LOAN AND MELISSA RIVERS
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Tv Guide Channel Rolls Out The Red Carpet For Joan and Melissa Rivers
June 2004 (Newstream) -- Internationally-recognized mother and daughter "fashionistas" Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers have left their long-time posts with E! Entertainment Television to join TV Guide Channel, the fastest-growing network of 2004.
"Joan and Melissa are not only the most recognized fashion-critic duo on television, they literally invented red-carpet award show coverage. No one can match their incisive commentary, biting humor and inside knowledge of Hollywood," said Ian Aaron, president of the TV Guide Television Group. "I am thrilled to bring the power of our new long-term relationship with Joan and Melissa, and their creativity, to our viewers, and to our programming, advertising and distribution partners, as we expand TV Guide Channel to reach a global audience. Bringing our two great brands together is another example of our commitment to making TV Guide Channel the premier entertainment destination for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television."
In addition to covering the entertainment world's marquee red-carpet events for TV Guide Channel, Joan and Melissa will bring their inimitable style to the network through other series, specials and programming initiatives. The "get" comes on the heels of TV Guide Channel's launch this month on DISH Network, which pushed distribution towards 80 million subscribers and solidified the Channel as the fastest-growing network of 2004.*
"I am so excited to be going to TV Guide Channel. It's another beginning," said Joan Rivers. "I helped launch the Fox Network, joined E! early-on and was able to work with my daughter, Melissa, and now, the two of us have joined forces, once again, to help propel TV Guide Channel to a new level. It couldn't be better."
"I couldn't be more pleased to join TV Guide Channel as they expand further into entertainment programming," added Melissa Rivers. "I look forward to working with the Channel's team and to taking on new creative challenges related to the many programming opportunities that this partnership represents."
The announcement marks another step in the evolution of TV Guide Channel under the leadership of TV Guide Channel General Manager Tom Cosgrove. Since joining the network in April, Mr. Cosgrove has focused on evolving the listings-dominant outlet to a broad, entertainment-based network, providing television guidance information that points viewers to programs worth watching, while covering the vast world of television from the heart of Hollywood.
"While Joan and Melissa are a "must-see" for red-carpet coverage, we look forward to extending their on-air presence well beyond the red carpet, and working with them to develop new original programming for the Channel while incorporating them into the Channel's original specials and series, including the network's signature nightly show, What's On," said Mr. Cosgrove. "Their connection with viewers is undeniable, and their coverage of the Emmys, the Oscars, Golden Globes and the Grammys has become the highest-rated award pre-shows on television. Their colorful commentary and energy is a perfect complement to TV Guide Channel, as we continue to strengthen our line-up with talent and original programming that is a celebration of all things TV." Joan and Melissa, who have been with E! Entertainment Television since 1996, were key players in the network's coverage of such events as the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Golden Globes and the Grammy's, earning a reputation for their entertaining and amusing picks and pans on celebrity fashion. As hosts of E!'s popular coverage of arrivals to major awards shows, the duo consistently delivered some of the network's highest ratings. Their hosting duties also included extended commentary on the best and worst celebrity fashions from various red carpet events and parties with their popular series Fashion Police.
About TV Guide Channel
TV Guide Channel, the fastest growing network on television, is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Reaching nearly 80 million homes, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information, all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to "what's on" TV.
TV Guide Channel is a part of the TV Guide Television Group. A division of Gemstar-TV Guide International, the TV Guide Television Group consists of TV Guide-branded businesses developed and marketed for cable and satellite.
About Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., is a leading media and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to declines in our magazine business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; the impact of competitive products and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 8-K and 10-Q, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: Gemstar, TV Guide, and TV Guide Channel are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.