DirecTV Gets Into Original-Series Game

By Multi Channel News Staff -- Multichannel News, 11/1/2005 9:46:00 AM MT

DirecTV Inc. will debut its first-ever original series, CD USA, Saturday, Jan. 21, the direct-broadcast satellite giant said Tuesday.

The weekly exclusive performance-based series will also include news on new releases, exclusive interviews, gossip, behind-the-scenes reports and “a private peek inside the hot-house world of music idols,” DirecTV said.

Artists scheduled to appear include Sean Paul, Pretty Ricky, Goo Goo Dolls, Ben Harper, Leela James, Dwele, Death Cab for Cutie, KT Turnstall, Twista and Marlene.

CD USA will air Saturdays at 11 a.m. (EST/PST).

“If you look at the music industry, the tail is wagging the dog,” DirecTV entertainment president David Hill said in a prepared statement. "Music videos, which began as a promotional vehicle for artists, have taken a stranglehold like weeds in a pond.”

He added, “CD USA takes us to where the fans want to be -- live performances, by the hottest acts in the world. We'll run CD USA continuously on channel 101 for 48 hours so everyone gets a chance to tune in.”