Style Scores Gossip Girl

LOS ANGELES: Style has picked up the off-network rights to Gossip Girl for launch this August, and has announced new additions to its slate of original programming.

The series, acquired from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, will begin airing on August 15. "Knowing our viewers insatiable need for all things style, Gossip Girl offers an inside look into the fabulous lives and closets of Manhattan’s most privileged—filled with envy-worthy clothes, shoes and drama," said Salaam Coleman Smith, the president of Style Media. "Fashion has always been a main character in Gossip Girl, launching many of today’s fashion icons into mainstream staples and we are excited to reintroduce this groundbreaking series and pop culture phenomenon to our audience."

In addition, the network has renewed its hit series Big Rich Texas and is expanding the franchise by ordering Big Rich Georgia, slated to premiere in the first quarter of 2013. The network has also commissioned, from Magical Elves, the series Betsey + Lulu, with fashion icon Betsey Johnson and her daughter Lulu.

The channel is also partnering with Penske Media Corp. and IMG Fashion to broadcast the 9th Annual Style Awards this September. "Further cementing Style’s place in the fashion space and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we are proud to be the first official broadcast partner of the Style Awards," said Coleman Smith.