Court TV is becoming truTV. The cable network has announced that as part of its previously announced plans to shift its programming to "emphasizing real-life stories," it will rebrand itself as truTV beginning January 1, 2008.
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The new moniker's unveiling comes four months after a mid-March announcement in which Court TV first announced its plans to embark on a year-long re-branding effort intended to reflect the network's decision to re-focus its lineup on the type of reality programming that's proven popular among what it's terming "Real Engager" viewers.
"Early in the re-branding process, we realized that the current network name doesn't reflect the direction of our programming or our growing target audience of Real Engagers," said Court TV's general manager, Marc Juris. "In truTV, we now have the ideal name that fits both the programming and the target audience. The network will be top of mind for Real Engagers seeking real-life action programming, real-life emotion and access to places they can't normally go."
Even after its January 2008 re-launch as truTV, Court TV will continue to broadcast six hours of courtroom coverage beginning at 9AM weekdays -- followed by a new talk show featuring former The View co-host Star Jones -- which will air at 3PM.
However during primetime, the network plans to air its "Real Engagers" programming lineup, which will include existing Court TV series Speeders, Forensic Files, and Haunting Evidence, as well as several other new shows, such as The Real Hustle, which will follow a trio of tricksters as they try to hustle people on the streets of New York, and Most Daring, which will show viewers stories of exciting rescue missions. In addition, Court TV is developing several other new series for its "Real Engagers" primetime programming block.
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"Our new development projects are the kind of compelling stories and people our audience of Real Engagers is seeking," said Juris. "We're proud to be working with successful, top-name producers in crafting series that will continue building on the network's growing success."
Other new "Real Engagers" series currently in development by Court TV are Neighbors 911, which will follow former Green Beret Myke Hawke as he helps feuding couples confront their differences; Ski Patrol, a Beach Patrol-like show that will document dramatic rescues on dangerous ski slopes; Black Gold, a Deadliest Catch-type show that will focus on oil prospectors in Texas; and Outlaw Chasers, which will chronicle the journeys of two storm chasers as they hunt for twisters across the Midwest.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio