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International Entertainment News

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Cablevision Statement Regarding Scripps Networks' Decision to Pull HGTV and Food Network Off Cablevision

Cablevision Statement Regarding Scripps Networks' Decision to Pull HGTV and Food Network Off Cablevision

BETHPAGE, N.Y., Jan. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Unfortunately, Scripps has decided to stop distributing HGTV and Food Network to Cablevision customers upon the expiration of our current agreement at midnight, December 31. We are sorry that Scripps' current financial difficulties are making it impossible for them to continue our relationship on terms that are reasonable for Cablevision and our customers. We wish Scripps well and have no expectation of carrying their programming again, given the dramatic changes in their approach to working with distributors to reach television viewers."

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: jmaiella@cablevision.com

Source: Cablevision Systems Corporation

CONTACT: Jim Maiella of Cablevision, +1-516-803-3947

Web Site: http://www.cablevision.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Sheila Ray Charles, Daughter of Ray Charles, to Sing and Sign Books at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

Sheila Ray Charles, Daughter of Ray Charles, to Sing and Sign Books at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

DETROIT, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sheila Ray Charles, daughter and female namesake of the world renowned singer Ray Charles, will be singing and sharing her telling and revealing testimony on Sunday, January 3, 2010 during the 10:45 a.m. worship service of the New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 11241 Gunston @ Gunston, Detroit, MI 48213.

Ms. Charles' book, "Behind the Shades" is her personal and reflective memoir of the rich life and proud legacy of her father, Ray Charles, and most particularly it is a story of how his ups and downs, fame and misfortune, and public and private life directly and deeply impacted and still affects her.

The Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, Pastor of New Galilee, in speaking about her visit to the church releases this statement, "Having Sheila Ray Charles come to us on the first day of a brand new year and the beginning of a new decade, with her poignant message of both how her and her father triumph over their trials, is precisely the positive message of hope and how to overcome the odds that my, and other, young people on the east side of Detroit need to hear and embrace. Just this week three lives were lost near our church and another just about destroyed. Perhaps, if our young people hear her story and how she handled and rose from her personal hell then maybe, just maybe, we can spare a few others from an early and needless death by her teaching them how to really live".

Ms. Charles will be autographing her books immediately after service. Both the public and media are welcome to attend.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

CONTACT: Rev. Horace L. Sheffield, III, Pastor of New Galilee Missionary
Baptist Church, Cell Phone: +1-313-283-9587, sheffield32aol.com


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Liberty Media Corporation to Present at the Citi 20th Annual Global Entertainment, Media, and Telecommunications Conference

Liberty Media Corporation to Present at the Citi 20th Annual Global Entertainment, Media, and Telecommunications Conference

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ:LCAPA) (NASDAQ:LCAPB) (NASDAQ:LINTA) (NASDAQ:LINTB) (NASDAQ:LSTZA) (NASDAQ:LSTZB) announced that Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media Corporation, will be presenting at the Citi 20th Annual Global Entertainment, Media, and Telecommunications Conference, on Wednesday, January 6th at 2:55 p.m., Pacific Time at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA. During his presentation, Mr. Maffei may make observations regarding the company's financial performance and outlook.

The presentation will be broadcast live via the Internet. All interested persons should visit the Liberty Media Corporation website at http://www.libertymedia.com/events to register for the webcast. An archive of the webcast will also be available on this website for 30 days.

About Liberty Media Corporation

Liberty Media owns interests in a broad range of electronic retailing, media, communications and entertainment businesses. Those interests are attributed to three tracking stock groups: (1) the Liberty Interactive group (NASDAQ:LINTA) (NASDAQ:LINTB) , which includes Liberty Media's interests in QVC, Provide Commerce, Backcountry.com, BUYSEASONS, Bodybuilding.com, IAC/InterActiveCorp, and Expedia, (2) the Liberty Starz group (NASDAQ:LSTZA) (NASDAQ: LSTZB) , which includes Liberty Media's interests in Starz Entertainment and ViaSat, Inc., and (3) the Liberty Capital group (NASDAQ:LCAPA) (NASDAQ:LCAPB) , which includes all businesses, assets and liabilities not attributed to the Interactive group or the Starz group including its subsidiaries Starz Media, LLC, Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., and TruePosition, Inc., Liberty Media's interest in SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc., and minority equity investments in Time Warner Inc., Time Warner Cable and Sprint Nextel Corporation.

   Contact:   Courtnee Ulrich   720-875-5420  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: heather@libertymedia.com

Source: Liberty Media Corporation

CONTACT: Courtnee Ulrich of Liberty Media Corporation, +1-720-875-5420

Web Site: http://www.libertymedia.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND SPYGLASS ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT THE WORLD PREMIERE OF LEAP YEAR AT DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA THEATER NEW YORK CITY, NY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, AT 7:00 PM

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND SPYGLASS ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT THE WORLD PREMIERE OF LEAP YEAR AT DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA THEATER NEW YORK CITY, NY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, AT 7:00 PM

 LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ --    (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060316/LATH064LOGO)      WHAT:             The world premiere of the romantic comedy LEAP YEAR    WHO:              LEAP YEAR director Anand Tucker; cast members Amy Adams,                     Matthew Goode and Adam Scott; and producers Gary Barber,                     Roger Birnbaum, Jonathan Glickman, Chris Bender and Jake                     Weiner.                      Plus many additional celebrity guests.    WHERE:            Directors Guild of America Theater                     110 W. 57th Street                     New York City, NY    WHEN:             Wednesday, January 6, 2010                     5:00 PM    Press Call Time                     6:00 PM    Celebrity Arrivals                     7:00 PM    Screening Begins              LEAP YEAR opens in theaters on Friday, January 8, 2010.  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060316/LATH064LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Universal Pictures

CONTACT: Television/On-Line/Radio, Stacey Zarro, +1-212-445-3804, or
Print/Photographers, Damion Stene, +1-212-445-3833, both of Universal
Pictures


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Sinclair Offers Mediacom an Extension Through January 8, 2010

Sinclair Offers Mediacom an Extension Through January 8, 2010

BALTIMORE, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SBGI) , the "Company" or "Sinclair," today reported that the retransmission agreements between Sinclair and cable operator, Mediacom, that were to have expired today at midnight have been extended until midnight January 8, 2010.

Barry Faber, EVP and General Counsel of Sinclair, commented, "Our viewers are very important to us and we responded to their interest in being able to watch, via Mediacom, programs meaningful to them over the next eight days. We recognize that several of the impacted markets have college teams that will be playing in the BCS Bowl games. Although our stations are available for free over-the-air and from Mediacom's competitors, we thought it was important to ensure that our viewers had the opportunity to see those games without inconvenience.

"We also want to thank our viewers for their outreach to Mediacom over the past several weeks insisting they carry our stations. We have negotiated in good faith with Mediacom for the carriage of our owned and operated stations and even agreed to non-binding mediation at the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) request. It has been unfortunate that Mediacom has refused to pay fair compensation for our programming, which is much less than what they pay cable channels with far less viewers."

Mr. Faber continued, "Sinclair has consistently reached retransmission agreements with Mediacom's competitors, including satellite, telecommunication companies and other cable systems in markets served by both Sinclair and Mediacom. We applaud the FCC 's message to Mediacom not to expect government intervention if the parties are unable, through the exercise of good faith negotiations, to reach agreement during the 8-day extension."

About Sinclair:

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies, owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 58 television stations in 35 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 22% of U.S. television households and is affiliated with all major networks. Sinclair owns equity interests in various non-broadcast related companies.

The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information and can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

First Call Analyst: Lucy Rutishauser
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Barry Faber, EVP and General Counsel of Sinclair,
+1-410-568-1500

Web Site: http://www.sbgi.net/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Gives $300,000 Through KPSP Local 2 Coachella Valley Spotlight

H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Gives $300,000 Through KPSP Local 2 Coachella Valley Spotlight

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Through a partnership with KPSP Local 2, the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented 12 non-profit organizations with a total of $300,000 in 2009. Each recipient honored with the "Coachella Valley Spotlight" received a $25,000 grant plus extensive media coverage on the Palm Springs CBS affiliate.

Each month non-profits dedicated to improving the lives of people, especially children, were featured on KPSP Local 2's community program, Eye on the Desert, KPSP Local 2 news broadcasts and on www.kpsplocal2.com. In addition, each organization was profiled through ongoing public service announcements on KPSP Local 2.

"The Coachella Valley Spotlight allows us to give deserving charities valuable media exposure," said Don Perry, KPSP Local 2 Vice President and General Manager. "Plus, the generous grant from the Berger Foundation allows recipients to continue their often lofty missions that are truly changing lives in our area."

   The first 12 recipients were:   Western Coachella Valley Police Activities League   Family YMCA of the Desert   FIND Food Bank   Martha's Village and Kitchen   Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert   Christopher's Clubhouse   Shelter from the Storm   Pegasus Riding Academy   The Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City   Olive Crest   Well in the Desert   Stroke Recovery Center    

"The opportunity to provide these worthy organizations with funding plus needed community exposure is something we could only do with the valued partnership we established with KPSP Local 2," said Ron Auen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. "Encouraging further support from the community through outreach and education about the honorees is something that will continue to serve each organization and encourage our mission, which is to 'help people help themselves.'"

The Coachella Valley Spotlight will continue with the same format in 2010. Already the 12 organizations have been selected out of more than 100 applicants. In January the Mourning Star Center, which provides support to grieving children after the loss of a parent or sibling, will be presented this deserving honor.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: KPSP Local 2; H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation

CONTACT: Cara Van Dijk, +1-760-668-2424, for H.N. and Frances C. Berger
Foundation and KPSP Local 2

Web Site: http://www.kpsplocal2.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

The Future of Hollywood Success Rests in the Hands of the Writers of the Future

The Future of Hollywood Success Rests in the Hands of the Writers of the Future

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- With seven out of the top ten grossing movies of all time being science fiction and fantasy, it's no wonder that Hollywood's future is seen to reside with the writers of science fiction and fantasy, or more specifically the winners of the L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Contest according to Dave Wolverton, screenwriter, NYT bestselling author and Writers of the Future Contest judge.

"The mentality is simple in Hollywood: if it makes money, you do it. And if it keeps making money, you keep doing it," says Wolverton from his home in Saint George, UT. "And for reasons that are very simple, science fiction and fantasy have proven time and again to be huge money makers." The top ten grossing movies of all time include from #10 up: Star Wars: Episode I; The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End; Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; The Dark Knight; Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King; and, Titanic - and seven of these are science fiction and fantasy.

"All of the top-grossing movies of all time have one thing in common," Wolverton says. "They all take the viewer to another time, another place. People crave to be transported out of the mundane world into a place that is new and wondrous, and that is what speculative fiction does best."

Wolverton was the grand prize winner of the L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Contest in 1987 and has since gone on to publish over thirty novels, with several becoming NYT bestsellers. Due to his success, he later became a contest judge, a video game designer, and now has branched off into screenwriting. With all this diverse experience now to his credit, Wolverton observed, "L. Ron Hubbard was a very prolific fiction writer during the 30s and 40s, and wrote several works that are classics in their field. He worked as a writer for Columbia Pictures for the highly successful movie serial The Secret of Treasure Island and The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok. And for Warner Bros., he worked with Norvell Page scripting The Spider Returns. So I find it very interesting that he created the Writers of the Future Contest, and that the legacy continues with writers like myself who are providing more material to feed Hollywood's voracious appetite for science fiction and fantasy."

Writers of the Future, now in its 26th year, is the world's largest and most recognized merit competition for writers of speculative fiction. Its over 300 winners have gone on to publish over 500 novels and 3,000 short stories. Writers of the Future Volume 25 can be found wherever books are sold. For more information go to www.writersofthefuture.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Writers of the Future

CONTACT: Joni Labaqui, +1-323-466-3310, jlabaqui@authorservicesinc.com,
for Writers of the Future

Web Site: http://www.writersofthefuture.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Songs from Tenor Anthony Kearns' Holiday Performance in Washington, D.C. Now Available on YouTube

Songs from Tenor Anthony Kearns' Holiday Performance in Washington, D.C. Now Available on YouTube

World Renowned Tenor Sings "Silent Night," "I Heard the Bells," and "Danny Boy" in New Video Clips

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Two video clips from world renowned Tenor Anthony Kearns' solo performance on December 17, 2009 for members of Congress, media, and V.I.P. guests are now available on YouTube.

Kearns, who is recognized as "Ireland's Finest Tenor," sings "Silent Night" and "I Heard the Bells," in one of the two newly-released videos. Kearns sings the famous Irish ballot, "Danny Boy," in the other YouTube video.

Both videos feature highlights from Kearns' performance at a "Celebration of Irish Spirits" reception at the Capitol Hill Club's Eisenhower Lounge, said Kirsten Fedewa, the event organizer. Kearns was accompanied by Eric Stern.

The first YouTube video features brief remarks by Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable E. Michael Collins. Collins introduced Kearns with high praise, at the rare bipartisan holiday event. Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President Frank Coleman also makes brief remarks.

Kearns is a founding member of The Irish Tenors, considered to be Ireland's most successful musical export, second only to the band U2. He also performs and tours with The Irish Tenors, whose new album, "Christmas," currently top the Billboard World Charts. Kearns' solo performance schedule includes operas and symphonies in the coming year. (www.anthonykearns.net)

Ms. Fedewa said Kearns' meteoric career was recently featured in a top news story distributed by the worldwide Catholic News Service.

Kearns' appearance at the Capital Hill event was made possible by the Distilled Spirits Council, The Capitol Hill Club, DIAGEO, DDC Advocacy, MH Media, NBC Universal, Reflections Photography, and Kirsten Fedewa & Associates. Proceeds benefited The Consortium of Catholic Academies.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Kirsten Fedewa and Associates

CONTACT: Kirsten Fedewa, +1-703-684-3339

Web Site: http://www.anthonykearns.net/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

TV Wellness Expert Jillian Michaels Teams With Harley-Davidson to Help Women Channel Their Inner Drive and Live More Fulfilling Lives

TV Wellness Expert Jillian Michaels Teams With Harley-Davidson to Help Women Channel Their Inner Drive and Live More Fulfilling Lives

New Sweepstakes to Put One Lucky Woman and Three of Her Friends Behind the Handlebars with Michaels

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Step to the side of the road red and blue teams. Today, Harley-Davidson Motor Company announced a partnership with America's wellness expert Jillian Michaels to encourage women to gear up and get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycle.

Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.

"Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women," Michaels said. "That's what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I'm excited to be a part of this effort."

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.

During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life.

Garage Party History

Harley-Davidson started hosting Garage Party events at dealerships throughout the country in 2005 to encourage women to embrace the sport of motorcycling. The growth of female riders has continued to rise over the last two decades. In 1990, women represented just three percent of riders, but according to recent data from the Motorcycle Industry Council, women riders now represent 13 percent of new motorcycle purchasers and 23 percent of all motorcyclists.

Garage Party events are fun and interactive, covering topics such as a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle's style and ergonomics and how to gear up for a ride. Garage Party event attendees are organized into small groups, getting their first taste of the camaraderie that goes along with riding. Groups will visit four informational seminars, including:

   --  Motorcycle Orientation to learn the basic differences between       Harley-Davidson motorcycle families.   --  MotorClothes® Merchandise to discover the important attributes needed       in motorcycle gear.   --  Customization to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a       rider's personal style and ergonomic needs, using Fit Shop that many       dealers have.   --  Self-Service to find out how just about anyone can handle the weight       of a motorcycle, including an interactive experience on picking up a       motorcycle - for those who are interested in trying it out.    

Between seminars, women get the chance to interact with each other, as well as hear from women who are already living their motorcycle dreams.

The women-only Harley-Davidson Garage Party events are free for any woman who is looking to take the next step to get behind the handlebars. For more information about Garage Party events, to find an event in your area, or learn more about the sweepstakes, visit www.harley-davidson.com/garageparty.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

About Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels is one of the leading health and wellness experts in the country. Considered one of the most inspiring people on television for her role as trainer and life coach on the NBC hit series The Biggest Loser and star of the upcoming NBC show, Losing It With Jillian, Michaels has created a brand name for herself. As a contributor for SELF magazine and best-selling author, her latest book, Master Your Metabolism, debuted in April 2009 at #2 on the New York Times best seller list and has remained on the list for 26 weeks. In spring of 2010, Michaels will release the Master Your Metabolism Cookbook and Calorie Counter as a follow-up to her bestselling book. Her DVDs, including the #1 bestseller of all fitness DVDs, 30-Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones and Banish Fat Boost Metabolism, are consistently top sellers. In continuing her dedication to health and wellness, Jillian launched her first-ever line of weight-control supplements in partnership with ThinCare(TM) International, LLC in August 2009. Additionally, the success of Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for Nintendo Wii has led to a 2010 edition. Jillian continually reaches out to her fans via her website and daily e-mail newsletters at www.jillianmichaels.com, as well as through Twitter at @JillianMichaels and on her Facebook Fan Page, "Jillian Michaels Online".

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Harley-Davidson Motor Company

CONTACT: Noelle Overly, +1-312-988-2109, noverly@webershandwick.com, for
Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Web Site: http://www.harley-davidson.com/
http://www.jillianmichaels.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

LG Electronics Introduces First Mobile DTV In U.S. Designed to Receive Rugged Mobile DTV Signals

LG Electronics Introduces First Mobile DTV In U.S. Designed to Receive Rugged Mobile DTV Signals

Multi-Function TV and DVD Player Ideal Companion for Staying in Touch with Local News, Weather, Traffic, Favorite Shows

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly-certified to comply with mobile digital television (DTV) technology now being deployed by American broadcasters, LG Electronics is introducing the industry's first portable, battery-operated mobile DTV in the United States, designed to receive new rugged over-the-air signals being transmitted by local broadcasters. With hundreds of stations expected to sign on the air using the newly-minted technology in 2010 and with demand for truly mobile, portable TV reception on the rise, LG will officially introduce the DP570MH Mobile Digital Television with DVD Playback here next week at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

"It's easy to receive Mobile DTV broadcasts with LG's new Mobile Digital Television set, which comes equipped with a built-in antenna and the ability to play DVD and CD discs. Even on a fast-moving train, a viewer should expect robust reception from favorite local channels - unlike some small digital TV sets currently on the market," said Tim Alessi, director of product development, LG Electronics USA, Inc.

A First for Mobile Viewers

Ideal for reception of Mobile DTV any time, virtually anywhere, and at any speed, the DP570MH Mobile Digital Television offers the flexibility of both over-the-air reception and the convenience of built-in DVD playback. Equipped with stereo speakers and a 7-inch wide screen to display crystal clear digital TV images (at Wide QVGA resolution of 480x234), the LG Mobile Digital TV is designed so that its display screen can be tilted to the viewer's preferred viewing angle. When not in use, the clamshell-style screen folds down and the device shrinks to about 9.5-inches by 6.5 inches - or about the size of a small hardback book.

The DP570MH comes equipped to play DVD movie discs and audio CDs, and it can also display .JPG photos and play WMA music files from its USB2.0 connection. The Mobile Digital Television comes equipped with two earphone jacks so that more than one passenger can enjoy Mobile DTV shows or movies in the back seat of the car, or on a train. Equipped with a removable battery that powers the device for up to 2.5 hours in TV mode or up to 4.5 hours during DVD playback, the device includes both AC and Auto power adaptors.

The DP570MH Portable Television with integrated DVD player will be available later this year at a suggested retail price of $249.

Mobile Digital TV: LG's Latest Innovation

"At every stage of the digital TV transition over the past decade, LG has assumed a leadership role," Alessi said. We started by shipping giant HDTV projection TV sets, which became the stunning flat-screen LCD and plasma HDTVs that are now the hub of today's home entertainment systems. We are proud to have sold millions of converter boxes last year for consumers with analog TV sets.

"Now we're taking digital TV to a whole new audience - the mobile viewer. Whether it's at the beach house or in the back seat of a car with the kids, viewers want mobile broadcast TV wherever they go, and LG will meet that demand with products like our new mobile DTV-DVD player," he said.

Co-developer of the technology at the heart of the Mobile DTV standard, LG began mass production of the critical component for Mobile DTV reception - the LG2160A integrated circuit (IC) chip - in June 2009. The latest version, the LG2160R single chip design that includes both the tuner and demodulator, is being released at CES. And, by March 2010, LG plans to release its next-generation mobile DTV chip, the LG2161R receiver IC, which is even smaller, consumes less power, supports various interfaces and provides improved performance.

LG Mobile DTV chips already can be found in a variety of new products being introduced by various manufacturers at CES, from laptop USB accessory receivers to netbooks with integrated Mobile DTV tuners and a range of prototype devices being shown to retailers this week. At CES, LG will demonstrate mobile phone prototype LG handsets as well as in-vehicle prototype products that could be available through automobile dealers or after-market retailers.

Standardized by the Advanced Television Systems Committee and formally adopted as the Mobile DTV standard just 12 weeks ago, the new Mobile DTV standard allows broadcasters to use a portion of the existing 19.4 Megabit-per-second DTV channel capacity to transmit data with extremely robust characteristics suitable for mobile, pedestrian and handheld applications. The Mobile DTV signal is also compatible with 8-VSB DTV, which was also developed by Zenith, LG's U.S. research and development lab.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LGusa.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in 114 operations including 82 subsidiaries around the world. With annual worldwide revenues exceeding $45 billion, LG Electronics comprises five business units: Home Entertainment, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning, Business Solutions and Mobile Communications. LG is one of the world's leading producers of mobile handsets, flat panel TVs, air conditioners, front-loading washing machines, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: LG Electronics USA, Inc.

CONTACT: John I. Taylor of LG Electronics USA, Inc., +1-847-941-8181,
john.taylor@lge.com; or Dave Arland, +1-317-701-0083,
dave.arland@arlandcom.com, for LG Electronics USA, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.lge.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) Hosts a 'University of Texas Fan Day' for BCS-Bound Longhorn Fans and Alumni Visiting The Entertainment Capital of L.A.(SM) on January 6, 2010

Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) Hosts a 'University of Texas Fan Day' for BCS-Bound Longhorn Fans and Alumni Visiting The Entertainment Capital of L.A.(SM) on January 6, 2010

Actor, Comedian Jon Lovitz Scheduled To Make Special Appearance at 'University of Texas Fan Day'

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the University of Texas bid to the 2010 Bowl Championship Series with a special "University of Texas Fan Day," inviting California-bound Longhorn fans and alumni to enjoy a day of special events and theme park adventures at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

A highlight of the day will feature a dynamic noon performance by the University of Texas Marching band, The Longhorn Band, dubbed "The Show Band of the Southwest" by Longhorn devotees, as they parade park-wide to rallying fans. Actor, comedian Jon Lovitz, whose namesake nightspot, the "Jon Lovitz Comedy Club," which is located at the adjacent Universal CityWalk, will also make a special guest appearance to cheer on the Longhorns.

The "University of Texas Fan Day" will also include an invitation to football enthusiasts to gather at a private pre-BCS party, where DJ entertainment, complimentary soft drinks, cash bar and University of Texas Longhorn football highlights on giant screens will add to the festivities. Fan Day admission tickets are available for purchase at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/UT.

The "University of Texas Fan Day" will serve as a backdrop for Longhorn football fans to enjoy a full day of fun at Universal Studios Hollywood on such ground-breaking thrill rides as "The Simpsons Ride®," the "Revenge of the Mummy® -The Ride" indoor roller coaster, "Jurassic Park® - The Ride," and the world-famous, behind-the-scenes "Studio Tour," offering an exclusive sneak peek of a working film and television studio.

Fans of NBC's "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" can enjoy a particularly up close and personal encounter with the late night host at the park's "NBC Universal Experience®" attraction which features a new wax figure installation of Conan O'Brien created by the world-famous artists of Madame Tussauds Hollywood.

The new Conan O'Brien wax figure, an extraordinarily detailed likeness of the late night TV star, is the first Madame Tussauds wax figure to be permanently displayed outside of one of Madame Tussauds' nine museums. Universal Studios Hollywood guests will have the unique opportunity to sit on a replica of "The Tonight Show's" signature set and take photographs with "Conan" as if they were "The Tonight Show" guests.

Visiting fans can extend the celebration to Universal CityWalk for an evening of entertainment, dining and shopping. CityWalk's popular hot spots include The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, Samba's Brazilian Steakhouse & Lounge, Camacho's Cantina, Hard Rock Café, Howl at the Moon, Jillian's Hi-Life Lanes, Rumba Room and Saddle Ranch Chop House, as well as iFly Hollywood, featuring indoor skydiving.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric (NYSE:GE) , with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Universal Studios Hollywood

CONTACT: Eliot Sekuler, +1-818-622-6896, eliot.sekuler@nbcuni.com, or
domestic, Audrey Eig, +1-818-622-2962, audrey.eig@nbcuni.com, or
international/online, Trana Pittam, +1-818-622-5985, trana.pittam@nbcuni.com,
all of Universal Studios Hollywood

Web Site: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/UT


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Sandra Bullock Top Money-Making Star of 2009

Sandra Bullock Top Money-Making Star of 2009

GROTON, Mass., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandra Bullock has been voted the Top Money-Making Star of 2009 in Quigley Publishing Company's 78th Annual Poll of Exhibitors and is the first female to win since Julia Roberts in 1999. Bullock is the eighth woman chosen #1 in the Poll's 78 year history. She appeared in three films in 2009, "The Blind Side," "The Proposal" and "All About Steve."

The Quigley Poll, conducted each year since 1932, is an annual survey of motion picture theatre owners and film buyers, which asks them to vote for the ten stars that they believe generated the most box-office revenue for their theatres during the year. It has been long regarded as one of the most reliable indicators of a Star's real box-office draw because the selections are done by people whose livelihood depends on choosing the films that will bring audiences to their theatres. The Quigley Poll appears annually in Quigley Publishing Company's International Motion Picture Almanac and at www.quigleypublishing.com .

Johnny Depp placed second this year based on "Public Enemies" and a small role in "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus." He was #1 in 2006 and 2007. Matt Damon made his second appearance in the survey, placing #3 with 2009 roles in "Invictus" and "The Informant!" Although George Clooney, placing #4, has never won in his seven mentions in the Poll, he had an extremely productive year with "Up in the Air," "The Men Who Stare at Goats" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox"(voice). Robert Downey Jr.'s performances in "Sherlock Holmes" and "The Soloist" helped him place #5. He was #2 in 2008.

Tom Hanks is #6, which marks the fifteenth time in the Poll since he first appeared in 1988, including five times as #1. Meryl Streep was in "Julie and Julia," "It's Complicated" and a voice in "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and placed #7, her third mention in the Poll. Brad Pitt made his fifth appearance coming in at #8, due to "Inglourious Basterds." 2007's "Star of Tomorrow," Shia LaBeouf scored #9 with "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and Denzel Washington rounded out the Top Ten with "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3."

With Bullock's win, eight women have been voted the Top Money-Makers sixteen times as follows: Marie Dressler (1932, 1933), Shirley Temple (1935, 1936, 1937, 1938), Betty Grable (1943), Elizabeth Taylor (1961), Doris Day (1960, 1962, 1963, 1964), Julie Andrews (1966, 1967) and Julia Roberts. (1999)

Tom Cruise has not placed in the Poll in the last two years but he has been in the Top Ten 20 times since 1983, and been voted number one seven times. Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds and Bing Crosby have all won five times. John Wayne, Doris Day and Shirley Temple each finished first four times, but John Wayne was voted one of the Top Ten Money-Making Stars an astounding 25 times from 1949 to 1974.

Exhibitors were also asked to name the Stars of Tomorrow for 2009: one actor and one actress who they feel will be Top Money-Makers in the years to come. The 2009 winners are Carey Mulligan who had a breakthrough performance in "An Education" and was also in "Brothers" and "Public Enemies" and Taylor Lautner who scored as Jacob Black in "New Moon."

   Top Ten Money-Making Stars of 2009    1. Sandra Bullock   2. Johnny Depp   3. Matt Damon   4. George Clooney   5. Robert Downey Jr.   6. Tom Hanks   7. Meryl Streep   8. Brad Pitt   9. Shia LaBeouf   10. Denzel Washington    Stars of Tomorrow:    Carey Mulligan   Taylor Lautner   

Quigley Publishing Company was founded in 1915 and has published the International Motion Picture Almanac annually since 1930 and the International Television & Video Almanac since 1955. Historical data and all of the Top Ten Money-Making Star Poll dating back to 1932 are available in the 2010 edition of the International Motion Picture Almanac and on our web site: www.quigleypublishing.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Quigley Publishing Company

CONTACT: Bill Quigley of Quigley Publishing Company, +1-978-448-0272, or
Fax: +1-978-448-9325

Web Site: http://www.quigleypublishing.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Rentrak Announces Top DVD Sales and Rentals for Week Ending December 27, 2009

Rentrak Announces Top DVD Sales and Rentals for Week Ending December 27, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ:RENT) , today announced the top ten DVD sales and rentals for the prior week based on estimated consumer spending.

According to the company's Retail Essentials and Home Video Essentials tracking services, the top ten selling DVDs and the top ten most-rented motion pictures, per data collected for the week ending December 27, 2009 include:

   Rentrak Top 10 Selling DVDs*                                                             WEEKS IN   RANK TITLE                                   STUDIO    RELEASE   ---- -----                                   ------   --------   1    The Hangover                            Warner           2   ---  ------------                            ------         ---   2    District 9                               Sony            1   ---  ----------                               ----          ---   3    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  Warner           3   ---  --------------------------------------  ------         ---   4    G-Force                                 Disney           2   ---  -------                                 ------         ---   5    Inglourious Basterds                   Universal         2   ---  --------------------                   ---------       ---   6    Up                                      Disney           7   ---  ---                                     ------         ---   7    Star Trek                              Paramount         6   ---  ---------                              ---------       ---   8    Public Enemies                         Universal         3   ---  --------------                         ---------       ---   9    Julie & Julia                            Sony            3   ---  -------------                            ----          ---         Night at the Museum: Battle of the   10    Smithsonian                              Fox            4   ---  ----------------------------------        ---          ---     *Week ended December 26, 2009      Rentrak Top 10 Renting DVDs                                                              WEEKS IN   RANK TITLE                                  STUDIO      RELEASE   ---- -----                                  ------     --------   1    District 9                              Sony              1   ---  ----------                              ----            ---   2    The Hangover                           Warner             2   ---  ------------                           ------           ---   3    All About Steve                          Fox              1   ---  ---------------                          ---            ---   4    Inglourious Basterds                  Universal           2   ---  --------------------                  ---------         ---   5    500 Days Of Summer                       Fox              1   ---  ------------------                       ---            ---   6    Public Enemies                        Universal           3   ---  --------------                        ---------         ---                                              Anchor Bay   7    Beyond A Reasonable Doubt           Entertainment         1   ---  -------------------------           -------------       ---   8    Julie & Julia                           Sony              3   ---  -------------                           ----            ---   9    Four Christmases                      New Line            5   ---  ----------------                      --------          ---         Night At The Museum: Battle Of The   10    Smithsonian                             Fox              4   ---  ----------------------------------       ---            ---      

© Rentrak Corporation 2009 -Content in Rentrak Home Entertainment updates is produced and/or compiled by Rentrak Corporation and its Home Entertainment data collection and analytical service, and is covered by provisions of the Copyright Act. The material presented herein is intended to be available for public use. You may reproduce the content of the home entertainment updates in any format or medium without first obtaining permission, subject to the following requirements: (1) the material must be reproduced accurately; and (2) any publication or issuance of any part of the material to others must acknowledge Rentrak Corporation as the source of the material.

About Retail Essentials®

Retail Essentials measures weekly consumer sales activity on standard DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles in the U.S. brick-and-mortar channel. No other service provides faster access to in-depth market data and weekly estimations of gross consumer spending. Rentrak delivers sell-through data broken down by DVD title, format, category, genre, TV market and more, within 72 hours after the close of each business week. Clients can access current, weekly, and historical title sales data to competitively benchmark industry performance.

About Home Video Essentials®

Home Video Essentials is Rentrak's exclusive point-of-sale (POS) tracking system, which measures title-level performance via rental transactions on over 65,000 DVD and video game properties in the brickandmortar, online, and kiosk channels across North America. Rentrak is the world's largest processor of rental data, tracking in excess of one billion transactions each year from more than 13,700 storefronts within 72 hours after the close of each business week. Clients are able to identify consumer trends, quantify performance, and benchmark findings against the broader business sector.

About Rentrak Corporation

Rentrak Corporation, based in Portland, Oregon, is an information management company serving clients in the media, entertainment, retail and advertising industries. The company's Entertainment Essentials® suite of services is redefining media measurement in the digital broadband era. Entertainment Essentials provides customers with near-real-time, actionable insight into performance of content distributed over a wide variety of modern media technologies. Available by license or subscription, each Entertainment Essentials application allows executives to analyze detailed industry-wide and title-specific data to make decisions that enhance the bottom line and provide competitive advantage. For further information, please visit Rentrak's corporate website at http://www.rentrak.com/.

   Contacts:         Sallie Olmsted/Amanda Bartz                     Rentrak Corporation                     310-854-8124/8151  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Rentrak Corporation

CONTACT: Sallie Olmsted, +1-310-854-8124, or Amanda Bartz,
+1-310-854-8151, both of Rentrak Corporation

Web Site: http://www.rentrak.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Major Television Broadcaster Selects ATCi's Simulsat Multibeam Broadcasting System to Outfit Headquarters

Major Television Broadcaster Selects ATCi's Simulsat Multibeam Broadcasting System to Outfit Headquarters

PHOENIX, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Antenna Technology Communications Inc., a provider of satellite communications systems, today announced that a large television station has selected the ATCi Simulsat Multibeam antenna solution, ATCi's most popular and widely used multibeam, to outfit its broadcast headquarters.

This major television broadcaster chose Simulsat because of the antenna's ability to receive programming from up to 35 satellites simultaneously without degradation of quality across each signal. With a 70-degree longitude satellite view arc, Simulsat can receive a variety of "C" and Ku-band satellite programming data. Essentially, one Simulsat C/Ku does the work of 35 steerable parabolic antennas and only requires the space of one and a half antennas.

"It is a testament to ATCi's continuous commitment to improving Simulsat technology that this noteable television station chose our Simulsat Multibeam antenna for the important task of streamlining their satellite reception capabilities in such a state-of-the-art broadcast facility," said Gary Hatch. "It is a validation of our engineering, and we are honored that this station now will rely on ATCi's Simulsat to provide the essential "C" and Ku Band downlink capabilities essential to their business," Hatch concluded.

About ATCi

ATCi enhances its customers' opportunity for profit by providing custom global ground-based satellite communications systems and broadband services. The company is committed to delivering innovative technologies to meet the emerging needs of cable television, corporations, government, educational institutions and small- and medium-sized enterprises. ATCi is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona with operating sales offices in North America, and China. For further information on ATCi products and services, please call 480-844-8501 or visit our Web site at http://www.atci.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Antenna Technology Communications Inc.

CONTACT: Antenna Technology Communications Inc., +1-480-844-8501

Web Site: http://www.atci.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Public and Private Partners Join PBS's 'This Emotional Life' Effort to Bring Help, Hope to Millions of Americans

Public and Private Partners Join PBS's 'This Emotional Life' Effort to Bring Help, Hope to Millions of Americans

Vulcan Productions, NOVA/WGBH Launch Two-Year, Nationwide Campaign with SAMHSA, Mayo Clinic, Blue Star Family, Others

SEATTLE, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of a new year, as millions of Americans struggle to find more meaning in their lives, Vulcan Productions and NOVA/WGBH have brought together a number of national, public and private organizations around a nationwide, multi-faceted project sparked by the upcoming PBS series, This Emotional Life, premiering January 4-6, 2010 (9 p.m.). The two-year campaign aims to bring help and hope to millions trying to improve their lives.

This Emotional Life is hosted by Harvard psychologist and best-selling author of Stumbling on Happiness, Professor Daniel Gilbert, and is a co-production of Vulcan Productions and the NOVA/WGBH Science Unit. The series unfolds across three, two-hour episodes, exploring the nature of the social relationships that are the key to our human happiness (Family, Friends & Lovers); the obstacles to happiness, negative emotions, which we can't live with and can't live without (Facing Our Fears); and the sometimes misguided pursuit of happiness itself (Rethinking Happiness). The programs are produced by Kunhardt McGee Productions. Each episode weaves together the compelling personal stories of ordinary people and the latest in brain science research, along with revealing comments from celebrities such as Chevy Chase, Larry David, Elizabeth Gilbert, Alanis Morissette, Katie Couric and Richard Gere.

Leading medical, health sciences and service organizations from around the country recognize the importance and potential impact of this project and are assisting in developing content, distributing materials and resources and are taking part in events around the country. Partners and contributors include the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Blue Star Families; the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance; Mental Health America; Mayo Clinic; the National Alliance on Mental Illness; and University of Phoenix.

"The TV series is the cornerstone of a broader project to help people form better, deeper and more profound human connections," said Senior Executive Producer Richard Hutton of Vulcan Productions. "This Emotional Life uses the powerful medium of television to ignite a national conversation about our emotions and our many partners will ensure that the dialogue continues."

"The series is filled with real people coping with real problems typical of us all," said Paula Apsell, Senior Executive Producer, NOVA/WGBH Science Unit and co-producer. "We hope these stories -- which feature new psychological techniques and the latest research on the emotions -- will help others improve their own lives."

This Emotional Life is complemented by a content-rich Web site, www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife. It provides vetted resources and opportunities to build social support networks around topics highlighted in the series, such as the importance of early attachment, how to heal strained or damaged relationships, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, depression, grief, resilience and our pursuit of happiness.

As part of the research conducted in the making of the documentary, Vulcan Productions identified two areas that deserved deeper attention. As a result, Vulcan is developing two toolkits: one that addresses early attachment for parents of infants and a second that addresses the emotional challenges faced by military service members and their families during the deployment cycle.

The "Early Moments Matter" toolkit is aimed at parents and caregivers of infants and is designed to educate them about what attachment is and why it's important, a topic explored in the first episode of This Emotional Life. The toolkit also provides parents concrete advice on ways to build attachment, a key to healthy social and emotional development. The toolkit will be distributed in high birthrate hospitals, pediatric doctors' offices, and community-based clinics, as well as through partners who serve the target population of expecting and new parents.

"The Family Guide to Military Deployment," will provide tangible resources and tools to the families and friends of some of the 1.8 million servicemen and women who have been deployed, helping them face the emotional challenges typical of pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment. This Guide was developed through extensive review and discussion with military and mental health experts and feedback from military family members, and includes an accompanying DVD consisting of interviews with service members and their families.

"The Family Guide to Military Deployment" will be distributed through partnerships with government organizations and branches of the armed forces, through military family service organizations such as Blue Star Families, and through private partnerships with organizations such as University of Phoenix. The information and resources available in the toolkits will soon be accessible online through the Web site, www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife.

"So many of our students either serve in the military or have a spouse in the service," said Bill Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. "In addition to providing these students with educational opportunities, we are committed to helping them find trustworthy resources to manage the emotional difficulties associated with deployment." University of Phoenix is providing funding for the military toolkits and access to distribute these toolkits to the organization's enormous student base of military service members.

"Many Americans are struggling with mental health issues, suffering from mental illness or simply falling short of finding emotional health," said A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed., and Director of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). "We need to encourage individuals to understand their emotional lives and if necessary seek effective, evidence-based solutions. This project will be a valuable resource for that information."

As part of this effort, SAMHSA has provided funding for the project and the early childhood attachment toolkit. SAMHSA is also providing fulfillment and distribution for both toolkits, and is using its leadership and influence in the field of mental health to create awareness about and support for the entire two-year campaign. Other partners, including Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Mental Health America, Mayo Clinic, and National Alliance on Mental Illness are providing expert content for the Web site and online resources and are creating awareness and support for the two-year campaign.

"Our hope is that viewers come away with what years of research have shown: individuals who feel connected are healthier and happier and better equipped to deal with stress and adversity," said David Shern, Ph.D., President and CEO, Mental Health America. "Good mental health is much more than the absence of illness - it's about being able to handle life's challenges and even flourish. By focusing on the importance of mental wellness and the crucial role social support plays in our well-being, This Emotional Life will inform and empower those who watch it."

Blue Star Families, another private partner, is actively participating in the creation of the "Family Guide to Military Deployment" and developing opportunities for the campaign to reach military families, including participation in This Emotional Life high-profile events and creating distribution channels for the Guide.

About the Project Partners:

Vulcan Productions is the independent film production company founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen in 1997. Vulcan Productions devotes itself exclusively to producing independent films of unique vision and artistic quality. Through its collaborative partnerships with established and emerging filmmakers, Vulcan Productions explores creative opportunities that result in engaging and inspirational story telling. www.vulcanproductions.com

NOVA/WGBH Science Unit WGBH Boston is America's preeminent public broadcasting producer, the source of fully one-third of PBS' prime-time lineup, along with some of public television's best-known lifestyle and children's programs and many public radio favorites. One of its premiere programs, NOVA, is a production of the NOVA/WGBH Science Unit. Now in its 36th year of broadcasting, NOVA is the most popular science series on American television and is seen in more than 100 countries. It is also one of television's most acclaimed series, having won every major television award, most of them many times over. www.wgbh.org and pbs.org/nova

Kunhardt McGee Productions (formally Kunhardt Productions) was founded in 1987 by Peter W. Kunhardt, a veteran of ABC News and the winner of three national Emmy Awards. Dyllan McGee, Kunhardt's longtime colleague, became a partner in the company in 2008. The company specializes in multi-platform documentary programming crafted to bring cutting-edge scholarship to popular audiences. www.kunhardtmcgee.com

Method is a brand experience agency that helps organizations and businesses harness the competitive power of design. With deep expertise in research, strategy, design and technology, Method offers a rigorous, intelligent approach to solving complex brand problems in the physical and digital realms. www.method.com

Cause & Affect is an innovative agency operating at the nexus of media and social change, with the objective of creating meaningful public engagement on a wide variety of issues. Led by Meredith Blake, the architect of the social action campaign accompanying Al Gore's Academy Award-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, Cause & Affect brings widespread attention to causes by partnering with influential individuals or organizations that possess considerable resources, visibility and credibility. www.causeaffect.com

Mission Measurement helps nonprofits, foundations and corporations measure and improve their social impact through strategy and measurement consulting, training and data services. As the result of their work, organizations have been able to improve the effective delivery of their services, increase the visibility of their work, achieve financial sustainability and communicate results to key stakeholders. www.missionmeasurement.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Vulcan Productions

CONTACT: Rosanna Maietta, +1-202-828-9706, maiettar@fleishman.com, or
Brooke McNally, +1-202-631-3548, bmcnally@voxglobal.com, both for Vulcan
Productions

Web Site: http://www.vulcanproductions.com/
http://www.wgbh.org/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova
http://www.kunhardtmcgee.com/
http://www.method.com/
http://www.causeaffect.com/
http://www.missionmeasurement.com/
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

TiVo to Present at the Citi 20th Annual Global Entertainment Media & Telecommunications Conference

TiVo to Present at the Citi 20th Annual Global Entertainment Media & Telecommunications Conference

ALVISO, Calif., Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) , the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced that President and CEO Tom Rogers will present at the Citi Global Entertainment Media & Telecommunications Conference on January 5th. The webcast of the presentation will be available on the Investor Relations section of the TiVo website at http://investor.tivo.com/ under the events calendar tab.

   Conference Details:   Citi Global Entertainment Media & Telecommunications Conference   San Francisco, CA   Tuesday, January 5, 2010   2:25 PM PST   Tom Rogers, President and CEO     About TiVo Inc.  

Founded in 1997, TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) developed the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). TiVo offers the TiVo service and TiVo DVRs directly to consumers online at www.tivo.com and through third-party retailers. TiVo also distributes its technology and services through solutions tailored for cable, satellite, and broadcasting companies. Since its founding, TiVo has evolved into the ultimate single solution media center by combining its patented DVR technologies and universal cable box capabilities with the ability to aggregate, search, and deliver millions of pieces of broadband, cable, and broadcast content directly to the television. An economical, one-stop-shop for in-home entertainment, TiVo's intuitive functionality and ease of use puts viewers in control by enabling them to effortlessly navigate the best digital entertainment content available through one box, with one remote, and one user interface, delivering the most dynamic user experience on the market today. TiVo also continues to weave itself into the fabric of the media industry by providing interactive advertising solutions and audience research and measurement ratings services to the television industry. www.tivo.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: emilster@sloanepr.com

Source: TiVo Inc.

CONTACT: Investors, Derrick Nueman of TiVo Inc., +1-408-519-9677,
ir@tivo.com; or Media, Michael Boccio of Sloane & Company, +1-212-446-1867,
mboccio@sloanepr.com, for TiVo Inc.

Web Site: http://www.tivo.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer to Preview Union's 2010 Agenda on 'Inside Government'

AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer to Preview Union's 2010 Agenda on 'Inside Government'

J. David Cox to Discuss Organizing, Contract Bargaining, and Improving Technology on AFGE Radio Show

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees' National Secretary-Treasurer J. David Cox will preview 2010 this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio program. The show will air on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 at 10 a.m. EST nationwide on Federal News Radio at www.federalnewsradio.com and 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C. area.

Cox will recap AFGE's efforts in 2009 and look ahead to the union's priorities for 2010, including additional organizing efforts, contract bargaining with various agencies, and improving technology for AFGE's members.

   In addition, Cox will examine the following issues:   --  Eliminating Veterans Administration outsourcing   --  Collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers   --  Full staffing and funding at the Bureau of Prisons and Social Security       Administration   --  Ending the National Security Personnel System   

"Inside Government" is hosted by AFGE Assistant General Counsel J. Ward Morrow. Programs are archived on the Federal News Radio Web site and can be heard on demand at http://www.federalnewsradio.com/ or http://www.afge.org/insidegovernment. Please note there will be a short advertisement prior to the start of the program. The program also is available via iTunes podcast by clicking here. Users must install iTunes on their computers before accessing "Inside Government" via podcast.

Listeners also can follow the program on Facebook (AFGE Inside Government) and Twitter (@afgeradioshow).

For instructions on how to listen to "Inside Government," click here.

"Inside Government" is a one-hour weekly nationwide radio/Internet program dedicated to issues that impact federal and D.C. government employees. The show airs each Friday at 10 a.m. on Federal News Radio 1500 AM in Washington, D.C. and online at www.federalnewsradio.com. It is also available to 70 million iPod users through Apple's iTunes podcast. "Inside Government" is produced by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the nation's largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: American Federation of Government Employees

CONTACT: Jason Fornicola of the American Federation of Government
Employees, +1-202-639-6448

Web Site: http://www.afge.org/
http://www.federalnewsradio.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

BET Celebrates Banner Ratings in 2009

BET Celebrates Banner Ratings in 2009

The Network Delivers Its Highest Viewership Ever in the 29-Year History of the Channel BET Finished the Fourth Quarter as a Top Cable Network Among Adults 18-49

NEW YORK, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- BET closes 2009 with a bang! The Network had its best year ever in its 29-year history with an average of 512,000 total viewers. For all of 2009, the Network has enjoyed double-digit gains in all four quarters and in all key demographics. This year of historic ratings growth follows an aggressive strategy that included new original programming, big signature specials, key acquisitions and blockbuster movies.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

BET is among the cable networks posting the biggest year-over-year gains, up double-digits over last year among total viewers (+17%) and key demographics: adults 18-49 (+19%), and adults 18-34 (+17%). Additionally, BET continues to reign as the #1 cable network among blacks year after year, and the audience continues to grow. Moreover, the fourth quarter of 2009 is the number one fourth quarter performance in BET history.

In 2009 BET scored the number one award show on cable and the number one program among blacks in cable television history with the BET AWARDS '09 which drew 10.7 million total viewers; its number one hip-hop telecast in network history and television's number one hip-hop themed telecast with the 2009 HIP HOP AWARDS; cable's number one late night series among blacks with THE MO'NIQUE SHOW.

   Additional highlights from the year include:    Original Programming:    --  The finale of TINY & TOYA, attracted more than 1.9 million total       viewers.  TINY & TOYA finished the season with an average of 1.8       million viewers making it the #1 original series in BET history.   --  The premiere and encore of MONICA: STILL STANDING garnered 3.2 million       total viewers making it the #2 series debut in BET history behind the       debut of TINY & TOYA.  MONICA: STILL STANDING was the #1 cable reality       series telecast on Tuesday, October 27 (Total Viewers).   --  1.5 million viewers tuned in for the series opener of BET's late night       talk show THE MO'NIQUE SHOW, which premiered on Monday, October 5.        Through its debut night THE MO'NIQUE SHOW series premiere was the #1       entertainment talk show in cable television history. THE MO'NIQUE SHOW       ranked as BET Network's highest-rated show for the season.  The       inaugural episode also outperformed the competition, coming in as the       number one entertainment talk show on cable overall and the number one       talk show among adults 18-49 (850,000). Since the premiere, THE       MO'NIQUE SHOW has averaged 753,000 viewers.   --  The SUNDAY BEST season two premiere telecast is BET's most watched       SUNDAY BEST telecast ever.  SUNDAY BEST season two is the number one       gospel series on television.  With 1.7 million viewers, the SUNDAY       BEST season two premiere was up 68% versus SUNDAY BEST season one       premiere (.80), making this the highest percentage gain for a series       premiere in BET history.    Signature Specials:    --  The live premiere of the BET AWARDS '09 on Sunday, June 28, drew 10.7       million total viewers - the #1 award show on cable for 2009 and reigns       as the #1 program among blacks in cable television history.  The BET       AWARDS '09 capped a record-breaking second quarter for BET.   --  The Monday, February 9 premiere of THE BET HONORS garnered 2.5 million       viewers.  Additionally, THE BET HONORS and BET AWARDS '09 had the       biggest year over year growth versus all other television award shows       this year.   --  The 2009 BET HIP-HOP AWARDS garnered 3.8 million total viewers, making       it the #1 hip-hop telecast in BET History and television's #1 hip-hop       themed telecast for the 4th consecutive year.   --  The BET premiere of the CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS on       Sunday, November 29, drew 4.0 Million Total Viewers - making it the #1       telecast for the fourth quarter in BET history.    Key Acquisitions:    --  Season three of THE GAME averaged 1.1 million viewers and was the #1       acquired series in network history.  BET's airing of THE GAME 3 on       Wednesday, October 21 outperformed every premiere episode of THE GAME       3 on the CW.    About BET Networks  

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

First Call Analyst:
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Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Danielle Spigner-Davis of BET Networks, +1-212-205-3028,
danielle.spigner-davis@bet.net

Web Site: http://www.bet.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Trans World Entertainment To Host Holiday Sales Conference Call

Trans World Entertainment To Host Holiday Sales Conference Call

ALBANY, N.Y., Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trans World Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ:TWMC) announced today that it will host a teleconference call for members of the financial community on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 10:00 AM ET to discuss its press release regarding its holiday sales results, which will be issued on the same day before the market opens. This call will be simultaneously webcast at the Company's website, www.twec.com.

Trans World Entertainment is a leading specialty retailer of entertainment software, including music, video and video games and related products. The Company operates retail stores in the United States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, primarily under the names f.y.e. for your entertainment and Suncoast and on the web at www.fye.com, www.wherehouse.com, www.secondspin.com and www.suncoast.com.

Certain statements in this release set forth management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future based on current facts and analyses. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in such statements. Additional information on factors that may affect the business and financial results of the Company can be found in filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

First Call Analyst:
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Source: Trans World Entertainment Corporation

CONTACT: Trans World Entertainment, John J. Sullivan, EVP, Chief
Financial Officer, +1-518-452-1242; or Financial Relations Board, Marilynn
Meek, +1-212-827-3773, mmeek@frbir.com

Web Site: http://www.twec.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

'Sharing Miracles' Television Program to Feature Major League Baseball Star Aaron Boone

'Sharing Miracles' Television Program to Feature Major League Baseball Star Aaron Boone

Major League Baseball slugger Aaron Boone will be featured on January's episode of Sharing Miracles - a 30-minute public affairs television program that tells the compelling and inspirational stories of real patients. Sharing Miracles airs every week on more than 300 television stations nationwide.

A member of one of only three families in history to have three generations play in the major leagues (grandfather Ray, father Bob and brother Bret all played pro baseball), Boone is best known for an eleventh-inning, game-winning home run in the seventh game of the 2003 American League Championship Series. Clinching the series for the New York Yankees over the Boston Red Sox, Boone is said to have extended the "Curse of the Bambino" by one more year. Discussing Boone's famed home run on this month's episode of Sharing Miracles are Red Sox manager Terry Francona and four-time World Series champion Darryl Strawberry.

Speaking about his memorable hit - rated the ninth best home run in history by ESPN's Baseball Tonight - Boone says: "Just to have had a small place in the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry is very humbling. I'm reminded of it almost every day by people around the country, no matter what side of the fence they're on. It was an epic series, an epic game between two titans, and to be a part of it was special."

However, despite his notoriety for the home run, Boone says the at-bat most meaningful to him is one that almost never happened - his first time at home plate following open-heart surgery.

While in college, Boone was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect that required yearly check-ups, but no treatment. "Throughout my baseball career, I got it checked on every off-season, but it frankly wasn't a huge part of my life," he says.

However, that all changed in March 2009, when his cardiologist advised additional tests and a consultation with a surgeon. The decision was sobering, with Boone being told he needed open-heart surgery to correct his defect.

"Because my defect hadn't been a big part of my life for the last 15 years, the news really hit home. It was a reality check - here I was preparing for a major league season and my heart was the last thing on my mind," Boone continues. "When I found out about the surgery, my first concern was not playing baseball again. My priority was to have the surgery and be well."

After successfully undergoing the procedure, however, he focused on his recovery and rehabilitation and eventually realized that he was strong enough to consider a return to the sport: "I could see my body respond each day, each week, each month. Seeing myself improve really helped push me further and helped me do the necessary things to keep getting better."

That September - just seven months after being told that he needed open-heart surgery to live - Boone accomplished the unlikely and returned to baseball, playing first base for the Houston Astros in a game against the Chicago Cubs at historic Wrigley Field.

In this month's episode of Sharing Miracles, he explains what his experience taught him: "When it comes to dealing with an illness or a medical condition, you have to persevere. There will be moments when it's rough and it's no fun. But the most rewarding thing is to come out of that, to see yourself improve and to see your body return to health. That fight makes you stronger," Boone says.

Also featured in this month's episode is Daiichi Sankyo scientist Dr. Michael Stein, who discusses heart disease and the current research being conducted to treat and combat the disease: "This is a very exciting time in heart research and a very exciting time to be helping patients in changing the way that medical care will be delivered in cardiology in the future." In fact, more than 300 potential new medicines are currently being studied for heart disease and stroke.

Next month's episode will feature seven-time NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning, who survived life-threatening kidney disease and a kidney transplant, yet continued to play basketball upon recovering and win a championship.

Previous episodes of Sharing Miracles have featured Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden, an advocate of breast cancer awareness; actor Danny Glover, who suffered from epilepsy; legendary Major League Baseball manager and cancer survivor Joe Torre; Grammy Award-winning country music superstar Naomi Judd, who overcame Hepatitis C; pioneering rapper and actor Ice-T, who speaks about his battle with heart disease; baseball great Darryl Strawberry, who twice beat colon cancer; former Philadelphia Phillies star and ESPN commentator John Kruk, who overcame testicular cancer; Emmy Award-winning actor Joey Pantoliano, who suffers from clinical depression; Football Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka, who suffers from heart disease; Super Bowl Champion Tedy Bruschi, who recovered from a stroke to return to professional football; and Super Bowl Champion and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, who has asthma.

Other guests on the show have included two-time NCAA tournament-winning University of Connecticut basketball coach Jim Calhoun, who has overcome cancer three times; NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins, who has diabetes; Boston Red Sox star pitcher Jon Lester, who has battled leukemia; Emmy-nominated former star of Family Ties Meredith Baxter, who survived breast cancer; Olympic gold medal winners Mark Spitz (high cholesterol), Bruce Jenner (attention deficit disorder), and Greg Louganis (HIV); syndicated television talk show host Montel Williams, who suffers from multiple sclerosis; actor and Leave It To Beaver star Jerry Mathers, who is affected by diabetes; pop icon and Broadway star Deborah Gibson, who has suffered from devastating anxiety attacks; and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and Super Bowl Champion Len Dawson, who survived prostate cancer.

The new episode debuts January 3. Sharing Miracles airs on 314 television stations across the country.

These include the following cities: Anchorage, AK; Decatur, AL; Harrison, AR; Jones, AR; Mountain Home, AR; Tempe, AZ; Bath, ME; Casa Grande, AZ; Chino Valley, AZ; Anaheim, CA; Compton, CA; Coralville, CO; Del Mar, CA; Gilroy, CA; Hayward, CA; Pacifica, CA; Pasadena, CA; Petaluma, CA; San Andreas, CA; Santa Barbara, CA; Arvada, CO; Aurora, CO; Fort Collins, CO; Golden, CO; Greeley, CO; Longmont, CO; Northglenn, CO; Thornton, CO; Bridgeport, CT; Canaan, CT; East Haven, CT; Hamden, CT; Hartford, CT; Madison, CT; North Haven, CT; Plainville, CT; Simsbury, CT; Wallingford, CT; Brooksville, FL; Cape Coral, FL; Coral Springs, FL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Fort Myers, FL; MacDill AFB, FL; Tampa, FL; Palm Coast, FL; Vero Beach, FL; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, GA; Douglasville, GA; Fort Oglethorpe, GA; LaGrange, GA; Lawrenceville, GA; Hilo, HI; Ames, IA; Des Moines, IA; Fairfield, IA; Mount Vernon, IA; Olin, IA; Muscatine, IA; Boise, ID; Coeur d'Alene, ID ; Moscow, ID ; Soda Springs, ID ; Addison, IL; Aurora, IL; Batavia, IL; Darien, IL; Galesburg, IL; Glen Ellyn, IL; Glenview, IL; Joliet, IL; Lake Forest, IL; Naperville, IL; Plainfield, IL; Romeoville, IL; Urbana, IL; Wheaton, IL; Austin, IN; Bloomington, IN; Connersville, IN; Fort Wayne, IN; Richmond, IN; Derby, KS; Haysville, KS; Lawrence, KS; Olathe, KS; Ottawa, KS; Covington, KY; Highland Heights, KY; Louisville, KY; Middlesboro, KY; Paducah, KY Bossier City, LA; Houma, LA; Lafayette, LA; Mandeville, LA; New Orleans, LA; Amherst, MA; Arlington, MA; Boston, MA; Boylston, MA; Brookline, MA; Carver, MA; Chelmsford, MA; Dracut, MA; Easthampton, MA; Foxboro, MA; Framingham, MA; Holden, MA; Hopkinton, MA; Leominster, MA; Longmeadow, MA; Lynn, MA; Marion, MA; Sandwich, MA; Wakefield, MA; Wilbraham, MA; Worcester, MA; Bel Air, MD; Columbia, MD; Easton, MD; Greenbelt, MD; Largo, MD; Rockville, MD; Bath, ME; Boothbay Harbor, ME; Bridgton, ME; Brunswick, ME; Farmington, ME; Madison, ME; Mexico, ME; Ann Arbor, MI; Byron, MI; Cadillac, MI; Farmington Hills, MI; Holland, MI; Kalamazoo, MI; Lake Orion, MI; Manistee, MI; Monroe, MI; Portage, MI; Romeo, MI; Waterford, MI; Wyandotte, MI; Blaine, MN; Bloomington, MN; Champlin, MN; Coon Rapids, MN; Duluth, MN; Fergus Falls, MN; Hibbing, MN; Hutchinson, MN; Inver Grove Heights, MN; Le Seuer, MN; Minneapolis, MN; Rosemont, MN; Spring Park, MN; Stillwater, MN; White Bear Lake, MN; Brentwood, MI; Hudsonville, MI; Blue Springs, MO; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; Ste. Genevieve, MO; Hillsboro, MS; Jackson, MS; Vicksburg, MS; Great Falls, MT; Helena, MT; Albemarle, NC; Charlotte, NC; Knightdale, NC; New Bern, NC; Wingate, NC; Fargo, ND; Grand Island, NE; Hastings, NE; Lincoln, NE; Omaha, NE; Claremont, NH; Derry, NH; Durham, NH; Keene, NH; Londonderry, NH; Manchester, NH; North Conway, NH; Wolfeboro, NH; Bloomfield, NJ; Jersey City, NJ; Metuchen, NJ; Montclair, NJ; Piscataway, NJ; Pomona, NJ; Princeton, NJ; Statewide, NJ; Summit, NJ; Wayne, NJ; Albuquerque, NM; Los Alamos, NM; Rio Rancho, NM; Santa Fe, NM; Taos, NM; Boulder City, NV; Carson City, NV; Minden, NV; Chappaqua, NY; Fairport, NY; Penfield, NY; Staten Island, NY; Tivoli, NY; Webster, NY; Athens, OH; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Defiance, OH; Fairborn, OH; Hudson; OH; Macedonia, OH; Medina, OH; Middletown, OH; Norwood, OH; Troy, OH; Wadsworth, OH; Perry, OK; Oregon City, OR; Silverton, OR; Ardmore, PA; Berwyn, PA; Bethel Park, PA; Gettysburg, PA; Harrisburg, PA; McMurray, PA; Moon Township, PA; Pottstown, PA; Reading, PA; Wayne, PA; York, PA; Greenville, SC; Rockhill, SC; Union, SC; Clarksville, TN; Franklin, TN; Germantown, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Arlington, TX; College Station, TX; Denton, TX; Houston, TX; Kingsville, TX; Cedar City, UT; Logan, UT; Salt Lake City, UT; Vernal, UT; Blacksburg, VA; Gloucester, VA; Herndon, VA; Norfolk, VA; Roanoke, VA; Suffolk, VA; Barre, VT; Bellow Falls, VT; Burlington, VT; Hyde Park, VT; Manchester Center, VT; Newport, VT; Springfield, VT; Waitsfield, VT; Bainbridge Island, WA; Bremerton, WA; Ellensburg, WA; Kent, WA; Longview, WA; Port Townsend, WA; Seattle, WA; Toppenish, WA; Dodgeville, WI; Eau Claire, WI; Fitchburg, WI; Hartford, WI; Janesville, WI; Lake Mills, WI; Kenosha, WI; Madison, WI; Merrill, WI; Muskego, WI; New London, WI; Reedsburg, WI; River Falls, WI; Sun Prairie, WI; Superior, WI; Waterloo, WI; Wausau, WI; Wenatchee, WI; Whitehall, WI; Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Huntington, WV; and Summersville, WV.

The show's corresponding Web site, www.sharingmiracles.com, is an interactive forum for people to relate their own personal stories of hope and survival. Every patient's battle is unique, but the collective power of shared experiences can offer great help and courage to others who are fighting for their lives.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) helps uninsured and financially-struggling patients access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. To find out if they may qualify for help, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $50.3 billion in 2008 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $65.2 billion in 2008.

PhRMA Internet Address: http://www.phrma.org/

For information on stories of hope and survival, visit: http://sharingmiracles.com/

For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit: http://www.innovation.org/

For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit: http://www.pparx.org/

For more information on public health emergencies, visit: http://www.rxresponse.org/

For information on the danger of imported drugs, visit: http://www.buysafedrugs.info/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
http://www.pparx.org/

Source: Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

CONTACT: Kate Michael of PhRMA, +1-202-835-3460

Web Site: http://www.phrma.org/
http://www.sharingmiracles.com/


Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

eDiets.com(R) Member Loses Over 150 lbs, to be Featured in PEOPLE Magazine and on The TODAY Show

eDiets.com(R) Member Loses Over 150 lbs, to be Featured in PEOPLE Magazine and on The TODAY Show

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- eDiets.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:DIET) , a leading provider of convenient at-home diet, fitness and healthy lifestyle solutions, today announced that long-time eDiets.com member Cristina, will discuss her weight-loss journey and how her life changed when she went from weighing 326 pounds over two years ago to 148 pounds today!

Her inspirational story is profiled in PEOPLE's upcoming January 11th "Half Their Size" issue which will be featured on the TODAY Show on December 30th. The PEOPLE issue hits newsstand tomorrow! Don't miss the full scoop on how Cristina transformed her life! If you or someone you love has made losing weight and/or better health a top priority for the New Year, then visit www.eDiets.com to get started!

About eDiets

eDiets.com, Inc. is a leading provider of personalized nutrition, fitness and weight-loss programs. eDiets features its award-winning, fresh-prepared diet meal delivery service as one of the more than 19 popular diet plans on its flagship site, www.eDiets.com. The company also provides a broad range of customized wellness and weight management solutions for Fortune 500 clients. Active eDiets members achieve generally expected weight loss of 10 pounds during the first 5 weeks of an eDiets program. Cristina started dieting on her own at 326 lbs. She joined eDiets weighing 293 lbs and lost the remaining 145 lbs with eDiets in 2 years. For more information, please call eDiets PR Desk at 954-703-6156 or visit www.eDiets.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: eDiets.com, Inc.

CONTACT: John Mills, ICR, Inc., +1-310-954-1105, John.Mills@icrinc.com

Web Site: http://www.ediets.com/


Profile: International Entertainment