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International Entertainment News

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Merlin Media Launches Chicago's Only 24-Hour All-News Station With FM News 101.1

Merlin Media Launches Chicago's Only 24-Hour All-News Station With FM News 101.1

NEW YORK, July 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Merlin Media, a new multiplatform, multimedia company, today launched FM News 101.1 as Chicago's only 24-hour all-news station.

Whenever listeners tune in to Chicago's FM News 101.1 they will experience credible news, jargon-free traffic reports, and accurate weather. Listeners will engage with information from leading experts on subjects such as health, family, career, money, entertainment, beauty and more. The station's terrific content will be accessible through many platforms including online video, social media, mobile, and tablets. Advertisers will become part of a highly effective mix that includes sponsorships, billboards, endorsements, Internet, mobile, tablets, and live reads.

"My favorite format has always been spoken radio," said Randy Michaels, CEO, Merlin Media. "I've long had a nostalgic love affair with the big AM stations known for the format, and today - as music moves to the iPod - it's time for spoken word to move to FM. I'm proud to be part of Chicago's only 24-hour all-news station."

Walter Sabo, COO, Merlin Media added: "Busy adults have told us they need their information on FM, online, and through social media. Our team is prepared to serve them with unparalleled content on every stage."

"We've put together a stellar group of Chicago information news hosts, writers and producers," said Andy Friedman, VP of Programming, Merlin Media. "They will identify precisely the stories our listeners demand."

Assembled by Merlin Media's team of veteran executives who have deep experience in companies like Harpo Productions and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, FM News 101.1's content will be delivered by some of the best talent in the business, including:


-- Mary Ellen Geist is an award-winning broadcast journalist having worked
at ABC and CBS radio stations. Geist's many honors include national and
regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Associated Press Awards for best
newscast, live coverage, investigative reporting, and Reporter of the
Year.
-- Ed Curran is a veteran of Chicago media, having been on-air since the
mid-'70s at WEFA-FM, WGCI-FM, WIND-AM, and WGN-AM, where he worked
alongside Bob Collins and co-hosted "The Al & Ed Show" with Al Lerner.
-- Rob Hart has been a news anchor, reporter, and talk show host over the
course of his career at two famous radio stations - WTMJ in Milwaukee
and WGN in Chicago. He first went on-air as a sophomore at Marquette
University.
-- Dave Williams is an award-winning anchor who has received multiple
Golden Mike and Mark Twain awards as Best News Anchor in a Major Market.
For 20 years at Sacramento's KFBK, he was the highest-rated radio
personality in the city's history.
-- JoAnn Genette has consistently worked in Chicago radio, most recently
hosting her own radio talk show. Her big break was a co-host and news
reporting role with Chicago radio legend Robert Murphy.
-- Monica DeSantis has been in radio for 18 years, most notably as a
morning anchor at WLS-AM and several other Chicago news and sports
stations. The longtime Chicagoan hails originally from Toronto, Canada.
-- Brett Larson is an Emmy® Award winner and one of the nation's most
familiar names in technology and environmental coverage. Larson is a
recognized voice on the radio from coast-to-coast.
-- Charlie Meyerson has delivered the news to the Chicago area for several
decades having spent time at WXRT-FM, WNUA-FM, and ChicagoTribune.com.
Meyerson is the winner of dozens of journalism awards, including a
national UPI award for investigative reporting.
-- Annette Flournoy is a Chicago native, having previously served as the
News Director and afternoon news anchor of WVON-AM. Flournoy has worked
as an award-winning Associate Producer of "Oprah & Friends" with Harpo
Radio.
-- Lise Dominique has worked with some of the best on-air talents in
Chicago radio as a traffic reporter and newsperson on WLUP-AM/FM with
Jonathan Brandmeier, Kevin Matthews, Steve Dahl and Garry Meier, as well
as on WTMX-FM with Ron Britain and Brant Miller.
-- Diana Bodkins is a household name outside of Chicago, having worked as a
morning show producer at WFYR-FM and program director for WLS-AM and
WLS-FM. Bodkins will play a key role as a programmer at FM News 101.1.
-- Scott Miller is a top-rated morning show host who worked as a producer
for Harpo Radio since its inception, most notably for the "Gayle King
Show" on XM radio. He also worked as a producer for WCKG-FM.
-- Debra Dale has been a Chicago radio stalwart for the past 25 years,
having worked for WBBM-AM since 1992 as a traffic reporter and as a news
reporter and anchor. Prior to that, she spent six years with WUSN-FM.
-- Sam Sylk is a radio veteran and Chicago-native, beginning his career on
WKKC-FM in the early '90s. Sylk worked on WGCI-FM as an afternoon host
and in 2009 began working his "Sylky Style" on the afternoon drive shift
on WPWX-FM.
-- Ryan Burrow recently worked as Online National News Producer for the
Tribune Co. and has served as a radio reporter at Clear Channel,
NewsRadio 600 WREC, and WFVA/WBQB. The Chicago native will take his
skill set to the streets as a reporter for FM News 101.1.
-- Jeff McKinney was the news anchor for WCCO-AM in Minneapolis, Minnesota
for nearly 16 years.
-- Guy Bauer worked on Comedy Central's famous "Crank Yankers" and with
Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla on "The Man Show." Bauer became Executive
Producer of Jonathon Brandmeier's morning show on L.A.'s KCBS-FM in
2004, and moved to WLUP-FM/Chicago in 2005. Bauer also hosts "The Guy
Bauer Half Hour," which was featured in Time Magazine.
-- Veronica Carter is known by late-night listeners as a deft news reporter
and weekend anchor on WGN-AM's overnight show. In that capacity, the
California native worked alongside Steve King and Johnnie Putman.
-- Sarah Jersild is a writer, blogger, and podcaster for a number of
well-known online outlets. She was a Senior Producer for Tribune
Broadcasting and will cover entertainment news.
-- Victoria Keelan has spent the last five years on Sirius XM's Cosmo
Radio, bringing audiences the latest and hottest trends in the world of
fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and food on "Cosmo Life with Victoria."
-- Anne Kelly has worked as a reporter for WCIA-TV in Illinois and KFYR-TV
in North Dakota. The young talent will be the northwest suburbs bureau
chief for FM News 101.1.
-- Katherine Kelly will be the western suburbs bureau chief for FM News
101.1. She has worked as a producer and operations manager at Harpo
Radio, and was a morning news anchor and producer for WUSN-FM.
-- Brant Miller spent 15 years as one of Chicago's top DJ's on WLS-AM and
then WLS-FM. In 1989, Miller became a meteorologist with WFLD-TV, later
serving as WMAQ-TV's Chief Meteorologist.
-- Jennifer O'Neill is a Chicago native who began her career in 1999 as a
producer and writer for WBBM-AM.
-- Art Porter is an experienced Chicago radio producer, having worked on
morning shows for WVAZ-FM and WGCI-FM. Porter produced Crazy Howard
McGee's well-known morning show and the "Morning Riot" show.
-- Jill Urchak is a popular Chicago-based news and traffic reporter having
worked on WLS-AM and WLS-FM. She was also a DJ on WABT-FM.
-- Mike Wilson began his career as one of the youngest producers in Chicago
at WLS radio. He comes to FM News 101.1 as a respected news reporter
from WOWO-AM and will now do overnights.


About Merlin Media LLC

Merlin Media LLC (www.merlinmediallc.com) was formed in June 2011 by leading private equity firm GTCR in partnership with Emmis Communications (NasdaqGS: EMMS), a diversified media company, and Randy Michaels for the purpose of acquiring and operating media assets. The company begins with a base of three properties - two in Chicago and one in New York - and intends to develop a combination of media across the country.

Contact for Merlin Media LLCKyle GiuntaMediaLinkO: 646-259-3006M: 845-453-4877kyle@medialinkllc.com

Edward AdlerMediaLinkO: 646-259-3006edadler@medialinkllc.com

SOURCE Merlin Media LLC

Merlin Media LLC

Web Site: http://www.merlinmediallc.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Rentrak Announces Official Box Office Numbers for Weekend of July 29, 2011

Rentrak Announces Official Box Office Numbers for Weekend of July 29, 2011

-- Rentrak's Box Office Essentials® Theatrical Data Collection and Analytical Service is the Source for All Studio Box Office Reporting --

LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Rentrak Corporation(Nasdaq: RENT), today announced the official weekend theatrical box office numbers for the weekend period of July 29, 2011through July 31, 2011 according to the company's Box Office Essentials(TM) theatrical box office data collection and analytical service.

To access the Top-12 grossing motion pictures for the weekend, per data collected as of Sunday, July 31, 2011, please visit RENTRAK.com.

About Box Office Essentials®

Rentrak's Box Office Essentials® and International Box Office Essentials are the theatrical industry's source for comprehensive global box office intelligence. Boasting a footprint that covers 90% of the worldwide theatrical market, Rentrak is able to provide its clients with box office intelligence for 26 countries, streamlined through one unique system. Delivered in near real-time, this data is primarily collected through an electronic connection with thousands of theater box offices, allowing users to view online reports from anywhere around the world, while virtually watching the minute-by-minute sale of tickets. Box Office Essentials® transforms masses of data into a comprehendible view of the market and, as such, is used by every studio as well as many independent distribution entities.

About Rentrak Corporation

Rentrak (NASDAQ: RENT) is a global digital media measurement and research company, serving the most recognizable companies in the entertainment industry. With a reach across numerous platforms including box office, multi-screen television, and home video, Rentrak has developed more efficient metrics to be used as database currencies for the evaluation and selling of media. Rentrak is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional U.S. and international offices. For more information on Rentrak, please visit www.rentrak.com.

RENTO

Rogers & Cowan for Rentrak
Contacts Corporation
Sallie Olmsted Amanda Bialek
(310) 854-8124 (310) 854-8151
solmsted@rogersandcowan.com abialek@rogersandcowan.com

SOURCE Rentrak Corporation

Rentrak Corporation

Web Site: http://www.rentrak.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Saturday, July 30, 2011

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for July 31

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for July 31

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO)

SUNDAY, JULY 31: "THE SHADOW" KNOWS

Profile America -- Sunday, July 31st. Of the many popular programs on radio during its golden age, one symbolizes those years perhaps better than any other. "The Shadow" was heard for the first time on this day 81 years ago. While the famous opening did not appear until several years later, the program and its companion magazine were immediate hits. The last show in the series was heard in 1954. There were 618 radio stations when "The Shadow" premiered in 1930 -- now there are nearly 14,300. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, 391

On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio, pp. 606-609

Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970, p. 796

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2011, t. 1131

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
U.S. Census Bureau

CONTACT: Rick Reed of the U.S. Census Bureau, +1-301-763-2812, fax: +1-301-763-3762, rreed-at-census.gov

Web Site: http://www.census.gov


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International Entertainment News

U2 360 - The Most Successful Tour in History Ends Tonight July 30th in Canada

U2 360 - The Most Successful Tour in History Ends Tonight July 30th in Canada

LOS ANGELES, July 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- U2 360, the most successful concert tour of all time, came to an end in Moncton, N.B., Canada tonight.

The massive 26 month undertaking by Live Nation Global Touring saw U2 play 110 concerts in front of more than 7.1 million fans in 30 countries across five continents.

The tour opened in Barcelona on June 30, 2009 before hitting the road. U2 performed in the Balkans for the first time since 1997 and played three historic home town concerts at Dublin's Croke Park, before heading to California to perform in front of 97,000 fans at the Rose Bowl (and streamed live via YouTube to 7 continents). A second European leg started in August 2010, featuring U2's first appearances in Russia and Turkey - later that year U2 360 headed to Australia and New Zealand with JAY-Z. In 2011, U2 returned to South Africa for the first time since 1998 playing two huge concerts in the World Cup Stadiums of Capetown and Johannesburg. After playing three sold out nights at Estadio Morumbi in Sao Paulo Brazil, U2 360 passed 5 million tickets sold and became the biggest tour of all time. The tour's biggest single audience was 108,800 at Stadium Azteca in Mexico City on May 14th, 2011.

With a revolutionary production, U2 360 caught the imagination of its audience, who nicknamed U2's circular stage the Claw, the Spaceship and when in Houston - the Space Station. USA Today described it as "a four-pronged UFO anchored by a glowing 164-foot pylon and cylindrical LED screens." But whatever it was called, for the Chicago Tribune, "The lights, the songs, the audience all synced up. Sometimes size matters."

Arthur Fogel, Chairman, Global Music & CEO, Global Touring, Live Nation, said, "This tour was a brilliant success on every level and all involved should be extremely proud. U2 once again have set the standard for achievement - perhaps for all time."

"With tonight's final show, U2's 360 tour will go down as the biggest tour ever reported both in terms of box office gross and attendance," says Ray Waddell from Billboard. "This tour is a remarkable feat on a global scale, from its staging and production, to its video elements, all the way to the scaling of the house, routing and execution. Most importantly, U2 rocked mightily all over the world."

U2 360 By Numbers
7,100,000 Fans
10 million People watched a live stream of U2 360 at the Rose Bowl on YouTube
320,000 Fans saw 360 in Mexico City
92,270 Meals fed to working staff and guests
29,000 Tee shirts given to local stagehands
9,760 Guitar strings utilized
7,100 Miles - approximate distance travelled by space station while talking with U2
5,200 Years - collective touring experience of U2 tour personnel
400 Tons - weight of the fully loaded claw
134 Crew members
126 Truck drivers
110 Concerts
53 Gigs attended by a single fan
33 Flemish speaking crew members
30 Countries
12 Bus drivers
11 Babies born to crew
7 Astronauts attended
4 Appreciative Irishmen
2 fairytale crew weddings
1 Singer in surgery
1 World leader released from house arrest during tour

www.U2.com

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment is the world's leading live entertainment and eCommerce company, comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Front Line Management Group and Live Nation Network. Ticketmaster.com is the global event ticketing leader and one of the world's top five eCommerce sites, with over 26 million monthly unique visitors. Live Nation Concerts produces over 20,000 shows annually for more than 2,000 artists globally. Front Line is the world's top artist management company, representing over 250 artists. These businesses power Live Nation Network, the leading provider of entertainment marketing solutions, enabling over 800 advertisers to tap into the 200 million consumers Live Nation delivers annually through its live event and digital platforms. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors.

SOURCE Live Nation

Live Nation

CONTACT: Liz Morentin of Live Nation, +1-310-975-6860, lizmorentin@livenation.com

Web Site: http://www.livenation.com


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International Entertainment News

Friday, July 29, 2011

L.A.-Based Dance Artist Frankie's Breakout Hit Goes 'Animal' Across the Pond, Debuting at #12 on Music Week's Commercial Pop Club Chart in the UK

L.A.-Based Dance Artist Frankie's Breakout Hit Goes 'Animal' Across the Pond, Debuting at #12 on Music Week's Commercial Pop Club Chart in the UK

LOS ANGELES, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- L.A.-based dance artist Frankie's infectious debut track is already going wild and crazy like an "Animal" in the UK, gearing up to rattle even more cages in the dance world upon its impending release in the U.S. in September.

The track, whose original version appeared on pop/R&B singer Kat DeLuna's 2007 album, 9 Lives, and Co-written by RedOne of Lady Gaga fame, has done the unthinkable for a new indie artist, debuting at #12 on Music Week's Commercial Pop Club Chart in the UK.

Co-produced by Frankie and Anthony Mazza (Christina Aguilera, Nate Dogg, Barracuda, Slumber Party Girls) "Animal"--whose package of remixes is spearheaded by the Superstylers Club Mix--is in good company on the charts with Beyonce, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Mazza has stated, ""Frankie is a complete singer, songwriter and performer. Her attention to detail in her songs is unheard of with most artists nowadays."

"To debut that high and be so well received is a great honor for me," says Frankie. "Even more exciting, I know that this is just the beginning of a career that will include many more successful releases in the future."

Frankie's fascination for all things dance came from her ten years as a runway model, doing shows everywhere from Miami to Milan. While she was classically trained starting at the age of 4, and has sung everything from adult contemporary pop to jazz, it was the energy of the dance/electronica vibe accompanying her on the runway and in the after hour clubs that piqued her ears - and sparked her musical ambitions. She became a huge fan of DJ's John Digweed and Sasha, electronica artist DJ Tiesto and trance artist Armin Van Buuren. Her current inspirations include French house producer David Guetta and Kaskade.

"Animal" is released on Dauman Music, distributed by Republic Digital/Universal.

http://www.frankielive.com

http://myppk.com/get/frankie

SOURCE Dauman Music

Dauman Music

CONTACT: Frankie Marrow, +1-323-229-4338, frankiemanagement@gmail.com

Web Site: http://www.frankielive.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

MUSE/IQUE Mashes it Up at Debut Concert Under the Stars

MUSE/IQUE Mashes it Up at Debut Concert Under the Stars

Rachael Worby opens a new "Orchestra for the iPod Generation" in a program featuring guest soprano Jessye Norman, Caltech physicist Julia Greer, Actress Angela Bassett and everything from Boxer to Thriller.

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

A Caltech physicist rapping on nanomechanics while
performing a Bach partita on the piano? Michael Jackson's
Thriller sharing the stage with legendary soprano Jessye
Norman? The world premieres of new works by multi-award-
winning Pasadena-based composer Peter Knell and the very
young, very-evolving Ben Lear, alongside the best of Monk,
WHAT: Gershwin, Ellington?

No, it's not your average classical music concert. But then
again, Rachael Worby isn't your average conductor. And her
new orchestra, MUSE/IQUE, is the opposite of average: a
bold experiment in unconventionality that she calls "the
orchestra of the future - the 2.0 version."

WHEN: Saturday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m
(TV Crews need to arrive at 7:15 to set-up, however there
is no filming until 8:40pm)
8:40pm: Angela Bassett will appear onstage to honor Jessye
Norman with a poem by Maya Angelou "I know Why the Caged
Bird Sings"
8:50pm: Miss Norman will sing "You'll Never Walk Alone"
followed by "Amazing Grace".
9:00pm: Talk-Show Host Tavis Smiley will make an onstage
presentation to Miss Norman.

WHERE: Caltech's Beckman Mall
332 S. Michigan Ave.
Pasadena CA 91106

WHO: Actors Ed Harris, Angela Bassett, Wendy Malick

MEDIA ALERT/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Vanessa Butler, 213-446-0774
Vanessa.Butler@sbcglobal.net

/PRNewswire/ -- July, 29, 2011/

SOURCE MUSE/IQUE

MUSE/IQUE


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

MegaTV and ESPN Deportes Secure Multimedia Agreement

MegaTV and ESPN Deportes Secure Multimedia Agreement

- Agreement aligns MegaTV with ESPN Deportes content across multiple platforms -

MIAMI, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MegaTV, part of Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS-NASDAQ: SBSAD) and ESPN Deportes, the leading multimedia, Spanish-language sports brand dedicated to providing the widest variety of sports to the U.S. Hispanic sports fan via television, radio, online, print, and wireless, announced today a strategic alliance that will complement their shared commitment to connect and serve the U.S. Hispanic audience across multiple platforms. The alliance between the networks will be highlighted with the launch of four hours of original programming under the new sports block, "Clasicos de ESPN Deportes," exclusively on MegaTV.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/CL44370LOGO )

The alliance rolled out last weekend on MegaTV, airing unparalleled sports content from ESPN Deportes, including World Class Boxing Cards, X-Games, Action Sports, Perfiles - investigative Anthologies of the great names in sports, and Mixed Martial Arts. "Clasicos de ESPN Deportes" airs on MegaTV, Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

In addition, ESPN Deportes will produce two daily one minute briefs featuring culturally relevant sports news that will air across all SBS Radio Stations in Miami, New York, Chicago, and Puerto Rico. SBS Interactive and SBS Entertainment divisions will also be a key component in the new affiliation inter-changing sports information for our 21 entertainment web sites, as well as, a number of high-profile concerts throughout the year, where sports personalities and celebrities can also participate.

"Within the critical mass of U.S. Hispanics, there is a deep enthusiasm and loyalty to entertainment & sports. This compelling opportunity is the driving force behind an ambitious alliance that will compliment that cultural passion across television, radio, online, and out-of-home events. With the 2010 U.S. Census Report as a compass, an SBS-MegaTV and ESPN Deportes affiliation makes smart, tactical sense for growth. We're thrilled," stated Albert Rodriguez, Chief Revenue Officer of SBS's consolidated operations, Executive Vice President and General Manager of MegaTV.

"We are pleased to join forces with Spanish Broadcasting System," said Lino Garcia, General Manager, ESPN Deportes. "This agreement is a unique opportunity to connect with more fans while reinforcing our common commitment with SBS: serving the growing Spanish-language audience across platforms."

"The launch of 'Clasicos de ESPN Deportes' on MegaTV marks the first Spanish-language entertainment television network to designate a programming block dedicated exclusively to quality sports programming for Hispanic sports fans, reinforcing Mega's commitment to bring their viewers the highest quality programming in every genre," added Jose R. Perez, VP of Programming for SBS MegaTV.

This Saturday, July 30th "Clasicos de ESPN Deportes" will feature the 10th Edition of "Billabong Big Wave Challenge" from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m., followed by "ESPN Perfiles: Gabriela Sabatini", and "ESPN Perfiles: Ronaldihno Gaucho" from 7 p.m.- 8 p.m., and later "Big Fights: Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Gene Fulmer" and "Big Fights: Joe Frazier vs. Oscar Bonavena" from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where to find MegaTV

MegaTV: channel 22 in Miami, channel 57 West Palm Beach, channel 33.2 Fresno, CA, channel 48.2 in New York, NY, Channel 23 Salt Lake City, UT, channel 405 DIRECTV in the main cities in the USA and Puerto Rico, and channel 3008 on AT&T U-verse in the main cities in the USA.

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is the largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment company in the United States. SBS owns and/or operates 21 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Tropical, Mexican Regional, Spanish Adult Contemporary and Hurban format genres. SBS has 3 of the top 6 Spanish-language stations in the nation including the #1 Spanish station in America, WSKQ-FM in New York City (WPAT is ranked #3 and KLAX is ranked #6). The Company also owns and operates MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events throughout the country and operates LaMusica.com, a bilingual Spanish-English online site providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. The Company's corporate Web site can be accessed at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these expectations, and the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements made by the Company. From time to time, these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About ESPN DEPORTES

ESPN Deportes is ESPN's multimedia, Spanish-language sports brand dedicated to providing the widest variety of sports to the U.S. Hispanic sports fan via television, radio, online, print, and wireless. Sports media assets include ESPN Deportes television which offers unparalleled Spanish-language sports programming, featuring more than 2,500 live and/or original hours of sports programming presented annually; ESPN Deportes Radio, the only around-the-clock national Spanish-language sports radio network in the U.S.; ESPNDeportes.com, the #1 Spanish-language sports Web site among Spanish-preferred fans in the U.S.; ESPN Deportes La Revista, the first general sports Spanish-language magazine in the U.S.; and ESPN Deportes Mobile, the brand's emerging business which offers Spanish-language sports content to fans via wireless devices

Media contact:

Spanish Broadcasting System:

Vladimir Gomez at 305-644-4800 or vgomez@mega.tv

Brainerd Communicators, Inc.:

Brad Edwards at (212) 986-6667

ESPN Deportes

Gabriela Nunez at 212-456-6392 or Gabriela.nunez@espn.com

SOURCE MegaTV

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/CL44370LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
MegaTV


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Reports on 9/11 for Kids Too Young to Remember, in "What Happened?: The Story of September 11, 2001," Airing Sept. 1 at 9 P.M. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon

Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Reports on 9/11 for Kids Too Young to Remember, in "What Happened?: The Story of September 11, 2001," Airing Sept. 1 at 9 P.M. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon

Special Report as 10th Anniversary Approaches Features Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer; Former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Juliette Kayyem; Chairman of the 9/11 Commission Tom Kean; and Television Journalist Aaron Brown

Nickelodeon and American Psychological Association (APA) Create Companion Discussion Guide for Adults, Educators and Caregivers to Address 9/11 with Kids

NEW YORK, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Most kids today don't have first-hand recollections of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, because they were too young, or weren't born yet. For many of them, there is confusion about what happened, and why. As the 10th anniversary of the attacks approaches, Nick News with Linda Ellerbee will give kids their own forum to talk about the events of that day, address some of their misconceptions and answer their questions, in "What Happened?: The Story of September 11, 2001," premiering Thursday, Sept. 1, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) onNickelodeon. The special will air commercial-free and is being complemented with an online discussion guide for parents, educators and caregivers, specially created through a partnership between Nickelodeon and the American Psychological Association (APA).

"As Nick News has done for the last 20 years, we will explain what happened in clear, simple terms," said Ellerbee. "No matter what the subject or issue, we have always tried to follow the same principles: ignorance is not bliss; ignorance is dangerous. And wherever you see bad stuff happening, you see good people trying to make it better."

As a complement to the special, and to help parents, educators and caregivers talk to kids about the difficult emotions and feelings that may arise as attention to the anniversary grows, Nickelodeon has partnered with the APA to create a discussion guide to help address 9/11 with kids ages 6 to 14 in a factual and sensitive manner. Written by Robin H. Gurwitch, PhD, a Professor and Program Coordinator of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center on behalf of the APA, the resource will give parents and educators tips on: recognizing a child's worries or other anxieties in reaction to 9/11; recognizing what is normal in terms of such worries; and how to help children cope. The guide will be available on TheBigHelp.com, Nick's prosocial online hub; Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect.com, the network's online resource for parenting advice and community; the APA's homepage (www.apa.org). The APA has also invited its members to host screenings and share the curriculum materials with parents and educators in their local communities.

According to original Nickelodeon research on the significance of 9/11 to the Millennial generation (ages 8-27), 92% of kids as young as ages 8-11 are aware of the importance of that day's events. However, as Ellerbee and Nick News learned from kids they spoke to, there are varying ideas and beliefs about what actually transpired: "I heard that on 9/11, 500 planes disappeared into the air"; I think they might have smuggled bombs into the planes"; and "I heard some people say they think 9/11 never happened."

To help address these misconceptions, "What Happened?: The Story of September 11, 2001," tells the story of that day and features first-hand accounts from young adults who were kids at the time, including: Lucas, 10 years old when he watched the Towers fall, one block away from his home; Magee, 11 when she ran from debris andwasevacuated from her home five blocks away from the World Trade Center; Alexis, 7 when her father, a NYFD paramedic, was one of the first responders; Sarah, 14 when her sister was a passenger on hijacked United Airlines Flight 93; and Jaimie, 7 years old when he was in the second-grade classroom where President Bush was first told of the attacks.

Nick News also assembles experts to take on kids' questions about 9/11 and its aftermath. Tackling kids' queries about who was responsible and their motives, sentiment toward Muslims in America since the attacks and the significance of Osama Bin Laden's death, among others, are: Aaron Brown, principle anchor for CNN's original Sept. 11, 2001, coverage; Ari Fleischer, former White House Press Secretary under President George Bush; Juliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security; Tom Kean, Chairman of the 9/11 Commission; Akbar Ahmed, American University's Chair of Islamic Studies; and Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown University Professor and author of Inside Terrorism.

As the show's coda, Nick News has created a montage of cards and letters written by kids following the 2001 attacks, displaying, as Ellerbee notes, "under the most horrific circumstances, the triumph of the human spirit." In 2001, Nick News aired a 9/11 special report and PSA in which Ellerbee asked kids to write letters of thanks and support to firefighters, police and rescue workers at Ground Zero, and Nickelodeon would deliver them. The network was inundated with letters from kids across the country, and more than 40,000 letters ultimately arrived and were distributed.

Nick News, produced by Lucky Duck Productions, marks its 20th year on the air in 2011 and is the longest-running kids' news show in television history. It has built its reputation on the respectful and direct way it speaks to kids about the important issues of the day. Over the years, Nick News has received more than 20 Emmy nominations and won its eighth Emmy Award in 2010 for The Face of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer for Outstanding Children's Nonfiction Program. Additional Emmy wins for outstanding children's programming include: Coming Home: When Parents Return from War (2009); The Untouchable Kids of India (2008); Private Worlds: Kids and Autism (2007); Never Again: From the Holocaust to the Sudan (2005); Faces of Hope: The Kids of Afghanistan (2002) and What Are You Staring At? (1998). In addition, in 1995, the entire series won the Emmy.

In 2009, Nick News was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for best Network News Documentary for Coming Home: When Parents Return from War -- the first-ever kids' television program to receive this prestigious award. Nick News has also received three Peabody Awards, including a personal award given to Ellerbee for explaining the impeachment of President Clinton to kids, as well as a Columbia duPont Award and more than a dozen Parents' Choice Awards.

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon

CONTACT: Maria Poulos, +1-212-846-6283, Maria.Poulos@nick.com, or Jodi Davis, +1-212-846-5981, Jodi.Davis@nick.com

Web Site: http://www.nick.com


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International Entertainment News

Nickelodeon Greenlights Third Season of Newest Animated Hit, T.U.F.F. Puppy

Nickelodeon Greenlights Third Season of Newest Animated Hit, T.U.F.F. Puppy

20 New Episodes from Creator and Hit-Maker Butch Hartman to Roll Out in 2012

BURBANK, Calif., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon, the number-one kids' brand and largest producer of television animation in the world, has picked up a third season of T.U.F.F. Puppy, the newest hit animated series from Nicktoon hit-maker Butch Hartman (The Fairly OddParents), it was announced today by Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. The network is adding 20 episodes to the series, bringing the total number to 60. T.U.F.F. Puppy, starring iCarly's Jerry Trainor as Dudley, currently ranks as the number-two animated program with kids 2-11, only behind SpongeBob SquarePants.

"Currently our second highest rated animated series, T.U.F.F. Puppy has been a huge success on Saturday mornings right out of the gate, which is no surprise coming from the incredibly talented Butch Hartman, the only creator at Nick with three shows under his belt -- The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom and now T.U.F.F. Puppy," said Johnson. "The show is laugh-out-loud funny in no small part due to iCarly's Jerry Trainor, who brings his incredible comedic sensibility to the role."

"I am truly thrilled to be able to make a brand-new litter of T.U.F.F. Puppy episodes," said Butch Hartman. "I love working on the show and I'm looking forward to expanding the world of Dudley Puppy with more villains, more gadgets, and even some surprises from Dudley and Kitty's past."

A hit since its October 2010 premiere, T.U.F.F. Puppy ranks as the number-two animated program on television with kids 2-11 (behind only SpongeBob SquarePants) year to date. The series currently averages 3.6 million total viewers (source: Nielsen Media Research, Live + 7 Day data 12/27/10-6/19/11, Live + Same Day data thru 7/3/11).

T.U.F.F. Puppy will be launching internationally on Nickelodeon Australia later this month with all other international channels premiering the series in August.

T.U.F.F. Puppy follows Dudley Puppy (voiced by iCarly's Jerry Trainor), a gung-ho, dim-witted dog who finds himself accidentally thrust into the role of secret agent when he's recruited by the super-secret, crime-fighting organization, T.U.F.F. (Turbo Undercover Fighting Force). He partners with Kitty Katswell, a feline superspy who is an amazing kung-fu and weapons expert. Naturally, they don't get along, but together they protect their hometown of Petropolis and the rest of the world against the evil animal organization, D.O.O.M. (Diabolical Order of Mayhem).

In addition to Trainor as Dudley, the T.U.F.F. Puppy cast features Grey DeLisle (The Fairly OddParents) as Kitty Katswell, Jeff Bennett (The Penguins of Madagascar) as Keswick, Daran Norris (The Fairly OddParents) as Chief and Matthew Taylor (Open Season) as Snaptrap.

Butch Hartman began his animation career as an assistant animator on An American Tail. He directed cartoons and created his own shorts for What a Cartoon!, and also wrote and directed episodes of Dexter's Laboratory, Cow & Chicken and Johnny Bravo. Hartman joined Nickelodeon in 1998 where he created and produced several cartoon shorts for the Oh Yeah! Cartoons series, including the Emmy Award-winning The Fairly OddParents, which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year with a live-action/CG animated movie A Fairly Odd Movie, Grow Up Timmy Turner! that premiered on July 9. Hartman also created Nickelodeon's Danny Phantom and is the only creator in Nickelodeon's history who has had three hit animated shows on the network.

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon

CONTACT: Nicole Parker, Nickelodeon/LA, +1-818-736-3613, Nicole.Parker@nick.com, or Adriana Lemus, Nickelodeon/LA, +1-818-736-3431, Adriana.Lemus@nick.com

Web Site: http://www.nick.com


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International Entertainment News

"How You Doin'?" Catch Up With Nick at Nite's Newest Family of Friends as the Acclaimed Series Launches on Sept. 5 With a Week-Long "Best of Friends" Marathon

"How You Doin'?" Catch Up With Nick at Nite's Newest Family of Friends as the Acclaimed Series Launches on Sept. 5 With a Week-Long "Best of Friends" Marathon

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon welcomes Friends, the sitcom that introduced the world to Central Perk, "The Rachel" and being "on a break," to the Nick at Nite line-up of modern-day comedies. The 236-episode catalogue kicks off with a 10-hour marathon each weeknight, beginning Monday, Sept. 5, through Sunday, Sept. 11, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (all times ET/PT). The series will regularly air weeknights from 10-11 p.m. with two back-to-back episodes.

"The camaraderie and laugh-out-loud comedy of Friends make it a great addition to Nick at Nite's roster," said Pete Danielsen, Executive Vice President, Programming, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. "We're excited to be offering a contemporary spin on this iconic series by encouraging fans to share their favorite Friends episodes on Facebook. Who doesn't remember the first time Ross and Rachel kissed, Phoebe singing 'Smelly Cat' or Joey and Chandler's dueling recliners?"

Nick at Nite's "Best of Friends" marathon will highlight a different cast member each night of the week with themed episodes centering on either Rachel, Ross, Joey, Phoebe, Chandler or Monica. Throughout the week, Facebook friends of Friends will be able to vote for their favorite episodes on the official Facebook TV show page, which will culminate with their top ten picks airing on Sunday, Sept. 11 beginning at 8 p.m.

Friends, an ensemble comedy that made Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow household names, follows six friends as they navigate their way through life in New York City and adulthood as they inch toward their thirties. Often hilarious and frequently moving, the series, which ran for 10 seasons on NBC (from 1994 to 2004), addresses universal themes like falling in - or out of - love, launching a career and dealing with (as well as becoming) parents. The critically acclaimed series was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman and received six Primetime Emmy Awards.

Nick at Nite is Nickelodeon's nighttime programming block that features popular modern-day family comedies, including George Lopez, My Wife and Kids, The Nanny, and several other iconic television comedies.Year to date, Nick at Nite ranks as the number-one cable network in total day among women 18-49, averaging a 0.7/380,000 and 1.4 million total viewers (Source: Nielsen Media Research, Live + 7 Day data thru 6/26/11, Live + Same Day data thru 7/10/11, Mon-Sun 6a-6a, all cable).

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon

CONTACT: Ariana Urbont, +1-310-752-8079, Ariana.Urbont@nick.com, or Jodi Davis, +1-212-846-5981, Jodi.Davis@nick.com

Web Site: http://www.nickatnite.com


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International Entertainment News

It's a Musical "Jolly Holiday" as Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix Bring Harmony and Melodic Fun to First Night of Disney's D23 Expo, August 19-21, 2011

It's a Musical "Jolly Holiday" as Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix Bring Harmony and Melodic Fun to First Night of Disney's D23 Expo, August 19-21, 2011

BURBANK, Calif., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Disney fans attending the first day of Disney's D23 Expo, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, will be able to end their day with an unforgettable evening of harmony provided by Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix. The popular vocal quartet is comprised of legendary television, Broadway, and film star Dick Van Dyke and three renowned west coast musicians--Mike Mendyke, Bryan Chadima and Eric Bradley. The group will appear in concert on Stage 23 at the D23 Expo on Friday, August 19, 2011, at 8:15 p.m.

Songs from Van Dyke's varied entertainment career in addition to many well-known Disney hits and timeless pop standards will be performed by Van Dyke and The Vantastix in a show rich in humor, pure entertainment and sing-along favorites. Much of the show's song roster is based on Put On A Happy Face, the group's inaugural a cappella album, which features 14 well-known tunes. The CD will be available for purchase in the D23 Expo Treasure Trove store.

Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix is the result of a chance meeting of Van Dyke and Mendyke at a Malibu coffee shop in September 2000. With the addition of Chadima and Bradley, the group started "just for fun," gathering weekly for pizza and singing around Van Dyke's piano, and soon built up an impressive repertoire of children's songs and standards.

After their first casual performance during the wrap party for Van Dyke's long-running mystery TV series Diagnosis Murder, the group began to get requests to appear at charity events and benefits. They have performed at the City of Hope Hospital; the Beverly Hilton for the Society of Singers Concert honoring Dame Julie Andrews; the Hollywood Bowl as part of an evening of TV theme songs; and at the awarding of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Rose Marie, who appeared with Van Dyke on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

There have also been television appearances at the TV Land Awards, Larry King Live, and a performance of the National Anthem for the NBA Playoffs and more. The group continues to perform at benefits in the greater Los Angeles area.

"Hard work and planning are important if one wants to get ahead in life," Van Dyke says. "More important is leaving one's self open to the twists and turns, the wonderful surprises that life has to offer. If you can't bend with the wind, go with the flow, you're gonna miss some great adventures. These three guys walked into my life from out of nowhere and turned my Golden Years into pure platinum. We always have a great time performing together, and we're looking forward to appearing at the D23 Expo."

Dick Van Dyke - Van Dyke began his remarkable career more than 50 years ago in a record-pantomime act called The Merry Mutes. He then went on to host several TV shows before starring on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie, for which he received a Tony Award®. The classic sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show came next, then the screen version of Birdie, followed by the classic Disney film musical Mary Poppins, the equally adored movie musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the recent hit Night at the Museum, and a host of other wonderfully entertaining films. Winner of five Emmy Awards®, Van Dyke completed nine seasons of the TV series Diagnosis Murder.

Bryan Chadima - Bryan Chadima is a writer, musical director, arranger, and singer. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Western Michigan University. He has toured nationally and recorded albums with numerous vocal groups and shows including Blind Man's Bluff, Gold Company, Vox Lumiere, and The Three Waiters. His musical directing credits include Klub Kokomo and Baby It's You. Chadima arranges most of the material performed by The Vantastix.

Eric Bradley - Bradley's road to Los Angeles began in Connecticut where he grew up then at the University of Miami, where he studied music, film, and television, and then to Chicago, where he started his career as a vocalist and voice-over actor. Bradley now enjoys a career as a studio singer in LA. His film and TV credits include The Simpsons Movie, Spiderman 3, Blades of Glory, King Kong, Superman Returns, The Polar Express,Enchanted, I Am Legend, How I Met Your Mother, Family Guy, and the Oscars telecast. He also sings with jazz sensation Sixth Wave, the 2001 National Harmony Sweepstakes Champions.

Mike Mendyke - An MIT graduate and former NASA engineer with degrees in aerospace engineering and music, Mendyke believes every vocal group should include at least one rocket scientist. After eight years in the defense industry, he began recording albums and touring the U.S. and Japan with the vocal group Five O'Clock Shadow. A longtime advocate of vocal music, Mendyke is a past board member and former treasurer for The Contemporary A Cappella Society. Mendyke also runs an online marketing business, as well as music distribution services.

Tickets to the D23 Expo are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests.

About D23 Expo 2011

The D23 Expo--The Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and Families--brings the entire world of

Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center, providing guests with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks.

About D23

D23 is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company - the first-ever in its 88-year history. The name "D23" pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. The club gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.Disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the bi-annual D23 Expo.

Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us "DisneyD23" on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Contacts:

Lisa Scalzo
The Walt Disney Company/D23
818-560-3117

SOURCE Disney D23

Disney D23

Web Site: http://www.D23Expo.com


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International Entertainment News

Target Development Group Releases Timeline of Corporate Compliance Issues and Theatrical Releases

Target Development Group Releases Timeline of Corporate Compliance Issues and Theatrical Releases

NEW YORK, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A timeline of corporate filings and theatrical film distribution dates was released today by Target Development Group, Inc. (Pinksheets: TDGI), in response to shareholder inquiries regarding the company's compliance and disclosure requirements. At present, the company's stock shares are listed on the OTC Markets, commonly known as the Pinksheets. In order to be fully compliant with all of the requirements and recommended disclosures for the OTC Markets, the company will be posting additional items over the next few days.

Information that is now ready for release includes: year-end financials for Target Development Group, Inc., as of 12-31-2009; Articles of Incorporation; By-Laws; Amendments / Board Actions affecting the stock float; and the acquisition agreement of Truman Press, Inc., d/b/a Hannover House. In addition, the disclosure report posted on July 8, 2011 has been substantially expanded to include greater detail, additional data, disclosures and information that is recommended, but not required by the OTC Markets. Upon completion of posting of each of these disclosures, an attorney letter from corporate counsel will acknowledge the company's full reporting compliance with the OTC Markets.

All of the company generated reports and filings will be posted within the next few days. The attorney's letter of compliance acknowledgement is anticipated to be posted shortly thereafter.

In addition to matters of corporate filings, the company's entertainment division, Hannover House, provided updates for the release dates of key theatrical titles for the remainder of the year. The romantic comedy, "ALL'S FAIRE IN LOVE" starring Christina Ricci is scheduled to open in theatres on September 30; the award-winning drama "COOK COUNTY" starring Anson Mount will open November 11; the critically praised animation epic from director Jiri Barta, "TOYS IN THE ATTIC" will open December 2 in a venture with Eurocine International; the Russian-thriller, "THE WEATHER STATION" is expected to be released in November; and the Spanish-language, Sundance title, "ASALTO AL CINE" will open August 17 at the NY Latin Film Festival, prior to a roll out to key markets in late October. All other theatrical titles on the company's roster are expected to be released during the first quarter of 2012. The company's release venture with SeaWorld Pictures for "TURTLE: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY" continues to play in theatres across the country, with market expansions scheduled for every weekend through Labor Day.

For More Information Contact: Lauren Sterling, 479-751-4500 / Lauren@HannoverHouse.com

SOURCE Target Development Group, Inc.

Target Development Group, Inc.


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International Entertainment News

Soak Up the Suds in Colorado Beer Country

Soak Up the Suds in Colorado Beer Country

DENVER, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Home to more than 120 established craft breweries, the Great American Beer Festival, and ranked first in gross beer production in the United States, the beer experience in Colorado speaks for itself. Below is a sampling of Colorado's beer offerings across the state.

Beer Festivals and Activities


-- Gnarly Barley (August 6). Featuring two dozen craft breweries, the
Hambone Express (piggy races) and gnarly tunes, this beer festival
welcomes the whole family in Fort Collins. www.GnarlyBarleyBrewfest.com
-- Grand Lake Crews and Brews Fest (August 27) kicks off with a regatta
while local breweries and musicians will be on hand following the race.
www.GrandLakeBrewing.com
-- Brew at the Zoo (September 9). Enjoy Colorado craft brews and good food
in the company of zoo animals at the Denver Zoo's 14th Annual Brew at
the Zoo. www.DenverZoo.org/visitors/events.asp
-- Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival (September 15-18). This
Colorado favorite combines the best brews with the finest in traditional
blues music. www.TellurideBlues.com
-- Steamboat OktoberWest (September 16-18). Celebrate the season in true
Steamboat style with live music, food, Rocky Mountain brews and a
mechanical bull-riding competition.
www.ResortQuestSteamboat.com/steamboat-summer-events/oktoberwest.htm
-- Crested Butte Oktoberfest (September 23-24) at the Crested Butte Brewing
Company's brew house offers activities including a barrel race, dog
costume contest and the award for Best Beer Belly.
www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com/event/oktoberfest


Breweries Ahead of their Class


-- Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons made a name for itself by hand-canning
their Dale's Pale Ale in 2002, starting the "canned-beer-craze."
www.OskarBlues.com
-- New Belgium Brewing is the first wind-powered brewery in the United
States. www.NewBelgium.com
-- Wynkoop Brewing Company pioneered the Colorado craft brewery scene by
becoming the state's first brewpub back in 1988. www.Wynkoop.com
-- Asher Brewing Company produces world-class certified organic beer, while
utilizing environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business
practices. www.AsherBrewing.com
-- AC Golden Brewing Company produces Colorado Native, a beer made with
Colorado ingredients, for Coloradans, and donates 25-cents from every
case of Native sold. www.ColoradoNativeLager.com


Brewery Tours and Activities


-- The MillerCoors Brewery in Golden invites visitors to see and taste
traditional brewing at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
www.MillerCoors.com/golden-brewery-tour.aspx
-- The City of "Brewerly" Love Package includes brewery tours around
Durango's four breweries, beer tasters, transportation and
accommodations.
www.Durango.org/info/specials-and-packages/specials-dato.brewery_tour.sp
ecials_detail_snippet.aspx
-- Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver offers cold ones in their tap
room and daily brewery tours. www.GreatDivide.com
-- Hop to it Brewery Tour takes travelers to 16 breweries in the Southwest
Colorado, highlighting events in each town.
www.SWColoradoHeritage.com/heritage-maps-and-trips/suggested-trips/hop-t
o-it-brewery-tour
-- Breckenridge Brewery one of the most successful craft beer companies in
the nation offers free tours and samplings. www.BreckenridgeBrewery.com
-- Bristol Brewing in Colorado Springs offers free tours with their
brewmaster. www.BristolBrewing.com


Contact: Carly Grimes / 720-289-9366, cgrimes@mmgworldwide.com

SOURCE Colorado Tourism Office

Colorado Tourism Office

Web Site: http://www.COLORADO.com


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International Entertainment News

America's Best "Inks" Deal With Discovery Communications to be Exclusive National Retailer of LA Ink Designer Frames

America's Best "Inks" Deal With Discovery Communications to be Exclusive National Retailer of LA Ink Designer Frames

-- Designs inspired by tattoo artist and star of TLC's LA Ink, Kat Von D --

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses announced today it will partner with Discovery Communications, parent company of the popular TV network TLC, to become the exclusive nationwide retailer for a line of frames inspired by LA Ink star, Kat Von D.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/FL44072 )

Bold yet feminine, the designs are featured on 12 styles of women's frames. Detailed tattoo motifs decorate the sides of each frame.

"We're taking wearable art to a new level," said Erin Durham, Director of Frame Merchandising. "The distinctive designs can accessorize almost any outfit, adding personality with a bit of edge."

"We are excited to add eyewear to our line of LA Ink fashion which already includes t-shirts, headwear, sleepwear and more," said Elizabeth Bakacs, Vice President, TLC Licensing. "Our fans will be able to capture the self-expression and artistry of the LA Ink lifestyle to make their own fashion statement."

America's Best has over 300 stores in 28 U.S. states. To find the store nearest you, visit www.twopair.com.

About TLC

TLC is a global brand that celebrates extraordinary people and relatable life moments through innovative nonfiction programming. A top 10 cable network for women, TLC has built successful franchises around the Cake Boss, Say Yes to the Dress and Police Women brands. In 2010, 31 series averaged 1.0 million viewers or more including Sister Wives, Kate Plus 8, 19 Kids and Counting, LA Ink, and What Not To Wear.

TLC is available in more than 99 million homes in the US, and 73 million households in 34 countries internationally. A destination online, TLC.com offers in-depth fan sites, exclusive video content, and original editorial covering style, home, food, and more. Fans can also interact with TLC via On Demand services, on mobile platforms, including an iPhone App, and through social media such as Facebook or @TLC on Twitter. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 210 countries and territories.

SOURCE America's Best

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/FL44072
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
America's Best

CONTACT: Pam Bisikirski, +1-770-822-4252, Pam.Bisikirski@nationalvision.com

Web Site: http://www.twopair.com


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International Entertainment News

American Idol Contestant Lacey Brown and Others Will Perform at The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City Grand Opening

American Idol Contestant Lacey Brown and Others Will Perform at The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City Grand Opening

OKLAHOMA CITY, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City welcomes American Idol contestant Lacey Brown to Oklahoma City to perform for shoppers on Sunday, August 7 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/DE44119)

After finishing as a Top 12 finalist on American Idol in February 2010, Lacey Brown has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Today Show, Wendy Williams, Access Hollywood and E! She released her debut EP "Let It Go" in 2011 as an independent release. With her first album, she is looking to inspire her audience to think about things in a simpler way.

Shoppers will be able to enjoy Tax Free Shopping and a variety of live entertainment during the Grand Opening Weekend including Meet and Greet with Marvel Comic's Captain America and Spiderman, Voler Thieves of Flight Aerial and Acrobatic Performance, Kristen Stehr Band, musician Jamie Bramble, Dynamo Gymnastics demonstrations, face painters, mascot visits from Rumble, Boomer & Sooner, and the OKC RedHawks, a caricature artist, Salsa dancers from Clips 'n Hips and more.

Special hours for the Grand Opening weekend will be Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 at 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, August 7 at Noon - 6 p.m. The Outlet Shoppes in Oklahoma City is located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Council Road.

The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City is a joint venture of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. and Horizon Group Properties.

About CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.

CBL is one of the largest and most active owners and developers of malls and shopping centers in the United States. CBL owns, holds interests in or manages 157 properties, including 85 regional malls/open-air centers. The properties are located in 26 states and total 84.9 million square feet including 3.4 million square feet of non-owned shopping centers managed for third parties. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, CBL has regional offices in Boston (Waltham), MA, Dallas (Irving), TX, and St. Louis, MO. Additional information can be found at cblproperties.com.

About Horizon Group Properties

Based in Muskegon, Michigan, Horizon Group Properties, Inc. is a national owner and developer of factory outlet shopping centers and is the developer of a master planned community in suburban Chicago.

SOURCE The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110729/DE44119
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City

CONTACT: Gina Slechta, SCMD, Vice President of Marketing, +1-402-991-0875, marketing@horizongroup.com

Web Site: http://www.cblproperties.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Investigation Discovery's DARK MINDS Explores Unsolved Serial Homicides Using a Secret Source - A Convicted Serial Killer Known Only as "13"

Investigation Discovery's DARK MINDS Explores Unsolved Serial Homicides Using a Secret Source - A Convicted Serial Killer Known Only as "13"

- True Crime Author M. William Phelps and Criminal Profiler John Kelly Build Comprehensive Profiles of Suspected Serial Killers in an Effort to Provide Law Enforcement with Critical Leads -

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In Investigation Discovery's new series DARK MINDS (wt), non-fiction crime author M. William Phelps and criminal profiler John Kelly revisit unsolved homicides believed to be the work of serial killers. Joining them in the hunt for answers is an unlikely and anonymous source: a convict serving multiple life sentences for a series of murders. Known only to audiences as "13," the source offers his "expert opinion" about potential motivations behind these chilling cold cases, using his own personal experience to formulate theories. Featuring crimes that echo the horrors of the infamous Green River Serial Killer, The Hillside Strangler and the BTK Killer, DARK MINDS (wt) brings fresh eyes to unsolved serial killer investigations using the combined instincts of three unique perspectives. The eight-part series, DARK MINDS (wt) will debut on Investigation Discovery in January 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101103/PH94271LOGO )

M. William Phelps is a best-selling author, crime expert and investigative journalist who has published 20 non-fiction books ranging in subject from female murderers to America's first spy. In 1996, he lost his sister-in-law, who was five months pregnant, to a suspected serial killer, fueling his passion to hunt for answers in other such cases. Phelps' partner throughout DARK MINDS (wt) is one of today's preeminent serial killer profilers, John Kelly. As the founder of S.T.A.L.K. Inc. (System To Apprehend Lethal Killers), Kelly aids law enforcement in the pursuit of murderers through a comprehensive profiling process. It was through S.T.A.L.K. that Kelly first enlisted the help of "13" to build criminal profiles. In DARK MINDS (wt), "13's" voice and identity will be disguised as he provides helpful information that Kelly and Phelps can use as they build a portrait of the people responsible for these crimes.

"DARK MINDS (wt) is reminiscent of a real-life Silence of the Lambs and is the latest example of ID pushing its storytelling techniques. At the same time, DARK MINDS (wt) will hopefully provide valuable information to law enforcement officers investigating these unsolved crimes," said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. "We hope that by identifying the common links that connect these crimes and victims, DARK MINDS (wt) will ultimately build theories that will jog the public's memories and encourage viewers to bring forward new leads."

Cases slated to be profiled in DARK MINDS (wt) include:


-- The Valley Killer: Connecticut River Valley in New Hampshire and Vermont
with seven female victims
-- The Eastbound Strangler: Atlantic City, NJ with four female victims
-- The Double Initial Murders: Rochester, NY with three child victims aged
10-12 years
-- The Woodsman: Worcester, MA and York, ME with five female victims
-- The Babysitter Killer: Detroit with four child victims aged 10-12 years
-- The Jefferson Davis Parish Murders: Jefferson Davis Parish, LA with
eight female victims
-- The Elderly Serial Murders: Columbus, MS with five victims over the age
of 61
-- Ned Snelgrove Murders: Newark, NJ with possibly more murders connected
to convicted murderer Ned Snelgrove


DARK MINDS (wt) is produced by Beyond Productions for Investigation Discovery. For Beyond Productions, Geoff Fitzpatrick is executive producer and John Luscombe is executive producer and senior vice president of production. For Investigation Discovery, Jeanie Vink is executive producer, Sara Kozak is vice president of production and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

About Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery (ID) is America's leading investigation network and the fastest-growing network in television. As the source for fact-based analytical content and compelling human stories, ID probes factors that challenge our everyday understanding of culture, society and the human condition. ID delivers the highest-quality programming to more than 77 million U.S. households with viewer favorites that include On the Case with Paula Zahn, Disappeared, Unusual Suspects and Stolen Voices, Buried Secrets. For more information, please visit InvestigationDiscovery.com, facebook.com/InvestigationDiscovery, or twitter.com/DiscoveryID. Investigation Discovery is part of Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories.

SOURCE Investigation Discovery

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101103/PH94271LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Investigation Discovery

CONTACT: David Schaefer, +1-240-662-2954, David_Schaefer@discovery.com

Web Site: http://www.investigationdiscovery.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

New Frontier Media Invites You to Join Its Fiscal 2012 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

New Frontier Media Invites You to Join Its Fiscal 2012 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

BOULDER, Colo., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New Frontier Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOOF) invites you to listen to the presentation of its Fiscal 2012 First Quarter Earnings via teleconference and live over the Internet on August 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101213/MM16977LOGO)

What: Fiscal 2012 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call
When: Friday, August 5th at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
To access webcast, log on to the Company's web site at
www.noof.com --Click on Investor Relations and then
Webcast: Calendar of Events
(877) 941-2332 (To reserve your space on the conference
call, contact Helen Patton of New Frontier Media by
Conference calling 303-444-0900 ext. 2113, or send an email to
Call: hpatton@noof.com)

If you are unable to participate during the conference call or live webcast, the presentation will be archived for twelve months on the Corporate web site, www.noof.com, or available via telephone for seven days by calling 800-406-7325 using the access code 4461510#.

ABOUT NEW FRONTIER MEDIA, INC.

New Frontier Media, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of branded television networks and on-demand programming. The Company delivers transactional adult-themed pay-per-view networks as well as video-on-demand services to cable and satellite operators world-wide. The Company's programming originates from New Frontier Media's state of the art digital broadcast infrastructure in Boulder, Colorado. The Company owns thousands of hours of digital content and partners with studios to bring together a variety of transactional adult entertainment available today.

New Frontier Media's Film Production segment produces original motion pictures that are distributed in the U.S. on premium movie channels, such as Cinemax® and Showtime®, and internationally on similar services. The Film Production segment also develops and produces original event programming that is widely distributed on satellite and cable pay-per-view. Through Lightning Entertainment® Group, this segment also represents the work of a full range of independent film producers in markets around the globe.

The Company is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and its common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "NOOF." For more information about New Frontier Media, Inc., please visit our web site at www.noof.com.

Company Contact:
Grant Williams
Chief Financial Officer
(303) 444-0900 x 2185
gwilliams@noof.com

SOURCE New Frontier Media, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101213/MM16977LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
New Frontier Media, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.noof.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Television Company Belo Corp. (BLC) Elects New Director

Television Company Belo Corp. (BLC) Elects New Director

DALLAS, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Peter A. Altabef as a Class II director of the Company effective July 28, 2011. Altabef's term will expire at Belo's Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2012, when he will be eligible for re-election by shareholders. He will serve on the Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Compensation Committee.

Altabef, 51, served as president of Dell Services from 2009 to 2011. Prior to that, he was president and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Perot Systems, Inc. from 2004 until 2009, when he successfully led the acquisition of Perot Systems by Dell Inc. Under his leadership, Perot Systems expanded its global presence to operate in approximately 25 countries with annual revenue of $2.8 billion. He joined Perot Systems in 1993 and served in various capacities prior to becoming president and Chief Executive Officer, including serving as vice president, secretary and general counsel.

Prior to joining Perot Systems, Altabef was a partner with the Dallas law firm of Hughes and Luce, L.L.P.

Altabef is active on various boards including the Board of Directors of Merit Energy Company, the Associates' Board of Children's Medical Center Dallas, the Board of Trustees of Dallas Children's Theater, and Co-Chairman of the Northwestern University Parents' Fund.

About Belo Corp.

Belo Corp. (BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, owns and operates 20 television stations (nine in the top 25 markets) and their associated Web sites. Belo stations, which include affiliations with ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and the CW, reach more than 14 percent of U.S. television households in 15 highly-attractive markets. Belo stations rank first or second in nearly all of their local markets. Additional information is available at www.belo.com or by contacting Paul Fry, vice president/Investor Relations & Treasury Operations, at 214-977-4465.

SOURCE Belo Corp.

Belo Corp.

Web Site: http://www.belo.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Cowboys & Aliens Fails to Shoot Straight on Smoking with Its Youngest Movie Goers

Cowboys & Aliens Fails to Shoot Straight on Smoking with Its Youngest Movie Goers

Universal Takes One Step Forward, Two Steps Back with Major Smoking Scenes in Youth-Rated Blockbuster, Opening Today

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cowboys & Aliens, released today, will be reaching young theater audiences around the country with images of smoking that could motivate many of them to light up for the first time. Previous research has already confirmed a link between smoking images in movies and youth smoking initiation.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101101/DC86294LOGO)

Universal Studios, spotlighted just two weeks ago in a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report as one of three movie companies that pared smoking in movies rated for youth by 96 percent, released the PG-13 blockbuster today, which features a cowboy hero, portrayed by Daniel Craig, who is seen smoking in key scenes.

"Just weeks ago, we applauded Universal for responding to this problem so responsibly by nearly eliminating tobacco from their G, PG and PG-13 movies," said David Dobbins, Chief Operating Officer of Legacy®, the national public health foundation devoted to youth smoking prevention and adult smoking cessation. "This reversal confirms that without a uniform policy, young people will continue to see images of smoking that can inevitably cause them to smoke. It underscores how critical it is for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to take a much-needed leadership role and adopt a comprehensive policy on smoking by which all studios must abide."

In a July 15, 2011 CDC report,[1] findings revealed that Universal, Disney and Warner Bros., had reduced tobacco incidents per youth-rated movie by 96 percent on average between 2005 and 2010. The data found that three other major studios -- Fox, Sony and Paramount -- had performed remarkably less well (42%).

In order to reduce youth exposure to tobacco imagery and level the playing field for all movie companies, public health groups like Legacy recommended that future movies with smoking be R-rated. The CDC's report earlier this month underscored that point, saying, "Consistent with the effects of anti-tobacco use policies adopted by the three motion picture companies, expanding the R-rating to include movies with smoking could further reduce exposures of young persons to onscreen tobacco incidents, making smoking initiation less likely."

So far in 2011, major Hollywood studios have released at least 15 youth-rated movies with tobacco imagery, all but two with PG-13 ratings: Fox: Monte Carlo, Water for Elephants; Sony: Country Strong, The Green Hornet, Jumping the Broom, Priest, Midnight in Paris; Paramount: Rango (PG); Justin Bieber (G); Universal: Cowboys & Aliens, Hanna, Larry Crowne; Warner Bros.: Sucker Punch, Unknown, The Rite.[2]

Cowboys & Aliens, distributed by Universal (Comcast), was produced by DreamWorks with Reliance (India), Relativity and Imagine Entertainment.[3] It was shot in New Mexico on a reported $100 million budget,[4] with public subsidies.[5]

[1] Glantz S, Mitchell S, Titus K, Polansky JR, Kaufmann R, Bauer U (2011) Smoking in top-grossing movies - United States, 2010. MMWR 60(27);909-913

[2] UCSF CTCRE preliminary analysis of Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! Data (Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails.

[3] IMDbPro.com

[4] http://www.movieinsider.com/m4251/3/cowboys-and-aliens/

[5] http://www.nmfilm.com/filming/downloads/filmographyFiscalYear.pdf

SOURCE Legacy

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101101/DC86294LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Legacy

CONTACT: Julia Cartwright of Legacy, +1-202-454-5596, jcartwright@legacyforhealth.org

Web Site: http://www.legacyforhealth.org/


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

Anne Sweeney Named MIPCOM 2011 Personality of the Year

Anne Sweeney Named MIPCOM 2011 Personality of the Year

Marks the First Time a Female Media Executive Has Been Recipient of the Honour

Disney/ABC Television Group President to Give Keynote Address

3-6 October 2011, Palais des Festivals, Cannes

PARIS, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reed MIDEM has named Anne Sweeney, Disney/ABC Television Group (DATG) President and Disney Media Networks Co-chair, MIPCOM 2011 Personality of the Year, making her the first woman ever to receive the accolade. She will accept the award on Wednesday 5 October, during a gala dinner for industry executives. The 27th annual MIPCOM, the world's entertainment content market, will be held on 3-6 October 2011 at the Palais des Festivals, in Cannes, France.

Anne Sweeney will give a keynote address on Wednesday 5 October, as part of MIPCOM's Media Mastermind series of presentations.

Named the 'Most Powerful Woman in Entertainment' by The Hollywood Reporter, one of the '50 Most Powerful Women in Business' by Fortune and one of 'The World's 100 Most Powerful Women' by Forbes, Anne Sweeney is responsible for The Walt Disney Company's entertainment and news television properties globally.

"We are extremely pleased to honour Anne Sweeney as our MIPCOM 2011 Personality of the Year in recognition of her unparalleled contributions to the global entertainment industry," said Paul Zilk, Chief Executive of Reed MIDEM. "Of special note is her contribution to the expansion of Disney's portfolio of channels, brands and programming worldwide, as well as her visionary leadership in fostering content on emerging digital platforms."

"I am so very honored to be the recipient of MIPCOM's 2011 'Personality of the Year,' said Anne Sweeney. "However the accomplishments which have led to this honor are not mine alone. They are the result of the tireless efforts of so very many talented colleagues. This event will allow me to acknowledge and celebrate everyone on the Disney/ABC Television Group and Disney Media Distribution teams, who not only create some of the most acclaimed and popular programming around the globe, but also continually develop new, innovative distribution methods that meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers."

In 2005, Anne Sweeney led the industry into the digital era when the Disney/ABC Television Group became the first media company to put television content on new platforms. The Group was the first to leverage iTunes, the first to introduce an ad-supported full episode player online and the first to deliver a network video application for the revolutionary iPad. Internationally, the division was responsible in recent years for groundbreaking, advertising-supported VOD deals for network series with a variety of distributors. All were first-ever deals of their kind in their respective markets and helped establish DATG as a leading innovator in the global distribution marketplace.

Anne Sweeney joined the Walt Disney Company in February 1996 as President of Disney Channel and Executive Vice President of Disney/ABC Cable Networks. Previously, she was Chairman and CEO of FX Networks since 1993. Before joining Fox, she spent 12 years at Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, in various executive positions.

Anne Sweeney is active in organisations both within and outside the television industry and is a board member of A&E Television Networks, the Paley Center for Media, the American Institute and the Special Olympics.

ABOUT REED MIDEM

Founded in 1963, Reed MIDEM is a leading organiser of professional, international tradeshows. Reed MIDEM events have established themselves as key dates in professional diaries. The company hosts MIPTV, MIPDOC, MIPCOM, and MIPJUNIOR for the television and digital content industries, MIDEM for music professionals, MIPIM, MIPIM Asia and MAPIC for the property and retail real estate sectors.

Reed Exhibitions is the world's leading events organiser, with over 460 events in 36 countries covering 44 industry sectors. In 2010 Reed brought together over seven million active event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organised by 34 fully staffed offices.

ABOUT DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION GROUP

The Disney/ABC Television Group's is composed of The Walt Disney Company's (NYSE: DIS) global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, as well as radio and publishing businesses. This includes the ABC Television Network, ABC Owned Television Stations Group, ABC Studios, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family and SOAPnet, as well as Disney/ABC Domestic Television and Disney Media Distribution. The Radio Disney network, Hyperion publishing, and the Company's equity interest in A&E Television Networks round out the Group's portfolio of media businesses

SOURCE Reed MIDEM

Reed MIDEM

CONTACT: Reed MIDEM: Jane GARTON, Press Director, +33(0)1-41-90-44-39, jane.garton@reedmidem.com, or Philippe LE GALL, Press Events Manager, +33(0)1-41-90-46-48, philippe.legall@reedmidem.com, or Jean LARMOYER, Press Officer, +33(0)1-41-90-49 95, jean.larmoyer@reedmidem.com; or Disney/ ABC Television Group (DATG): Kevin BROCKMAN, Executive Vice President, Global Communications, +1-818-460-6655, Kevin.m.brockman@disney.com, or Karen HOBSON, Vice President, Global Distribution, Research and Digital Media Communications, +1-818-569-7789, Karen.hobson@disney.com


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Profile: intent

International Entertainment News

McDonald's Goes Blue This Summer With Launch of "The Smurfs®"

McDonald's Goes Blue This Summer With Launch of "The Smurfs®"

New Global Happy Meal Program Encourages Kids and Families to "Be a Friend of the Planet" and Focuses on the Great Taste of Fruits and Vegetables

OAK BROOK, Ill., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's invites kids and families around the world to go Smurfy blue this summer with the launch of The Smurfs®, Happy Meal promotion. Celebrating today's release of The Smurfs®, Columbia Pictures' and Sony Pictures Animation's highly anticipated 3-D family comedy, the worldwide Happy Meal program promotes the importance of good environmental stewardship and family togetherness. The Happy Meal fun, which focuses on the great taste and appeal of fruits and vegetables, kicked off at participating McDonald's restaurants in Latin America on July 14 and in North America today, rolling out around the world through November.

"McDonald's is committed to playing a positive role in children's well-being," said Kevin Newell, executive vice president and global chief brand officer, McDonald's. "The Smurfs Happy Meal program delivers great quality food choices, fun toys and engaging digital content that reinforces important environmental messages."

"By working together with McDonald's, we created a fantastic, fun and ultimately unique program that brings the enchanting world of The Smurfs to millions of people around the globe," said George Leon, executive vice president, Sony Pictures Consumer Marketing. "Our partnership is just one example of how two beloved brands can engage kids and families in new and meaningful ways."

"The Smurfs" Around the World at McDonald's

Smurfs may only be three apples tall, but the legendary blue characters are helping McDonald's make a difference this summer in more than 100 countries around the world. Customers will see a specially created live-action and computer animated global television commercial; in-restaurant Smurf signage and packaging; and social media updates on Facebook and Twitter. The global McDonald's Happy Meal promotion will be brought to life on McDonald's interactive, online experience for kids - Stage M. The action-packed site has been Smurf'd to feature exciting new content that motivates and encourages them to be a friend of the planet. A new music video featuring Smurf characters uses colorful animation and fun tunes to teach kids about the environment. Online components also include kid-friendly activities and games focused on sustainability and augmented reality applications that allow parents and kids to Smurf-ize themselves.

Examples of innovative program extensions include:


-- North America: McDonald's restaurants in North America have teamed up
with national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful (KAB) to invite kids to
"Smurf the Earth" by choosing Apple Dippers in their Happy Meals. Those
Apple Dipper packages feature a digital code and when that code is
entered at HappyMeal.com, McDonald's and KAB will plant a tree (up to
100,000) in needed or devastated areas within national forests across
the country.


"For more than 10 years, McDonald's and Keep America Beautiful have collaborated to keep community and social responsibility at the forefront of McDonald's operations and consumers' minds," said Matthew McKenna, president and CEO, Keep America Beautiful, Inc. "Together with McDonald's 'Smurfs' Happy Meal program, we're helping kids and families across North America easily play a role in improving the world in which they live."

In addition to the digital activation, 16 different Smurf toys in fun poses will be offered in Happy Meals beginning today through August 25.


-- Latin America: McDonald's restaurants will launch a one-of-a-kind Smurfs
augmented reality program that transports kids into the Smurfs' village
with Papa Smurf and all his pals. Augmented reality imagery will be
printed on Happy Meal boxes and in-restaurant menu board displays
featuring animated "Smurfs" footage, which also will connect customers
with the movie experience. "Clumsy" carrot bags will have fun themed
packaging to encourage kids to choose these items.
-- Brazil: The program will showcase the fun personalities of the
Smurfs with plush toys followed by Smurf figures with fun functions.
In-restaurant signage, crew apparel and packaging will feature
scenes from the Smurfs' village. One million sunflower packets also
will be given away.

-- Europe: McDonald's is bringing the Smurfs characters to life across its
digital properties in Europe. New and engaging content, such as a
Smurfs game that invites children to help take care of Papa Smurf's
flower pot garden, reinforces messages of sustainability while teaching
about the importance of keeping the environment safe and clean. Mobile
activations and in-restaurant avatar items also will unlock Smurfs fun
at McDonald's. All European countries will feature plush Smurfs Happy
Meal toys.
-- United Kingdom: Children and families will "Get Smurfin' and Grow
Crazy" with McDonald's as they learn about the environment with the
help of all the Smurfs characters. A Smurfs drawing competition
invites children to receive their very own mini Smurf flower garden
and the chance to win a Smurfs gardening kit. Happy Meals will
feature up to 10 specially-designed Smurf plush toys that capture
the unique and loveable personalities of the Smurfs.
"Smurfilicious" fruit bags and "Clumsy" carrot bags also will have
fun themed packaging to encourage kids to choose these items.


The online kids' Smurfs experience is available through McDonald's country websites in the United States, Latin America and Asia Pacific, as well as through McDonald's global website, www.aboutmcdonalds.com.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 locations serving approximately 64 million customers in 117 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women. To learn more about the company, please visit www.aboutmcdonalds.com and follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/mcdonaldscorp) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/mcdonaldscorp). For more information about McDonald's environmental efforts, please visit (http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/csr/about/sustainable_supply.html).

About the Smurfs

The story of the Smurfs - a property created by Peyo - started in 1958 with the creation of comic books which were later brought to both the big and small screen. Over the years, the little blue characters haven't just limited themselves to the page and the screen. They have inspired records and CDs that have sold millions of copies, entire collections of figurines and toys, and many more products. In all, more than 3,000 derived products have been produced and leading brands and companies have spread their messages worldwide with the help of the Smurfs. A multitude of new projects appear regularly, thus making the success of the Smurfs planetary!

About the Movie

The Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen in Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation's hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of their village through a magical portal, they land in the middle of New York's Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in New York City, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. Directed by Raja Gosnell. The producer is Jordan Kerner. The screenplay is by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss and Jay Scherick & David Ronn from a story by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss, based on the Characters and Works of Peyo.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Sony Pictures Animation

Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its 2009 worldwide hit, the mouth-watering 3D comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and the 2007 Academy Award®-nominated Surf's Up with a full slate of feature films including the live-action/animation hybrid film The Smurfs (3D) and the family comedy, Hotel Transylvania (3D). The division is also in production with Aardman Animations on two feature films, the CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas (3D) and the stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D). Open Season 3, the third adventure in Sony Pictures Animation's successful Open Season franchise, was released on DVD and Blu-Ray(TM) January 2011. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital Productions.

About Lafig Belgium S.A.

Lafig Belgium is the owner of the rights to produce audio-visual works based on the Smurf universe and of the Smurf worldwide licensing rights (together with IMPS). Lafig Belgium is controlled by the heirs of Pierre Culliford, better known under his pseudonym Peyo, the author/creator of the Smurfs. For 50 years, the Culliford family has controlled the Smurf characters and all licenses worldwide.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of more than 1,200 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For more information, visit www.kab.org.

SMURF, and all the Smurfs characters: ©Peyo, All Rights Reserved. "Smurf" and "The Smurfs" are registered trademarks of STUDIO PEYO.

To access product images or logos, please visit: http://mcd.to/pjS2rn

© 2011 McDonald's

SOURCE McDonald's

McDonald's

CONTACT: Becca Hary, +1-630-623-7293, becca.hary@us.mcd.com, Lisa McComb, +1-630-623-3707, lisa.mccomb@us.mcd.com; or Deanna Killackey/JSH&A, +1-630-932-7927, deanna@jsha.com

Web Site: http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com


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Profile: intent