Participant Media Unveils pivot

NEW YORK: Participant Media is launching a cable network on August 1 under the title pivot, which will also offer a first-of-its-kind broadband-only subscription.

pivot, which features the tagline: "TV that matters for the greatest generation," will launch to around 40 million subscribers, anchored by more than 300 hours of original programming. The first series greenlit for the channel are TakePart Live, a nightly talk show; HitRECord on TV!, a variety show from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brian Graden; Raising McCain, a doc-talk series featuring Meghan McCain; the period drama Will; and Jersey Strong, a reality show. The network also has joint ventures in place with Univision News and Latin World Entertainment to co-produce ten hour-long documentaries that will air on pivot in English and on Univision in Spanish.

Jim Berk, Participant’s CEO, said: “Over the past 9 and a half years, through 43 films, Participant has built a reputation for content that is entertaining, commercial and high quality, while at the same time, inspiring and empowering to audiences. pivot marks a seminal moment for us with the launch of a channel for people who care about the world around them.”

Evan Shapiro, the network’s president, added: “The success of this network will be based on its impact. Both our programming and distribution model are designed to disrupt conventional wisdom. By building the network around our double bottom line, we spark change through entertaining stories told by powerful voices such as Joe, Meghan, Craig, the Marks and Univision. By combining the dominant pay-TV model with an unconventional streaming package, we are adapting to changes our audience has already made.”

Daniel York, DIRECTV’s chief content officer, commented: “We’re proud to be the first to embrace this new independent network. pivot combines Participant’s track record for high-quality content and strong social messages, with an innovative approach to the business that we look for in our content partners. Their programming speaks to the next generation of DIRECTV customers and their flexible rights model will help us reach them.”