BURLY TV ON TBS To Feature Original Programming For Coveted Young Adult Audience
ATLANTA--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Aug 23, 2001--TBS Superstation and Burly Bear Network, the leading cable network dedicated to the college audience, announced today a strategic arrangement in which Burly Bear will develop a range of original programming and air a weekly, one-hour, late-night block on TBS Superstation on Wednesdays at 2 a.m. (ET)/11 p.m. (PT), and Thursdays at 1 a.m. (ET)/10 p.m. (PT) beginning Wednesday, September 5.
BURLY TV ON TBS will feature a mix of Burly Bear’s trademark original programming, including episodes of the following:
* Half Baked, the cult favorite rock ‘n’ roll cooking show. Upcoming episodes feature host Matt Fry mixing it up with such personalities as Shaquille O’Neal, Uncle Kracker, Lisa Loeb and Diesel Boy.
* Imposter, in which comedians manipulate and disturb the public in a hidden camera show about human behavior.
* Celebrity Highway, the animated hijinx of carloads of vicious celebrities. Upcoming episodes feature the Christopher Walkens chasing the Keanu Reeves and the Russell Crowes out for the Mel Gibsons.
* Movie Junky, with celebrity interviews and skewed movie reviews.
* A video game review show where obsessive couch potatoes analyze and bicker about the latest releases.
This new arrangement with the Superstation adds a national platform to extend Burly Bear’s existing reach to the desirable 18-24-year-old demographic through targeted college cable, tours, field marketing and broadband Internet.
''We’ve been successful delivering smart, unique programming to the college audience,'' said Howard Handler, chief executive officer of Burly Bear Network. ''We’re very excited to work with a leader like TBS Superstation and have a broader platform for our shows, our talent and our sponsors.''
''BURLY TV ON TBS offers TBS Superstation fresh original programming from a high-profile production outlet,'' said Dennis Quinn, executive vice president and general manager for the Superstation. ''It also enables the Superstation to build on its popularity with young adults.''
Burly Bear has been nurtured and guided by an impressive team of management and investors, led by Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video, Constellation Ventures/Bear Stearns, NB Capital Venture Partners, New York City Investment Fund, Citigroup Investments, and CIT Venture Capital. Former National Football League and MTV marketing chief Howard Handler heads the management team.
''Lorne Michaels’ involvement as a principal shareholder is a major benefit,'' said Jamie Kellner, chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. ''We’re excited to welcome Burly Bear as another creative asset in the AOL Time Warner family.''
Burly Bear Network (BBN) is a next generation cable network and marketing company that creates original programming for the 18-24 year old mindset. BBN is anchored by the leading college cable TV network reaching more than 5 million students across 600 universities. The Network is piped directly into dorm rooms and college living space on and off-campus. BBN has significant on-campus presence through tours and live events, a standing army of paid student field marketing reps, and a broadband destination www.burlybear.com.
To business partners, Burly Bear represents a more reliable efficient marketing solution for the elusive 18-24 market. Recent advertisers and sponsors include Mountain Dew, Lipton Brisk, Levi Strauss, Carter-Wallace, Reebok, Mavi Jeans, Encare, Sony Playstation, Codemasters, Red Storm, Paramount, 20th Century FOX, Buena Vista, Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema.
TBS Superstation, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s flagship entertainment network, reaches 83.3 million households and is cable’s most-watched network, a position it has held for 24 consecutive years. TBS Superstation offers high-profile original movies and series, blockbuster movies, popular series and sports. The Superstation`s Web site is located at TBSsuperstation.com.
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