LEESBURG, Va., June 29, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- A new television network aimed at the coveted 18-24 age demographic, whose disposable income is estimated at more than $200 billion annually, will officially debut on US, UK and Canadian college campuses this September.
The U Network (TUN), which features programming from the world's best student artists, will provide a variety of shows ranging from drama, comedy, music, art and politics. It will also feature the first national collegiate news show.
The network already has a commitment from more than 100 campuses representing more than 11 million viewers. Additional contracts are being signed daily.
"We will quickly become the minor league to the entertainment industry," says TUN founder and CEO Shane Walker. "Film festivals don't give student artists the exposure they deserve. The U Network will bring this untapped talent to the industry, the public and to the student's peers worldwide."
About one-half of TUN's in-house programming will be co-produced with college students majoring in film or television. TUN works closely with students who are writers, directors, actors, and composers. The other half of the network's shows are produced completely by college students.
"Our programming is free to all colleges and universities and is of the highest standards and quality," states Walker. "In every focus group we held, the students were extremely dissatisfied with the options they had for television programming. We intend to change that."
Walker says that TUN is receiving work from students all over the world. "You name it; they are producing it -- short films, feature films, digital animation, documentaries, experimental, music videos, dance and even cutting-edge theater", he adds. "TUN gives valuable exposure to the student, the department and the university."
The U Network, a privately held corporation, will air on college channels that reach the university and most surrounding communities.
Current programming plans for shows that include: "News From The Couch", "Dinner and a Debate", the UK-based "24 Hour Film Challenge", "Student Start-up", a reality dating spring break show, "Make or Break", "Famous Firsts", and "Foot in the Door" as well as two military-themed shows. See The U Network's website for the complete slate: www.theunetwork.com
TUN's website and online presence provide a vehicle for students to present their show ideas to the network's development department, as well as view their own projects. It is also a forum for student filmmakers across the globe to learn and collaborate.
TUN will hold a September news conference in Washington, D.C. that will unveil more detailed plans and programming. Aside from its Muncie, Indiana headquarters, it has a Washington D.C. Bureau in Leesburg, VA and is opening production studios in Orlando and a European office in London.
Note to editors: Samples of TUN's programming are available on DVD. Interviews with TUN founder, Shane Walker, or other TUN executives can be arranged. For more information go to www.theunetwork.com