COMCAST ANNOUNCES NEW VIDEO GAME TELEVISION NETWORK: G4

G4’s All-Original Programming Lineup Positioned to be the Lifestyle Brand for Video Game Enthusiasts

 

G4 Set to Launch in April, 2002; Comcast Cable and Insight Communications Commit 7 Million Subscribers

ANAHEIM, CA - November 28, 2001 Capturing the excitement and worldwide popularity of video, computer, online and wireless games, Comcast Corporation announced a new original programming network called G4. The network is set to launch in April, 2002. Comcast Cable and Insight Communications have committed 7 million subscribers. The announcement was made today by Amy Banse, Vice President of Programming Investments, Comcast Corporation; Charles Hirschhorn, Founder and CEO of G4 Media and Debra Green, Chief Operating Officer of G4 Media. G4 is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week television network that will be the source of entertainment, news and information for video game enthusiasts.

"Over 145 million Americans play computer and video games," said Banse. "This diverse community needs representation on our channel line-up. Comcast has been an avid supporter of G4 from its earliest development. G4 is a totally unique programming service that will appeal to video gamers everywhere. We are delighted to be offering G4 to Comcast customers as well as making this channel available to cable and satellite distributors nationwide."

"Americans will spend over $8 billion on video games this year. G4 is the television network for them," said Hirschhorn. "Whether on consoles, computers, online, cell phones, PDAs, or in an arcade, Americans have fully embraced video games. G4 is game to bring this national pastime to TV."

G4’s all-original programming will include 13 weekly series and specials that will focus on the latest information about electronic games, including "what’s hot" previews, "making of" documentaries, competitions, news, events, game tips, reviews, etc. G4’s core demographic is men 18-34 and teens 12-17, plus general appeal to anyone interested in electronic games.

"It is time to bring more original programming to the channel lineup," said Green. "There is a huge young audience that plays video games and there is no television network that responds to their interests. By creating G4, a fresh, new original programming service about all things related to video games, G4 strives to be the television destination for today’s young adults."

"We are excited to be involved in G4," commented Michael Willner, President of Insight Communications. "With its obvious appeal to technology savvy individuals, we believe this network will support our future revenue streams by helping us grow our digital and broadband platforms."

Created by Hirschhorn, the former President of Walt Disney Television and Television Animation, G4’s core management team includes E! veterans Debra Green, Chief Operating Officer; Dale Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Affiliate and Ad Sales and Julie Fields, Vice President and Creative Director; MTV veteran Vinnie Longobardo, Senior Vice President of Programming; All Games Network founder Scot Rubin, VP Internet and Program Editorial; former Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Imagesoft executive Tina Kowalewski, Director, Program Development; and former editor of Next Generation magazine Tom Russo, Director, Program Development.

G4Media.com, the corporate website, is currently available. G4TV.com, the network’s consumer website, will launch concurrent with the network in April, 2002.

 

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (www.comcast.com) is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks, and in the provision of electronic commerce and programming content. Comcast Cable is the third largest cable company in the United States, serving more than 8.4 million cable subscribers. Comcast’s commerce and content businesses include majority ownership of QVC, Comcast-Spectacor, Comcast SportsNet, The Golf Channel and Outdoor Life Network, a controlling interest in E! Networks and other programming investments.

 

About G4 Media

G4 is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week television network dedicated to creating a lifestyle brand that is the source of entertainment, news and information about the interactive entertainment industry, including video, computer, online and wireless games, for men (18-34) and teens (12-17).