LOWDOWN ON THE UPFRONT: Discovery Sails In To Woo Madison Ave.

Network Holds Star-Studded Upfront Presentation In NYC

By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 4/25/2008 12:34:00 PM

New York—Discovery Communications has been traversing the country doing upfront presentations, and Wednesday it landed in Manhattan, bringing in high-voltage talent such as Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Ripa for its presentation.

Oprah Winfrey was even on hand, via video, to tell Madison Avenue about the channel she’s launching with Discovery, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Many of the networks top stars and executives are featured in this online photo gallery.

Lopez and Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, appeared briefly to talk about the reality series they are doing for TLC. And the stars from the stable of Discovery networks’ shows, including the captains from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, were also part of the more than two-hour-long presentation at the Frederick Rose Hall at the Time Warner Center.

Afterward, Discovery held a cocktail party for its guests, executives and talent. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, who is doing a show for Planet Green, which debuts in June, was among those who stayed around to attend the party.