JMBet

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — Fallsview casino Resort announced today that it has added a second performance by international music, fashion, TV and movie star Jessica Simpson to its August concert line-up.
Simpson, whose August 28th show sold out almost immediately when it was announced earlier this month, will now perform in Fallsview’s Avalon Theatre on Wednesday, August 27th, as well.
“Ms. Simpson’s show sold out as quickly as any we’ve ever had here at Fallsview casino over the last four years,” said Greg Medulun, Director of Communications. “When the opportunity came along for us to book her for a second show, we jumped at it. Our customers have made it abundantly clear that they want to see Ms. Simpson’s show.”
Simpson has graced the covers of some of the world’s most popular magazines, including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Marie Claire and Elle.
And she has just added “country music sensation” to her list of accomplishments. Her first country music single - “Come On Over” - charted higher than any other debut country single in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this past spring. Her debut country album will be released this fall.
In addition to several previous albums - including the four-times-platinum In This Skin - Simpson is instantly recognizable for her recurring role on TV’s That 70s Show, the MTV reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica and her film debut as Daisy Duke in the big-screen version of The Dukes of Hazzard. Simpson also contributed her distinctive cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” to the movie’s soundtrack.
Jessica Simpson
Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28
Showtime: 8:30pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
Tickets start at $70
Media sensation Jessica Simpson takes the stage to perform hits like
“Come On Over,”"These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,”"Irresistible,”"I Belong To Me” and “A Public Affair.”
Tickets to the August 27th Jessica Simpson show will be available beginning at noon on Tuesday, July 29, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-833-3110 or by visiting .
Built on a cliff overlooking the world-famous Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview casino Resort is one of the largest and most elegant gaming resort facilities in Canada and the crown jewel in Niagara’s stunning array of wonders. In addition to the intimate, 1,500-seat Avalon Theatre, Fallsview features a casino with over 3,000 slot machines and 142 gaming tables, a 374-room luxury hotel, a full-service spa and fitness centre, dozens of dining and shopping options and over 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
Fallsview Casino

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FARGO, N.D., July 25 /PRNewswire/ — casino Enterprise Management magazine will recognize Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell as the “Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year.” Campbell will be presented with this award Sept. 10 during CasinoFest7, held at Pechanga Resort & casino in Temecula, Calif. National Indian Gaming Association Chairman and previous Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year award winner Ernie Stevens Jr. will preside over the ceremony.
A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and Council of 44 Chiefs, as well as a former Congressman from Colorado, Campbell has long been a tireless supporter of Native American sovereignty. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987-1993 and the U.S. Senate from 1993-2005, and in 1997 became the first American Indian to chair the Indian Affairs Committee. His political career is marked with successes in protecting native lands and resources, and improving health, education and economies in Indian Country.
The second annual Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year Award, which honors an individual who has dedicated his or her life to the advancement of sovereign nations, peoples and gaming enterprises, joins Campbell’s impressive record of military, political, civil, sports and artistic accomplishments.
Casino Enterprise Management magazine is an international trade journal serving the gaming industry. CasinoFest7 is part of the CasinoFest conference series dedicated to furthering the education of those men and women who work in all facets of the gaming industry through interactive lectures and hands-on training by the best and brightest professionals in the fields of casino management, marketing, slot operations and table games.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Shirek
Associate Editor
casino Enterprise Management
(701) 293-7775

Casino Enterprise Management

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LAS VEGAS, July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it will release its 2008 second quarter and year-to-date financial results on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 prior to the market opening, followed by a conference call on the same day at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).
To participate in the conference call, please dial (888) 792-8395 approximately five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time. International callers should call (706) 679-7241. There is no passcode required for this call.
This conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at . To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.
A replay of the conference call will be available through August 13, 2008 by dialing (800) 642-1687 or, for international callers, (706) 645-9291. The code to access the replay is 57634001.
About Pinnacle Entertainment
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates casinos in Nevada, Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri, Argentina and The Bahamas and has significant insurance claims related to a hurricane-damaged hotel and casino complex previously operated in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Company opened Lumiere Place, a $507 million casino hotel in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, in December 2007. Pinnacle also has a second casino development project under construction in the St. Louis area, which opening is dependent upon final approval by the Missouri Gaming Commission. Pinnacle is currently developing a second casino resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to be called Sugarcane Bay; is developing a casino resort in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and has submitted a proposal for a casino resort in Kansas City, Kansas, subject to various approvals. Additionally, Pinnacle owns a casino site at the heart of the famed Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on which it plans to build a major new casino resort.
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

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DOVER, Del., July 23 /PRNewswire/ — casino revenues fell throughout the United States in June but showed some signs of stabilizing, according to the National Revenue Report published by Fantini Research.
Gaming win in regional casino markets fell 1.38 percent to $2.225 billion, a deterioration from the year-to-date gain of 1.57 percent.
The damage was worse when new casinos are factored out. Same-store revenues fell 5.66 percent.
However, there are glimmers of hope, the report’s author, Frank Fantini, said in pointing to casino companies such as Ameristar, Pinnacle Entertainment and Isle of Capri that grew revenues through expansions.
Other bright sports include the emerging racino markets of Pennsylvania and New York, where revenues soared 48.9 and 15.5 percent, respectively.
Nonetheless, the 32-page report details the industry’s glum status at mid-year as casinos fight a slow economy, smoking bans in major markets (Atlantic City, Colorado, Illinois), new competition (Atlantic City, Indiana, New Orleans) and flooding rivers (Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri).
ABOUT THE NATIONAL REVENUE REPORT. The NRR is the most complete report on gaming revenue in the United States. It is published monthly by Fantini Research, publisher of Fantini’s Gaming Report.
Copies of the National Revenue Report are available by subscription or single-copy purchase at .
For more information about the National Revenue Report, contact Frank Fantini at , or by telephone at 1-866-683-4357.
ABOUT FANTINI RESEARCH. Fantini Research publishes Fantini’s Gaming Report, the most comprehensive daily report on news about the industry aimed at institutional investors, private investors and corporate level executives.
Fantini’s Gaming Report covers every aspect of the gaming industry — commercial and Indian casinos, lottery and racing companies, and the slot machine and technology companies that supply those industries.
Fantini’s Gaming Report is distributed to investors and executives throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
For more information about Fantini’s Gaming Report and the company’s other services and publications, contact Business Director Dee Wild at , or by phone at 1-866-683-4357.
ABOUT FRANK FANTINI. The CEO of Fantini Research is a former newspaper journalist, publisher and corporate executive who has invested in gaming stocks for more than a decade.
Recognized as an expert on developments in the industry, Mr. Fantini is frequently quoted by national and international news services, newspapers and television and radio broadcasters.
Fantini’s Gaming Report

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WEST PATERSON, N.J., July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Interactive Systems Worldwide Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ISWI) today announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Interactive Gaming Limited (”GIG”), and Hipodromo de Agua Caliente S.A. de C.V. (”Caliente”), have revised their licensing and technical support agreements originally signed in August 2006.
In connection with these revised agreements, GIG will provide software and services that enable Caliente to offer the Company’s enhanced play-by-play sports betting service on-line on Caliente’s Internet website. It is expected that this version will launch in time for the upcoming American football season, and will run through the end of the calendar year.
Caliente is operating the play-by-play betting service using its own personnel. The wagering opportunities will be offered in both English and Spanish to the patrons. GIG will provide initial set-up support, software customization, and will provide on-going technical assistance. These services will be provided on a “time and materials” basis. The agreement specifies an up-front payment to GIG, as well as monthly license fees based on a share of the revenue derived from the enhanced play-by-play betting service.
Under these revised agreements, the SportXction(R) System will no longer be offered in the Race & Sports Books operated by Caliente.
About Interactive Systems Worldwide, Inc.
Interactive Systems Worldwide, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ISWI.OB) has designed, developed and patented a proprietary software system, the SportXction System, which enables play-by-play wagering during the course of live sporting events. ISWI, through its wholly owned subsidiary Global Interactive Gaming Ltd. (GIG), operates the SportXction(R) System in the U.K., in conjunction with established media and traditional wagering partners. The system can accept wagers from the Internet, handheld wireless devices, interactive televisions, and standalone kiosks. The system can be used for any live broadcast event.
About Caliente
Caliente is a Mexican corporation that has been a leading player in the Latin American Entertainment and Gaming Industry since 1916. The company’s roots are in the famous Agua Caliente Race Track immortalized in the famous movie Seabiscuit. Presently, Caliente Group operates more than 160 establishments known as Race & Sports Books, where customers can enjoy and wager on races held at the most important horse and greyhound racing tracks in the world, as well as sporting events of major international relevance.
Leveraging an extensive technological and human infrastructure, Caliente provides operation services in several countries such as: Antigua, Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Maarten, Uruguay, Venezuela, and in Europe, currently is providing services in Austria.
Additionally, Caliente Group operates a Greyhound Track in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico with live racing every day of the year; as well as 20 Bingo Halls distributed among the most important cities in Mexico.
Contacts:
Interactive Systems Worldwide, Inc.
Bernard Albanese
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 973-256-8181

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, whether the on-line system launch with Caliente will take place at all; and whether the modified agreements will generate significant revenue for ISWI. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date thereof. Readers should carefully review the risks described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Reports, Quarterly Reports and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Interactive Systems Worldwide Inc.

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WASHINGTON, July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Dr. Jeffrey L. Derevensky, a leading professor at McGill University, contends that Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) incorrectly cited the university’s research on gambling addiction in arguing for the continued prohibition on Internet gambling. Derevensky in fact believes that the regulation of online gambling is an opportunity to put in place safeguards to combat problem and underage gambling.
In a mark up of the Payments System Protection Act (H.R. 5767) in the House Committee on Financial Services on June 25, 2008, Rep. Bachus, citing research at McGill, claimed that one-third of college students who gambled online attempted suicide.
“This assertion, which is reportedly based upon our empirical research, is not predicated upon any factual evidence,” responded Derevensky in an interview with the Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative. “None of the studies conducted with adolescents or college students, to the best of my knowledge, have looked at a connection between Internet wagering and suicide attempts.” Derevensky raised these same concerns in a letter sent last week to Reps. Bachus and Barney Frank (D-Mass.)
Derevensky believes there is an opportunity for Congress to better protect consumers in a regulated environment. “If Congress is serious about minimizing the threat posed by Internet gambling, it should look to create an environment where Internet gambling operators are required to put in place safeguards that protect against compulsive and underage gambling.”
Last week, a study conducted jointly by the University of Western Ontario and University of Nevada, Las Vegas called for the legalization and regulation of online gambling.
“Just as legalized commercial gambling in casinos allows for governments to regulate it, so, too, could the legalization of online gambling allow for better regulation and attempts to reduce the growth of problem gamblers,” said June Cotte, associate professor at the University of Western Ontario, as reported by Poker News.
Existing technology and security controls have already proven to be effective in addressing compulsive gambling. Safeguards currently available in the industry include the ability to control the amount of money wagered, set limits on amounts bet and amounts lost, restrict the duration that someone can play, identify and stop players whose gambling patterns seem out of the ordinary, and allow for consumers to be excluded from online gambling.
“It is disappointing that Rep. Bachus is using scare tactics and false claims in an attempt to justify why Congress should limit my ability to gamble online,” said Jeffrey Sandman, spokesman for the Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative. “We are encouraged by the academic community’s support of Internet gambling regulation. They emphasize the important point that consumers will be better protected if there are safeguards put in place to combat underage and problem gambling.”
The Internet gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2046), introduced by Rep. Frank, would establish an enforcement framework for licensed gambling operators to accept bets and wagers from individuals in the U.S. It includes a number of built-in consumer protections, including safeguards against compulsive and underage gambling, money laundering, fraud and identity theft. A companion piece of legislation that would ensure the collection of taxes on regulated Internet gambling activities, the Internet gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2008 (H.R. 5523) was introduced by Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA).
Additionally, Rep. McDermott introduced last week, the Investing in our Human Resources Act (H.R.6051), which would direct new revenue generated by regulated Internet gambling activities to be spent on job training for those in the declining sectors of the economy and educational assistance for foster care youth. The bill also includes provisions to encourage responsible Internet gambling behavior and an awareness of unsafe practices, something which has been praised by problem gambling advocates.
“Though I support the dedication of resources to raise awareness about problem gambling, I encourage Congress to also provide appropriate funding for research, treatment and the prevention of problem gambling,” added Derevensky.
About Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative
The Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative promotes the freedom of individuals to gamble online with the proper safeguards to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions. For more information on the Initiative, please visit . The Web site provides a means by which individuals can register support for regulated Internet gambling with their elected representatives.
Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative

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WASHINGTON, July 17 /PRNewswire/ — With obesity in young children rising at alarming rates in our nation, the bet Foundation is back with its acclaimed “Summer Camp For Girls” running from July 20-27, 2008. Sponsored by bet Networks, General Mills, SUBWAY(R) Restaurants, and Wal-Mart Stores, the bet Foundation’s “Summer Camp For Girls” will take place at the Alabama 4-H Youth Development Center campsite located in Columbiana, AL. This year’s program supporters include the University of Alabama-Birmingham, School of Social Work, African-American Health Coalition of Houston, TX, Nek Nak, Charles the Chef, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
(Logo: )
The week-long camp was specifically designed as an effective approach to help African-American girls and their parents identify and practice lifestyle changes that will assist in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight and a positive self-image through health literacy, physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, and self-appreciation. The program components include: daily exercise & fitness activities; nutrition classes, healthy cooking demonstrations for kids, Media Smart Youth; art therapy; group counseling and self-esteem workshops; trust and confidence building exercises; arts and crafts; talent and fashion shows; movie nights; and special celebrity guest appearances. This year, Toccara Jones, Keri Hilson, Tiffany Evans, Teyanna Taylor and Miss Black USA, Kristen White will be on hand to share their experiences and encourage the young ladies to meet their goals of achieving a healthy lifestyle. The camp will also feature special guest nutritionist, Shirley Dolland from the Bell Institute for Health and Nutrition, an extension of General Mills.
The bet Foundation created this special camp as an innovative weight reduction and nutrition-based program for African-American girls ages 10 - 12 from low to moderate-income families. “The purpose is to provide young girls with the vital information and tools necessary to aid them in making healthy lifestyle choices, and to serve as a “health” advocate for their family and peers,” states Lynda Dorman, Executive Director and Vice President. The camp curriculum will provide simple nutrition strategies; instill positive leadership and decision-making skills; and provide a fun-filled, memorable camp experience.
“General Mills is proud to extend its partnership with the bet Foundation’s Summer Camp For Girls. The camp aligns with our corporate mission to ‘Nourish Lives’ and encourage consumers to lead healthier lives by
making small changes that yield big results,” states Kimberley Bow Sunday, Multicultural Marketing Manager.
One hundred and fifty young girls from various states including Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, New York, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois and Pennsylvania were selected for this wonderful, free of charge camp experience based on essays their parent/guardians submit expressing why they should participate in the one-week fitness program and how the experience will influence a healthier lifestyle. This summer, 120 girls were chosen.
“SUBWAY(R) Restaurants are very excited to be partnering with the bet Summer Camp for Girls,” said Shannon Bowers, Brand Manager for the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust. “Grass roots initiatives such as this truly give the Subway brand a platform to support the African-American community as more people are choosing healthy, active lifestyles.”
ABOUT BET
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary bet cable network reaches more than 84 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. bet Digital Networks - bet J, bet Gospel, and bet Hip-Hop — are brands that combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one internet destination for the target audiences. bet Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. bet Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. bet International delivers bet content to the consumers of Black culture around the world. bet Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a series of impactful pro- social initiatives under the Touch bet umbrella.
ABOUT bet FOUNDATION
The bet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to raise public awareness to the numerous health-related challenges within African- American communities. Established in 2003, the bet Foundation takes a pioneering step in addressing the prevalence of obesity and related health concerns among African-Americans. Through specifically-tailored initiatives and targeted campaigns, the bet Foundation aims to insure that African Americans live longer and healthier lives. The bet Foundation includes public service announcements (PSAs); targeted programming segments; women’s health symposiums and forums; health brochure materials; a dedicated toll-free hotline and website; and a nationwide Healthy bet Fitness Challenge contest to provide the tools and knowledge necessary for communities to develop long lasting healthy lifestyle habits. For more information, please visit .
ABOUT GENERAL MILLS
General Mills(R), with annual net sales of $13.4 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products based in Minneapolis. General Mills’ mission is Nourishing Lives - innovating to make lives healthier, easier, and richer - while Nourishing Communities and Nourishing the Future. Its global brand portfolio includes Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Old El Paso and more. With more than 100 consumer brands and operations in more than 100 countries, General Mills is also a leading supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.

BET Networks

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WASHINGTON, July 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) introduced legislation yesterday that directs a potential $40 billion over the next 10 years to be spent on job training for those in the declining sectors of the economy and educational assistance for foster care youth. The legislation, Investing in our Human Resources Act of 2008 (H.R. 6501), would be funded through new revenue generated by regulated Internet gambling activities.
“We have an ideal opportunity to invest billions of dollars in American workers and our struggling economy without increasing the federal deficit,” said Rep. McDermott in speaking about the Investing in our Human Resources Act (IHRA). “IHRA would utilize a funding stream that would become available should Congress decide to legalize and regulate Internet gambling, which would protect consumers and collect tax revenue that is currently offshore.”
A provision in the legislation also encourages responsible Internet gambling behavior and an awareness of unsafe practices, something which has been praised by problem gambling advocates.
“I believe that the McDermott bill could be a positive step to help raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe gambling practices and the availability of addiction treatment,” stated the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem gambling Keith Whyte.
In a sign that the legislation has support from key members of the Democratic Congressional leadership, Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and John B. Larson (D-Conn.) are original co-sponsors of the legislation. Rep. Miller is a member of the Democratic Leadership and chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee. Rep. Larson serves as vice chair of the Democratic Caucus and assists in organizing and running the Democratic Caucus.
Introduction of IHRA demonstrates the growing support in Congress to regulate Internet gambling.
“It is encouraging that Congress is seeking to regulate Internet gambling and put the billions in new revenue to good use,” said Jeffrey Sandman, spokesman for the Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative. “We need to change the current path, where the prohibition of Internet gambling allows for billions of dollars to be lost in an underground, uncontrolled marketplace ripe for criminal exploitation.”
Revenues from regulated Internet gambling are estimated to be between $8.7 billion and $42.8 billion over 10 years, according to a recent tax revenue analysis prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Through IHRA, these revenues would be allocated annually to each state through a new Transitional Assistance Trust Fund. A state would be entitled to receive its allotment based on its percentage of the total population.
To generate additional support for IHRA, Rep. McDermott circulated a letter to all members of Congress. It includes a chart indicating projected allocations of funding by state. A copy of the letter is available at .
Previously, a framework to regulate and ensure the collection of taxes on Internet gambling activities was proposed in companion pieces of legislation introduced by Reps. McDermott and Barney Frank (D-Mass.)
The Internet gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (H.R. 2046), introduced by Rep. Frank in April 2007, establishes an enforcement framework for licensed gambling operators to accept bets and wagers from individuals in the U.S. It would include a number of built-in consumer protections, including safeguards against compulsive and underage gambling, money laundering, fraud and identity theft. The legislation would also reinforce the rights of States to control what, if any, level of Internet gambling is permissible within their borders, including the ability to apply additional taxes, and to ensure that appropriate consumer protections and limitations were in place.
Rep. McDermott’s earlier bill, the Internet gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act (H.R. 5523), would ensure the collection of taxes on regulated Internet gambling activities. A revised version of the bill, introduced in March 2008, includes an enhanced reporting mechanism under which licensed gambling operators are required to provide each customer an annual statement of winnings and losses. It also establishes a two percent licensing fee that is paid by the operator, not the individual gambler. The licensing fee is designed to equalize the costs of operation in providing gambling services online, as opposed to brick-and-mortar casinos providing gambling services in-person, and would only be applied to online operators.
About Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative
The Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative promotes the freedom of individuals to gamble online with the proper safeguards to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of financial transactions. For more information on the Initiative, please visit . The Web site provides a means by which individuals can register support for regulated Internet gambling with their elected representatives.
Safe and Secure Internet gambling Initiative

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NEW YORK, July 15 /PRNewswire/ — bet Networks and Marvel Animation are teaming up to produce an animated series based on the legendary superhero, THE BLACK PANTHER. Casting is already underway for the series that is slated to premiere in the first quarter of 2009. A special sneak preview will premiere at Comic-Con in July during BET’s panel on Saturday, July 26. The series will be adapted directly from the first six issues of the Marvel Comic written by Reginald Hudlin (issues #1 - #6 “Who Is The Black Panther”).
The partnership between Marvel Animation and bet Networks marks an important milestone in the expansion of the channel’s animation division and the realization of a project that has been a labor of love for BET’s President, Entertainment, Reginald Hudlin.
“As a lifelong comic book reader, I didn’t think anything could top the excitement of writing one of my favorite characters, the Black Panther. I’m so proud I’ve been able to maintain a successful run of the series over the past three years while keeping my ‘day job’ of programming a network. But now to have both of my worlds collide, to have a faithful adaptation of my own work as a prime time series on the network — it’s a dream come true. The Black Panther has always been an inspirational character to me, and now I get to share that inspiration with the widest audience he’s ever had.
“I’m very excited to be working with Marvel. It’s been great working with Joe Quesada and Axel Alonso on the publishing side, and I look forward to a similar experience with Eric Rollman and his team at Marvel Animation.
“I want to give special thanks to Denys Cowan, my SVP of Animation, who is doing a fantastic job of bringing the art of John Romita Jr. to life,” says Hudlin.
Eric Rollman, President of Marvel Animation adds, “The Black Panther is a working example of Marvel’s initiative to broaden our fan base by working with new and innovative partners. Reggie and his team can uniquely take material that is near and dear to them and re-imagine it for a whole new audience. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with BET.”
THE BLACK PANTHER animated series is executive produced by Reginald Hudlin, President, Entertainment and Denys Cowan, SVP Animation for bet Networks. Eric Rollman, President of Marvel Animation, and Cort Lane, Director of Animation Development, are the executives on the series for Marvel.
For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET’s press-only Web site at .
About bet Networks
BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. , is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary bet channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. bet is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; bet Digital Networks — bet J, bet Gospel and bet Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; bet Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; bet Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; bet Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and bet International, an extension of bet network programming for global distribution.
About Marvel Entertainment
With a library of over 5,000 high-profile characters built over more than sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics), with emphasis on feature films, DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit .
BET Networks

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BETHPAGE, N.Y., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Cablevision Systems Corp. today announced the significant expansion of the free video on demand library available to iO TV digital cable customers with the addition of hundreds of new programs from MTV Networks’ COMEDY CENTRAL, Nickelodeon, NOGGIN, The N and Logo and bet Networks’ BET. The new content includes favorites like COMEDY CENTRAL’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Logo’s Exes & Ohs and BET’s Baldwin Hills, as well as a variety of educational and entertainment programming for children and teens including Nick Jr.’s Blue’s Clues and NOGGIN’s Franklin, as well as The N’s Degrassi: The Next Generation.
“With the addition of leading cable programming from MTV Networks and bet Networks, Cablevision continues to demonstrate our commitment to offering customers greater value and more choice over their entertainment experience,” said John Trierweiler, Cablevision’s senior vice president of product management. “This expansion of the free video on demand library provides a broad range of content aimed at meeting the diverse entertainment needs of our customers.”
“MTV Networks and bet Networks continue to be huge drivers of VOD usage, with channels like Nickelodeon, COMEDY CENTRAL and bet consistently ranking at the top of their categories,” said Denise Dahldorf, Executive Vice President, Content Distribution and Marketing, MTV Networks and bet Networks. “Through this agreement with Cablevision, we’re deepening our relationship with a trusted partner, and giving our audiences instant access to an even greater collection of our hit programming.”
The On Demand programming from MTV Networks and bet Networks is accessible at no additional charge to digital customers with a set-top box through the Free On Demand menu on the iO TV user interface. All of Cablevision’s On Demand titles are presented in crystal clear quality with DVD-like functionality including the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind programs through the remote control.
With nearly 2.7 million iO TV customers, more than 85 percent of Cablevision’s cable customers are iO TV digital cable customers, the highest digital penetration in the nation. iO TV offers customers access to up to 360 channels, including 53 premium movie channels, 48 channels of commercial-free digital music, more than 3,500 titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, 45 high-definition programming services and uniquely valuable interactive television applications including News 12 Interactive.
About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation’s leading entertainment and telecommunications companies. Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company’s advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO TV(SM) digital television, Optimum Online(R) high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice(R) digital voice-over-cable, and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision’s Rainbow Media Holdings LLC operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv, along with other national and regional networks. In addition to its telecommunications and programming businesses, Cablevision owns Madison Square Garden and its sports teams, the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. The company also operates New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall, and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas.
Cablevision Systems Corp.

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