front lines of the modern battlefield.
T.O.P. SNIPER: Sniper teams from all over the world compete in a realistic war zone environment at Ft. Benning, Ga. Disciplines range from urban firefights to nocturnal helicopter insertions as teams compete for the elite distinction of being "top sniper." 4th Quarter, 2008
T.O.P. ARMY FIGHTER: Using man-to-man combat skills that combine the techniques of mixed martial arts and the Army's combat techniques, the annual All Army Combatives Invitational is featured in this multipart series. 1st Quarter, 2009
T.O.P. ARMY BOXING: As one of the most anticipated competitions of any Army sporting event, the All Army Boxing Championship showcases the best boxers in the branch and their quest to represent the U.S. Army in the Armed Forces Boxing Championships. 2nd Quarter, 2009
T.O.P. MILITARY CHALLENGE: Featuring the best of the best military personnel from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, T.O.P. MILITARY CHALLENGE forces competitors to put their combat training to the ultimate test. Events encompass skills from a range of disciplines, requiring great marksmanship, endurance and teamwork to succeed. 3rd Quarter, 2009
SPECIALS
MEGA-CARRIER: THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE U.S.S. GEORGE H.W. BUSH
In the world's largest shipyard, more than 18,000 men and women have been brought together to build the most technologically sophisticated aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush. From the initial construction in the dry dock of Northrop Grumman's Newport News, Va., shipyard to the vessel's first exposure to the sea as a fully formed aircraft carrier, this special gives unprecedented access to the story of the workers who share in this mammoth undertaking. 2nd Quarter, 2009
TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS: HOMECOMING
This special captures the emotional homecomings of U.S. troops from their tours of service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Featuring heartfelt reunions with loved ones, stories of adjustment after returning home and recollections of their missions abroad, TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS: HOMECOMING chronicles these moving tales of U.S. troops' return to the country they have sworn to defend. 3rd Quarter, 2009
About Military Channel
Military Channel brings viewers compelling, real-world stories of heroism, military strategy and significant turning points in history. The network takes viewers "behind the lines" to hear the personal stories of servicemen and women and offers in-depth explorations of military training, aviation technology and cutting-edge weaponry. As the only cable network devoted to military subjects, it also provides unique access to this world, allowing viewers to experience and understand the full spectrum of human drama, courage and patriotism intrinsic to the armed forces, as well as the long-held traditions of the military. For more information, please visit Military.Discovery.com.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the world's number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
* Source: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+SD data.
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