Turner Entertainment Networks to Unveil Aggressive Programming Slates During Broadcast Upfronts

March 03, 2008 -- Turner Entertainment Networks is building on the strong programming foundations of TNT, TBS and truTV by developing more original series than ever before. On May 14 at 9:30 a.m., the company will stage its annual programming presentation for advertisers, making a pitch during the same week as broadcasters. Turner Entertainment’s event will showcase the uniqueness and growing strength of the company’s ad-supported cable networks.

Highlights:
- For First Time Ever, Cable Networks TNT, TBS and truTV will Present Their Plans to Advertisers In the Same Week as Broadcasters
- May 14 Event to Feature Groundbreaking News for TNT, Which Aims to Make a Majority of its Weekday, Primetime Schedule Originals by 2010
- TBS Developing Robust Lineup of Comedy Originals for Primetime and Late Night
- truTV Expanding its Already Extensive Slate of Original Programming

“Our portfolio of networks is the strongest on television in terms of solid branding, reach and audience deliveries,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “Everyone in the industry realizes the broadcast business has been on a steep decline for years – this year in particular. For advertisers, our networks provide an alternative that is getting better and better.”

Turner will present its slates in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Advertisers will learn about major projects from big-name talents that include Mark Burnett and Ridley Scott. “By dramatically increasing original programs, Turner Entertainment continues to provide advertisers with an extensive array of high-profile opportunities to reach consumers,” said David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting Sales, Inc. and Turner Sports. “The strength of our original programming – coupled with seasoned, proven hits – clearly demonstrates that our networks continue to be true substitutes for broadcast. We offer our clients a strong collection of assets as they prepare their television budgets for the Upfronts.”

Turner Entertainment has major initiatives underway for all three of its ad-supported networks:

* - TNT is ramping up original programming, with bold plans to shift the network’s Monday-through-Wednesday primetime schedule to an all-original lineup by 2010.
* - TBS, cable’s hottest comedy network, is continuing to build its slate of primetime and late-night originals. These series have already helped drive the network’s enormous ratings growth among young adults. TBS has ordered additional episodes of FRANK TV, THE BILL ENGVALL SHOW and MY BOYS and is developing a number of other new projects.
* - truTV, which continues to show tremendous ratings growth, is set to build on its success with a slate of new originals that leverage the network’s positioning as “Not Reality. Actuality.” The network is developing a host of series that focus on thrilling subjects like helicopter rescues and road rage. truTV’s upcoming series include BLACK GOLD, which follows a crew of Texas oil prospectors.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Source: TBS / Turner Sports

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