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G4 PREMIERE OF “COPS 2.0” DEPUTIZES VIEWERS WITH INTERACTIVE UPDATE TO LONG-RUNNING LAW ENFORCEMENT SERIES
Thu. May. 24, 2007
G4 PREMIERE OF “COPS 2.0” DEPUTIZES VIEWERS WITH INTERACTIVE UPDATE TO LONG-RUNNING LAW ENFORCEMENT SERIES
Series Premiering May 29 Offers Audience Updated Take on “Cops,” Furthering G4’s Dedication to Cutting-Edge Multiplatform Interactivity
LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2007 – G4, TV that’s plugged in to what young guys want, is inviting viewers on the ultimate ride-along with the launch of “Cops 2.0,” an interactive update to the iconic reality series. For the very first time, on-screen games, live, Web-enabled chat and exciting facts about the men and women of law enforcement allow “Cops” viewers to experience classic episodes of the series in an entirely new way. Beginning May 29, 2007, “Cops 2.0” will air Monday – Friday at 6 p.m. ET/PT, only on G4. The announcement was jointly made today by Neal Tiles, President of G4, John Langley, Executive Producer/Creator of Cops and Steve MacDonald, EVP, General Manager, Basic Cable for Twentieth Television.
“Cops” cameras have delivered unprecedented access to the most engaging elements of police work for nearly 20 years. From high-speed chases to dramatic stand-offs, viewers have followed the thrilling footage from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Now, “Cops 2.0” adds a new layer of excitement by giving audiences an opportunity to actively participate in each episode. While the content of the episodes remains unchanged, graphic overlays on the screen deliver new information, trivia and interactive games that enhance the experience and make viewers a real part of the action.
“‘Cops 2.0’ is truly arresting television,” said Neal Tiles, President, G4. “Adding interactive elements to a robust franchise such as ‘Cops’ is the perfect recipe for keeping G4’s young male audience interested and involved. We’re constantly looking for opportunities to extend a similar level of interactivity to other programming throughout the G4 line-up.”
"G4's rendition of 'Cops 2.0’ is an exciting new addition to our franchise," said John Langley, executive producer/creator of the TV series. "The interactivity is particularly appropriate because it gives younger viewers a fresh opportunity to walk in the shoes of law enforcement personnel."
“As we close in on the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking program, the innovative approach of ‘Cops 2.0’ on G4 further cements the show’s continued influence and evolution on television,” added Twentieth Television’s MacDonald. “The show’s remarkable strength, on both the Fox Network and G4, speaks to the strong, established fan base and to new viewers just discovering the excitement for themselves.”
The interactive features in “Cops 2.0” include:
• Live Chat – The nonstop action of “Cops 2.0” means there’s never a shortage of discussion-worthy topics. Viewers can log-on to [insert URL] to join in the online discussion with chat appearing on the screen within the “Cops 2.0” graphic overlay. The user-generated content guarantees that each episode of “Cops 2.0” a completely unique experience. “Cops 2.0” viewers can access the live chat function online at http://www.g4tv.com/cops/index.html
• Facts and Trivia – Ever wondered why the suspect isn’t wearing a shirt? How many cops did it take to chase down the burglar? A stream of interesting facts provide more insight into the on-screen adventures, giving viewers more “Cops” information than ever before.
• iWitness – Police work requires more than a gun and a badge. Officers must pay careful attention to detail and observe each crime scene closely. The iWitness feature makes the viewer part of the investigation, testing their ability to keep track of each scenario as it unfolds.
• Expert – “Cops 2.0” includes expert insight, advice and commentary. Information includes procedural details, law enforcement guidelines and explanations of cop lingo.
“Cops 2.0” is G4’s latest step forward in an ongoing effort to provide viewers with engaging televised entertainment that makes effective use of interactive and Web-enabled elements. Past “2.0” series include “Star Trek 2.0” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation 2.0.”
About Comcast Entertainment Group
Based in Los Angeles, recently formed Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming; and G4 offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity, and "Internet culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to almost 90 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the United States. In 2006, E! launched the E! Everywhere initiative underscoring the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere -- from online to broadband at The Vine @E!Online to wireless to satellite radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 56 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America, is available in more than 62 million cable and satellite homes nationwide.
About Twentieth Television
A leader in the U.S. program production and distribution arena, Twentieth Television is headed by FOX Television Stations’ chairman Roger Ailes while CEO Jack Abernethy oversees day-to-day operations. Twentieth Television provides a wide array of first-run, network and off-network programming, as well as feature film packages, to the syndication and cable marketplaces. First-run programs distributed by Twentieth Television include the court shows “Divorce Court,” “Judge Alex” and “Cristina’s Court.” In addition to “Temptation,” the company is distributing the new daytime talk show, “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet,” hosted by Mike Jerrick and Juliet Huddy. Twentieth Television also produces the MyNetworkTV primetime dramas “American Heiress” and “Saints & Sinners.”