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Scripps to launch digital network: Do-it-Yourself – (DYI)

Jan. 22, 1998
 

CINCINNATI, OH – The E.W. Scripps Company today announced plans to launch the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) digital cable network, further expanding a growing family of owned and managed services that now includes Home & Garden Television (HGTV) and the Food Network.The creation of DIY is in response to strong viewer and advertiser demand for programming that is far more detailed than the programs now seen on HGTV and Food. “One of our primary goals has been to build our cable network business through the development of additional advertiser-supported services that target strong consumer categories related to home, food and family life,” said Ken Lowe, who oversees all the Scripps owned and managed networks in addition to being president and chief executive officer of HGTV.DIY, expected to launch within 12 months, will offer step-by-step instructions on projects related to home remodeling and repair, decorating, gardening, hobbies, crafts, entertaining and cooking. The programming will be largely first-run and presented in a format that is informative as well as entertaining.”The new Do-It-Yourself network is a natural extension of Home & Garden Television and the Food Network and will be a strong well-defined service for cable operators to offer their viewers on new digital tiers,” said Susan Packard, HGTV’s chief operating officer. “DIY’s how-to programming and data will work extremely well for cable operators across the country who are installing digital technologies that will enable them to deliver many additional channels as well as video-on-demand and other applications of interactivity.HGTV, based in Knoxville and wholly owned by Scripps, now reaches more than 35 million U.S. homes. Scripps is majority owner and managing partner of the Food Network, based in New York and now reaching more than 29 million U.S. homes. Internationally, HGTV’s branded programming can be seen on networks in Japan, Europe and Australia. Scripps also owns 33% of HGTV Canada in partnership with Atlantis Communications of Toronto who also distributes the Food Network in Canada. In addition to the cable networks, Scripps operates 20 daily newspapers; nine network-affiliated television stations; a cable programming company; and United Media, a leading syndicator and licensor of news features and comics.