May 22, 2008 08:07 ET

MEN7 Network Announces Launch Date for MEN7.tv and 'The MEN7 Show'

Programming on Broadband & Television Begins July 3rd

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - May 22, 2008) - Offering a new dynamic lifestyle and entertainment multi-platform network for affluent men 25-54, the MEN7 Network today announced that its broadband website, MEN7.tv, and its weekly high-definition television series, "The MEN7 Show," will launch on July 3rd.

Upon launch on ION Media Networks (Thursday nights), "The MEN7 Show" will reach nearly 100 million broadcast, cable, and satellite television households domestically, as well as achieving both domestic and international digital distribution on numerous broadband, IPTV and mobile distribution outlets, and on MEN7's own flagship site, MEN7.tv (www.MEN7.tv). "The MEN7 Show" has secured international broadcast distribution in numerous countries including Finland (MTV), French Canada (Vivavision), Korea (CJ Media Networks), India (ZeeTV), Latvia (Latvian TV), Turkey (Dogan TV), Slovakia (Xentauri TV) and the Middle East markets of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon (Tanweer).

The MEN7 Network has already begun distributing its compelling and broadcast quality men's lifestyle programming through several broadband and mobile partners on its digital syndication network. To date, broadband partners include: Google's YouTube, Adobe® Media Player, Veoh, Vuze, Blinkx, Verizon FiOS, Joost and Hulu, which distributes to Yahoo!, MySpace, MSN, Comcast and AOL. Mobile providers include Rhythm NewMedia and global entertainment provider ROK TV.

Including "The MEN7 Show," MEN7.tv is launching with seven high-definition broadband series, both short and long-form, including "The Extremists," "Beyond The List," "Billionaires Car Club," "Bikini Destinations" and "Eventurer." Enhancing the online experience for its viewers, the site will feature additional online editorial and web links for every video segment, allowing viewers to learn more and further explore the subject matter. Additionally, the site will host contextual advertising that will deliver enhanced "advertorials," allowing advertisers and their products to engage directly with their targeted audience.

Concurrently, MEN7 will launch its flagship television series, "The MEN7 Show," on ION Media Networks, for a 26-week run, with new episodes every other Thursday night. Hosted by Tava Smiley and Hoyt Christopher, each episode serves up seven segments to help men lead a successful life: Entertainment, Discover, Tech, Action, Living, Self and Women.

"We are thrilled to launch MEN7 to entertain and inform affluent men on all seven continents," said company CEO Casey Bennett. "MEN7 is a unique network that builds a bridge between entertainment and lifestyles for men in every corner of the world through our programming."

COO Darren Chuckry adds, "With our multi-platform approach and target demographic, MEN7 is the only entertainment network reaching affluent men anywhere, anytime. As 'SportsCenter' is to ESPN, 'The MEN7 Show' is the cornerstone of the MEN7 Network."

The MEN7 Network is being launched by the Bennett Group, a fully integrated entertainment studio encompassing four distinct divisions -- production, post-production, music and international television distribution. MEN7 is being led by Chairman Bob Bennett, former President of Metromedia Broadcasting, forerunner to the Fox Network; CEO Casey Bennett, a pioneer in high-definition production and extreme sports; and COO Darren Chuckry, a leader in interactive and digital content production. International television distribution is being handled by Bennett Media Worldwide, headed up by CEO Paul Rich.

About MEN7 / Bennett Group

MEN7 is a lifestyle and entertainment network delivering compelling and dynamic high-definition television programming for affluent and active men 25-54. MEN7 is distributed across multiple platforms, including a weekly flagship high-definition television series on ION Media Networks, MEN7.tv broadband website, and daily episodes syndicated worldwide to more than ten broadband, IPTV and mobile distribution partners.

The Bennett Group is a fully integrated entertainment studio encompassing four distinct divisions. Bennett Media Worldwide programs are distributed in 140 territories and exhibits at events including NATPE, MIPTV, MIPCOM and SPORTEL. Bennett Productions is the content development and production division with state-of-the-art soundstages. Bennett Music offers stereo and full digital 5.1 surround sound music and audio production studios. Bennett HD/LA is among the few fully HD post-production facilities in Los Angeles.

Bennett HD/LA's FlitePak, a complete HD mobile production system, was recently used for "Operation MySpace," the live three hour concert from Kuwait that brought leading stars to the Middle East to perform for U.S. troops. The broadcast featured live performances by Jessica Simpson, The Pussycat Dolls, Disturbed, and Filter. This landmark event, which was webcast live on MySpace.com, drew an estimated 20-25 million hits, making it one of the most-watched concerts in history.