2004-05 primetime schedule

N
E W S
F
R O M
I
N V E S T O R
M
2004-05
M O N DAY
8:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
T U E S DAY
8:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
9:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
A Y
R
E L A T I O N S
2 0 0 4
PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
The Benefactor
29 29 Productions, 12 Yard Productions
Monday Night Football (thru 1/05) ABC Sports
(in January after Monday Night Football)
ABC Monday Night Movie
various
Grey’s Anatomy
Touchstone Television
My Wife and Kids (new night)
George Lopez (new night and time)
According to Jim
Rodney
NYPD Blue / Blind Justice
(midseason)
Touchstone Television
Warner Brothers/Mohawk Production, Inc./Fortis Films
Touchstone Television/Brad Grey
Touchstone Television
Steven Bochco Productions / Steven Bochco
Productions, Paramount Television
W E D N E S DAY
8:00 p.m.
Lost
9:00 p.m.
The Bachelor
10:15 p.m.
Wife Swap
Touchstone Television/Bad Robot
Telepictures/Next Productions
RDF Media, Diplomatic
T H U R S DAY
8:00 p.m.
Extreme Makeover (new time)
9:00 p.m.
Life As We Know It
10:00 p.m.
Primetime Live (new title)
Lighthearted Entertainment/ABC
Touchstone Television, Sachs/Judah, Cabloom!
ABC News
F R I D AY
8:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8 Simple Rules (new night)
Savages
9:00 p.m.
9:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
Hope & Faith
Less Than Perfect (new night)
20/20
S AT U R DAY
8:00 p.m.
The Wonderful World of Disney
S U N DAY
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
Touchstone Television
Nothing Can Go Wrong Now Productions and Icon
Productions in association with NBC Universal Television
Touchstone Television
Touchstone Television
ABC News
The Walt Disney Studios
America’s Funniest Home Videos
Vin Di Bona Productions
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Endemol USA
Desperate Housewives / Alias (midseason) Touchstone Television
The Practice: Fleet Street
20th Century Fox Television/David E. Kelley Productions
C
1
N T E N T S
ABC’S FALL 2004 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
3
13
14
MANAGEMENT
14
NEWS
14
15
ESPN UPDATE
15
15
16
UPDATE
CABLE NETWORKS RATINGS UPDATE
16
UPDATE ON CABLE SUBSCIBERS
17
18
18
ABC’S NEW FALL SHOWS
CHANGES AT
HARRY POTTER
ON
FROM THE
NEWS
ABC
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE SLATE
ABC
THEATRICAL RELEASE SCHEDULE
DISNEY CHANNEL
20
HAPPIEST CELEBRATION ON EARTH
20
OF
CRUISE LINE SETS SAIL
ESPN HD
FOR
MEXICO
PRINCESS LINE SALES I NCREASE
ABC FAMILY’S NEW PROGRAMMING
NEWS
DISNEY CHANNEL ANNOUNCEMENT
P AG E 2
19
TERROR OPENS AT DCA
TOWER
ESPN D EALS ANNOUNCED
FROM
FROM
FROM
BUENA VISTA I NTERACTIVE
21
22
22
ABC ANNOUNCES
NEW FALL SHOWS ...
COMEDIES
RODNEY
( HALF-HOUR COMEDY, TUESDAY, 9:3010:00 P.M., ET)
Stand-up comedian Rodney Carrington would like to
take you to the middle of real, everyday America. In
the tradition of “Home Improvement” and
“Roseanne” comes a down-to-earth guy’s guy who,
with his own heartland intelligence, speaks the truth.
Rodney is getting fired from jobs he hates while
doing stand-up in dive bars at night. He may not
have much money, but he still finds excitement. He’s
not afraid to walk into a department store naked on a
dare. Not afraid to take credit for flowers someone
else sent his wife. Not afraid to get between his
fighting boys. Not afraid to tell his wife he wants to
make stand-up his career. He’s going to figure out
how to find happiness while being the best damn
husband, dad and son he knows how to be.
Cast:
Rodney Carrington: Rodney Hamilton
Jennifer Aspen (“Party of Five”): Trina Hamilton
Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”): Charlie
Nick Searcy: Barry
Oliver Davis: Jack Hamilton
Matthew Josten: Bo Hamilton
Credits:
Executive Producer/Writer: Ric Swartzlander (“The Ellen Show”)
Executive Producer: David Himelfarb (“My Wife & Kids”)
Pilot Director: Robert Berlinger
Production Company: Touchstone Television
PAG E 3
SAVAGES ( HALF-HOUR COMEDY, F RIDAY, 8:30-9:00 P.M., ET)
Meet the Savage brothers. They smell.
They’re slobs. And they love it that
way. Executive producer Mel Gibson’s
real life experiences of raising a brood
of boys provides the basis for a takeno-prisoners comedy.
Raised by their single dad, the Savage
boys have had a succession of housekeepers – over 20 at last count – to pick
up after them. Today that comes to an
end. Dad Nick wants his boys to learn
the skills women don’t seem to take so
much joy in anymore – you know:
cooking, cleaning, laundry. Somehow
this dad is going to turn his loutish boys
into independent men, the kind any girl
could take home to her mother. This is
going to be some battle because Nick,
just like his sons, is still a boy at heart.
Producers Mike Scully and Julie
Thacker Scully, writers for “The
Simpsons,” add their own family experience into the mix for a funny, honest
take on raising kids. It reminds us that
each child comes with their own personalities and problems, and that none
of them come with instructions.
Cast:
Keith Carradine (“Deadwood”): Nick
Andrew Eiden: Sam
Shaun Sipos (“Final Destination 2”): Jack
Erik von Detten (“The Princess Diaries”): Chris
Evan Ellingson: Kyle
Jason Dolley: T.J.
Vincent Ventresca (“Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion”): Jimmy
Credits:
Executive Producers/Writers: Mike Scully (“The Simpsons,” “Everybody Loves Raymond”), Julie ThackerScully (“The Simpsons”)
Executive Producer/Pilot Director: Mel Gibson
Executive Producer: Bruce Davey
Production Companies: Nothing Can Go Wrong Now Productions and Icon Productions in association with
NBC Universal Television
PAG E 4
DRAMAS
LOST ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA, WEDNESDAY, 8:00-9:00 P.M., ET)
Out of the blackness the first thing Jack senses is pain. Then burning sun. A Bamboo forest. Smoke. Screams.
With a rush comes the horrible awareness that the plane he was on tore apart in mid-air and crashed on a
Pacific island. From there it’s a blur as his doctor’s instinct kicks in: people need his help.
Stripped of everything, the 48 survivors scavenge what they can from the plane for their survival. Some panic.
Some pin their hopes on rescue. A few find inner strength they never knew they had. Like Kate who, with no
medical training, suddenly finds herself suturing the doctor’s wounds. The band of friends, family, enemies
and strangers must work together against the cruel weather and harsh terrain. But the intense howls of the
mysterious creatures stalking the jungle fill them all with fear. Fortunately, thanks to the calm leadership of
quick-thinking Jack and level-headed Kate, they have hope. But even heroes have secrets, as the survivors
will come to learn.
From J.J. Abrams, the creator of “Alias,” comes an action-packed adventure that will bring out the very best
and the very worst in the people who are lost.
Cast:
Evangeline Lilly: Kate
Ian Somerhalder (“Life As a House”): Boone
Dominic Monaghan (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy): Charlie
Jorge Garcia: Hurley
Maggie Grace (“Oliver Beene”): Shannon
Malcolm David Kelley (“Antwone Fisher”): Walt
Naveen Andrews (“The English Patient”): Sayid
Harold Perrineau (“Oz”): Michael
Josh Holloway: Sawyer
Matthew Fox (“Party of
Five”): Jack
Terry O’Quinn (“Primal
Fear”): Locke
Daniel Dae Kim (“24”):
Jin
Yunjin Kim: Sun
Credits:
Executive
Producers/Writers: J. J.
Abrams (“Alias,”
“Felicity”), Damon
Lindelof (“Crossing
Jordan”), Executive
Producer: Bryan Burk
(“Alias”)
Pilot Director: J. J. Abrams
Production Company: Bad Robot
Studio: Touchstone Television
PAG E 5
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA, THURSDAY, 9:00-10:00 P.M., ET)
They say teenage boys think about sex every 15 seconds. That’s 240 times an hour. And in between they cram
everything else: Cheating moms. Interfering dads. Sex. Secret crushes. Pop quizzes. Sex. Clueless teachers.
School cliques. Sex. It’s enough to make a kid’s head explode.
Melvin Burgess’ breakthrough novel is the basis for this series about three hormone-charged teenage boys who
are trying to do something even harder than losing their virginity, and that’s to grow up without totally freak ing out. There’s Dino, the handsome jock with the secret sensitive side; Jonathan, the artist who sees life
through a camera lens; and Ben, the straight-A student who still can’t make his parents happy. You know them.
You grew up with them. Maybe you were them.
This coming of age drama in the tradition of “Stand By Me” and “The Outsiders” comes to ABC from the
writers of “Freaks & Geeks” and “Just Shoot Me.”
Cast:
Sean Faris (MTV’s “Undressed”): Dino Whitman
Jon Foster (“Life As a House”): Ben Conner
Chris Lowell: Jonathan Fields
Missy Peregrym: Jackie
Kelly Osbourne (MTV’s “The Osbournes”): Deborah
D.B. Sweeney (“Brother Bear”): Michael Whitman
Lisa Darr (“Popular”): Annie Whitman
Marguerite Moreau
(“Runaway Jury”): Ms.
Monica Young
Jessica Lucas: Sue
Credits:
Executive Producers/Writers:
Gabe Sachs (“Freaks &
Geeks,” “Just Shoot Me”), Jeff
Judah (“Freaks & Geeks,”
“Just Shoot Me”)
Executive Producers: Stu
Bloomberg, Francie Calfo
Pilot Director: Michael Engler
Production Companies:
Sachs/Judah, Cabloom!
Studio: Touchstone Television
PAG E 6
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA, SUNDAY, 9:00-10:00 P.M., ET)
Looking down on her friends and family isn’t a way of life for Mary Alice Scott. It’s a way of death. One day,
in her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, Mary Alice ended it all. Now she’s taking us into the lives of
her family, friends and neighbors, commenting from her elevated POV. Her husband’s acting suspicious, the
neighbors are talking, and her girlfriends are wondering why one of their own would do something so rash…
and so messy.
There’s Susan, the divorcée who goes to extraordinary lengths for love. Lynette, the ex-career woman who
traded the boardroom for boredom mixed with moments of sheer panic. Bree, the Martha Stewart on steroids,
whose family is about to mutiny. And Gabrielle, the ex-model with everything she always wanted – a rich husband, a big house – so what is she doing with the 17-year-old gardener? As for Mary Alice’s husband, Paul,
there must be a good reason why he’s digging up the pool in the middle of the night.
From her unique vantage point, Mary Alice sees more now
than she ever did alive and she’s planning to share all the
delicious secrets that hide behind every neighbor’s closed
door in this seemingly perfect American suburb. The writer
of “Melrose Place” and “General Hospital” (executive producer Charles Pratt Jr.) has helped create a primetime soap
with a truly contemporary take on happily ever after.
Cast:
Sheryl Lee (“Twin Peaks”): Mary Alice Scott
Mark Moses (“Saving Jessica Lynch”): Paul Young
Cody Kasch (“Normal, Ohio”): Zack Young
Teri Hatcher (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of
Superman”): Susan Mayer
Andrea Bowen (“That Was Then”): Jenna Mayer
Marcia Cross (“Melrose Place,” “Everwood”): Bree Van De
Kamp
Michael Reilly Burke (“Providence”): Rex Van De Kamp
Felicity Huffman (“Sports Night”): Lynette Scavo
Eva Longoria (“Dragnet”): Gabrielle Solis
Ricardo Antonio Chavira (“The Alamo”): Carlos Solis
James Denton (“The Pretender”): Mike Delfino
Kyle Searles (“7 th Heaven”): John
Credits:
Executive Producer/Writer: Marc Cherry (“The
Golden Girls”)
Executive Producers: Charles Pratt Jr. (“Melrose
Place”), Michael Edelstein (“Threat Matrix”)
Pilot Director: Charles McDougall
Studio: Touchstone Television
PAG E 7
THE PRACTICE: FLEET STREET ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA, S UNDAY, 10:00-11:00 P.M., ET)
Alan Shore and Denny Crane lead the brigade of high-priced civil litigators in an upscale Boston law firm in a
series focusing on the professional and personal lives of brilliant, but often emotionally-challenged, attorneys.
Fast-paced, darkly comedic, the series will confront social issues, moral conscience, safe sex, pursuit of happiness and money, with varying degrees of priority. Escape to the law firm on One Fleet Street. Where anything goes… and often will.
Cast:
James Spader (“The Practice”): Alan Shore
William Shatner (“The Practice,” “Star Trek”): Denny Crane
Rhona Mitra (“The Practice,” “Sweet Home Alabama”): Tara Wilson
Lake Bell (“The Practice,” “Miss Match”): Sally Heep
Credits:
Executive Producer/Writer: David E. Kelley (“The Practice,” “Ally McBeal,” “Picket Fences”)
Executive Producer: Bill D’Elia (“The Practice,” “Chicago Hope”)
Production Companies: David E. Kelley Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox
Studio: Twentieth Television
PAG E 8
GREY’S ANATOMY ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA, MONDAY, 10:00-11:00 P.M., ET - AT
THE CONCLUSION OF MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)
Welcome to Grace Hospital. The toughest surgical residency program west of Harvard. It’s a brutal training
ground for the newest medical recruits.
Meet Meredith, Izzie and Christina. Yesterday they were students. Today they are doctors. And if they can
make it through seven years of the finest hell Grace has to offer, they will be surgeons. But the rest of life
doesn’t stop just because their residency is tough, so this trio will also have to deal with jealous boyfriends
and sick parents, one night stands and housing crises, with only each other to rely on.
From Shonda Rhimes, the writer of “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” comes a series about young women
who are doctors; and doctors who are still young women.
Cast:
Ellen Pompeo (“Old School,” “Catch Me If You Can”)): Meredith Grey
Patrick Dempsey (“Once & Again”): Derek Shepherd
James Pickens, Jr. (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”): Richard Webber
T.R. Knight: George O’Malley
Sandra Oh (“Under the Tuscan Sun,” “Arliss”): Christina Yang
Katherine Heigl (“Roswell”): Isobel “Izzie” Stevens
Chandra Wilson: Miranda Bailey
Isaiah Washington (“Out of Sight”): Dr. Preston Burke
Credits:
Executive Producer/Writer: Shonda Rhimes (“Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”)
Executive Producers: Mark Gordon (“Saving Private Ryan”), James Parriott (“Threat Matrix”), Betsy Beers
(“200 Cigarettes”)
Pilot Director: Peter Horton
Studio: Touchstone Television
PAG E 9
BLIND JUSTICE ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA, MIDSEASON , TUESDAY 10:00-11:00 P.M., ET)
A heist gone wrong. A gunman with an AK-47. Three officers trapped without ammo. His partner frozen in
fear, Detective Jim Dunbar – without hesitation — took action of intense bravery that killed the gunman,
saved the officers, and made him a hero. He also took a bullet that blinded him forever.
Most officers injured in the line of duty opt for desk jobs or early retirement. Not Dunbar. He’s rehabilitated
both body and attitude and fought his way back to active duty. His fresh start at a new precinct is threatened
by the simple truth that no one really wants him to work there. His new partner Karen Bettencourt sure as hell
doesn’t trust him to cover her back. Fortunately, they’re all in for the shock of their lives because being blind
makes Dunbar a better cop than he ever was.
Steven Bochco’s new drama stars “ER’s” Ron Eldard as Dunbar and tackles the issue of handicapped employees head on. Unique visual effects give us a window on what Dunbar “sees” with his remaining senses as he
learns to be a better cop and a better man. He has a long way to go to conquer his demons, but at least he’s
back on the streets.
Cast:
Ron Eldard (“ER”): Detective Jim Dunbar
Marisol Nichols (“Resurrection Blvd.”): Karen Bettancourt
Rena Sofer (“Just Shoot Me”): Christie Dunbar
Reno Wilson (“The Hoop Life”): Tom Selway
Frank Grillo (“Minority Report”): Marty Russo
Michael Gaston (“High Crimes”): Lt. Gary Fisk
Credits:
Executives Producers/Writers: Nicholas
Wootton (“NYPD Blue”), Matt Olmstead
(“NYPD Blue”), Bill Clark (“NYPD Blue”)
Executive Producer: Steven Bochco
(“NYPD Blue”)
Pilot Director: Gary Fleder
Production Company: Steven Bochco
Productions
Studio: Paramount Television
PAG E 1 0
EYES ( ONE-HOUR DRAMA)
When you’re in trouble or faced with an insurmountable problem… When you can’t risk adverse publicity or
turn to the cops... When you’ve got everything to lose, but can still afford their fees... You turn to Judd Risk
Management, a 21st century P.I. firm whose job is to make their clients’ problems go away, quickly and quietly.
With each case able to destroy a company, topple a personal fortune, or change the face of governments, this
isn’t just a business; it’s a deadly game with real victims. Founder Harlan Judd has recruited a team whose
personal dramas are as colorful as some of their targets. But he is an honest man in a world that demands
unorthodox methods and a willingness to bend the law.
From the producer of “Fastlane” comes a drama full of bluffs, blackmails, and intrigue.
Cast:
Tim Daly (“Wings,” “Stephen King’s Storm of the Century”): Harlan Judd
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon (“NYPD Blue”): Nora Shea
Reg Rogers (“Analyze That”): Danny Agermeyer
Natalie Zea (“Passions”): Trish Agermeyer
A.J. Langer (“My So-Called Life”): Meg Bardo
Rick Worthy (“Collateral Damage”): Chris
Didion
Laura Leighton (“Melrose Place”): Leslie Town
Eric Mabius (“The L Word”): Jeff McCann
Credits:
Executive Producer/Writer: John McNamara
(“Fastlane,” “Profit”)
Pilot Director: John Amiel
Production Entities: McNamara Paper Products,
Warner Bros. Television
PAG E 1 1
THE BENEFACTOR ( ONE-HOUR ALTERNATIVE SERIES , MONDAY, 8:00-9:00 P.M., ET)
What would you do for a million dollars? Billionaire businessman and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is
about to find out because he is “The Benefactor,” and he’s set to give away a million bucks to a complete
stranger. Why has he agreed to give away such a large sum of money? Because he can’t wait to figure out how
America’s applicants will prove to him they deserve it! Sixteen contestants will vie for the money in a competition full of emotional, dramatic challenges – tests of character, intelligence, heart, and maybe a little bit of luck.
Credits:
Executive Producers: David Young, Clay Newbill and Todd Wagner
Production Entities: 12 Yard Productions, 29 29 Productions
WIFE SWAP ( ONE-HOUR ALTERNATIVE SERIES , WEDNESDAY, 10:00-11:00 P.M., ET)
Already a smash hit in the UK and most recently awarded a BAFTA, the UK’s most prestigious television
award, “Wife Swap” gives two families the rare opportunity to witness what it is like to live someone else’s
life and experiences. Two matriarchs from two households trade places for 10 days. For the first five days of
the challenge, they must obey the rules of the new family’s lifestyle and adopt their daily routine – parenting,
shopping, housework, creating budgets and social life. For the remaining five days, these women get to run
the new house their own way – a radical shock to both families. This intense new series taps into America’s
voyeuristic tendencies and desires to judge how others run their households, raise their children and treat their
spouses. Never before has a reality series taken such an honest inside look at the American family.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Michael Davies, Stephen Lambert, Jenny
Crowther
Production Entities: RDF Media, Diplomatic
PAG E 1 2
ABC M ANAGEMENT CHANGES
THE FOLLOWING ABC
MANAGEMENT CHANGES WERE ANNOUNCED ON
APRIL 20, 2004:
- Anne Sweeney and George Bodenheimer were named co-chairs of Disney’s Media Networks unit.
• Sweeney will be adding the ABC TV Network, which includes ABC Entertainment, ABC Daytime,
ABC News and Touchstone Television, to her responsibilities.
• George Bodenheimer will remain head of ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports.
- Steve McPherson, former President of Touchstone Television, was named President of ABC Primetime
Entertainment. In this role, he will have oversight of all development, current programming, marketing and
scheduling for the primetime division of the ABC Television Network.
- Mark Pedowitz was named President of Touchstone Television. He was previously the Executive Vice
President, ABC Entertainment Television Group and retains these responsibilities as well.
- Rich Ross has been named President, Disney Channel Worldwide. Rich will be responsible for worldwide
management of The Disney Channel, Toon Disney and Jetix channels.
- Paul Lee has been named President, ABC Family. He’s the former Chief Executive Officer of BBC
America.
ANNE
SWEENEY
CO-CHAIR ,
DISNEY MEDIA NETWORKS
PRESIDENT,
DISNEY-ABC TELEVISION
GEORGE
BODENHEIMER
CO-CHAIR ,
DISNEY MEDIA NETWORKS
PRESIDENT,
ESPN AND ABC SPORTS
PAG E 1 3
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE
ABC aired the network debut of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s
Stone, which also provided a preview of the third Harry Potter
installment.
The 2001 movie, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and
Rupert Grint and directed by Chris Columbus, was aired on
Sunday, May 9, in an extended, high-definition version that included previously unseen footage.
NEWS
FROM
DISNEY CHANNEL
Disney on Demand, the subscription VOD service from ABC Cable Networks Group, is launching trials of
two new SVOD applications this summer with cablevision that involve early premieres of product and a Kim
Possible interactive game.
In June, Cablevision subscribers who have purchased the Disney SVOD package will be able to see episodes
of the new live-action series Phil of the Future 24 hours before they appear on television.
This will be repeated in August, when SVOD subscribers will be able to see the animated Brandy and Mr.
Whiskers 24 hours before aired on television.
UPDATE FROM...
For the year, ESPN’s NBA broadcasts averaged a 1.3 rating, up 8% versus a 1.2 for the 69 games last season.
ESPN’s NBA broadcasts also showed ratings growth in the following key demographics:
UP 2%
UP 7%
UP 18%
MEN 18-34
MEN 18-49
MEN 25-54
The women’s NCAA championship game between Connecticut and Tennessee was ESPN’s most-viewed basketball game — men or women, college or professional — in the network’s 25-year history (3,800,791 households).
The three-game Final Four average was ESPN’s most-viewed and highest-rated ever, averaging 2,990,000
households and a 3.4 rating for increases of 16% (vs. 2,583,000) and 13% (vs. 3.0), respectively, over last
year.
PAG E 1 4
E S P N AG R E E M E N T S
In addition to the long-term distribution agreements previously reached with Charter Communications, Cox
Communications and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), new agreements have been reached
by ESPN.New affiliate agreements reached by ESPN include:
• Cablevision, the largest cable-TV operator in the New York region.
• Adelphia Communications, which includes distribution of ESPN Broadband, ESPN Deportes and ESPN HD.
• CableOne, a member of the National Cable Television Cooperative, which includes ESPN HD and ESPN
Deportes.
• ESPN’s Digital Center, a 120,000 square foot, state-of-the-art,
all digital high-definition facility at ESPN’s headquarters in
Bristol, Conn. will begin operations on June 7, 2004 with the
premiere high-definition telecast of SportsCenter. The
Digital Center will be one of the most technically sophisticated television production facilities in the world. The building
will be home to all ESPN Bristol-based studio shows, starting
with SportsCenter.
• When the building is completed in 2005, ESPN HD viewers
will have the opportunity to see 3,500 hours of originally produced, high-definition studio programming each year.
ESPN’s state-of-the-art Digital Center.
ABC FAMILY NEW PROGRAMMING
- ABC Family has acquired a slate of series, movies, and specials in
a deal with Warner Brothers Domestic Cable Distribution.
Included in the deal are the rights to air Smallville and the Jamie
Kennedy Experiment, both of which will begin airing in Fall 2004.
- Also included in the deal are the series Full House and the movies
You’ve Got Mail, Miss Congeniality, The Perfect Storm and Twister.
In addition, holiday specials are part of the deal.
PAG E 1 5
The following original movies are planned for this season:
• LOVE RULES! (June 6, 2004)
An original movie starring Joseph Lawrence, Maggie Lawson and Marilu Henner, Love Rules! is a comedy about an unsuspecting couple who get side tracked on the blissful road to the altar.
• CRIMES OF FASHION (July 25, 2004)
Crimes of Fashion, an original movie starring Kaley Cuoco and Dominic Chianese, follows a fashion
student who takes over the family business only to discover her late grandfather was a mob boss.
• POP ROCKS (September 12, 2004)
Pop Rocks, an original movie starring Gary Cole and Sherilyn Fenn, is about a respectable banker and
family man in his 40’s, who is about to be haunted by his deepest, darkest secret…that he was part of
the hottest heavy metal band in the 80’s.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM...
D ISNEY C HANNEL
AND
P L AY H O U S E D I S N E Y
E X PA N D S I N TO
A S I A PAC I F I C
On April 2, the Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney were launched in Hong Kong, and
Playhouse Disney was launched in Indonesia.
These are the first markets in Asia Pacific for Playhouse Disney. Designed for pre-schoolers aged two to five,
Playhouse Disney Channel is a commercial-free service that features award-winning pre-school programs, locally produced activity segments and customized short-form programming. Doug Miller, senior vice president and
managing director of Walt Disney Television International- Asia Pacific, states, “With Indonesia and Hong Kong
as a launch pad, we look forward to extending the distribution of Playhouse Disney across Southeast Asia and
Korea.” Indonesia and Hong Kong are the fourth and fifth markets to launch Playhouse Disney Channel after
the United Kingdom, Spain and France.
In addition to the new Hong Kong channel, the Disney Channel is already available in Brunei, Indonesia, Korea,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
RATINGS UPDATE
FROM
CABLE NETWORKS GROUP
For Q2 (12/29/03-3/28/04 vs. 12/30/02-3/30/03)
Up 10% in HH rating (0.67 vs. 0.61)
Up 5% with Men 18-34 (0.64 vs. 0.61)
Up 9% with Men 18-49 (0.84 vs. 0.72)
Up 16% with Men 25-54 (0.89 vs. 0.77)
PAG E 1 6
For Q2 (Jan.-Mar. ‘04 vs. Jan.-Mar. ‘03)
Primetime
Up 33% in HH (0.8 vs. 0.6)
Up 40% in Total Viewers (983 vs. 704)
Up 33% with Adults 18-34 (0.4 vs. 0.3)
Up 33% with Adults 18-49 (0.4 vs. 0.3)
Up 100% with Women 18-34 (0.6 vs. 0.3)
Up 25% with Women 18-49 (0.5 vs. 0.4)
For Q2 (Jan.-Mar. ‘04 vs. Jan.-Mar. ‘03)
Total Day (Mon-Sun, 6AM - 6AM)
Up 67% in HH (0.5 vs. 0.3)
Up 74% in Total Viewers (610 vs. 350)
Up 200% with Adults 18-34 (0.3 vs. 0.1)
Up 100% with Adults 18-49 (0.2 vs. 0.1)
Up 50% with Women 18-34 (0.3 vs. 0.2)
Up 50% with Women 18-49 (0.3 vs. 0.2)
Q2 Ratings
Total Day
+20% among HH (1.2 vs. 1.0)
+20% among Total Viewers (0.6 vs. 0.5)
+10% with Kids 6-11 (2.3 vs. 2.1)
Even with Tweens 9-14 (1.8)
UPDATE
ON
Primetime (3/29/04-5/9/04)
+6% in HH (1.7 vs. 1.6)
Flat among Total Viewers (0.9)
+2% with Kids 6-11 (4.3 vs. 4.2)
-3% with Tweens 9-14 (3.6 vs. 3.7)
CABLE SUBSCRIBERS . . .
CABLE S UBSCRIBERS Q 2 F Y0 4
Disney Channel
US
UK
Taiwan
Latin America
Italy
Japan
Germany
France
Australia
Spain
Scandinavia
Brazil
Asia
Middle East
Portugal
International Total
Worldwide Total
ABC FAMILY
ABC Family
Fox Kids Europe
Fox Kids Latin America
ESPN
Subscribers (in millions)
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPN Classic
ESPNEWS
83.5
5.2
5.1
2.5
2.2
2.1
2.1
1.8
1.5
1.4
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.2
0.2
OTHER CABLE PROPERTIES
A&E Channel*
Lifetime Channel ^
The History Channel ~
E! Entertainment +
A&E International*
Toon Disney
Lifetime Movie Channel ^
SOAPnet
style. +
Biography*
History International ~
25.6
109.1
87.1
36.9
14.3
Subscribers (in millions)
88.8
87.4
53.7
41.1
87.9
87.9
86.4
84.2
49.2
44.4
41.6
36.7
35.4
21.2
21.0
* The Walt Disney Company owns 37.5% of A&E
^ The Walt Disney Company owns 50% of Lifetime
+ The Walt Disney Company owns 39.6% of E! Entertainment
~ The Walt Disney Company owns 37.5% of The History Channel
PAG E 1 7
NEWS
FROM...
The Walt Disney Studios
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
TO BE PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY
DISNEY
Disney announced a deal with Walden Media to bring The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the big screen.
There are seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, which have sold more than 85 million copies worldwide.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST REACHES MILESTONE
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast celebrated its 10th anniversary on
Broadway, April 18th at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, confirming its
position as one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all
time. The theatrical hit ranks as the fourth highest grossing musical
of all time, recently passing Miss Saigon.
RELEASE
SLATE FROM ...
APRIL - J UNE 2004 HOME VIDEO
TITLE
RELEASE DATE
DV D R E L E A S E S
TITLE
Q3 FY04
Hope Springs
Paul McCartney Animation
Kill Bill Volume 1
Haunted Mansion
Playmakers (ESPN)
The Third Wheel
Ghosts of the Abyss
Calendar Girls
Osbournes: Season 2
Born to Defence
Dragon Lord
Scary Movie 3
The Miracle
My Baby’s Daddy
Power Rangers: Dino Thunder
Carolina
In the Weeds
Station Agent
Teacher’s Pet Movie
Bad Santa
Spider-Man: Doc Ocks Revenge
AND
RELEASE DATE
Q3 FY03
April 6
April 6
April 13
April 20
April 20
April 20
April 27
May 4
May 4
May 11
May 11
May 11
May 18
June 1
June 1
June 8
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 22
June 29
Waking Up in Reno
Paid in Full
Castle in the Sky
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Spirited Away
Treasure Planet
The Hot Chick
25th Hour
Atlantis: Milo’s Return
The Recruit
Power Rangers Ninja Storm
Rolie Polie Olie II: Baby Bot Chase
Frida
The Jungle Book 2
Wes Craven’s They
Dracula II: Ascension
Heaven
The Hulk
Air Bud Strikes Back
Pennsylvania Miner’s Story
PAG E 1 8
April 8
April 8
April 15
April 15
April 15
April 29
May 13
May 20
May 20
May 27
June 3
June 3
June 10
June 10
June 10
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 24
June 24
RELEASE
The Walt Disney Studios
SLATE FROM ...
T H E AT R I CA L R E L E A S E S C H E D U L E
TITLE (S TUDIO )
Q3 FY04
Home on the Range
(Disney)
Shaolin Soccer
(Miramax)
The Alamo
(Touchstone)
Ella Enchanted
(Miramax)
I’m Not Scared
(Miramax)
Kill Bill Volume 2
(Miramax)
Sacred Planet
(Touchstone)
Valentin
(Miramax)
Raising Helen
(Touchstone)
Around the World in 80 Days
(Miramax)
M AY
RELEASE DATE
April 2
SEPTEMBER 2003
TITLE (S TUDIO )
Q3 FY03
Ghosts of the Abyss
(Touchstone)
Holes
(Disney)
People I Know
(Miramax)
Blue Car
(Miramax)
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
(Disney)
Only the Strong Survive
(Miramax)
Pokemon Heroes
(Miramax)
Finding Nemo
(Disney/Pixar)
Jet Lag
(Miramax)
April 2
April 9
April 9
April 9
April 16
April 22
May 7
May 28
RELEASE DATE
April 11
April 18
April 25
May 2
May 2
May 9
May 16
May 30
June 13
June 16
Q4 FY04
America
(Disney)
King Arthur
(Touchstone)
The Village
(Touchstone)
Princess Diaries 2
(Disney 2)
Mr. 3000
(Touchstone)
Providence
(Touchstone)
TO
Q4 FY03
July 2
July 7
July 30
August 11
September 24
September
Pirates of the Caribbean
(Disney)
Dirty Pretty Things
(Miramax)
Buffalo Soldiers
(Miramax)
Spy Kids 3D: Game Over
(Dimension)
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
(Miramax-re-release)
Freaky Friday
(Disney)
The Magdalene Sisters
(Miramax)
My Boss’s Daughter
(Miramax)
PAG E 1 9
July 9
July 18
July 25
July 25
August 1
August 1
August 1
August 22
Q4 FY04
Q4 FY03
Hope Springs
(Touchstone)
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
(Miramax)
Open Range
(Touchstone)
Cold Creek Manor
(Touchstone)
Under the Tuscan Sun
(Touchstone)
Duplex
(Miramax)
NEWS
FROM...
September 5
September 12
September 12
September 19
September 19
September 26
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
THE TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR OPENS AT DCA
On May 5, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened at
Disney’s California Adventure. This ride is the biggest and
most elaborate addition to Disney’s California Adventure since
the park opened in 2001. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is
the most recent addition to a list of new and popular attractions
added to Disney’s California Adventure over the last 18 months
including The Magic of Brother Bear show, Playhouse Disney –
Live on Stage!, Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, and a
bug’s land. The new attraction will feature Disney’s FASTPASS®.
THE HAPPIEST CELEBRATION
ON
EARTH
For the first time ever, the 10 Disney theme parks around the world
will join together for a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of
Disneyland. Billed as The Happiest Celebration on Earth, the
celebration will begin May 5, 2005 and will extend for 18
months through 2006. The celebration will continue at Hong
Kong Disneyland when it is opened in late calendar 2005.
PAG E 2 0
DISNEY CRUISE LINE OFFERS CRUISES TO M EXICO
FROM
LOS ANGELES
• In conjunction with the celebration of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, 12 seven-night cruises will be
offered on the West Coast between May 28 and August 19, 2005. The Disney Magic will offer cruises
leaving from the Port of Los Angeles and docking in three Mexican ports, including Puerto Vallarta,
Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Bookings open May 5, with rates for seven-night West Coast cruises
starting at $1,399/person. The Disney Wonder will continue to offer three and four-night Bahamian
cruises from Port Canaveral.
• Bookings opened May 5 and were very strong, as evidenced
by the following first day booking statistics:
- Net bookings of 3,845 represent the highest
number of bookings in a single day
- The 14-night West and Eastbound trips across the
Panama Canal were 67% and 69% booked, respectively
- The 7-night cruises were 21% booked on average
- The call to booking conversion was 75%
PAG E 2 1
NEWS
FROM ...
Disney Consumer Products
PRINCESS
LINE SALES INCREASING
Disney Consumer Products’ Princess line of dolls
and toys for girls is expected to experience significant sales growth this year. Disney Consumer
Products Chairman Andy Mooney stated in a
recent interview that he expects Princess group
retail sales to rise to $2 billion in fiscal year
2004 from $1.3 billion in 2003 and approximately $300 million in 2000. The Princess line
features the company’s fabled film heroines, from
Snow White to Pocahontas.
NEWS FROM BUENA VISTA I NTERACTIVE
Buena Vista Interactive and Acclaim
Entertainment, Inc. announced that they have
shipped Alias, based on ABC’s hit television
series, for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game
system from Microsoft. Alias is a third-person
action adventure that allows players to assume
the role of the series’ lead character, Sydney
Bristow, played by Jennifer Garner, an agent for
the CIA.
Please note:
This newsletter has been prepared by the Investor Relations group of The Walt Disney Company solely for the information of shareholders and potential investors in the
company. It is not intended to be a recommendation with respect to any particular investment decision. All information contained in this newsletter is presented as of
the date indicated below, and the company assumes no duty to confirm, revise or update the information.
Some information in this newsletter may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements are based on management’s current plans and expectations and are subject to uncertainty and change. Actual results may vary significantly from those
expressed or implied by statements in this newsletter. More detailed information about factors that may affect future performance is set forth in the company’s filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003.
May 28, 2004- Burbank, CA
PAG E 2 2