(New York, NY, January 17, 2005) – Fuse, the nation’s only viewer-driven, all-music network, today begins unveiling the most ambitious programming line-up in its history, doubling original programming with debuts of nine new series and the renewal of nine proven viewer-favorites, including seven freshman series that premiered in the 2004 season.
As with all Fuse programming, the new shows remain wholly focused on the driving interest and passion of its growing young audience – popular music. As with existing cornerstone series DAILY DOWNLOAD, DEDICATE LIVE! and URANIUM, Fuse’s new programming will continue to boast performances by the biggest names across a variety of musical genres – from mega-selling rock, indie, punk and metal artists like Green Day, Blink 182, The Strokes, Avril Lavigne, Good Charlotte and Velvet Revolver to urban and pop superstars like Eminem, Usher, Ludacris, Gwen Stefani and Destiny’s Child. Central to all of Fuse’s new programming will be the channel’s development of interactive technologies to mine viewer input and cast the spotlight on emerging artists who are just starting to make waves with these in-the-know young fans.
Fuse’s new premieres feature attractions like STEVEN’S UNTITLED ROCK SHOW, a daily showcase for punk, rock and indie music, and COMP’D, a fans-only private concert series. With SLAVE TO THE METAL, Fuse’s metal music expert, Juliya, becomes a leather-clad Dr. Phil – dishing advice to callers about life, sex and, of course, metal music, right from her boudoir. FUSE ACTION NEWS takes the network’s prankster sensibility to the extreme in a take on the latest real – and fake – news from the frontiers of music and entertainment. FUSIFIED brings a mosh-pit mentality to the anthology show format, with explorations of music trends and the impact of music and music-makers on everything from fashion to politics.
Viewers will once again speak their minds about what’s cool and what truly bites with the F-LIST, a new online viral-driven weekly countdown series. Celebrities from outside the world of music get to give the 411 on their favorite bands, CDs and passion for music with the revamped CELEBRITY TASTEMAKER, while FUSE WORLDWIDE SPORTS continues the network’s focus on the world where edge-pushing music and extreme sports collide. Fuse’s quirky docu-drama ULTIMATE GIG: THE FUSE VJ SEARCH profiles diehard Fuse fans who come to the Big Apple to land the ultimate dream job as the newest “face of Fuse.” Editor’s Note: Complete descriptions and schedules for the new and renewed programs are on the attached one sheets.
Fuse begins unveiling these new attractions the week of January 17th with the premieres of F-LIST, SLAVE TO THE METAL, FUSE ACTION NEWS, STEVEN’S UNTITLED ROCK SHOW and COMP’D, which will feature an exclusive set by Sum 41. New show episodes will premiere every day of the week throughout the first quarter of 2005.
“Fuse’s new programming fulfills our basic human need for life, liberty and the pursuit of music,” said Robert Weiss, Head of Entertainment and Interactive Media for Fuse. “Our new slate moves compelling music programming beyond the music video-only realm, while still keeping the ‘music’ in ‘music television.'”
“Whether its fake news, documentary, performance or countdown-based, our shows create compelling music-centric programming that will both entertain and enlighten our audience,” continues Weiss. “As always, viewers can engage, interact with and shape these shows on a variety of platforms – via television, the web and wireless media.”
“Two years ago it was inconceivable that an independent, alternative network could compete in the music television landscape,” said Andrea Greenberg, President of Entertainment and Sports Networks for Cablevision. “Fuse’s incredible growth and immediate connection with its audience proved that not only could a full-service music network exist, but that it can be successful.”
Fuse’s viewer-influenced programming formula is paying big dividends from a business standpoint, especially in the quality of the audience it attracts and the advertisers who are using Fuse as a vital marketing tool to reach the P12-34 audience.
Since re-branding in May 2003, Fuse has built an audience with the highest concentration of viewers age 12 -34 in all day parts on cable. In the past year alone, the network has significantly increased household delivery in key day parts, with more than 40 new major advertisers on board in 2004.
The line-up of renewals includes the quintessential programming concepts that have made the network a favorite of true music fans, including those who make the music we buy and love. In the past year alone, Fuse’s street-front Manhattan studios have hosted appearances and live performances by dozens of the cream of music glitterati, including Usher, Gwen Stefani, The Strokes, Linkin Park, Eminem, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Nas, Lil’ Jon and LL Cool to name a few.
The star-studded DAILY DOWNLOAD, the first television show to offer free music downloads along with live performances by music top stars, returns to anchor the Monday – Friday schedule, along the long-time favorite DEDICATE LIVE! and the new interactive puzzle show, VIDEO IQ. Music fans can enjoy an hour-long exploration of the lives and music of their favorite stars with the returning 100%. Music-lovers can see their favorite videos introduced from the world most glamorous clubs with the late night AFTER PARTY hosted by VJs Marianela and Juliya and hear artists showcase songs from their new CDs on debut day with the return of 7th AVENUE DROP.
Metal heads will continue to delight in daily servings of one of Fuse’s longest running show, URANIUM and get style and substance updates with Fuse’s documentary series, d’FUSEd, and the recently expanded series of AMPLIFIED GUIDE specials. Special editions of Fuse-exclusive performance shows will also be available on Fuse On Demand.
About Fuse
Fuse, a network of Cablevision Systems Corporation, is the nation’s only all-music, viewer-influenced television network, featuring music videos, exclusive artist interviews, live concerts and specials – all rooted in the music experience. Fuse reflects the rapidly changing interests and attitudes of its 12-34 year-old audience by uniting the media platforms that are at the center of their communication and entertainment – TV, online, and interactive games – and by incorporating their opinions and suggestions into its on-air and online programming. More information about Fuse is available at www.fuse.tv.
About Cablevision Systems Corporation
Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation’s leading entertainment, media and telecommunications companies. In addition to its broadband, cable, Internet, telephone and satellite television offerings, the company owns and operates Rainbow Media Holdings LLC and its networks; Madison Square Garden and its teams; and, Clearview Cinemas. In addition, Cablevision operates New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall. Additional information about Cablevision Systems Corporation is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.