Little things that make Fritz gooey

[Fritz]

http://wings.discovery.com/convergen...ouncement.html

Bringing viewers compelling, real-world stories of heroism, military strategy, technological breakthroughs and turning points in history, Discovery Communications, Inc. will transition its Discovery Wings Channel to the Military Channel on Monday, Jan. 10, 2005.

While the Discovery Wings Channel focused exclusively on aviation, the Military Channel will feature a dramatically broadened programming mission, as well as an all-new, on-air look. The network's revamped lineup of series and specials is designed to take viewers "behind the lines" to tell the personal stories of servicemen and women and offer in-depth explorations of military technology, battlefield strategy, aviation and history. The Military Channel will also provide access to military personnel and hardware, allowing viewers to experience and understand a world full of human drama, courage, innovation and long-held traditions.

"The Military Channel will represent the highest quality programming across a broad spectrum of military related genres that we believe consumers have a keen interest in learning more about," said Judith A. McHale, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "In an increasingly fragmented marketplace, the Military Channel will broaden Discovery Communications' offerings and further differentiate our portfolio of emerging networks."

"We're very proud to introduce the Military Channel, a network that will apply the Discovery standards of quality, depth and storytelling to a topic of fascination and relevance in our world," said Billy Campbell, President of Discovery Networks U.S. "By covering all aspects of the military and the people who define it, we will extend the Discovery brand, create a service that appeals to our existing viewers, and attract new viewers and sponsors."

"Our viewers have a deep interest in military topics and people," said David Karp, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the channel. "Our mission is to tap into this passion by providing a high-quality lens that details contemporary and historical events, explores its human elements and highlights the strategic and technological advances that define the world of the armed forces."

From Iraq and Afghanistan to historic battlefields, wartime heroes and peacetime innovators to state-of-the-art technology and the key strategies that have shaped military tactics, the network's programming will cover a wide range of topics. Programming will come from sources all over the world, including Discovery Wings.

In addition to its programming efforts, the Military Channel has entered into a number of partnerships with military-related charitable, educational and marketing organizations. It is a World Partner of the USO, the nation's pre-eminent nonprofit organization serving the needs of 30-million active-duty personnel, reservists and veterans through a relationship that entails marketing, educational and programming components. The network is also working with the National D-Day Museum and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation for educational campaigns, public services announcements, membership outreach and programming. In addition, the network is working with Military.com to reach the worldwide U.S. military and veteran communities.

Military Channel programming will begin airing in North America on Monday, Jan. 10, 2005. Its first night of primetime programming will be highlighted by the world television premiere of Task Force Red Dog and the two-hour special Delta Company.

[Franklinnoble]

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