Post by dkennedy on Mar 23, 2005 6:20:47 GMT -5
March 22, 2005 10:00 AM US Eastern Timezone
PRIMEDIA Expands Television Programming
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2005--PRIMEDIA (NYSE: PRM):
- Line-Up Makes PRIMEDIA the Leading Producer of TV Content For Outdoor Enthusiasts -
- Programming to Expand Into High Definition TV -
PRIMEDIA Inc., the country's leading targeted media company, today announced the continued success of extending its print content into television programming with the launch of four new cable television shows from its Outdoors Group. Adding to an already extensive line-up that includes In-Fisherman TV, In-Fisherman Critical Concepts, The Professional Walleye Trail, Guns & Ammo TV, and North American Whitetail TV, the company has launched Shallow Water Angler TV, Florida Sportsman TV, and Bowhunter TV in 2005. Additionally, two yet-to-be-named shooting and hunting shows are also slated to launch in the fall of 2005, and the fall of 2006 respectively. This new, expanded line up makes PRIMEDIA the largest producer of original outdoor TV programming in the nation.
"This expansion is part of PRIMEDIA's strategy to extend our market leading brands," said Kelly Conlin, President & CEO of PRIMEDIA. "The television programming produced by Primedia Outdoors is an excellent example of how our editorial leadership can be used to engage consumers with compelling programming."
The new TV programming will be distributed almost exclusively through The Outdoor Channel (TOC), with extended distribution on the Sunshine Network, and the Outdoor Life Network. Combined, the networks are broadcast to 60+ million homes in the U.S. and continue to show significant growth.
The launch of its 2005 line-up also marks PRIMEDIA Outdoors' entry into high definition programming. TOC will soon launch a new network offering its popular programming entirely in HDTV, using programs both shared and independent of the existing Outdoor Channel. Roll-out to HD will span the entire stable of PRIMEDIA Outdoors programs and by 2007; all 10 of its series will be produced in HD. Movement to this new format will offer outdoor enthusiasts the ultimate viewer experience.
"The crossover into cable and HDTV was very natural for us," said Jeff Paro, President, PRIMEDIA Outdoors Group. "We've forged partnerships with The Outdoor Channel that bring a strong following, high production standards and reputations for exceeding viewers' expectations."
Paro continued, "This is an exciting moment for cable and with our network partners, we're using our success in print to pioneer success in broadcast. TV--in particular high definition--showcases the appeal of PRIMEDIA's outdoor content beyond the printed page and offers our audience and advertisers new ways to engage with the brand."
PRIMEDIA Outdoors' 2005 TV line-up features:
-- Shallow Water Angler TV - The Outdoor Channel, 26 weeks - This show debuted January 2, 2005 as the first salthingyer fishing show to feature in-depth, how-to coverage in a TV magazine format. The segments are hosted by the editors and publisher of Shallow Water Angler magazine along with local, expert fishing guides.
-- North American Whitetail Television - The Outdoor Channel, 26 weeks - North American Whitetail Television is back for the 2005 season with plenty of real-world hunting action, guiding viewers through the thought process and strategy leading to the hunt's biggest moment.
-- Petersen's Hunting Adventure TV - The Outdoor Channel, 26 weeks - Petersen's Hunting magazine is the recognized leader in outdoor hunting adventure. This new program, based on the heritage and mission of the magazine, will capture all the excitement of the hunt, while providing expert commentary and guidance from some of the most recognized hunters in the country.
These new shows join PRIMEDIA's existing outdoor television programming that includes In-Fisherman TV, and Guns & Ammo Television. In-Fisherman and Guns & Ammo have grown to become two of the group's most recognizable and influential titles on TV in their respective markets. In its first year of airing, Guns & Ammo TV became the runaway hit of the network, out-delivering long established consumer TV favorites in both household ratings and total viewers, while In-Fisherman TV has been airing for more than 25 years and is one of the longest running fishing shows on television today.
About PRIMEDIA Outdoors
With more than 17 fishing, hunting, and shooting titles, PRIMEDIA Outdoors reaches more than 16 million passionate readers. PRIMEDIA's collection of targeted fishing, hunting and shooting magazines are enhanced by 19 events, 10 television shows, two radio shows, and online portals creating the largest outdoor media franchise in America. Learn more online at: www.outdoorsbest.com
About PRIMEDIA
PRIMEDIA (NYSE: PRM) is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2004 revenue of $1.3 billion, our properties comprise more than 200 brands that connect buyers and sellers in more markets than any other media company through our print publications, Web sites, events, newsletters and video programs in four business segments: Enthusiast Media, Consumer Guides, Business Information, and Education. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Home Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has more than 60 publications in 18 market sectors. PRIMEDIA Education includes Channel One and other educational products.
PRIMEDIA Expands Television Programming
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2005--PRIMEDIA (NYSE: PRM):
- Line-Up Makes PRIMEDIA the Leading Producer of TV Content For Outdoor Enthusiasts -
- Programming to Expand Into High Definition TV -
PRIMEDIA Inc., the country's leading targeted media company, today announced the continued success of extending its print content into television programming with the launch of four new cable television shows from its Outdoors Group. Adding to an already extensive line-up that includes In-Fisherman TV, In-Fisherman Critical Concepts, The Professional Walleye Trail, Guns & Ammo TV, and North American Whitetail TV, the company has launched Shallow Water Angler TV, Florida Sportsman TV, and Bowhunter TV in 2005. Additionally, two yet-to-be-named shooting and hunting shows are also slated to launch in the fall of 2005, and the fall of 2006 respectively. This new, expanded line up makes PRIMEDIA the largest producer of original outdoor TV programming in the nation.
"This expansion is part of PRIMEDIA's strategy to extend our market leading brands," said Kelly Conlin, President & CEO of PRIMEDIA. "The television programming produced by Primedia Outdoors is an excellent example of how our editorial leadership can be used to engage consumers with compelling programming."
The new TV programming will be distributed almost exclusively through The Outdoor Channel (TOC), with extended distribution on the Sunshine Network, and the Outdoor Life Network. Combined, the networks are broadcast to 60+ million homes in the U.S. and continue to show significant growth.
The launch of its 2005 line-up also marks PRIMEDIA Outdoors' entry into high definition programming. TOC will soon launch a new network offering its popular programming entirely in HDTV, using programs both shared and independent of the existing Outdoor Channel. Roll-out to HD will span the entire stable of PRIMEDIA Outdoors programs and by 2007; all 10 of its series will be produced in HD. Movement to this new format will offer outdoor enthusiasts the ultimate viewer experience.
"The crossover into cable and HDTV was very natural for us," said Jeff Paro, President, PRIMEDIA Outdoors Group. "We've forged partnerships with The Outdoor Channel that bring a strong following, high production standards and reputations for exceeding viewers' expectations."
Paro continued, "This is an exciting moment for cable and with our network partners, we're using our success in print to pioneer success in broadcast. TV--in particular high definition--showcases the appeal of PRIMEDIA's outdoor content beyond the printed page and offers our audience and advertisers new ways to engage with the brand."
PRIMEDIA Outdoors' 2005 TV line-up features:
-- Shallow Water Angler TV - The Outdoor Channel, 26 weeks - This show debuted January 2, 2005 as the first salthingyer fishing show to feature in-depth, how-to coverage in a TV magazine format. The segments are hosted by the editors and publisher of Shallow Water Angler magazine along with local, expert fishing guides.
-- North American Whitetail Television - The Outdoor Channel, 26 weeks - North American Whitetail Television is back for the 2005 season with plenty of real-world hunting action, guiding viewers through the thought process and strategy leading to the hunt's biggest moment.
-- Petersen's Hunting Adventure TV - The Outdoor Channel, 26 weeks - Petersen's Hunting magazine is the recognized leader in outdoor hunting adventure. This new program, based on the heritage and mission of the magazine, will capture all the excitement of the hunt, while providing expert commentary and guidance from some of the most recognized hunters in the country.
These new shows join PRIMEDIA's existing outdoor television programming that includes In-Fisherman TV, and Guns & Ammo Television. In-Fisherman and Guns & Ammo have grown to become two of the group's most recognizable and influential titles on TV in their respective markets. In its first year of airing, Guns & Ammo TV became the runaway hit of the network, out-delivering long established consumer TV favorites in both household ratings and total viewers, while In-Fisherman TV has been airing for more than 25 years and is one of the longest running fishing shows on television today.
About PRIMEDIA Outdoors
With more than 17 fishing, hunting, and shooting titles, PRIMEDIA Outdoors reaches more than 16 million passionate readers. PRIMEDIA's collection of targeted fishing, hunting and shooting magazines are enhanced by 19 events, 10 television shows, two radio shows, and online portals creating the largest outdoor media franchise in America. Learn more online at: www.outdoorsbest.com
About PRIMEDIA
PRIMEDIA (NYSE: PRM) is the leading targeted media company in the United States. With 2004 revenue of $1.3 billion, our properties comprise more than 200 brands that connect buyers and sellers in more markets than any other media company through our print publications, Web sites, events, newsletters and video programs in four business segments: Enthusiast Media, Consumer Guides, Business Information, and Education. PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media includes more than 120 consumer magazines, with well-known brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Creating Keepsakes, In-Fisherman, Power & Motoryacht, Hot Rod, Snowboarder, Stereophile and Surfer. PRIMEDIA Consumer Guides is the #1 publisher and distributor of free consumer guides, with Apartment Guide, Auto Guide and New Home Guide. PRIMEDIA Business Information has more than 60 publications in 18 market sectors. PRIMEDIA Education includes Channel One and other educational products.