ION Television January 2008 -- Drew Carey and Wayans Bros. Joins Line-Up

[Pavan]

ION Television January 2008--

Blog Story: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2007/12/day-39-wgas-strike-ion-television.html

Regular schedule changes:

Mon-Thurs, effect. Tues., Jan. 1, 2008
9:00PM The Drew Carey Show (replaces Who's the Boss?)
9:30PM The Drew Carey Show (replaces Who's the Boss?)
10:00PM Who's the Boss? (replaces 48 Hours Mon & Thurs and Diagnosis Murder Tues & Wed)
10:30PM Who's the Boss? (replaces 48 Hours cont. Mon & Thurs and Diagnosis Murder cont. Tues & Wed)

Saturdays, effect. Jan. 5
6:00PM 48 Hours (replaces NFL Game of the Week)

Effective Monday, January 14, 2008
Weekdays
6:00PM The Wayans Bros. (replaces Amen)
6:30PM The Wayans Bros. (replaces Amen)



Here is full the regular schedule for January:
Mon-Thurs
6:00PM Amen (Wayans Bros. effect. Jan. 14)
6:30PM Amen (Wayans Bros. effect. Jan. 14)
7:00PM Alice
7:30PM Alice
8:00PM Mama's Family
8:30PM Mama's Family
9:00PM The Drew Carey Show
9:30PM The Drew Carey Show
10:00PM Who's the Boss?
10:30PM Who's the Boss?
11:00PM Firebrand


Fri-Sun
6:00PM Amen (Fri) Wayans Bros. effect Jan. 14; 48 Hours (Sat); ION Life (Sun)
6:30PM Amen (Fri) Wayans Bros. effect Jan. 14; 48 Hours cont. (Sat); ION Life cont. (Sun)
7:00PM RHI Entertainment
9:00PM RHI Entertainment
11:00PM Firebrand (Fri)



Movies, Stunts, Marathons


- RHI on ION

January Programming:

Friday, January 4
7:00PM-11:00PM Voyage of the Unicorn (2001)

Saturday, January 5
7:00PM-9:00PM Escape from Wildcat Canyon (1998)
9:00PM-11:00PM Tale of Sweeney Todd; The (1998)

Sunday, January 6
7:00PM-11:00PM Titanic; The (1996)

Friday, January 11
7:00PM-9:00PM Mario and the Mob (1992)
9:00PM-11:00PM Sea People (1999)

Saturday, January 12
7:00PM-11:00PM In Cold Blood (1996)

Sunday, January 13
7:00PM-11:00PM Robert Ludlum's Apocalypse (1997)

Friday, January 18
7:00PM-9:00PM Assignment Berlin (1999)
9:00PM-11:00PM Bird of Prey

Saturday, January 19
7:00PM-9:00PM Pathfinder (1996)
9:00PM-11:00PM Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone (1997)

Sunday, January 20
7:00PM-11:00PM Aftershock: Earthquake in New York (1999)

Friday, January 25
7:00PM-9:00PM Deliverance of Elaine; The (1996)
9:00PM-11:00PM Dying to Love You (1993)

Saturday, January 26
7:00PM-9:00PM Crash Dive (1997)
9:00PM-11:00PM Strategic Command (1997)

Sunday, January 27
7:00PM-9:00PM Tornado (1996)
9:00PM-11:00PM Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2007)






- Drew Carey Show: Drew Year's Eve Party Marathon
Monday, December 31, 2007
To launch the new year, ION will party all night and give us a marathon of party episodes of its newest acquisition, The Drew Carey Show with a "Drew" Year's Eve Party Marathon! Get Carey Away!

7:00 PM Drew Carey Show; The; Mr. Louder's Birthday Party
7:30 PM Drew Carey Show; The; The Joining Of Two Unlike Elements Is A Mixture
8:00 PM Drew Carey Show; The; It's Your Party And I'll Crash It If I Want To
8:30 PM Drew Carey Show; The; Drewstock
9:00 PM Drew Carey Show; The; Boy Party/Girl Party
9:30 PM Drew Carey Show; The; Drew's Reunion
10:00PM Drew Carey Show; The; The Bachelor Party
10:30PM Drew Carey Show; The; Drew Live





Read the blog before you post:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2007/12/day-39-wgas-strike-ion-television.html

[catsrule]

still no Wonder Years :(
It would make more sense to air Who's the Boss at 9:00 and Drew Carey at 10:00 since WTB is family oriented and DC is not.

[JulieSomoski]

still no Wonder Years :(
It would make more sense to air Who's the Boss at 9:00 and Drew Carey at 10:00 since WTB is family oriented and DC is not.

I'm with you there, but this is still the best damn schedule they've had in months. I think 10pm is a little too late for WTB, and 9pm a little too early for Drew Carey, but whatever. Would have liked Wonder Years back on, maybe at like 6pm.

[LeeBlue]

I was really hoping for more episodes of Perfect Strangers!! Will ION ever put this wonderful show on again??

[JulieSomoski]

I was really hoping for more episodes of Perfect Strangers!! Will ION ever put this wonderful show on again??

That's another thing. God, that show was on for a lousy 2 weeks. It's the only show in ION's history of not being shown for at least a month. If it's selling well on DVD, why didn't it do well here!?!?

[friendsfan77]

I'll be happy to be able to revisit Drew Carey again and I am ever so glad that Alice is staying.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I am so glad that Who's The Boss? will be staying on Ion Schedule at 9:00 pm and 9:30 pm Central Time.

[Classicshowsgurl15]

I'm glad that Who's the Boss? is staying on, but I think that it should stay in the 9-10 timeslot and have Drew Carey be on at 10-11.

[mgsports]

Midnight to Midnight would be a good Schedule.
I think Local Programming should be on them like News and so on.
Wonder Years 11:30pm to Midnight
Drew Carey 11pm to 11:30pm
9pm to 10:30pm Local News
8:30pm to 9pm Who's the Boss
8pm to 8:30pm Mama's Family
7:30pm to 8pm Amen
7pm to 7:30pm Alice
6:30pm to 7pm Designing Women
6pm to 6:30pm Local News
5:30pm to 6pm National News
5pm to 5:30pm Local News
4:30pm to 5pm Dave's World
4pm to 4:30pm Clarrisa Explains it All
3:30pm to 4pm Wings
3pm to 3:30pm Coach
2pm to 3pm S. Ward's show that was on ABC
1pm to 2pm Life Goes On
12:30 to 1pm Growing Plains
12pm to 12:30pm Local News
11:30am to Noon Shop to you Drop
11am to 11:30am Supermarket Sweep
10:30am to 11am The Mall Game
10am to 10:30am Wipeout
9am to 10am Chicago Hope
7am to 9am National Talk Show like Today show
5am to 7am Local News
Midnight to 5am Movies and so on

[clj2]

God, are WTB and Mama EVER leaving? LOL

[JulieSomoski]

God, are WTB and Mama EVER leaving? LOL

I'm so tired of Mama's Family it aint even funny. It's been taking up the best slot on the whole 5 hour schedule since the network began. Let's try something else now, huh? They did try PS, but we all know how that turned out . . .

[Jude The Obscure]

God, are WTB and Mama EVER leaving? LOL

Obviously Mama is still doing gangbuster ratings and WTB must be holding them too.

And we have said this all a million times--will ION ever expand their hours? Just how long were those contracts for informercials?

[EmoJoe]

isn't 10:00 when WTB aired on Nick@Nite?

anyway, i'm happy to see it still there. it's nice a network is actually giving it fair treatment for once and it's nice to see it's succeeding finally. but The Drew Carey Show definitely should be on at 10 and WTB at 9.

[JulieSomoski]

isn't 10:00 when WTB aired on Nick@Nite?

anyway, i'm happy to see it still there. it's nice a network is actually giving it fair treatment for once and it's nice to see it's succeeding finally. but The Drew Carey Show definitely should be on at 10 and WTB at 9.

yeah, it aired at 10pm.

It is great to see WTB doing well on a network. It hasn't been in syndication much, and hasn't done well on the cable stations it was on, so it's great to see it last on ION, considering they give their shows the bott usually after 3 months or so.

[Scoobiedoo30]

Yes Who's The Boss? did air at 9:00 pm Central Time on Nick@Nite

[chris31989]

Great to see WTB at 10PM. I do predict by February, WTB and Drew will switch times, I think that 9PM is a good time to get a new acquisition off to a good start. I do love Drew as well. I would say this is the best schedule out of ION so far. Amen, Alice, Mama, Drew Carey, and Who's The Boss are all great shows that are getting a chance in syndication, and that's wonderful. What would be even better is if ION picked up/brought back five shows and aired them once in each of the five hours, which in turn brings more variety to the channel if they do not want to expand.

[Pavan]

ION to “Bring in the Drew Year with a Smile!”
Contest Celebrates Return of “The Drew Carey Show” on ION Television

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- ION Media Networks, Inc. (AMEX:ION) today announced that it is celebrating the launch of The Drew Carey Show on ION Television with a “Bring in the Drew Year With a Smile” promotion, sponsored by Crest Whitestrips. The contest will be promoted beginning New Year’s Eve, and will officially begin on January 1, 2008. Viewers will get to vote for their favorite smiles from members of The Drew Carey Show cast, and enter for a chance to win a trip for four anywhere in the US that will “make you smile.”

To enter the contest, viewers will need to watch The Drew Carey Show on ION Television during the first few weeks of 2008, and vote for their favorite smile from Drew, Mimi or Lewis on ION’s Web site (www.ionline.tv). The grand prize package includes roundtrip airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations and spending money.

ION Television is supporting the contest with on-air advertising including 30-second spots and animation overlays, as well as Web site drivers on www.ionline.tv, including a Drew Carey sub-page and even a virtual version of Drew’s cubicle. The contest will be heavily promoted during a special “Drew Year’s Eve” marathon of back-to-back shows, which will launch The Drew Carey Show from 7-11 pm (ET) on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day, the series will join ION Television’s primetime lineup, with episodes airing Mondays through Thursdays at 9 and 9:30 pm (ET).

[TVFactFan]

Great to see WTB at 10PM. I do predict by February, WTB and Drew will switch times, I think that 9PM is a good time to get a new acquisition off to a good start. I do love Drew as well. I would say this is the best schedule out of ION so far. Amen, Alice, Mama, Drew Carey, and Who's The Boss are all great shows that are getting a chance in syndication, and that's wonderful. What would be even better is if ION picked up/brought back five shows and aired them once in each of the five hours, which in turn brings more variety to the channel if they do not want to expand.


I don't get a chance to watch WTB on ION because of the lead-ins

[Scoobiedoo30]

well now you can that Who's The Moving to 9:00 pm Central Time Hour

[JulieSomoski]

well now you can that Who's The Moving to 9:00 pm Central Time Hour

But Solomon watches Geroge Lopez at 10pm.

They're finally into season 8 on Who's the Boss. Looking very forward to watching the entire season for the first time!

[Pavan]

The last regular season NFL Game of the Week highlights will air Thursday, Jan. 3 from 10-11pm instead of two Who's the Boss? episodes.

[Pavan]

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, NEW ADAPTATION OF JULES VERNE CLASSIC, MAKES ITS NETWORK TELEVISION DEBUT

RHI Original Movie Starring Ricky Schroder and Peter Fonda Premieres on ION Television on Sunday, January 27

(New York, NY December 20, 2007) - RHI Entertainment announced today that the two-hour telefilm "Journey to the Center of the Earth," a dynamic new adaptation of the classic tale by Jules Verne, will make its premiere during the RHI Movie Weekend on the ION Television Network Sunday, January 27 (9/8c).

The new production stars Ricky Schroder (Crimson Tide, Lonesome Dove, NYPD Blue, 24) and Peter Fonda (Easy Rider, Ulee's Gold, The Laramie Project, 3:10 to Yuma) as well as Victoria Pratt (Daybreak, Brotherhood of Blood), Steven Grayhm (Taken, White Chicks, Mitch Albom's: The Five People You Meet in Heaven) and Mike Dopud (Kaya, Smallville, Stargate SG-1).

Set in the late 1800's, Journey to the Center of the Earth is the story of the noted anthropologist Jonathan Brock, who accepts a risky proposition to lead an expedition to find the missing Edward Dennison. Brock and his party re-trace Dennison's last known tracks to a mysterious passage in Alaska, rumored to be the secret gateway to the center of the earth. As they descend deeper and deeper into the unknown, the group finds a vast world undergoing an evolutionary process unto itself, complete with prehistoric creatures, primitive tribes and amazing discoveries.

Shot on location in and around Vancouver on high definition video during the summer of 2007, the spectacular scenery and dramatic weather are an integral part of the production. Journey to the Center of the Earth is directed by the award-winning TJ Scott (Xena: Warrior Princess, La Femme Nikita). Robert Halmi, Sr., Robert Halmi Jr., Lisa Richardson and Matthew O'Connor are executive producers of the project.

"We have taken one of literature's greatest adventures and turned it just enough to make it even more fresh and compelling for today's audiences," said Robert Halmi, Jr., President and CEO of RHI Entertainment. "This tale of action, fantasy and the unexpected will send viewers of all ages onto their own epic journey of exploration and discovery."

"ION Television continues to build new levels of awareness and viewership with each new production from RHI Entertainment," said Brandon Burgess, President and CEO, ION Media Networks. "Journey to the Center of the Earth keeps the momentum going, and is a great way to start the New Year."

[Tubehead]

are their going to add any more new show? they should show ealry edition, get smart. the incdabile hulk, my three sons, family ties, alf, and haning with mr cooper.

[JulieSomoski]

are their going to add any more new show? they should show ealry edition, get smart. the incdabile hulk, my three sons, family ties, alf, and haning with mr cooper.

I'd love to see shows like Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, 227, and Soap on their lineup. All are Sony and WB owned shows, so they at least have some chance.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I wouuld also like to see 227

[Pavan]

Schedule change:

Effective Monday, January 14, 2008

Weekdays
6:00PM The Wayans Bros. (replaces Amen)
6:30PM The Wayans Bros. (replaces Amen)

[JulieSomoski]

Schedule change:

Effective Monday, January 14, 2008

Weekdays
6:00PM The Wayans Bros. (replaces Amen)
6:30PM The Wayans Bros. (replaces Amen)

Are you kidding me? Now they're bringing in old WB shows? Why not bring in great classic shows from the Warner and Sony library? There are so many great shows out there that could be on this network, like 227, Facts of Life, Murphy Brown, and more. But, at least isn't taking place of WTB, DC, or Alice.

Pavan, do you have ratings for the Drew Carey New Year's Eve marathon?

[clj2]

Well, my gut feeling is we won't be seeing Amen in the near future, LOL. Why do they keep bringing it back only to pull it off again?

Too bad they couldn't bring Green Acres back from 6-7.

[Pavan]

Are you kidding me? Now they're bringing in old WB shows? Why not bring in great classic shows from the Warner and Sony library? There are so many great shows out there that could be on this network, like 227, Facts of Life, Murphy Brown, and more. But, at least isn't taking place of WTB, DC, or Alice.

Pavan, do you have ratings for the Drew Carey New Year's Eve marathon?


The Wayans Bros. is not a surprise. It is a Warner Bros. show and was listed in the original press release when they announced the Warner Bros. deal. This show has done well in syndication before, so it could work. It is younger than Amen. So maybe the 18-49 number will go up for 6-7pm.

Unfortunately, I do not have access right now to the fast nationals for ION once again. If and when I do, I'll post it again.

[djhmetfan2]

I am upset they have decided to add Waynes Bros. I am a fan of the 80's series

[JulieSomoski]

The Wayans Bros. is not a surprise. It is a Warner Bros. show and was listed in the original press release when they announced the Warner Bros. deal. This show has done well in syndication before, so it could work. It is younger than Amen. So maybe the 18-49 number will go up for 6-7pm.

Unfortunately, I do not have access right now to the fast nationals for ION once again. If and when I do, I'll post it again.

Amen was doing pretty poorly at 6pm-7pm, so it's no surprise it's getting replaced. I just wish we could seen something else replace it. There are a lot of other classic series that haven't gotten a chance on the network yet. By any chance, do you know the last time Wayans Bros. was in syndication?

[Pavan]

I'm not sure, but it was on locals a few years ago. It is still on cable and doing well on BET.

[TVFactFan]

6pm is not a good slot for any show because the local and national news come in that hour in addition to Sportscenter

[tanquant]

I am upset they have decided to add Waynes Bros. I am a fan of the 80's series


Me too. The Waynes Bros. can be seen on BET and has been for a while. Why don't they try to show older shows that are not playing on any other station?:rolleyes:

[TVFactFan]

Me too. The Waynes Bros. can be seen on BET and has been for a while. Why don't they try to show older shows that are not playing on any other station?:rolleyes:


I the thought that was the key when adding tv shows to the schedule. I never thought a station wanted to add a show that's already playing on other stations

[Scoobiedoo30]

I know my friend will be glad to see Wayans Bros on Ion at 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm Central Time

[onederboi779]

why do they have to take amen off of ion.they didnt even go through the whole series.i hate when networks do this.i wish they would bring in more classic shows like diff'rent strokes the facts of life or maude.i dont know why they cant move amen to another timeslot.

[Scoobiedoo30]

this is the 3rd time Ion is Puting Amen on Hiatus

[JulieSomoski]

I the thought that was the key when adding tv shows to the schedule. I never thought a station wanted to add a show that's already playing on other stations

I know . . . that was supposed to be the point of the network from the start, wasn't it? And so far, that is what they've been doing. Amen, Alice, Who's the Boss?, The Wonder Years, Drew Carey - those are all shows that haven't been in syndication or cable in awhile. But Wayans Bros. seems to be the first show away from this concept.

[clj2]

With more recent shows like Drew Carey and Wayans Bros., I'd be pretty sure that they'll slowly move towards more mainstream 90s/2000s shows. I know they show Alice, but I wouldn't expect anything from before the 80s airing on there anymore, myself.

[JulieSomoski]

With more recent shows like Drew Carey and Wayans Bros., I'd be pretty sure that they'll slowly move towards more mainstream 90s/2000s shows. I know they show Alice, but I wouldn't expect anything from before the 80s airing on there anymore, myself.

I don't know. I'll bet Wayans. Bros is only a temporary thing for 6pm, possibly until they want to launch another big show, like they did for Drew Carey. It definitely won't get treatment like Drew Carey and Who's the Boss? got when they first came to the lineup. It'll probably just show up one day, they'll advertise the hell out of it, and it'll be gone.

How many seasons was this show? 4 or 5 I'd guess, since it's a WB show.

[clj2]

Maybe so....I wonder if they'll ever bring Designing Women back. It aired a good while, but I have this feeling it didn't do that well....but it did last a while.

[JulieSomoski]

Maybe so....I wonder if they'll ever bring Designing Women back. It aired a good while, but I have this feeling it didn't do that well....but it did last a while.

I'm sure it did pretty well - it was on until November, wasn't it? And it premiered in July, so it was on for 5 months. Plus it didn't get a big launch or much promotion.

I'm surprised it's doing decently on TV Land. I thought for sure it would have been off by now. Now if only Sony could release season 1.

[mgsports]

Wasn't Mama's Family from the 80's?
ION Media have been aquired by somebody else so that might make more changes coming.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I just went to www.titantv.com and they To Be Announced at 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm Central Time starting Janurary 14, 2008

[friendsfan77]

What a disappointment. I'm sick of networks airing shows that can be found elsewhere.

[Scoobiedoo30]

what do you give me an example

[friendsfan77]

what do you give me an example
Scrubs - Superstation WGN, Comedy Central
Fresh Prince - N@N, Noggin

[clj2]

FP is on TBS, too...

[tanquant]

I the thought that was the key when adding tv shows to the schedule. I never thought a station wanted to add a show that's already playing on other stations


Exactly! The reason that I liked Ion was because it showed older shows Alice, Mama, Amen. Now their showing the wayne's Bros. Geesh! Next thing you know they'll be showing the Fresh Prince.

[Scoobiedoo30]

now I know what you mean

[clj2]

Well....FPoBA is a Warner show...

[JulieSomoski]

Well....FPoBA is a Warner show...

Oh my god . . . that would be the last straw for me and ION. Another one of my local stations just started showing Fresh Prince again. It's just one show that won't quit.

[LeeBlue]

ION's new shows are a big disappointment. In fact I'm still bummed out over Perfect Strangers being pulled.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I hope they show Barney Miller on Ion

[TVFactFan]

Exactly! The reason that I liked Ion was because it showed older shows Alice, Mama, Amen. Now their showing the wayne's Bros. Geesh! Next thing you know they'll be showing the Fresh Prince.


Or maybe they are trying to reach out to the black viewers with that WB pick up. That pick was from out of LEFT FIELD-lol

[Scoobiedoo30]

what other show's do they have from The WB

[Tubehead]

they should keep amen and it show it at 5:00pm then show waynes brother at 6:00pm

[clj2]

Oh my god . . . that would be the last straw for me and ION. Another one of my local stations just started showing Fresh Prince again. It's just one show that won't quit.Can't you just see it....

6:00PM-8:00PM Fresh Prince
8:00PM-10:00PM Mama's Family
10:00PM Diagnosis Murder

:rotflmao: :crazy: :crazy:

[tanquant]

Or maybe they are trying to reach out to the black viewers with that WB pick up. That pick was from out of LEFT FIELD-lol

:lol: Well if they want to reach black viewers they should show the Jeffersons, What's Happening, Gimmie a Break, Different Strokes. Plenty of people in my black community watched Three's Company, Mama's family,Alice which are not necessarily black shows but we watched them and loved them. I can't stand those upn comedies. Back in the day I used to watch Seinfeld instead of New York Undercover on Thursday's.

[JulieSomoski]

Can't you just see it....

6:00PM-8:00PM Fresh Prince
8:00PM-10:00PM Mama's Family
10:00PM Diagnosis Murder

:rotflmao: :crazy: :crazy:

I could definitely see this:
6-8pm Fresh Prince
8-9pm Mama's Family
9-11pm Fresh Prince

And maybe DM on the weekends.

[JulieSomoski]

I definitely do not seen ION as a black network like TV One. That's why Wayans. Bros. would be the last thing I'd expect them to have picked up.

[ilovethe80s]

I don't know about them picking up Fresh Prince LOL your giving them ideas. What about Full House it's on ABC Family already but they could pick it up too since it's a Warner Bros. show. I haven't seen Punky Brewster on tv in years i know it's on DVD but it's still not the same because i can't watch it for free if you know what i mean. What about Silver Spoons, Facts of Life, Family Ties etc. There are so many 80's and 90's shows they should pick up. I don't really care about Wayan's Brothers that much i mean i watch Mama's Family occasionally. I wish they could put The Wonder Years back on and even before 10pm like around 7 or 8.

[JulieSomoski]

I don't know about them picking up Fresh Prince LOL your giving them ideas. What about Full House it's on ABC Family already but they could pick it up too since it's a Warner Bros. show. I haven't seen Punky Brewster on tv in years i know it's on DVD but it's still not the same because i can't watch it for free if you know what i mean. What about Silver Spoons, Facts of Life, Family Ties etc. There are so many 80's and 90's shows they should pick up. I don't really care about Wayan's Brothers that much i mean i watch Mama's Family occasionally. I wish they could put The Wonder Years back on and even before 10pm like around 7 or 8.

Exactly! There are tons of great classic 80's and 90's shows out there to air that they have rights to, yet they put on Wayans Bros.

I'd love to see Facts of Life on ION. It hasn't been on TV in awhile. Also hoping for more Wonder Years, possible in an earlier slot, like 7pm.

[TVFactFan]

Exactly! There are tons of great classic 80's and 90's shows out there to air that they have rights to, yet they put on Wayans Bros.

I'd love to see Facts of Life on ION. It hasn't been on TV in awhile. Also hoping for more Wonder Years, possible in an earlier slot, like 7pm.


Yeah I think WY was more of a earlier type of show like 7pm-9pm like Full House which is why the show didn't do well at 10pm

[JT]

Hell, I'd just be glad to see them dust off the WB-owned dramas they have the rights to. The time to expand this channel came and went a loooong time ago. They need to kick their **** into gear.

[JulieSomoski]

Yeah I think WY was more of a earlier type of show like 7pm-9pm like Full House which is why the show didn't do well at 10pm

That's what I always thought too. The Wonder Years is not a show you should air past 10pm . . . if it aired at like 7pm, or even 9pm, it would probably get more kid viewers that itw ouldn't get past 10pm.

[Pavan]

African-American Programming Partnership Created Through Unique Alliance Between Star Media, ION Media Networks, Omnicom Media Group and Major Advertisers
McDonald’s and State Farm Join as Founding Charter Advertisers for African-American Content Block on the ION Television Network

Net Proceeds to be Reinvested in Multi-Cultural Content Creation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- ION Media Networks, Inc. (AMEX:ION) in collaboration with African-American TV syndicator Star Media and Omnicom’s OMG Entertainment & Sports unit, announced today a strategic partnership for the creation and exhibition of African-American programming on the ION Television Network. The initiative already has backing from major charter sponsors McDonald’s, State Farm and P&G, with others expected to follow.

Initially, the partnership will use the syndication marketplace and TV libraries of Warner Bros. and other major television studios to program urban and diverse content. The longer term goal is to reinvest net proceeds from this enterprise into an original programming fund that can help create new African-American and diverse content to be aired on ION Television.

The initiative launched on Monday, January 14 in the 6-7 p.m. ET timeslot on ION Television, with the return of “The Wayans Brothers” to broadcast television. Warner Bros. Domestic Television is the programming partner for this series.

Star Media’s Dennis Ray and OMG’s head of multi-cultural entertainment, Marissa Nance, will lead the first-run development process working in conjunction with the ION Television team.

“The chief limitation to the growth of African-American television and media companies has been the inability to get sustained advertiser support for African-American programming,” said Ray. “This unprecedented advertiser commitment allows us, for the first time, to develop a programming fund to ensure the consistent supply of African-American programming. This is a model for the future.”

Steve Grubbs, CEO of OMG Entertainment & Sports, said, “This is a groundbreaking new business model enabling us to invest in a partnership that will fill a marketplace need, namely the creation and distribution of African-American programming.”

“We’re delighted to team up with Omnicom and Star Media in an innovative business partnership to advance TV content diversity,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. “We are prepared to dedicate key time periods on our broadcast network to diverse audiences, and to expand this initiative as we build audience and advertising support. Depending on demand, we may also consider establishing a dedicated, 24/7 multi-cultural spin-off network, using our digital broadcast capacity.”

[ilovethe80s]

I guess that means that they could air The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and maybe Family Matters that's Warner Bros. too I think

[Pavan]

I don't think they will or can, since it is on other broadcast channels in syndication. But you never know. I personally would love to see a 3-7pm block of shows for this African American Initiative...something like this would be realistic:

3:00PM Diff'rent Strokes (Sony)
3:30PM Diff'rent Strokes (Sony)
4:00PM Webster (Paramount)
4:30PM Webster (Paramount)
5:00PM Amen (Universal)
5:30PM Amen (Universal)
6:00PM Wayans Bros. (Warner Bros.)
6:30PM Wayans Bros. (Warner Bros.)

Though I'm not sure if they have full access to the Paramount library, so Webster might be available...but maybe they could have Amen 4-5pm and air Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (Warner) from 5-6pm.

Shows like 227, Benson, What's Happening!! (all Sony), Gimme a Break (Universal) are NOT available since they are with the Program Exchange.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I was wondering if 227 and What's Happening was Sony

[ilovethe80s]

I was wondering if 227 and What's Happening was Sony

He said they were

[Scoobiedoo30]

here is what how I think

at 2:00 pm Wayans Bros
at 2:30 pm Wayans Bros
at 3:00 pm Webster
at 3:30 pm Webster
at 4:00 pm Diff'rent Strokes
at 4:30 pm Diff'rent Strokes
at 5:00 pm Amen
at 5:30 pm Amen

[ilovethe80s]

here is what how I think

at 2:00 pm Wayans Bros
at 2:30 pm Wayans Bros
at 3:00 pm Webster
at 3:30 pm Webster
at 4:00 pm Diff'rent Strokes
at 4:30 pm Diff'rent Strokes
at 5:00 pm Amen
at 5:30 pm Amen

That's pretty cool. I remember Webster I wonder what happened to that show.

[Scoobiedoo30]

the last time I saw Webster was on WGN weekday's at 3:00 pm

[JulieSomoski]

Wonderful! I am so sick of this network it's not even funny anymore . . . we already have an African-American-based network, TV One. I don't want another one, especially one that is supposed to be airing shows of all kinds. They say they're aiming to air an African-American block of shows, but at this rate, that block will be weekdays from 6pm-11pm. I could see maybe a few hours, but that's only if they expand their lineup to afternoons.

How many good African-American shows are there anyways, owned by WB and Sony? Wayans. Bros. isn't one of them . . . I see it gone by the end of the month anyways. Family Matters, Fresh Prince - that's about it, and we already have those on other networks.

[clj2]

Don't forget Amen...not sure which library it's from though.

Does Universal have any A-A shows?

[Pavan]

Wonderful! I am so sick of this network it's not even funny anymore . . . we already have an African-American-based network, TV One. I don't want another one, especially one that is supposed to be airing shows of all kinds. They say they're aiming to air an African-American block of shows, but at this rate, that block will be weekdays from 6pm-11pm. I could see maybe a few hours, but that's only if they expand their lineup to afternoons.

How many good African-American shows are there anyways, owned by WB and Sony? Wayans. Bros. isn't one of them . . . I see it gone by the end of the month anyways. Family Matters, Fresh Prince - that's about it, and we already have those on other networks.

Relax. It is not going to be an all African American channel. They never said that anywhere in the press release. And I know for fact it won't be all African American shows from 6-11pm. So what if they have a block of African American shows? That would mean they'd add more hours. As of now the block is one-hour, 6-7pm.

Yes, Family Matters is on ABC Family, but it is not on any broadcast channels. ION is a broadcast channel not a cable channel, so they could air it. Fresh Prince is still on broadcast channels, so I don't think ION can air it. There are plenty of good sitcoms they could air, Diff'rent Strokes is one of them. Sony has a ton of good shows...The Jeffersons, Good Times, etc, but I doubt they will come since they air on broadcast still.

Amen is Universal, as I stated in a previous post.

[JulieSomoski]

Relax. It is not going to be an all African American channel. They never said that anywhere in the press release. And I know for fact it won't be all African American shows from 6-11pm. So what if they have a block of African American shows? That would mean they'd add more hours. As of now the block is one-hour, 6-7pm.

Yes, Family Matters is on ABC Family, but it is not on any broadcast channels. ION is a broadcast channel not a cable channel, so they could air it. Fresh Prince is still on broadcast channels, so I don't think ION can air it. There are plenty of good sitcoms they could air, Diff'rent Strokes is one of them. Sony has a ton of good shows...The Jeffersons, Good Times, etc, but I doubt they will come since they air on broadcast still.

Amen is Universal, as I stated in a previous post.

Does ION have any plans to add more hours at all? How long are they going to wait to do this? I would just rather see shows at aren't mainly African American casts, only because there a lot more of white shows out there that haven't been aired in a long time, compared to black shows which are currently airing, like The Jeffersons and Good Times. I just think they'd be better off not focusing on a single race of shows. Why not just air whatever show they want instead of having to bring an African American show?

And Pavan, any word on how Drew's doing? This is it's third week on the channel already.

[Pavan]

I don't know when they are expanding, if they are. But they are not focusing on just African-American shows. They will have more white shows than black for sure. I think if they do create a block it is for the best because we would get some additional hours added on, because they will not just air black shows from 6-11pm. Besides Amen and Wayans Bros., all of ION's series have been white.

I don't have Drew's numbers.

[TVFactFan]

Well I'm glad the Jeffersons won't be on this network-lol ION would destroy it

[chris31989]

Why does ION keep making these deals with companies to air a group of programming when all they have is 5 hours of programming? In the beginning, they signed on to about three deals for programming and then RHI, now this? And they are making such a big deal about this when they will only really fill the 6-7PM hour with the Wayans Bros. They can't even quit the back to back episodes. They should at least start by scheduling a different show each half hour. That would get in 10 shows (5 new ones) in to the block for a start. To think ION has access to MANY shows and they are only airing 5 plus the RHI movies is sad. To call themselves a network is also sad. Do you agree?

[oz615]

Why does ION keep making these deals with companies to air a group of programming when all they have is 5 hours of programming? In the beginning, they signed on to about three deals for programming and then RHI, now this? And they are making such a big deal about this when they will only really fill the 6-7PM hour with the Wayans Bros. They can't even quit the back to back episodes. They should at least start by scheduling a different show each half hour. That would get in 10 shows (5 new ones) in to the block for a start. To think ION has access to MANY shows and they are only airing 5 plus the RHI movies is sad. To call themselves a network is also sad. Do you agree?

i agree wholeheartedly

[bingbangbaby]

I am all for the African American Initiative and the programming but there was a perfectly good hour of African American programming there already...I'd rather have Amen there than have Wayans Bros...Amen is the better show of the two.

[Tubehead]

did you one noticed their line up tonight? waynes brothers came on at 7:00pm instead of 6:00pm then alice came on at 8:00pm then mama's family came on at 9:00p then the drew carry show came on at 10:00pm are they chaning the times ?

[thetornado]

Love to see hangin out with mr. cooper maybe even Moesha to!

[clj2]

did you one noticed their line up tonight? waynes brothers came on at 7:00pm instead of 6:00pm then alice came on at 8:00pm then mama's family came on at 9:00p then the drew carry show came on at 10:00pm are they chaning the times ?What was on at 6? Sounds better to me. Something different, it'd get Mama out of 8PM and it'd be nice to see Alice in prime time.

[Pavan]

Tubehead: I watched Alice at 7, it was on at its normal time.

[clj2]

Maybe that user's local affiliate time-shifted or something..

[friendsfan77]

Love to see hangin out with mr. cooper maybe even Moesha to!
I agree with Mr. Cooper. I'd much rather see HWMC over Wayans Bros.

[friendsfan77]

4:00PM Webster (Paramount)
4:30PM Webster (Paramount)
This would be so awesome for me! I haven't seen this show in YEARS (didn't get to see it on WGN the last time they showed it). I wish they'd do that.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I also watched Alice at 6:00 pm and it weas Normal Time over here

[Scoobiedoo30]

I was wondering why you did not get to see Webster on WGN

[Tubehead]

alice came on at 8:00pm were i live. then mamma's family came on at 9:00

[Scoobiedoo30]

The only thing i can think do you have a DVR

[JulieSomoski]

I agree with Mr. Cooper. I'd much rather see HWMC over Wayans Bros.

I wouldn't mind seeing Mr. Cooper again. That was a show I only watched once in awhile back in it's original run, but I'd give it a chance again if it ever came.

Has anyone here been watching Wayans. Bros lately? It seems most people are agreed they rather see something else.

[sevenmark7]

Hi Eveyone,

I wish that ion didn't have to put on the wayans bros show. That was never one of my favorties. I am glad however that they have Alice on. I love that show. I remember watching it in the 70s and 80s.

[Scoobiedoo30]

what you would you on istead of The Wayne Bros

[friendsfan77]

I was wondering why you did not get to see Webster on WGN
I didn't have cable at that time.

[Pavan]

Personally, this is how I would rearrange ION to best fit ratings and the African American Initiative. Primetime (7-11pm), should be all ratings makers and newer type shows (90s). African American shows from 5-8pm Mon-Thurs and classic '80s sitcoms from 3-5pm.

My thoughts:
Expand and add 3-6pm Mon-Thurs and weekends

Mon-Thurs:
3:00PM Growing Pains
3:30PM The Wonder Years
4:00PM Perfect Strangers
4:30PM Who's the Boss?
5:00PM Diff'rent Strokes
5:30PM Amen
6:00PM Wayans Bros.
6:30PM Wayans Bros.
7:00PM Jamie Foxx
7:30PM Jamie Foxx
8:00PM Mama's Family
8:30PM Mama's Family
9:00PM Drew Carey Show
9:30PM Drew Carey Show
10:00PM Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

Fridays
3:00PM-6:00PM qubo
6:00PM Diagnosis Murder
7:00PM-11:00PM RHI

Weekends
3:00PM Alice
3:30PM Alice
4:00PM Designing Women
4:30PM Designing Women
5:00PM Drew Carey Show
5:30PM Mama's Family
6:00PM 48 Hours / ION Life
7:00PM-11:00PM RHI

[JulieSomoski]

Actually, a good schedule Pavan. I didn't even think about airing in the afternoons on weekends, but hopefully ION will listen if they ever do expand. Here's what I'd do, with a similar idea to you, taking the shows they have and adding a few for the African American block (6pm-8pm):

Monday-Thursday:
3:00 Growing Pains
3:30 Growing Pains
4:00 The Wonder Years
4:30 The Wonder Years
5:00 Who's the Boss?
5:30 Perfect Strangers
6:00 The Wayans. Bros.
6:30 Living Single
7:00 Family Matters
7:30 Diff'rent Strokes
8:00 Mama's Family (no way they'd move this)
8:30 Mama's Family
9:00 Drew Carey Show
9:30 Drew Carey Show
10:00 Alice
10:30 Alice

Fridays:
6pm Amen
6:30 Amen

Saturdays:
3:00 Growing Pains
3:30 Growing Pains
4:00 The Wonder Years
4:30 The Wonder Years
5:00 Who's the Boss?
5:30 Who's the Boss?
6:00 Diff'rent Strokes
6:30 Diff'rent Strokes

Sundays:
3:00 Designing Women
3:30 Alice
4:00 Mama's Family
4:30 Mama's Family
5:00 Drew Carey Show
5:30 Drew Carey Show
6:00 ION Life

[James28]

Is any kind of sitcom or drama from any era allowed on ion Television?

[Pavan]

I think they are focusing on 80s and 90s. 70s has a chance.

[Jude The Obscure]

It would be lovely even if they could expand to what the old PAX hours used to be 12noon central/1pm eastern onward.

[Tubehead]

Does any one having trouble with their schedule? Wayne bros come on at 7:00pm then alice comes on at 8:00pm then mamma's family comes on at 9:00pm then drew carry comes on at 10:00pm. But the tv guid still listed them at the same time like wayns bros at 6:00pm. every time i turn it on at 6:00pm its info commerical.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I would love to see more 80's Sitcom's

[ilovethe80s]

I would love to see more 80's Sitcom's

yeah i agree

[Scoobiedoo30]

I wonder what 80's Sitcoms should air on Ion

[ilovethe80s]

maybe Family Ties, The Facts of Life, Punky Brewster because I haven't seen that on TV in like forever.

[JulieSomoski]

Does any one having trouble with their schedule? Wayne bros come on at 7:00pm then alice comes on at 8:00pm then mamma's family comes on at 9:00pm then drew carry comes on at 10:00pm. But the tv guid still listed them at the same time like wayns bros at 6:00pm. every time i turn it on at 6:00pm its info commerical.

Why do you keep haivng troulbe Tubehead? I'm not having trouble at all . . . just the same schedule. So, you're saying Who's the Boss? doesn't come on at all by you?

[Scoobiedoo30]

I woulsd like to See Maude Family Ties Facts of Life Punky Brewster and Silver Spoons

[JulieSomoski]

Facts of Life would be the first thing I'd want to see out of the 80's shows. Maybe eventually Murphy Brown, The Jeffersons, The Nanny, One Day at a Time, and other 80's and 90's shows.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I have not seen The Fact's Live in a long time

[JulieSomoski]

I have not seen The Fact's Live in a long time

And Sony obviously doesn't care to release this show on DVD . . .

[Scoobiedoo30]

I would love to see Diff'rent Strokes on Ion

[Tubehead]

Why do you keep haivng troulbe Tubehead? I'm not having trouble at all . . . just the same schedule. So, you're saying Who's the Boss? doesn't come on at all by you


Yea drew carry comes on at 10:00pm. i sorta like the schdeul. i was just wondering they still say wayn brothers come on at 6;00pm but every time i turn it its info commcrail. Waynes borther comes on at 7;00pm then alice comes on at 8:00pm and mamma's family comes on at 9:00pm then drew carry show comes on at 10:00pm but i don't get whos the boss? they been showing like that for a week and a hafl . I kind of like alice and mama's family time. I always forget to watch alice at 7:00pm.

[Scoobiedoo30]

Here is Ion Schedule all times Central Time

at 5:00 pm The Wayne Bros
at 5:30 pm The Wayne Bros
at 6:00 pm Alice
at 6:30 pm Alice
at 7:00 pm Mama's Family
at 7:30 pm Mama's Family
at 8:00 pm Drew Carey
at 8:30 pm Drew Carey
at 9:00 pm Who's The Boss?
at 9:30 pm Who's The Boss?

[clj2]

Why do you keep haivng troulbe Tubehead? I'm not having trouble at all . . . just the same schedule. So, you're saying Who's the Boss? doesn't come on at all by you


Yea drew carry comes on at 10:00pm. i sorta like the schdeul. i was just wondering they still say wayn brothers come on at 6;00pm but every time i turn it its info commcrail. Waynes borther comes on at 7;00pm then alice comes on at 8:00pm and mamma's family comes on at 9:00pm then drew carry show comes on at 10:00pm but i don't get whos the boss? they been showing like that for a week and a hafl . I kind of like alice and mama's family time. I always forget to watch alice at 7:00pm.Like I said, maybe your local affiliate is time-shifting the programming for some reason.

That schedule seems better, to me. Something should air at 6PM, though..

[Scoobiedoo30]

what time Time Shifting

[Pavan]

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" Registers Highest Rating Yet for RHI Original Movie on ION Television

January 27th Premiere Delivers a 1 HH Rating and 1.1 Million Homes

"The Drew Carey Show" Scores Big on Monday Night

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- "Journey to the Center of the Earth" garnered significant ratings success with its Sunday, January 27th debut on ION Television, ION Media Networks' (AMEX:ION) flagship TV network reaching over 94 million homes. According to Nielsen Media Research data, the two-hour original television movie, a dynamic new adaptation of the classic tale by Jules Verne executive produced by Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr., was seen in more than 1.1 million households and attracted over 1.6 million viewers. "Journey," the fifth original production from RHI Entertainment to air on ION, also generated the highest delivery among key demographics of RHI content on ION since its start.

The premiere telecast, featuring Ricky Schroder (Crimson Tide, Lonesome Dove, NYPD Blue, 24) and Peter Fonda (Easy Rider, Ulee's Gold, 3:10 to Yuma), out-paced all previous ION/RHI movies, demonstrating a steady increase in the exclusive franchise. "Journey" boasted the most outstanding performance of any RHI movie on ION to date with a 259 percent spike in the adults 25-54 demographic and 234 percent gain in women ages 25-54. The Sunday night RHI Movie Weekend block has shown continued growth versus the fourth quarter, boosting households by 112 percent and more than doubling in every demographic category.

"This positive response from our viewers is a testament to the quality of our programming partnerships," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks. "RHI is delivering on the promise of fresh, exciting programming that grows our audience. As the Upfronts approach, advertisers are seeing tangible proof of how important ION Television can be as part of their overall media plans."

More original programming from RHI will premiere on ION Television in March. In addition, quality library titles slated to appear in the coming weeks include the Emmy Award-winning miniseries "Arabian Nights"; "Moby Dick," starring Patrick Stewart and Gregory Peck; and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," starring Ben Cross.

By adding series like "Baywatch" and "The Drew Carey Show" to its lineup, ION Television is continuing to migrate toward more mainstream content, attracting growing audiences. In fact, ION Television saw a ratings boost on Monday, January 28th, as "The Drew Carey Show" delivered a .6 rating, doubling its four-week average since its launch on New Year's Day. In its 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. timeslot, the Emmy-nominated series captured 622,000 households, and delivered a 73 percent increase in adults 25-54 and a 141 percent increase in women 25-54 in comparison to its average performance since its launch.

[JulieSomoski]

Finally! Great news on Drew Carey! Hope it's still doing that well.