A&E

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 7:46pm on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

A&E's "Paranormal State" began a 10 city U.S. tour in search of the hottest paranormal experiences, the cable network announced on November 24, 2009:

"Series star Ryan Buell is traveling across the country to invite America to share their own paranormal experiences with him personally. The most compelling stories will have a chance to be featured on future episodes of "Paranormal State".

"Paranormal research has always been a passion of mine," said Buell. "Since the launch of our A&E series, we've been getting thousands of calls from people wanting us to investigate their homes. Although we'd love to, we can't possibly visit everyone. This is our effort to cover more territory, talk to more people and ultimately find answers to the unexplainable."

For more information:
http://www.paranormalstatetour.com/

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 1:26pm on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

A&E Greenlights Seven Episodes Of "Bob Saget's Strange Days"; Show To Explore Offbeat American Lifestyles

Variety reported on November 16, 2009:

"The quirky travelogue will place Saget with groups that include biker gangs, Amish teenagers, mail-order brides and survivalist cults.

"Bob Saget has been a part of the television landscape for years, but now we'll be seeing him in a completely different light as he travels the country to explore ways of living that most of us know nothing about," said Robert Sharenow, A&E senior veep of nonfiction and alternative programming."

The full story:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118011416.html

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 7:46am on Monday, November 9th, 2009

Consolidation of A&E and Lifetime networks results in loss of 100 jobs, Variety reports on November 6, 2009:

Layoffs are across the board, with Lifetime departments like legal, human resources, publicity and marketing particularly hard hit.

Out in the shuffle are Lifetime head of reality Jessica Samet and head of casting Rick Jacobs.

A&E Television Networks (AETN) has been mapping out its consolidation plans for weeks. Several execs had already opted to exit, including Pat Langer, Lifetime's exec VP for business affairs, legal and human resources, and Lifetime exec VP-chief financial officer James Wesley.

Meanwhile, Lifetime research chief Mike Greco has been named the head of research for all of AETN, replacing Dave Marans, who has departed.

Disney-ABC and Hearst each own around 42% of the new AETN, while NBC Universal owns about 16%.

The full story:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010974.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&ref=verttv

Mondo Times editors    Boulder, Colorado USA

Posted at 9:51pm on Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

February 18, 2009: A&E announced that it will air "Hammertime," a new show about MC Hammer and his family:

A&E Network today announced a new original series, "Hammertime," following the life of rapper and dancer MC Hammer, his wife of more than 23 years and their family of seven. The series is currently in production and slated for premiere in 2009.

"MC Hammer is an iconic figure in American pop culture but many people only know him for his music and fashion sense, now A&E takes an unprecedented look behind his larger-than-life personality and into his life as a devoted husband, father and business entrepreneur," said Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President, Nonfiction and Alternative Programming, A&E. "Hammertime truly captures the intimate, funny and genuine moments that resonate with our viewers and underscore the essence of our brand."

"Each week we'll open our home to viewers to showcase the hectic pace of our lives and our eclectic family, our real life truly is drama and there is no better place than A&E for some Hammertime," said executive producer MC Hammer.

"Hammertime" will feature 11 half-hour episodes that take a peek inside the life of Stanley Burrell who rapped and danced his way into the hearts of America in the 1990s as MC Hammer and to date has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and is a three-time Grammy award winner. Known for his thrilling stage shows, powerful dance moves, catchy pop hits and his community commitment, Hammer faced some very public financial woes and now lives a more economically balanced life in Oakland, California with Stephanie, his wife and confidant of more than 23 years, and their family of seven ranging in age from 3-21.