Documentaries on Tap for GSN
By R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 7/8/2003 6:58:00 AM
Hollywood, Calif. -- Game shows based on syndicated series Access Hollywood and classic board game Scrabble are two of several original shows and documentaries Game Show Network is currently developing, network executives said here Monday.
President and CEO Rich Cronin would not reveal specific details about either show, but he said they are part of an aggressive original-programming plan for the 51 million-subscriber service that will add several non-game-show programs by 2004.
"We don't know if they will go to series yet, but they are two series that we're high on," Cronin said during a presentation at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.
Another program in development is a documentary on the video-game industry -- the first of several documentaries the network will roll out in 2004.
"We want to do documentaries on a more regular basis," he said, adding that the network will offer at least one documentary per month by next June.
"There are so many different kinds of games, and for us to be the network that's all things game-related -- from casino and lottery games to video games to board games -- we have to go beyond game shows," Cronin added.
The game-show documentary comes on the heels of the network's recently announced video-game-programming block Thursday evenings beginning in October.
In other GSN news, the network said it has renewed original game show Lingo for a third season.
The network in November will also launch a series of short-form programs on Saturday nights under the umbrella moniker GSN's Games Across America.The programs will highlight different game events from different parts of the country, such as New York's famous annual Nathan's hot-dog-eating contest.
"As we broaden out programming scope beyond studio game shows, our high-rated Saturdays provide the perfect opportunity to showcase amazing contests from around the country," Cronin said.
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