ION Media Networks Announces Exclusive Programming Partnership with Bodog Entertainment.ION Television to Launch New Late Night Programming Block WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- ION Media Networks ION Media Networks (formerly known as Paxson Communications) is an American television broadcasting company that owns and operates over 60 television stations in most major American markets. It is publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol ION. , Inc. (AMEX AMEX See: American Stock Exchange :ION) today announced an exclusive television alliance with Bodog Entertainment, the digital entertainment programmer known for its innovative multi-platform content and promotional approach. ION Television will be the exclusive nationwide U.S. television network bringing various original BodogTV programs to over 90 million television homes. The shows will include "BodogFight" and "Calvin Ayre Calvin Ayre (born May 25, 1961 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada) is the Founder of the Bodog Entertainment Group, which he launched in 1994. A resident of Antigua, Ayre was featured as the cover story for Forbes Magazine's 2006 Billionaires issue. Wildcard See wild cards and wildcard mask. Poker," using the unique ION-Bodog alliance to enter two of today's most popular TV categories: mixed martial arts For the fighting styles that combine different arts, see . Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport in which a wide variety of fighting techniques are used, including striking and grappling. and celebrity reality contests. "Having revitalized ION Television's more mainstream primetime content and ratings, we are now starting to focus on expanding other important dayparts, particularly 'late night,'" said Brandon Burgess, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of ION Media Networks. "Bodog's dynamic approach to creating and promoting innovative content is a great fit for attracting and serving the typically younger late night audience." "This agreement with ION Media Networks marks a significant step for our TV productions," said Calvin Ayre, founder of Bodog Entertainment. "ION Television's nationwide broadcast reach is a perfect platform for us to connect with our growing audience of fans. We look forward to a great partnership." Beginning February 13th, ION Television will run original episodes of "BodogFight: St. Petersburg" Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The series will lead up to a special event in Russia later this spring, featuring some of the biggest names in the world of mixed martial arts. To celebrate the TV launch, ION Television will air a "free-per-view" world broadcast premier special of "BodogFight: USA vs. Russia" on Saturday, February 17th from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/PT. Bodog and ION Television will collaborate on advertising sales as well as marketing and promotion for the programming, with the launch being supported by a major consumer media and marketing campaign to promote the Bodog programs airing on the network. The campaign will run across traditional and electronic media and will capitalize on Cap´i`tal`ize on` v. t. 1. To turn (an opportunity) to one's advantage; to take advantage of (a situation); to profit from; as, to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes s>. the popularity of mixed martial arts and celebrity poker television events. Following the successful introduction, the partners may contemplate expanding development and launching additional content formats targeted at young late night audiences. About ION Media Networks ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, reaching over 90 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. ION Television currently features popular television series and movies from the award-winning libraries of Warner Bros BROS Brothers BROS Benefits and Retirement Operations Section (King County, Washington) BROS Barnes and Richmond Operatic Society (London, UK) ., Sony Pictures Television Sony Pictures Television, Inc. (SPT) is an American television production and distribution company. It is a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment. In turn, the latter is part of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. , CBS (Cell Broadcast Service) See cell broadcast. Television and NBC Universal. In addition, the network has partnered with RHI RHI Robert Half International RHI Range Height Indicator RHI Roller Hockey International RHI Relativistic Heavy Ion RHI Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat RHI Rhinelander, WI, USA - Rhinelander Oneida County Airport (Airport Code) Entertainment, which owns over 4,000 hours of acclaimed television content, to provide high-quality primetime programming beginning July 2007. Utilizing its digital multicasting capability, ION Media Networks has launched several new digital TV brands, including qubo, a television and multimedia network for children formed in partnership with Scholastic, Corus Entertainment, Classic Media and NBC Universal, as well as a television and multimedia network dedicated to health and wellness for consumers and families. For more information, please visit www.ionmedia.tv. About BodogTV.com BodogTV.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant Bodog Entertainment. With six offices worldwide, the company features a diverse and growing roster of television shows. These include BodogFIGHT (www.bodogfight.com), a mixed martial arts show, Bodog Battle of the Bands (www.BodogBattleoftheBands.com), a contest for a million dollar recording contract, and Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker, a poker lifestyle reality show. Bodog Entertainment Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. |
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