February 27, 2004

By: Taylor Kent
Website: http://www.1st-in-steaks.com

One of cable's fastest growing ad-supported nets boasts twelve new series and sixty new specials

Food Network breaks the mold again in 2003, expanding the food television genre as never before. With the introduction of twelve new series and sixty new specials, viewers looking for non-traditional food fare need not look further than one of cable's fastest growing ad-supported networks. On the reality front, Food Network will launch shows like Date Plate, Jamie's Kitchen and Into the Fire, and will go on the road with the musical family Dweezil & Lisa (as in Zappa and Loeb); competition programs like Food Fight; and the network gets game with Trivia Unwrapped, a companion show to the network's hottest new series of 2003. Al Roker will also be on hand for his feature magazine program, Roker on the Road, traveling the country to uncover stories of people who are living their culinary dreams.

Programming spending in 2003 will increase by 58%. Network highlights in 2002 included the addition of 8 million subscribers bringing the network's total to 77.3 million, representing an increase of 11% vs. December 2001. In 2003, the growth continues with the network adding just over one million subscribers through March.

On the ratings front, the network delivered a first quarter to date average of .6 HH Rating in standard primetime. Ratings and viewership increases translated into gains for Food Network in key demos. The network's overall standard primetime demo for full-year 2002, up 41% for women 25-54; up 39% for adults 25-54; up 32% for women 18-49 and; up 29% for adults 18-49, as compared to full-year 2001. Series on Food Network that have been attracting and maintaining these newer, younger viewers are Iron Chef, Good Eats, Oliver's Twist, the newest hit Top 5, and the continued success of the pop culture series,Unwrapped, hosted by Marc Summers.

"We've found that as long as we're looking at our programming through food-colored glasses, there's no limit to what you can do with television people are passionate about," Girard said. "This year we are not only building our entertainment and lifestyle focused primetime lineup, but expanding our successful In the Kitchen block to Saturdays, Sundays and early fringe during the week."

Also see: philly cheese steak

Author Notes:

Taylor Kent contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com.  Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.