ION Life to Add Compelling New Programming and Award-Winning Content to Lineup
"Stories of the NFL" to Showcase the Inspiration and Motivation Behind "America's Most Popular Sport"
"The 50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden" to Celebrate Some of Our Country's Greatest Moments at the "World's Most Famous Arena"
(West Palm Beach, Fla. � May 19, 2008) � ION Media Networks, Inc. announced today that ION Life, its network dedicated to active living and personal growth, has reached agreements to add two compelling series to its program lineup. In the network's first commissioned production from NFL Films, ION Life will present the new series, "Stories of the NFL," that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the inspirational stories and lives of NFL players on and off the field. The series will air daily on ION Life at 8 p.m., starting Monday, June 2nd. ION Media Networks has also secured the rights to "The 50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden (MSG)," an Emmy Award-winning documentary series presenting some of our most celebrated moments in the world's most famous arena. Episodes will air on ION Life, and simultaneously as part of ION Life's channel showcase presentation on the ION Television Network, on Sundays at 6 p.m., beginning June 15th.
"Both of these series fit perfectly within ION Life's brand promise to celebrate life's most positive moments," said Marc Zand, SVP Digital Networks, ION Media Networks. "These programs showcase how to live with a purpose and a passion, and they will captivate viewers of any age with inspirational stories.
"These series demonstrate ION Life's strong commitment to our valued distribution partners," said Steve Friedman, President of Distribution, ION Media Networks. "The content agreements with NFL Films and MSG Media continue to strengthen ION's pledge to affiliates that ION Life serves as a unique destination committed to engendering personal growth and positive living."
Produced by NFL Films, each half-hour episode of "Stories of the NFL" incorporates candid interviews, action-packed footage, original music and award-winning cinematography. These captivating segments provide a unique perspective on the NFL, depicting motivational themes of overcoming adversity, making a difference and leading with one's heart. Viewers will hear coaches and players weigh in on topics ranging from individual players' fortitude in overcoming odds, to the special relationship between fans and their teams, to a more earnest look at African-American football history and the psychological toughness of NFL players.
Hosted by NFL Films President Steve Sabol, a 36-time Emmy(R) Award-winner, "Stories of the NFL" provides a behind-the-scenes look at of the lives of NFL stars both on and off the field, for example, the triumphs of recent Green Bay Packers retiree Brett Favre�seen through the eyes of his back-ups. Another renowned quarterback, Peyton Manning, is revealed as a member of one of the all-time great football families in an episode that spotlights the continued career success passed on from father to son.
As its title suggests, "The 50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden," acquired from MSG Media, provides an exclusive look into the most notable events that have taken place at the world's most famous arena. Some highlights from the Garden's rich tradition and history include such iconic occasions as the 1974 Elton John/John Lennon concert that proved to be Mr. Lennon's last, the uplifting 9/11 benefit concert that touched the nation, the Ali-Frazier "Fight of the Century" and the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert that raised an unprecedented $8 million. This series possesses a matchless power to stir and inspire viewers with some of the most notable occasions of the last century.
In a series of 10 one-hour programs, these rare moments are captured through artful storytelling and sharp interviewing. Additional illustrious events that made the top 50 are Pope John Paul's 1979 youth-focused visit, Elvis Presley's four sold-out MSG shows, Marilyn Monroe's breathy rendition of ''Happy Birthday'' to President John F. Kennedy and the inspiring stories of the NY Knicks first championship in 1970 and the NY Rangers amazing 1994 triumphant run. "The 50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden" has won eight New York Emmy(R) Awards.
Launched in February 2007, ION Life is the country's first digital network available via multiple distribution platforms with programming dedicated to the celebration of positive living, which will entertain, inform and inspire viewers to live up to their personal best. ION Life features acclaimed content by leading providers, covering topics such as fitness, diet & nutrition, travel & adventure, design & d�cor, sports and all categories promoting personal growth and achievement.
About ION Media Networks
ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, which reaches over 94 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems, and features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning libraries of RHI Entertainment, CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others. Using its digital multicasting capability, the Company has launched several digital TV brands, including qubo, a channel for children focusing on literacy and values, and ION Life, a channel dedicated to active living and personal growth. It also has launched Open Mobile Ventures Corporation (OMVION), a business unit focused on the research and development of portable, mobile and out-of-home transmission technology using over-the-air digital television spectrum. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.tv.
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