AUTHOR: Jerry "Jet" Whittaker
TITLE: ION Media Networks Announces Exclusive Programming Partnership with Bodog Entertainment 
DATE: 4:31 AM
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BODY:
<p class="mobile-post">ION Media Networks, Inc. today announced an exclusive television alliance
with Bodog Entertainment, the digital entertainment programmer known for its
innovative multi-platform content and promotional approach. ION Television
will be the exclusive nationwide U.S. television network bringing various
original BodogTV programs to over 90 million television homes. The shows
will include "BodogFight" and "Calvin Ayre Wildcard Poker," using the unique
ION-Bodog alliance to enter two of today's most popular TV categories: mixed
martial arts and celebrity reality contests. "Having revitalized ION
Television's more mainstream primetime content and ratings, we are now
starting to focus on expanding other important dayparts, particularly 'late
night,'" said Brandon Burgess, President and CEO of ION Media Networks.
"Bodog's dynamic approach to creating and promoting innovative content is a
great fit for attracting and serving the typically younger late night
audience." "This agreement with ION Media Networks marks a significant step
for our TV productions," said Calvin Ayre, founder of Bodog Entertainment.
"ION Television's nationwide broadcast reach is a perfect platform for us to
connect with our growing audience of fans. We look forward to a great
partnership." Beginning February 13th, ION Television will run original
episodes of "BodogFight: St. Petersburg" Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 p.m.
ET/PT. The series will lead up to a special event in Russia later this
spring, featuring some of the biggest names in the world of mixed martial
arts. To celebrate the TV launch, ION Television will air a "free-per-view"
world broadcast premier special of "BodogFight: USA vs. Russia" on Saturday,
February 17th from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/PT.
Bodog and ION Television will collaborate on advertising sales as well as
marketing and promotion for the programming, with the launch being supported
by a major consumer media and marketing campaign to promote the Bodog
programs airing on the network. The campaign will run across traditional and
electronic media and will capitalize on the popularity of mixed martial arts
and celebrity poker television events. Following the successful
introduction, the partners may contemplate expanding development and
launching additional content formats targeted at young late night audiences.</p>
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