Discovery’s new, Male-targeted Velocity digi-net replaces HD Theater in October 2011. HD Theater was launched in 2002, but outgrew its value as a premium channel when HD became the “the new Standard Def.” Branding Velocity is a Lifestyle channel “for the Rich Man — the successful, college-educated man who earns $150,000 or more a year and who …
‘High Risk’ is a key filter for a successful Reality series. And the closer to the edge the better! But Bravo network recently found itself way beyond a respectable level of jeopardy when a Real Housewives husband sadly took his own life. Beverly Hills’ Russell Armstrong had earlier blamed the series for magnifying the tension …
Ovation is the only U.S. television network dedicated to arts and contemporary culture. It is expanding rapidly. SVP Programming Kris Slava kindly shared his mission, filters, sources and budget ‘sweet spots’. History Launch: 1996. In 2006, the channel was acquired by management and private investors. At that time, there were 5 million subscribers. The new …
Ovation Is Rising: What Are The Filters? How Many Hours? What Do They Pay? Read More »
The History Channel recently announced The Bible, a 10-hour dramatic series – History calls it a ‘docu-drama’ – that explores Biblical stories. Mark Burnett is the producer. For History, it’s another big stride out of its Factual comfort zone and further towards Scripted television and signature docu-dramas And it’s a new direction for Burnett, a …
History Channel Refreshes ‘The Bible’. Creation Theory #1 Read More »
Where is the Sundance Channel headed after 15 years? Founder Robert Redford is an occasional presence at the channel He’s certainly not gripping the tiller Is there anything left of his vision? A clue: What did Sundance green light at the 2011 Upfronts? Ownership Robert Redford, Universal Studios and Showtime Networks launched the Sundance Channel …
How are they doing this year? John Morse, president of the research firm Byron Media continues his quarterly snapshot of how U.S. Unscripted channels are gaining or losing prime time viewers year-to-year. Our selection is not apples-to-apples: It includes channels that are dedicated to Docs and Unscripted, for example Nat Geo and Discovery And others …
U.S. Factual Networks, 1Q 2011: Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Read More »
Were you invited to the ‘Big W’? We’re not referring to the Royal Wedding But to the W Hotel in trendy Miami Beach That’s where A+E Network’s senior executive team recently poured on the RESPECT for their ‘preferred producers’ 20+/- top companies were invited They were thoroughly briefed on strategies for the major channels: A&E, …
This Week’s Issues: Memo to Talent: Re Compensation — Build a self-branded enterprise. Don’t rely on appearance fees. Dirty Jobs‘ Mike Rowe is the model to follow! “Speed to Air” matters! Work-for-hire versus retaining Rights. Renewals and bumps. How to pitch – and how to blow a pitch – to History. The Panelists Late last …