“Women on Death Row” and “Other Side of the Cell” To Premiere January 10, 2006
New York, NY, November 8, 2005 – WE: Women’s Entertainment (WE), the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them, announced today the addition of two new specials to its growing slate of original programming. Women on Death Row is a two-hour special that explores the lives and circumstances surrounding five female death row inmates, and Other Side of the Cell is a one-hour special that provides viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of females working in prisons. The specials will premiere back-to-back on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 beginning with Women on Death Row at 8 pm ET followed by Other Side of the Cell at 10 pm ET.
“These two unique specials compliment WE’s growing line-up of original programming,” said Kim Martin, WE’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “We want to provide our viewers with innovative and engaging shows that offer insight into the sometimes unexpected lives of women. Women on Death Row and Other Side of the Cell are further examples of our commitment to increase original offerings and position WE as the television destination for women.”
“Women on Death Row”
This two-hour WE original special takes a riveting behind-the-scenes look at women on death row. The special explores the circumstances surrounding five former or current death row female inmates, including: Lynda Carty, 47, still fighting to overturn a conviction for kidnapping and murder; Darlie Routier, 27, claiming a botched investigation led to her conviction for murdering her two sons; Andrea Hicks Jackson, 47, noting a lifetime of drug abuse and physical violence was commuted to life in prison for her murder of a police officer; Sabrina Butler, exonerated after six years when a new defense team proved her baby’s death accidental and her previous trial unfair; and most notably, Francis Newton, 40, fights accusations of murdering her husband and child leading up to her execution. The inmates share their powerful stories, and provide an up-close and in-depth exploration of life as women on death row.
“Other Side of the Cell”
Other Side of the Cell tells the compelling real life story of women who watch over prisons. Through the eyes of wardens and correctional officers at five prisons, viewers will learn about the role females on both sides of the cell play in the prison community. These tough women show just how powerful the female perspective can be in running a most challenging community. At Lowell Correctional Institute, Shellie Baker, Correctional Officer, and Carol Starling, Warden, detail the differences between female and male inmates, as well as sharing thoughts on their jobs. At Corcoran Maximum Security Prison, Lisa Munoz and Kay Malloy, Correctional Officers, discuss the levels of security within their prison walls. In the California Medical Facility, Kelly Allen must cautiously run and distribute paperwork, while Teresa Schwartz describes the prison as filled with patients who are physically or mentally ill, leading to enormous challenges, such as exposure to dangerous diseases and sociopathic inmates.
These new specials will join WE’s growing list of original programming, including recently announced “I Can’t Believe I Wore That?,” a series that explores the most forgettable and regrettable fashion faux pas of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the millennium; and “Holiday Home Invasion,” a WE special that documents the transformation of an average American home into a festive holiday wonderland.
Today’s announcement comes on the heels successful ratings for WE. The network’s ratings increased by +50% from Summer ’04 to Summer ’05, making it the #4 network for Prime ratings growth. 70% of WE’s top 10 rated telecasts in the 04-05 season, aired from Jun-05 to Aug-05, and 70% of WE’s top 10 rated telecasts for Summer 2005 were original programs (Bridezillas & American Princess). WE was a top 10 network for growth and rank among ad supported networks for W18-49 & W25-54 VPVH levels during Prime in Summer ’05.
**Source: Nielsen Media Research, 05/31/04 – 08/29/04 vs. 05/30/05 – 08/28/05; Prime M-Su 8p-11p Telecasts; 04-05 Season 9/27/04-9/25/05
Women on Death Row and Other Side of the Cell are produced by Burrud Productions.
About WE: Women’s Entertainment
WE: Women’s Entertainment is the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them. With quality original programming including the hit series “Bridezillas,” unique movie packages like “Three Men and A Chick Flick,” topical specials and its public affairs initiative WE Empowers Women, the network supports women and appeals to their interests in pop culture, relationships and personal style. WE: Women’s Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services and is currently seen in over 55 million homes.