1.4 Million Free Downloads of Battlestar Galactica Episode Available Exclusively in the March 6 Issue of TV Guide Magazine (On Sale Today)
TV Guide magazine and SCI FI Channel announced today an exclusive offer in which 1.4 million downloads of an episode of Battlestar Galactica will be given away in TV Guide. Each newsstand copy of the March 6 issue (on sale today) will feature a unique 12-digit code on the cover, which readers can enter on the iTunes Music Store (http://www.itunes.com) to receive their free download. Complete instructions will be provided in the magazine.
Said Ian Birch, editor-in-chief of TV Guide magazine, “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with both Sci Fi Channel and iTunes on this exciting initiative. Our magazine is a portal to the ever-changing world of television. Now more than ever, consumers are turning to iTunes for access to their favorite TV programs, and Battlestar Galactica is an enormously popular show. All this makes this partnership a perfect fit for us–but more importantly, for the readers of TV Guide.”
In the episode, guest-starring Lucy Lawless and titled–appropriately enough –“Downloaded,” Battlestar Galactica fans will get their first peek into the Cylon world. On Caprica, the reincarnated Number Six (Tricia Helfer) from Baltar’s (James Callis) past and the Sharon (Grace Park) who shot Adama (Edward James Olmos) find themselves thrust into the role of Heroes of the Cylon, while on Galactica, a child–a human-Cylon hybrid–is born.
“SCI FI is delighted to be working with TV Guide to provide this exclusive opportunity for free downloads of Batttlestar Galactica, which the magazine has already named one of the Top 10 shows of 2005,” said Blake Callaway, Vice President of Brand Marketing, SCI FI Channel. “If someone isn’t already a fan, then we are confident that sampling this episode on iTunes will bring them to SCI FI for more.”
TV Guide magazine is a product of Gemstar-TV Guide.
About Gemstar-TV Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company’s businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company’s technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine and TV Guide Spot; the impact of competitive products and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: Gemstar and TV Guide are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
About SCI FI Channel
SCI FI Channel is a television network where “what if” is what’s on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (http://www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 85 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment.
