Code Networks Announces Los Angeles Launch of Broadband Television Channel CODE.TV

Code Networks Announces Los Angeles Launch of Broadband Television Channel CODE.TV

New Site Represents the First Niche TV Network for Affluent LA Trendsetters

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Code Networks announces the Los Angeles launch of CODE.TV, the first television network for LA's hottest movers and shakers, available exclusively at http://www.codetv.com/ . The first television network for wealthy 25-49 year old urbanites, CODE.TV gives viewers who want and can afford a red-carpet style lifestyle the latest insider information from chic, hip, expert hosts who take them inside the action and entertainment of the city's coolest and most exclusive new destinations. CODE.TV was launched in New York City on June 12th by a group of former MTV Networks executives.

Each weekday CODE.TV will release a new hosted video segment about the latest upscale Los Angeles hotspots, available for viewing free and on demand at http://www.codetv.com/ . CODE.TV programming gives its audience first-look, exclusive insider information about all the spaces, places, and faces the city will be buzzing about tomorrow. Users can meet the players, take a tour, and get all the dish they need to keep abreast of the ever-changing LA scene. CODE.TV is the first outlet to bring the luxury urban lifestyle alive with video and is advertiser-supported, with content that is strictly editorial. CODE.TV's hosts and producers select and review all destinations featured on the network.

CODE.TV's LA coverage includes upscale boutiques such as Duncan Quinn and Iconology and hip eateries like Wilson and Bin 8945. By merging the omnipresence of the Internet with the exciting pace and style of television, CODE.TV gives A-list Angelenos first-look access to the places that matter now.

Each CODE.TV segment is hosted by a local expert, from Court TV/Hollywood Heat's Shira Lazar, to Tyra Banks' stylist Yaniece Piper Thomas, and CBS' Jonathan Redford. The CODE.TV hosts bring the best of Los Angeles's most unique experiences to life each day.

CODE.TV capitalizes on the explosive growth of broadband video, reported by comScore as of March 2006 to reach more than 77 million Americans each month, by harnessing the revolutionary possibilities of broadband for distributing tailored TV to niche audiences.

"Just like their East Coast counterparts, Los Angeles' trendsetters strive to be ahead of the curve," said CODE.TV executive producer Morgan Hertzan. "Not only does CODE.TV provide them with access to the most exclusive things to eat, buy, see and do, it does so with video and enables them to know the places, and the people behind them, in a much deeper, more visual way."

"Young, wealthy New Yorkers have a new guide to spend their money: CODE.TV." Brandweek

"CODE.TV Brings Young Hollywood to You. To up your chances of running into Paris, Lindsay or Mischa, log on to CODE.TV for the latest in the coolest hotspots." TMZ.com.

Code Networks CEO Joseph Varet said, "CODE.TV was created to connect with affluent Americans under the age of fifty, with all-original programming that's uniquely relevant to them. This is arguably the world's most desirable audience, yet they have never before had their own TV network. For the first time, broadband technology allows us to serve this incredibly valuable super-niche audience with high-quality video programming. There are hundreds of magazines, websites, and email newsletters where you can read about new luxury lifestyle destinations, but it's far more compelling to experience them first-hand through our entertaining and informative video profiles."

About CODE.TV Founders:

Joseph Varet, CEO, was most recently responsible for all aspects of business development and strategic planning for new television and broadband networks at MTV. Among the channels that Joseph developed are MTV World (a suite of subscription foreign-language music video channels for bicultural US audiences) and a forthcoming culture/lifestyle broadband network. Joseph also created and launched the MTV Games videogame studio. Previously, Joseph was CEO of The Groove Alliance, a publisher of branded online videogames for Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Microsoft, Mars, FedEx, Michelob, and others. He has also worked in strategy and new venture development at Fox Television and digital media agency KPE. A native New Yorker, Joseph received a BA degree from Harvard College and a MBA from Columbia Business School. Joseph serves on the Board of Directors of The Northside Center for Child Development and the Contemporaries Executive Committee of the Whitney Museum.

Morgan Hertzan, Chief Creative Officer/Executive Producer, was most recently Executive Producer for new television and broadband networks at MTV, where he oversaw all aspects of creative development and production for MHD (MTV's high definition music channel), MTV World, MTV Puerto Rico, and MTV 44 1/2 (MTV's permanent video billboard in Time Square). Morgan previously created, launched, and supervised production of mtvU (MTV's college television network), which reaches over 7 million students at 700 US colleges and universities. Prior to joining MTV, Morgan was an Associate Producer at CBS News' "60 Minutes." A native New Yorker, Morgan received a BA in Broadcast Journalism from American University. Morgan serves as Co-Chair of the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Center for Children with Blood Disorders at NYU Medical Center.

About CODE.TV Hosts:

Yaniece Piper Thomas is a successful stylist and fashion designer. She currently works with Tyra Banks on The Tyra Banks Show and America's Next Top Model, in addition to styling various commercial and production shoots. A former model and commercial actress, Yaniece was half of the designing duo behind the Los Angeles based label Liya Cynamone.

Shira Lazar is known for her entertainment reporting and hosting skills in all areas of media including TV, print and radio. She can currently be seen as a correspondent on COURT TV'S entertainment show, HOLLYWOOD HEAT, and as host of PORTABLE VINYL, the all music channel on Verizon VCAST. Shira's love for the world of entertainment and interviewing has also allowed her to break into the print world. She currently writes for The Hollywood Reporter's ABOUT TOWN page, and is a West Coast correspondent for NYC based music magazine, PLANET VERGE.

In addition to CODE.TV, Jonathan Redford hosts Greek to Chic for CBS.com, the Eye's first direct to broadband original program. He also helped kick off DirecTV's CD: USA bringing his music knowledge and passion to the show. As an actor, Jonathan has appeared on numerous television shows including Navy N.C.I.S., C.S.I., Ally McBeal, Jack and Bobby and The Bold and the Beautiful. He recently finished the workshop and two subsequent runs of the new hit musical "Rock of Ages."

Source: Code Networks

CONTACT: Julia Walker of Freud Communications, Inc. for Code Networks,
+1-212-582-0495, julia.walker@freud.com

Web site: http://www.codetv.com/

-------
Profile: intent