ABC 7 Chicago, in conjunction with the ABC Owned Television Stations, breaks new ground as the only broadcast group to provide fresh, original programming on their emerging digital channels with the premiere of Live Well HD. The fully high definition and digital broadcast, online, and wireless network is being launched by ABC 7 Chicago and the other nine ABC-owned television stations, reaching approximately 24-percent of America's TV homes. The announcement of the advertiser-supported network, developed for emerging digital channels in local markets, was made by Walter Liss, President of the ABC Owned Television Stations Group.
LIVE WELL HD offers multiple plays of six original half-hour programs created to enhance, improve and help people enjoy their every day lives more fully. It's a one-stop, something-for- everyone programming source featuring popular lifestyle topics as well as web and wireless content. The network's initial series include Chicago's own "Let's Dish," on making healthy meals taste delicious with Chef Chris Koetke, Dean of the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College, "Home with Lisa Quinn," on magical renovations and home makeovers; "Mirror, Mirror," on beauty and fashion, "Say Ahh...," on expert health and medical news, "Motion," on ways to enjoy the great outdoors, and "Advice for Life," on solving life's thorniest problems.
Managing Live Well HD's launch are Emily Barr, President and General Manager of ABC 7/ WLS-TV Chicago and William Burton, Executive Vice President, Digital Media, for the ABC Owned Television Stations Group.
According to Barr, "The transition to digital television brings with it a tremendous opportunity for new channels and fresh programming. We created Live Well HD for a national audience hungry for high definition programming that will help them make sense of their busy lives. Chicago's entre to Live Well HD is "Let's Dish," produced at ABC 7's State Street Studios -- it's the cooking show that proves healthy food never tasted so good."
Complementing Live Well HD's digital broadcast schedule is a robust Internet Web site, www.LiveWellHD.com, featuring a video player for continuous series streaming. Viewers can also browse and watch complete segments of the shows while on the go at the customized wireless site LWHDToGo.com.
The network's content is produced primarily by the ABC Owned Television Stations, a leader in multimedia production and distribution, whose trend-setting series range from the nationally syndicated hits "Live with Regis and Kelly," produced by WABC-TV in New York, and "At The Movies" produced by WLS-TV in Chicago, to "View from the Bay," the acclaimed local programming block on home design, health, fashion and other topics, produced by KGO-TV in San Francisco.
"Say Ahh...," the series offering the latest medical news and expert advice, is produced in conjunction with Answers Media, LLC, a Chicago based leader in multi-media, multi-platform production focusing on personal health engagements and providing tools to improve the health of America.
Jeff Bohnson, Chief Executive Officer, Answers Media said, "We are very
excited to partner exclusively with ABC 7 Chicago and the ABC Owned Stations in
this unique venture that services digital channels around the country. Answers
Media's strength is producing compelling interactive HD programming; what better
place to showcase "Say Ahh...," than on Live Well HD where original programming
will fill a void in the emerging digital world."
The nine other ABC-owned television stations launching Live Well HD Network today are WABC-TV in New York, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, KGO-TV in San Francisco, KTRK-TV in Houston, WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham, KFSN-TV in Fresno, WJRT-TV in Flint and WTVG-TV in Toledo.
