NBC Universal to Launch Horror Network

BURBANK, January 12: On
March 1, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment will launch Chiller, a 24-hour
horror network, with a carriage deal already in place with DIRECTV.

In announcing the new
channel, Jeff Gaspin, the president of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment,
Digital Content and Cross Network Strategy, noted, "We continually look at
our options for launching new networks. Horror is one of the most reliably
successful genres in entertainment today and Chiller seems like a well-timed
addition to our portfolio."

The new multiplatform
channel will be offered as a triple pack service, which features a standard
definition channel, high-definition simulcast channel and a video-on-demand
channel as well as broadband on demand offerings. Dan Harrison, SVP of emerging
networks at NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, will oversee day-to-day
operations of Chiller. He also runs Sleuth and Universal HD under the Emerging
Networks banner.

Chiller will feature
classic horror films and television shows. At launch, the programming slate
will include the series Friday the 13th, Twin Peaks, Alfred
Hitchcock Presents and Tales
from the Crypt, as well as the
features The Shining, Alfred
Hitchcock's Psycho and The
Birds, Blade Runner and the Stephen King mini-series The Langoliers, among others.