'Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany' Scheduled to Premiere in August 2006
New York, NY, February 21, 2006 – WE: Women's Entertainment, the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them, announced today it will premiere the original special Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany in August 2006. The one-hour documentary takes a close look at the young women sent half way around the world to serve in the difficult conditions of the Vietnam War. Actress Dana Delany (China Beach), will host the special.
From the battlefield operating rooms to the hospitals in Saigon, Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany reveals the emotional story of women forever changed by the casualties of war. In their early 20's and untrained for combat conditions, the nurses performed under fire and continual threat amid a constant stream of wounded, saving thousands of lives. Often, soothing words and hand-holding were the only medicine as many young soldiers suffered and died from horrific wounds the nurses were helpless to treat – a reality that, more than 30 years later, still haunts them. Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany includes personal interviews with women who lost their innocence to war, but never lost their heart.
"This special will showcase the key role that female nurses played in the Vietnam War, a role that is many times overlooked. We are thrilled to offer our viewers a special that gives them insight into a world that most of them have never experienced," said Kim Martin, WE's Executive Vice President and General Manager. "On the heels of a successful year of original programming in 2005, and a record breaking January, we are excited to continue ramping up our original programming in 2006."
January 2006 was the best month in WE's history for Prime M-Su 8p-11p delivery of HH, W18-34, W18-49 and W25-54. In addition, January 2006 saw +105% more original telecasts on WE compared to January 2005.
WE's original programming increased 64% in 2005 compared to 2004, with six of the top 10 highest rated programs for the network in 2005 being originals. Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany joins a growing list of 2006 original programming, including Two Funny: Cotter & Louise, John Edward Cross Country, Skating's Next Star, the third season of the hit series Bridezilla's, and the recently announced USA TODAY/WE Weight-Loss Challenge.
Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany is produced by Creative Street Entertainment.
**Source: Nielsen Media Research, 12/26/05-1/29/06 Live HH, Women 18-34, Women 18-49, Women 25-54 Audience; Prime M-Su 8p-11p. WE Originals based on Total Day (M-Su 10a-5a) telecasts Jan06 (12/26/05-1/29/06) vs. Jan05 (12/27/04-1/30/05).
**Source: Nielsen Media Research, Comparison of 2004 (12/29/03-12/26/04) vs. 2005 (12/27/04-12/25/05) Total Day (M-Su 10a-5a) original telecasts; 2005 Prime (M-Su 8p-11p) original telecasts vs 2005 Prime total telecasts.
Dana Delany made her mark as Army nurse Colleen McMurphy on ABC-TV's critically acclaimed series, "CHINA BEACH," for which she received four Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards for Best Actress. Since then Delany has appeared in many popular television shows and movies, and appeared on stage in the Pulitzer-prize-winning play "Dinner with Friends." In 2003, Delany joined Doris Roberts in the emotionally charged Alzheimer themed drama "A Time To Remember" for The Hallmark Channel and appeared on the big screen in the James Redford independent film "Spin" based on the novel by the same name. The following year, she treaded the boards in "Much Ado About Nothing" at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre opposite Billy Campbell and captivated audiences in the Lifetime drama "Baby For Sale." More recently, Delany has guest starred in the NBC hit series' "LAW & ORDER: SVU," ABC's "BOSTON LEGAL," USA's "KOJAK," Showtime's "The L Word" and WB's "Related."
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 57 million homes.