TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2006
COURT TV® CELEBRATES DUAL RATINGS VICTORIES IN THE HEART OF SWEEPS
PREMIERE OF MURDER BY THE BOOK DELIVERS 'KILLER' RATINGS WITH 1.1 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS TUNING IN
NETWORK SCORES ITS MOST WATCHED WEEK EVER IN PRIMETIME NOVEMBER 6-12
New York, NY - November 14, 2006 - Court TV continues its banner ratings year by attracting a "killer" audience for the premiere of its non-fiction series Murder by the Book.
During the week of November 6, Court TV achieved its most watched week ever in primetime; as well the network attracted 1,063,000 total viewers and 850,000 viewing households. Court TV also delivered 451,000 Adults 18-49 for the week, a strong 37% increase compared to the same week year-ago.
Keeping the ratings momentum going in the current week, Court TV's new non-fiction series Murder by the Book (Mondays, 10pm) debuted last night (November 13) with 1.1 million households tuning in, making it the 7th ranked show in its time period on cable for the night.
Additionally, the program delivered 1.3 million total viewers (ranking 9th place on cable for the night) and 500,000 Adults 25-54 (10th place).
Murder by the Book is a one-hour weekly non-fiction series that features best-selling genre authors who tell some of the most compelling true crime stories of the recent past. The series award-winning authors include James Ellroy (November 13 premiere episode), Michael Connolly (November 20), Faye Kellerman (November 27), Jonathan Kellerman (December 4) and Lisa Scottoline (December 13).
Court TV®, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks is comprised of Court TV News, which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously Entertaining(Tm) in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV Extra, a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via www.courttv.com.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2006
COURT TV'S 9/11 DOCUMENTARY "ON NATIVE SOIL" GARNERS SOLID RATINGS
Network Commercial-Free Premiere Ranks #9 Among All Cable Networks and Seen by Wide Audience
"On Native Soil", Court TV's documentary on the 9/11 Commission, premiered Monday August 21st to significant ratings. The documentary, which featured the findings of the 9/11 Commission and was told from the point of view of the victim's families, delivered solid numbers and ranked 9th in its time period among all ad-supported basic cable networks, drawing 1,402,000 total viewers.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2006
COURT TV® IS HOT HOT HOT!
NETWORK'S MOMENTUM CONTINUES IN JULY
DRIVEN BY NEW 'RED' SERIES BEACH PATROL: MIAMI BEACH
THE NETWORK CONCLUDED ITS MOST WATCHED JULY IN HISTORY!
New York, NY - August 1, 2006 - Coming off two consecutive quarters of record growth, Court TV concluded its most-watched July in its history by delivering 890,000 total viewers in prime, up 12% vs July 2005. Court TV has also increased A18-49 viewers, up 18 percent versus year-ago, putting Court TV on track to complete its most watched year ever. Driving this surge are new series such as Beach Patrol: Miami Beach, which delivered the goods, securing strong gains to the time period among A18-49 (+29%), total viewers (+19%), total men (+35%) and M18-49 (+28%). Also, Court TV's RED, the network's weeknight 8p.m. action strip, enabled the network to enjoy its most-watched July in the time period for total viewers (812,000), viewing HH's (618,000), A18-49 (363,000), M18-49 (187,000) and total men (445,000). The A18-49 viewing for RED was up +18% over July 2005 time period figures.
2006 is tracking to be Court TV's most-watched year ever to-date. The network's prime time is delivering best-ever figures among total viewers (881,000), households (692,000) and adults 18-49 (377,000).
Signature Court TV series played a key role during the hot month of July, earning strong audiences and displaying solid growth. Premieres of Forensic Files, Body of Evidence, North Mission Road, Psychic Detectives and The Investigators attracted an average 1,017,000 total viewers and 412,000 A18-49 viewers, figures that are up +14% and +24%, respectively, compared to July year-ago.
Court TV®, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks is comprised of Court TV NewsSM, which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously EntertainingSM in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV ExtraSM, a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV OnlineSM. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via www.courttv.com.
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THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006
COURT TV:
Court TV Seriously Entertaining(SM) ushers in a new level of drama and excitement to! the investigative genre with a compelling lineup for Fall 200! 6. With six series, six feature documentaries and two specials set to premiere, and five series in development, coupled with the slate of returning flagship series such as Forensic Files, Psychic Detectives and Dominick Dunne: Power Privilege and Justice, Court TV, which just completed its most watched 2nd quarter in the history of the network among adults 18-49, is poised to continue its record setting growth in 2006. Ride along with the nation's most highly-trained law enforcers with SWAT USA(SM), get a glimpse into the true crime stories that interest our greatest storytellers in America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They Wrote(SM), and delve into the passion of the families effected by 9/11 -- and see how they pushed for the creation of the 9/11 commission -- in On Native Soil. Vinny Parco and his angels are busting criminals for a second season on Parco, PI(SM), and the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Team makes a splash this season on Beach Patrol(SM): Miami Beach.
Speeders(SM) premieres Wednesday, August 23rd 8pm ET/PT. In this half-hour caught-on-tape series, we'll see the chases, the confessions, the excuses, and the outbursts as America's finest pull over unsuspecting speeders.
SWAT USA(SM) premieres in September. Court TV expands the successful "SWAT" genre, with an up-close, inside look at the high-stakes world of special weapons and tactics teams across the United States. From strategy and planning to heart-pounding deployment, this half-hour series is a truly unique and exciting look at the best in law enforcement.
Beach Patrol(SM): Miami Beach will air Mondays, 8:00pm ET/PT. Coming off the huge success of Beach Patrol: San Diego, Court TV explores a new coast in Beach Patrol: Miami Beach, a fast-paced, hard-driving series that follows the lifeguards of the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue team.
'Til Death Do Us Part(SM) will debut in 2007. Recalling the great anthology series such as Alfred Hitchcock! Presents, 'Til Death Do Us Part features fabled underground f! ilm director John Waters starring as "The Groom Reaper(SM)." Each episode of the network's first original scripted series dramatizes the events of a true crime, opening at the wedding of a happy couple, with the time-traveling Groom Reaper as an unexpected guest, foretelling the worst. Through tantalizing scenes from the marriage, the Groom Reaper reveals the story of the ill-fated relationship, leaving viewers guessing as to who will be the victim ... and who will be the culprit.
Court TV has recruited the masters of the American crime novel to present absorbing new takes on twisted tales and incredible true-life mysteries. In each hour-long episode, Court TV teams with one of the nation's best novelists to delve into a case that has fascinated or touched them in some way. Through documentary footage, first-person accounts and the author's own insights, each episode sheds new light on a particularly intriguing crime. Season one includes authors James Ellroy,! Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Michael Connelly and Lisa Scottoline.
Programs in development include Bounty Girls. This series is focuses on Sunshine State Bail Bonds in Southern California is home to an elite team of female bounty hunters who use their brains and beauty to track down and bust the most hardened criminals. Court TV's cameras go along for the ride, following the best in the business as they do their jobs in style. CALL 911 is about the more than half a million 911 calls are placed every day. From home invasions to hostage situations, this half-hour brings the most intense, amazing calls to life, played out in real time, from the moment the call is made to its eventual resolution. DIVORCE STORY explores what happens when a marriage goes sour and a bitter legal battle is inevitable, some couples use binding arbitration to avoid a prolonged feud. In each episode of Divorce Story, Court TV follows two couples as they go through the arbitration process!, resolving their conflicts once and for all. The series is pr! oduced by Craig Piligian, creator of Dirty Jobs. THE PHENOMENA POLICE are a group of active duty peace officers who investigate calls involving paranormal activity and unusual phenomena. Using forensic investigative techniques, police procedures and advanced technology, they gather evidence and find out what really went on and why it happened. In the exciting new series, REAL HUSTLERS, the con is on! A team of talented former con men and women are led by a world-class hustler who demonstrates some of the cleverest cons of all time, offering tips on how to avoid getting conned.
Also, Court TV, acquired in full by Time Warner in May, takes the first step in maximizing the resources of its new corporate parent Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. by building on its movie line up with Most Wanted Movies(SM), premiering Thursday, August 17, at 8pm ET/PT. Every Thursday at 8pm, Court TV will air a recently-produced feature film in the crime and investigation genre from Tur! ner's vast library, with a line-up that includes action, drama and comedy.
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FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2006
COURT TV® UNVEILS FALL 2006 PRIMETIME PROGRAMMING DOCKET FEATURING HIGH-OCTANE ACTION, DARING RESCUES AND ENGROSSING INVESTIGATIONS
Pasadena, CA -July 14, 2006 - Court TV Seriously EntertainingSM ushers in a new level of drama and excitement to the investigative genre with a compelling lineup for Fall 2006. With six series, six feature documentaries and two specials set to premiere, and five series in development, coupled with the slate of returning flagship series such as Forensic Files, Psychic Detectives and Dominick Dunne: Power Privilege and Justice, Court TV, which just completed its most watched 2nd quarter in the history of the network among adults 18-49, is poised to continue its record setting growth in 2006.
Ride along with the nation's most highly-trained law enforcers with SWAT USASM, get a glimpse into the true crime stories that interest our greatest storytellers in America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They WroteSM, and delve into the passion of the families effected by 9/11 - and see how they pushed for the creation of the 9/11 commission - in On Native Soil. Vinny Parco and his angels are busting criminals for a second season on Parco, PISM, and the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Team makes a splash this season on Beach PatrolSM: Miami Beach.
NEW ACTION SERIES
SpeedersSM
Wednesday, August 23rd 8pm ET/PT
In this half-hour caught-on-tape series, we'll see the chases, the confessions, the excuses, and the outbursts as America's finest pull over unsuspecting speeders.
SWAT USASM
Premieres in September
Court TV expands the successful "SWAT" genre, with an up-close, inside look at the high-stakes world of special weapons and tactics teams across the United States. From strategy and planning to heart-pounding deployment, this half-hour series is a truly unique and exciting look at the best in law enforcement
Beach PatrolSM: Miami Beach
Mondays, 8:00pm ET/PT
Coming off the huge success of Beach Patrol: San Diego, Court TV explores a new coast in Beach Patrol: Miami Beach, a fast-paced, hard-driving series that follows the lifeguards of the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue team.
NEW SCRIPTED SERIES
'Til Death Do Us PartSM
Coming in the New Year
Recalling the great anthology series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'Til Death Do Us Part features fabled underground film director John Waters starring as "The Groom ReaperSM." Each episode of the network's first original scripted series dramatizes the events of a true crime, opening at the wedding of a happy couple, with the time-traveling Groom Reaper as an unexpected guest, foretelling the worst. Through tantalizing scenes from the marriage, the Groom Reaper reveals the story of the ill-fated relationship, leaving viewers guessing as to who will be the victim ... and who will be the culprit.
NEW INVESTIGATIVE SERIES
America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They WroteSM
Coming in November
Court TV has recruited the masters of the American crime novel to present absorbing new takes on twisted tales and incredible true-life mysteries. In each hour-long episode, Court TV teams with one of the nation's best novelists to delve into a case that has fascinated or touched them in some way. Through documentary footage, first-person accounts and the author's own insights, each episode sheds new light on a particularly intriguing crime. Season one includes authors James Ellroy, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Michael Connelly and Lisa Scottoline.
Missing Persons UnitSM
Wednesday, August 30, 9:30pm ET/PT
In this compelling new investigative series, Court TV re-examines the most baffling missing person cases from across the country. Each 30-minute episode chronicles a race against the clock, as an investigative team reconstructs the last two days of the missing person's life to learn who they are, and where they might be found.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS
On Native Soil
Monday, August 21st 10pm ET/PT
Based on the best-selling 9/11 Commission Report, and narrated by Academy Award® winners Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank, On Native Soil details the personal stories of tragedy and triumph that led to the formation of the 9/11 Commission and the publication of the Commission's landmark report. Directed by three-time Emmy Award®-winning news and film producer Linda Ellman, the documentary presents provocative new details and exclusive interviews, focusing on the human side of the largest terrorist assault ever to take place in the United States.
SPAM: The Documentary
We all know it. . . .it clogs our computers and may ultimately slow and damage the Internet. But where does spam come from? Who are the criminal minds behind it? In an insightful and often humorous investigation, Court TV looks into the global culture of spam, arguably one of the 20th century's most annoying and harmful innovations.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS (cont.)
The Man Who Would Be Polka King
Jan Lewan was the Elvis of polka music, selling out months of performances in Atlantic City. But he was also a criminal mastermind. This documentary is an irreverent portrait of one man whose professional career was destroyed because he began to believe he was bigger than the music.
Murder in the Dark
Not guilty by reason of...sleep? People have been known to do some strange things while sleeping, but assault, rape, even murder? Parasomnia, a disorder that causes people to literally, be active in their sleep, is emerging as a new legal defense in violent criminal cases. Murder in the Dark goes inside an actual parasomnia case to see how well this defense holds up in court. Through the courtroom drama and exclusive access to alarming sleep clinic footage, Executive Producer Christine LeGoff (Murder on a Sunday Morning, The Staircase) shows just how violent some parasomniacs can be.
K-11: The Pink Cell
In the LA County Jail there is a unit where gay, bisexual, and transgender inmates are housed apart from the general population. It is so much nicer than the general prison that even straight people try to con their way in. K-11: The Pink Cell is a shocking, funny, and provocative look at the side of prison that the public has never seen before, produced by World of Wonder (Inside Deep Throat, The Eyes of Tammy Faye).
The Exodus Project
Exodus is run by ex-cons, with the goal of finding jobs for former inmates and freeing them from the revolving door that propels so many right back behind bars. Filled with incredible characters and fascinating success stories, this film highlights the dynamics of an organization whose administration is at as much risk as their clients.
SPECIALS
Stories of the Innocence ProjectSM: Broken Words
Monday, July 31st 11pm ET/PT
Court TV's acclaimed series highlights inspirational stories of redemption from the case files of Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld's Innocence Project, which has provided direct representation or critical assistance in cases involving post-conviction DNA evidence, resulting in the exoneration of more than 110 wrongly imprisoned men and women. In this episode, police in Ada, Oklahoma are stumped by a horrific crime and when the case quickly stalls, they focus the investigation on the town eccentric, Ron Williamson. Convinced there were two killers, authorities arrest Williamson and his only friend, Dennis Fritz. Both men proclaim their innocence but are found guilty: Fritz is sentenced to life in prison, and Williamson is sent to death row. Can the Innocence Project wade through faulty hair evidence, ignored suspects and questionable informants in time to save one man from a life in prison and anothe
r from death? This compelling case is also the subject of a new book from best-selling author John Grisham.
SPECIALS (cont.)
Cell Phone JusticeM
Coming this summer
We love them, but of course, we also hate them. While they can be rage inducing, viewers might be surprised to learn that they have also become powerful eyewitnesses in the fight against crime....Cell Phone Justice will take an in depth look at this new trend.
Disorder In The Court
Monday, August 14th 8pm ET/PT
This special counts down the top 20 most infamous, shocking, and often hilariously unprecedented courtroom moments from some of the most noteworthy trials of the recent past. Combining interviews with leading legal luminaries and cultural commentators with archival footage, unforgettable video, and still photographs, 'Disorder In The Court' reveals 20 great reasons why we're all continually fascinated with the legal process.
PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT
Bounty GirlsSM
Sunshine State Bail Bonds in Southern California is home to an elite team of female bounty hunters who use their brains and beauty to track down and bust the most hardened criminals. Court TV's cameras go along for the ride, following the best in the business as they do their jobs in style.
Call 911SM
More than half a million 911 calls are placed every day. From home invasions to hostage situations, this half-hour brings the most intense, amazing calls to life, played out in real time, from the moment the call is made to its eventual resolution.
Divorce StorySM
When a marriage goes sour and a bitter legal battle is inevitable, some couples use binding arbitration to avoid a prolonged feud. In each episode of Divorce Story, Court TV follows two couples as they go through the arbitration process, resolving their conflicts once and for all. The series is produced by Craig Piligian, creator of Dirty Jobs.
Phenomena PoliceSM
The Phenomena Police are a group of active duty peace officers who investigate calls involving paranormal activity and unusual phenomena. Using forensic investigative techniques, police procedures and advanced technology, they gather evidence and find out what really went on and why it happened.
Real Hustlers (wt)
In this exciting new series, the con is on! A team of talented former con men and women led by a world-class hustler who demonstrates some of the cleverest cons of all time, offering tips on how to avoid getting conned.
RETURNING SERIES
Parco, P.I SM
Tuesday, August 15th 10pm ET/PT
This hybrid reality/docu-drama series returns for a second season. The show follows the Parcos, a family of New York City private eyes, as they crack cases and expose secrets at their family-run private investigation firm. From cheating spouses to corrupt business partners, the series combines the most compelling elements of verite documentaries and scripted drama
Body of EvidenceSM: From the Case Files of Dayle Hinman
Saturdays 10:00pm ET/PT
Get inside the mind, life and career of Special Agent Dayle Hinman, one of the country's leading forensic profilers. Using intensive examination of forensic evidence and skillful psychological insight, Hinman aids the police in isolating suspects and solving some of the country's most baffling mysteries.
Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and JusticeSM
Fridays 11pm ET/PT
Beverly Hills, the Hamptons, South Beach...these are the playgrounds of America's wealthy and powerful. But a dark side exists beneath the sparkling surface of dazzling parties, elite country clubs, and expensive jewels. Celebrated author and popular Vanity Fair columnist Dominick Dunne has spent years chronicling the high-profile personalities caught in the web of money, murder, and mystery. Now, Dunne returns to examine new stories at the fascinating junction of crime, money and justice.
Forensic Files®
Wednesdays 9pm ET/PT
Forensic Files®, the network's signature original series offers new episodes featuring a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how investigators use cutting-edge forensic technology to solve present day as well as decades-old crimes. This ultimate reality series -the real-life CSI -is one of the highest-rated programs on Court TV. Produced by Medstar Television for Court TV.
Haunting EvidenceSM
Wednesdays 10:30pm ET/PT
From the network that started the paranormal crime-solving phenomenon with Psychic Detectives®, comes a new original series that takes the genre to the next dimension. Haunting EvidenceSM follows an unusual investigation with a team of unconventional experts comprised of psychic profiler Carla Baron, paranormal investigator Patrick Burns, and medium John J. Oliver. In each episode, the team -- who receive no information on the case other than the victim's name -- use their skills to visualize and describe the details of the crime with amazing accuracy.
Hollywood HeatSM
Thursdays 11:30pm ET/PT
Each week, Hollywood HeatSM breaks crime and justice entertainment news, with celebrity interviews and set visits, commentary from legal and entertainment industry pundits, reports from "The Smoking Gun HotsheetSM," and special on-the-street "Dismissed JurorSM" reports from the one and only, Joan Rivers. New host Lynne White dishes out the hottest extravagances, eccentricities and excesses of Tinseltown's biggest stars in this fast-paced, half-hour show.
Hot PursuitSM
From high-speed chases to dangerous crashes, this adrenaline-pumping series shows the dangers our law enforcement professionals face every day. Featuring the most amazing footage ever captured, much of it taken from the dashboard-mounted cameras in the police vehicles themselves, each half-hour episode is a wild ride.
Inside
next premiere Monday, August 21 8pm ET/PT
From the nation's toughest prisons to the elite team that guards the nation's diplomats, "Inside" takes you behind the scenes and behind the headlines into some of the most dangerous and fascinating areas of criminal justice and investigation.
The InvestigatorsSM
Mondays 10pm ET/PT
The original Court TV documentary series The Investigators uses well-told stories, human drama, and the process of investigation to shed light on the many dimensions inherent in the complex nature of this country's judicial system.
L.A. ForensicsSM
Fridays 10:30pm ET/PT / Mondays 9:00pm/ET
With unprecedented access, this new series takes viewers inside the actual case files of one of the nation's largest and most respected crime labs, the LAPD Scientific Investigation Division (SID). Each episode focuses on a gripping crime story that combines tried-and-true detective work with SID's cutting-edge forensics to eventually unravel a compelling, true-life mystery.
MastermindsSM
Tuesdays 11pm ET/PT
These are the true stories of brilliant criminals and the amazing deceptions they've used to pull off seemingly impossible crimes. Combining the mystery of a "whodunit" with the thrill of a "howdunit," the series reveals the men and women behind the daring capers, from elite bank robbers, jewel thieves and escape artists to impersonators, kidnappers and con artists.
North Mission RoadSM
Mondays 9:30pm ET/PT
Los Angeles may be a city of illusions, but those illusions end at 1104 North Mission Road, home of the Los Angeles County Coroner where up to 20,000 cases are investigated annually. With unprecedented access to the Coroner's massive files, this show presents L.A.'s most unique and compelling cases. Each episode follows the highly trained professionals of the Coroner's Department as they use the latest in forensic medicine and investigative techniques to solve a variety of challenging mysteries.
Psychic Detectives®
Wednesdays 10pm ET/PT
Court TV's popular series Psychic Detectives® started America's obsession with the talented men and women who help law enforcement solve some of the country's toughest cases. This season, the series returns with more fascinating stories of the psychics who developed the uncanny tips and unexplainable clues that have helped detectives solve baffling cases.
Under InvestigationSM
Quarterly - next premiere Monday, July 17 10PM ET/PT
Monday, September 18 10pm ET/PT
Wednesday, December 20th 9:30pm ET/PT
In this riveting half-hour investigative series, Court TV takes a closer look at the most talked about unsolved cases ripped from today's headlines. Last season, this compelling series examined the Greenwich murder of financier Andrew Kissel, the cruise ship mystery of groom George Smith IV, and the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalie Holloway.
Video JusticeSM
Fridays 8pm ET/PT
This new original series from John Langley, the creator and producer of Cops, illustrates how the camera has become law enforcement's most powerful tool in the fight against crime. Each 30-minute episode reveals how difficult it is for criminals to get away with crime in a world where someone is always watching.
Court TV®, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks is comprised of Court TV NewsSM, which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously EntertainingSM in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV ExtraSM, a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV OnlineSM. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via www.courttv.com.
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FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2006
"Those who died on 9/11..deserve that the story of their deaths be told truthfully."
-Sally Regenhard, whose son, Christian, a New York City firefighter, died at the World Trade Center
COURT TV® PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ON NATIVE SOIL: THE DOCUMENTARY OF THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT RIVETING FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY FILM NARRATED BY KEVIN COSTNER AND HILARY SWANK
Searing Film Documents the Untold Story of the Events that Led to the Formation of the 9/11 Commission
Premieres On Court TV Monday, August 21, 10pm ET/PT
Lionsgate to Release Special Edition DVD with More Than 30 Minutes of Extra Footage and Extensive Extra Features on Tuesday, August 22
Pasadena, CA-July 14, 2006 - Court TV will world premiere the powerful and critically-acclaimed film On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report on Monday, August 21. Created with the support and involvement of 9/11 victims' families, On Native Soil includes compelling, never-before-seen interviews from victims' family members as it focuses on the actual events of that day. Narrated by Academy Award® winners Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank, the documentary thoughtfully details the personal stories of tragedy and triumph that led to the formation of the 9/11 Commission and the publication of the Commission's landmark report.
For Court TV, the acquisition comes as part of the network's initiative to acquire four to six documentary feature films a year. Lionsgate brings an extended version of the revealing documentary to Special Edition DVD the following day, adding more than 30 minutes to the main program. The DVD will also contain extensive extra features including additional interviews with some of the family members from the film, a downloadable 9/11 commission report and interactive photo gallery.
"As a network, we strongly believe in the concept of transparency, and that is what this film is all about: it details how American citizens demanded that their government investigate and explain what went wrong that terrible day," said Court TV President Art Bell. "That the facts and findings of the Commission are presented in a compelling yet completely non-partisan, non-political way underscores the film's importance as a historical document in its own right. We are honored to bring it to a wide audience."
Lionsgate President Steve Beeks added, "September 11, 2001 is the most documented and analyzed event in the history of our nation. This unbelievably important work not only brings the findings of the 9/11 Commission to light, but also reveals the human side of the tragedy through never-before-seen interviews, personal stories of triumph, and one of the most comprehensive collections of 9/11 footage ever assembled on film. This is a program that everyone should see."
Directed by three-time Emmy award-winning news and film producer Linda Ellman, the film faithfully captures the events of that day and our civilian and government response, whose strengths and weaknesses are outlined in The 9/11 Commission Report. On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report has powerful narration from Costner and Swank and includes sit-down interviews with U.S. Senators John McCain, Joe Lieberman and former U.S. Senator and past 9/11 Commissioner Max Cleland. While presenting provocative new details and exclusive interviews, the film focuses on the human side of the largest terrorist assault ever to take place in the United States by examining the treatment of the events that led up to the 9/11 attacks and revealing the efforts by a group of citizens who worked together to ensure that the 9/11 Commission would be convened and information disseminated to the public.
"I was in lower Manhattan that horrible day," said Hilary Swank, "I was drawn to the project by the amazing stories of the 9/11 families and survivors featured in the film, and I am proud that by contributing my voice to the project, I can help their voices be heard."
"I saw this film in a rough cut and wanted to become involved," said Kevin Costner. "It's honest, it's serious and it's not political. This film tells stories every American will and should want to know."
On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report is a Jeff Hays Film and Ellman Entertainment production of a Linda Ellman film. It is executive produced by Jeff Hays and Linda Ellman, and directed by Ellman, whose credits include 13 years with NBC Network News.
Court TV, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks(SM) is comprised of Court TV News(SM), which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously Entertaining(SM) in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV Extra(SM), a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via www.courttv.com.
Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio. Fresh off the number one box office hits Madea's Family Reunion, Hostel and Saw II and the Best Picture Academy Award ®-winning Crash, Lionsgate is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe. For more information, visit www.lionsgate.com.
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FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2006
COURT TV®, THE NETWORK WHICH INSPIRED TV TRIAL COVERAGE IN THE U.S. KICKS OFF ITS 15th YEAR
Pasadena, CA - July 14, 2006 - Court TV, the network which paved the way for legal journalism and inspired television trial coverage as we know it, kicks off its 15th year this month. Court TV launched its first on-air broadcast on July 1, 1991 with a simple goal: to shed light on the American system of justice by putting cameras in the nation's courtrooms. Since then, the network has become recognized as the authority on legal news as have its dynamic roster of anchors and correspondents who have appeared on virtually every network news and entertainment program to comment on legal issues.
Over the past decade and a half, Court TV has covered some of the biggest legal proceedings, and among the most controversial trials - OJ Simpson, Scott Peterson, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, Kobe Bryant, Saddam Hussein, William Kennedy Smith, Michael Skakel, Eric and Lyle Menendez, Mary Kay Letourneau and many, many more. Court TV, which has covered more than 900 trials to-date, has been instrumental in campaigning for camera access in courts around the country, including the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of the United States.
The network has evolved tremendously over the last 15 years. In 1998, Court TV, originally known for its unprecedented live comprehensive coverage of courtroom trials, expanded its legal and justice format by introducing several non-fiction series, documentaries, specials and original movies to the evening schedule. Among Court TV's most successful primetime signature series include Forensic Files®, Psychic DetectivesSM and Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and Justice SM. Since its inception, Court TV has become one of the most successful basic cable networks in the industry, having grown from 30 million subscribers to its current status of nearly 86 million subscribers.
In 2005, Court TV re-branded the network to differentiate its daytime and primetime programming. The daytime block, continuing to feature in-depth coverage of trials and legal proceedings, was named Court TV News - The Whole TruthSM, while primetime added the tagline Seriously EntertainingSM, reflecting the network's successful investigation-related programming. As part of this new brand, Court TV launched a non-fiction, prime time programming block of action-packed shows known as RED (Real, Exciting & Dramatic) for viewers looking for high-stakes programming. RED has taken Court to new heights, and the results are glowing.
This past June, Court TV concluded the most-watched 2nd quarter in its history by delivering 357,000 A18-49 viewers in prime time, up 17 percent versus year-ago, putting Court TV on track to complete its most watched year ever. Driving this surge are new series such as Haunting EvidenceSM, to which 4.4 million viewers tuned in for the premiere episode. Also, Court TV's RED, the network's weeknight 8pm action strip, wrapped up the 2nd quarter in 2006, ranking 9th among all ad-supported cable networks in adults 18-49. Court TV RED helped make this the most-watched 2nd quarter in the network's history for male viewing.
2006 is Court TV's most-watched year ever to-date. The network's prime time is delivering best-ever figures among total viewers (876,000), households (689,000) and adults 18-49 (377,000).
Court TV®, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV NetworksSM is comprised of Court TV NewsSM, which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously EntertainingSM in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV ExtraSM, a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV OnlineSM. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via www.courttv.com.
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FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2006
GRAB A DATE: THURSDAY NIGHT IS MOVIE NIGHT ON COURT TV® WITH MOST WANTED MOVIESSM
Investigation-Themed Blockbuster Films from Turner Library to Air Thursday Nights at 8pm ET/PT Starting August 17
Pasadena, CA, July 14, 2006 - Court TV, acquired in full by Time Warner in May, takes the first step in maximizing the resources of its new corporate parent Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. by building on its movie line up with Most Wanted MoviesSM, premiering Thursday, August 17, at 8pm ET/PT. Every Thursday at 8pm, Court TV will air a recently- produced feature film in the crime and investigation genre from Turner's vast library, with a line-up that includes action, drama and comedy. Scheduling of the films was closely coordinated between all the Turner networks to maximize audience.
"Court TV has aired films regularly for many years, but Turner's film library is a treasure trove for any programmer and really takes our movie offerings to the next level - we felt like kids in a candy store," said Court TV COO Art Bell. "We selected these films strategically, with the goal of reaching new viewers and exposing them to our original programming through the portal of blockbuster films. It is the first of many opportunities we hope to explore as members of the Turner family."
Most films will run two hours in duration and will feature commercial breaks. Films longer than two hours will air at 7pm ET/PT. The network's selections for Most Wanted MoviesSM include such films as Seven (8/24); In the Line of Fire (8/31); A Few Good Men; The Client; Runaway Jury; Pelican Brief; Analyze This; Donnie Brasco and the August 17 premiere, Bad Boys, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence among many others.
Court TV, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV NetworksSM is comprised of Court TV NewsSM, which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously EntertainingSM in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV ExtraSM, a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via www.courttv.com.
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