SciFi Channel Press Release # 4

Business Wire
April 2, 2002, Tuesday 01:07 PM Eastern Time
SECTION: ENTERTAINMENTWIRE

DISTRIBUTION: Entertainment Editors

LENGTH: 586 words

HEADLINE: SCI FI Has a Cure for Reality TV; SCI FI Channel Launching a
Primetime Block of 'Alternative Reality' Programming in Early '03

DATELINE: NEW YORK, April 2, 2002

BODY:
Delivering an antidote to stale, so-called "reality" programming, SCI FI Channel will be launching a weekly primetime block designed to explore Alternative Reality TV in 2003.

This second full night of original programs will offer twisted takes on topics ranging from dream interpretation to conspiracies to a frightful twist on Candid Camera.

Many more projects will be announced in coming weeks, but already on the Alternative Reality TV development slate is:

SCARE TACTICS This delightfully wicked half-hour weekly series that some might call the Candid Camera of fright. Set up by friends and loved ones, unwitting victims take center stage in elaborately staged hoaxes, skillfully designed to tap into their wildest fears. From a mock alien encounter to babysitting in a haunted house, the pranks are both hilarious and terrifying, with victims caught off guard and on tape. DREAM TEAM WITH ANNABELLE AND MICHAEL - hosted by Annabelle Gurwitch & Michael Lennox

Does a passionate, lengthy lip lock mean that you are letting go of old problems? Could flying reveal the exhibitionist in you? Is sex your subconscious rewarding you for a job well done? In this revealing and humorous daily half-hour late-night strip, co-hosts Annabelle Gurwitch (Dinner & A Movie) and dream expert Michael Lennox pull up the shades for the first time to analyze the dreams of both in-studio audience members and call-in viewers. The meanings behind our most private, subconscious night visions are finally revealed. Produced by Stone Stanley Entertainment, this series will be a companion show to Crossing Over with John Edward.

STARPORT AUTHORITY (working title) This hysterical send-up of "reality" series provides a look at the day-to-day grind of Starport Authority beat cops. These are just your average joes fighting the not-so-petty crime of the near future - a future filled with illegal aliens of the other-wordly variety. A la COPS, our hardworking patrol keeps a watchful eye out for crime at the interstellar side of LAX - as well as an eye out for the nearest doughnut shop. This half-hour weekly is written by Bart Baker (Meteorites!, Live Wire). Distributed by USA Cable Entertainment.

In production:

THE BELZER CONNECTION - hosted by Richard Belzer Originally announced as a one-time special, this project has been expanded to a limited-run, one-hour series. Hosted by Law & Order: Special Victim Unit's Richard Belzer, Connection searches for answers about the juiciest conspiracies of our time. The specials provide an entertaining reexamination of shocking and fascinating conspiracies as seen through the eyes of a wild assortment of believers, debunkers, field investigators, online fanatics and celebrity guests, like Janeane Garafalo, Ice-T and Al Franken. Produced by K2 Pictures.

On December 17, USA Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: USAI) and Vivendi Universal announced the creation of Vivendi Universal Entertainment (VUE), a joint venture that combines the assets of the USA Entertainment Group, including SCI FI Channel, and the Universal Studios Group.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA Networks, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: USAI) Entertainment Group, transmits fantastic images to 78 million human homes. Launched in 1992, SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi, fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM(R), the SCI FI Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.

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