Exclusive Deal Brings the Most Successful Casino Entertainment Programming in
Europe From the UK's Challenge Network to North America
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTV, the Casino and Gaming TV
network targeted to the millions of enthusiasts who celebrate the gaming
lifestyle, today announced a major partnership with Flextech Television, the
programming division of the United Kingdom's Telewest. Together with
Flextech-owned games entertainment channel, Challenge, the multi-million
dollar deal consists of two key elements: co-production on 30 hours of new
programming and an exclusive acquisitions deal on Challenge's entire poker
library. Challenge will in-turn have first look on all CGTV productions.
CGTV will televise Challenge's library of games entertainment content in
2005. Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will co-produce
casino-styled entertainment content for distribution in North America by CGTV,
in the UK by Challenge, and worldwide by Minotaur International, the
distribution arm of Flextech. This deal represents the first international
sale for Challenge's most popular program, "Casino Casino," and the first
U.S. sale of Challenge programming.
"Flextech Television and Challenge offer the most entertaining gaming
oriented programming in Europe," said CGTV's President and CEO, Nickolas J.
Rhodes. "This unique partnership will actually blend gaming styles from both
sides of the Atlantic, providing fans with world class casino drama and
action."
Jonathan Webb, Challenge Channel Controller adds, "This is a huge step for
Challenge -- it means more commissions, bigger production budgets and the
chance to move the poker phenomenon into reality and factual entertainment."
CGTV plans to incorporate broadband interactivity for the viewer so they
can play along at home. In the UK, Challenge has enjoyed great success with
its interactive "Play Along Casino Casino," in which audiences actually play
cards and roulette with the show's contestants using their remote control.
This type of interactivity actually doubled the program's average time watched
by Challenge viewers. Based on these impressive results, CGTV expects to
bring many of these same features to North American audiences.
The first co-production will be "Poker Hotel." This reality docu-soap
will feature celebrities and pro poker players battling it out in a hip UK
hotel for one week, trying to win a cash prize of $150,000. "Poker Hotel"
will capture the drama, psychology and personality of all the players behind
the poker.
Challenge has had more than 5.2 million poker viewers to date in 2004, as
compared to all other UK channels combined which only have had 5.7 million
poker viewers. CGTV anticipates the Challenge programming to prove as popular
on this side of the Atlantic.
About Flextech Television
Flextech is the content division of Telewest, the broadband communications
and media group. Its core business is the supply of entertainment,
information and interactive content and services to the UK multi-channel
television and online markets. Flextech is the BBC's partner in UKTV.
Together they are the largest supplier of basic channels to the UK pay-TV
market with a portfolio that combines wholly owned and managed channels,
including the fourteen joint venture channels with the BBC.
Flextech's branded content, coupled with Telewest's broadband network,
allows the combined group to capture the expanding market for broadband
products, including voice, video and interactive services, across multiple
platforms.
About CGTV
CGTV, Casino and Gaming TV, is the first 24/7 network targeting the
millions of gaming lifestyle enthusiasts. Launching in 2005, CGTV promises
North American audiences all of the fun, flair and excitement emanating from
the world's most exciting gaming destinations. Led by one of the most
experienced channel management teams in the business, CGTV will feature a
blend of international and domestic originally produced programming,
delivering gaming enthusiasts a unique, worldwide perspective on the casino
lifestyle. Visit CGTV's web site at http://www.cgtv.com for more information and
updates.
SOURCE CGTV
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Related links:
http://www.cgtv.com
CONTACT:
Todd Franke of Bob Gold & Associates,
+1-310-320-2010, Todd@bobgoldpr.com, for CGTV; or Suzy Lambert of
Challenge, +44-020-7299 5364, Suzy_Lambert@flextech.co.uk, for
Flextech Television
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