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Sci- Fi Cable Channel Press Release
WP BW615 NOV 17,1989
5:22 PACIFIC 8:22
EASTERN ( BW)(SCI-FI-CHANNEL) Sci-Fi Channel overwhelming viewer choice to
fill programming need according to recent national Gallup poll
News/Entertainment Editors
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Sci-Fi Channel, a new basic cable
television network devoted exclusively to science fiction, horror and fantasy
programming -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- will go where no cable
channel has gone before to meet a clearly defined viewer need, according to a
recent national poll conducted by the Gallup Organization.
Gallup polled a random selection of approximately 1,000 cable subscribers as
to their interests in viewing proposed cable programming forms. When asked
their preference between a science fiction channel, a children's programming
channel, a rock music channel or a home shopping channel, the Sci-Fi Channel
was the overwhelming choice.
"The overall response to the survey was extremely encouraging," said
Mitchell Rubenstein, a prominent cable entrepreneur and president of the Sci-Fi
Channel.
"In examining the viewer appeal of this service, we certainly were aware of
its many commercial successes, exemplified by such blockbuster films as 'ET:
The Extra-Terrestrial,' 'Star Wars' and 'Batman.' What became apparent was that
in relation to television, this interest was not being sufficiently met except
for the very successful Star Trek series."
Among the poll's findings:
-- The potential viewer of The Sci-Fi Channel skews male (60 percent) with a
medium age of 26.5, making the channel extremely appealing to advertisers such
as high-tech manufacturers, automotive companies, video game manufacturers,
athletic shoe companies and toy manufacturers.
-- Respondents in the study estimated they would watch, on the average, six
hours a week of The Sci-Fi Channel.
The Sci-Fi Channel will initially consist of a mix of original programming,
as well as vintage television shows and motion pictures, interview shows and
game shows. Plans call for original programming to increase significantly
within the first years of operation.
To meet the channel's vision and ensure the highest quality programming, The
Sci-Fi Channel will work closely with its advisors, famed science fiction
author Issac Asimov and "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenbery.
Programs such as "Isaac Asimov's Universe," a series in the vein of
"Twilight Zone," will be a centerpiece in the channel's original programming,
which will also include several shows produced in the channel's studios in
Orlando such as motion picture and television reviews, a sci-fi sitcom, video
games, science news specials and acquired programming.
The Sci-Fi Channel will be transmitted throughout the United States from GE
Americom's SATCOM C-4 satellite.
Shearson Lehman Hutton Inc. is acting as the channel's investment banker and
is working on plans to expand the network internationally.
The Sci-Fi Channel has engaged Waller Capital Corp., a New York-based cable
brokerage and investment banking firm, to market the network to cable system
operators nationwide.
According to Isaac Asimov, who serves as Sci-Fi Channel official spokesman,
the channel will launch at the end of 1990 to give ample opportunity to create
and acquire programming that will drive consumer demand.
President Rubenstein offers "once we're on the air there is going to be an
overwhelming response. We have already received hundreds of fan letters and a
Sci-Fi Channel Fan Club is in the works."
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