CN8, The Comcast Network Expands to More Than 9 Million Homes And Unveils New Network-Wide Programming Lineup

CN8, The Comcast Network Expands to More Than 9 Million Homes And Unveils New Network-Wide Programming Lineup

CN8 Launches 90 Hours of Original Programming Per Week Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5; Network Breaks Ground on Sixth Studio Location on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- CN8, The Comcast Network unveils a new network-wide original programming lineup on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006 to further serve the interests of its expanded audience from Maine through Virginia and the District of Columbia. The new schedule coincides with CN8's 10th anniversary and launch into an additional 2 million homes throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, and to new subscribers added from recent Adelphia and Susquehanna Communications acquisitions and transfers. With these additions, CN8 now reaches more than 9 million viewers in 12 states and 20 television markets, including the nation's capital.

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In conjunction with the September launch, CN8 also announced that it is breaking ground on construction of a new Capitol Hill studio. The convenient location will serve the region's politicians, newsmakers, pundits and athletes who will contribute regularly to CN8's extensive lineup of original programming. The new studio will also be an integral location for taping exclusive "Comcast Newsmakers" segments, five-minute interviews available to Comcast digital cable subscribers anytime ON DEMAND and that air regularly on Headline News. Prior to the studio's opening this fall, CN8 will host D.C. guests via satellite and from its Baltimore studio location.

"When we launched CN8 in 1996 we reached only 400,000 homes, but had an ambitious goal of creating a network that would offer intelligent, interactive, live programming that would break the mold of traditional broadcast networks," said Michael Doyle, founder, CN8 and president, Comcast Cable Eastern Division. "In just 10 years, CN8 has revolutionized regional cable programming, creating an entirely new genre and securing a leadership role as the nation's preeminent multi-regional cable network."

CN8's expansion and 10-year anniversary also coincides with the network's recent Emmy Award nomination for "Station Excellence" and recognition by its industry peers awarding CN8 its 314th regional Emmy nomination.

Live, Original & Interactive

CN8's new lineup offers more live, original programming than ever before in the sports, entertainment and newsmagazine genres, as well as a new air time and format for its live morning broadcast. Eight hours of live programming per day will originate from one of CN8's six newly designed studios located in the Baltimore, Boston, Delaware, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas. CN8 will also air a comprehensive lineup of exclusive sports, entertainment specials and regular primetime shows on weekends.

Highlights of new and expanded programs include: "Art Fennell Reports," a weeknight news magazine show; the expansion of entertainment-focused "Backstage with Barry Nolan" to a live, one-hour format; a 7 a.m. wake-up call with a new, three-hour "Your Morning" show; and new airtimes for the network's original "Money Matters Today," "Larry Kane: Voice of Reason" and "American Builder." CN8's multi Emmy Award-winning "It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle" will continue to air live weeknights at 9 p.m. with a completely revamped studio, remote guests and more viewer interaction than ever before.

CN8 Sports also kicks off an exciting new lineup to coincide with the network's expansion and fall sports fever. Each weeknight, CN8 will deliver two, live, one-hour multi-regional versions of its marquee sports show, "Out of Bounds," at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. On weekends, the network will showcase the region's top college, high school and professional match-ups, as well as original weekend series' hosted by renowned Olympic medalists Nancy Kerrigan and Shannon Miller.

"CN8 has grown exponentially since its launch, and each year as we enter new markets we reinvent ourselves while remaining true to our mission," said Jon Gorchow, vice president and general manager, CN8. "This year marks the first time we will deliver a comprehensive, network-wide lineup of programming that simultaneously covers national, regional and local topics in a manner that is meaningful and relevant to our more than 9 million viewers up and down the East Coast."

Fall Lineup

CN8's new lineup of original programming to premiere network-wide on Tuesday, Sept. 5, follows:

"Your Morning" Monday - Friday, 7 a.m - 10 a.m., Live

CN8 expands its Emmy Award-winning morning show to three hours, with a 7 a.m. wake-up call. The nation's only three-hour regional morning show delivers the information viewers crave and a morning team with the energy and laughter people want as they start their day. Led by anchor and managing editor Connie Colla, and co-anchor Greg Coy, "Your Morning" examines the top news stories of the day and provides regional weather forecasts every 15 minutes. The show also features trendsetting lifestyle stories, live guests and satellite interviews from the network's six regional studios. CN8 national correspondent Kevin Walsh, along with reporters Gwen Owens and Nicole Fox, contribute to the show.

"Money Matters Today" Monday - Friday, 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Live

Hosted by CN8's director of business and consumer news Mary Caraccioli, this half-hour interactive show is geared toward solving everyday money challenges faced by everyday people-not Wall Street insiders. Caraccioli, an Emmy Award-winning television journalist who has worked as a supervising producer for CNBC and helped launch Lou Dobbs NBC Financial Report, discusses straightforward ways to manage money. With weeklong topics such as how to get started investing, tools for buying a home and holiday spending strategies, "Money Matters Today" helps viewers deal with the financial issues encountered on a daily basis.

"American Builder" Monday - Friday, 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

CN8's award-winning, reality-based home improvement show, hosted by master contractor Brian Gurry, takes viewers onto the job site for an inside look at the trials and tribulations of commercial and residential construction projects. Unlike conventional improvement shows where everything is staged for television, "American Builder" follows real-world projects from start to finish.

"Out of Bounds" Monday - Friday, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., Live

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning sports journalist Gregg Murphy, "Out of Bounds" at 7 p.m. represents a whole new ballgame in television sports coverage. Each weeknight, Murphy leads a fast-paced look at the hot issues, controversial figures, rivalries, agonies and triumphs of the four greatest sports cities in the CN8 viewing area and, arguably, the country. Regular experts from Boston (Michael Holley, co-host, WEEI-AM's "Dale and Holley"), New York, Philadelphia (Rhea Hughes, co-host, WIP-AM's "Angelo Cataldi Morning Show") and Washington, D.C. (former Redskin Brian Mitchell, host, WTEM-AM's "Brian Mitchell Show"), contribute to the discussion and engage in a live, pull-no-punches fight for bragging rights. Everything is in play on "Out of Bounds:" one-on-one interviews with athletes, coaches, movers and shakers; compelling stories that make viewers think; nightly predictions and previews; and fast-paced discussion and debate.

"Backstage with Barry Nolan" Monday - Friday, 8 p.m. - 9 p.m., Live

Nationally recognized entertainment journalist Barry Nolan and senior producer and entertainment reporter Sara Edwards take viewers inside the velvet rope with access to the four corners of the entertainment world: movies, music, television and fashion. The one-hour, live format moves quickly, featuring celebrity news, musical performances, reports on live theater and stories about up-and-comers who may not be household names-yet. Regular segments such as "What Are They Really Like," "Trailer Park" and "Word Play" also provide an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment world.

"It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle" Monday - Friday, 9 p.m. - 10 p.m., Live

Hosted by CN8's political director and five-time Emmy-winner Lynn Doyle, "It's Your Call" is an issues-oriented talk show that tackles national headlines at the regional and local level. The show's interactive format encourages viewer response and generates an exciting and thought-provoking hour of television, making it the most opinionated talk show in the region. The show is known for attracting high-profile guests who can speak about the tough issues facing the country today. CN8 reporter Bruce Casella also joins "It's Your Call" to offer on-the-street viewpoints from everyday people throughout CN8's footprint voicing "their calls" on hot topics and issues. "It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle" also airs a 30-minute version Sunday nights at 9 p.m.

"Art Fennell Reports" Monday - Friday, 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.

"Art Fennell Reports" is an honest and interactive look at the news and events that have people talking. Each night, Fennell and his team explore the big stories that shape viewers' worlds as well as the small stories with a big impact on life within CN8's footprint. Consumer correspondent Janet Zappala provides useful details on product safety, scams, recalls, tips and insights to save viewers time and money. Regional insiders share what they hear in their markets to help viewers understand how issues impact their lives, and CN8 reporter Jam Sardar explores the day's top stories and headlines. Regular show features include "Holla at Me," where ordinary people sound off about what's bugging them, and "Good Stuff," a nightly cluster of off-beat, quirky stories from across the country that leave viewers laughing-or scratching their heads.

"Out of Bounds" Monday - Friday, 11 p.m. - midnight, Live

Accomplished sports journalists Phil Burton and John Carchedi co-host this live, hour-long, lightning-fast broadcast featuring all of the day's sports news, highlights of the games that matter most to viewers along the east coast, and in-depth stories from award-winning reporters and videographers. "Out of Bounds" also brings in expert guests, including Boston Globe sports reporter Ron Borges, live from CN8's six studios to provide insight on national sports along with unique perspectives from their hometowns.

"Larry Kane: Voice of Reason" Sunday, 9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Hailed as the "dean of Philadelphia journalism," Larry Kane is a multi Emmy-award winning journalist and one of the nation's most respected figures in television news. In this weekly news analysis program, Kane explores the impact of key issues and events on the country, and provides personal opinions and new perspectives. Going beyond the normal restrictions of a traditional newscast, Kane serves as the viewer's advocate in tackling hard issues.

"Comcast Newsmakers" Headline News Daily at :24 and :54 after the hour

Produced by CN8, "Comcast Newsmakers," formerly known as "Comcast Local Edition" in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas, is a five- minute interview program that airs twice hourly on Headline News. "Comcast Newsmakers" provides news and information from people making a difference. Elected officials, public servants and community leaders and organizations connect viewers to the important issues, events and topics shaping their communities. CN8 produces more than 7,300 "Comcast Newsmakers" interviews a year.

All CN8 programming streams simultaneously on the network's award-winning Web site, http://www.cn8.tv/. In addition, the majority of CN8's programming is available for viewing on Comcast Digital Cable's ON DEMAND service to watch anytime, day or night. CN8's original weekday programs are available for at least three days following their initial broadcast; sports coverage is available for seven days and special event programming for 20 days. More information on CN8 programs, hosts and air schedules is available at http://www.cn8.tv/.

About CN8, The Comcast Network

CN8, The Comcast Network (http://www.cn8.tv/) is owned and operated by Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., a division of Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA; CMCSK) and the country's leading cable and broadband services provider. CN8 provides more than 9 million Comcast cable viewers with a unique brand of live, interactive television delivered over its own fiber-optic network to 12 states and 20 television markets stretching from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. CN8 was founded in 1996 and has quickly grown to become the nation's leading regional cable network, airing more than 90 hours a week of original programming from its six studios in the Baltimore, Boston, Delaware, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas. CN8 provides in-depth coverage and analysis of special events and important news that broadcast networks often ignore. Since its inception, CN8 has delivered on its mission to continually reshape and revolutionize regional television and its relevance to local, regional and national viewers. CN8's programming and hosts have been honored by the industry with more than 314 regional Emmy Award nominations.

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Source: CN8, The Comcast Network

CONTACT: Leslie Padilla of CN8, +1-610-650-1157

Web site: http://www.cn8.tv/

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