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Post by Head Booker on Nov 11, 2011 21:48:52 GMT -6
WWE released a new survey this week that lends more insight into WWE's programming ideas for the forthcoming WWE Network.
The survey includes detailed descriptions of 17 program ideas that are personality and concept-driven that also tap into existing cable TV shows. WWE is also looking to utilize its tape library to give a "modern perspective" on classic footage.
Included is the first official acknowledgement of Mick Foley back in a WWE role outside of his house show appearances on the current European Tour, which have not been formally acknowledged by WWE.
Following up on WWE's recent social media push, the descriptions of the show contain a social media/WWE.com aspect where viewers can "follow along" with each show or interact with talent in a real-time setting.
Not included in the list of potential shows are new arena-based shows.
-- "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and a beer expert visit a different local brewery, pup, or beer fest each week in a different U.S. city.
-- A show based on the real lives of Big Show and his wife, Bess. Included will be footage from "Show Cam" documenting their home & travel life on Big Show's tour bus.
-- Mick Foley tours U.S. adventure parks in search of the ultimate roller coaster ride.
-- A show that follows WWE's Road Crews as they travel from town to town for weekly TV. WWE described it as "akin to Ice Road Truckers or Deadliest Catch."
-- The exact opposite of "Biggest Loser" - WWE stars help a "skinny" male put on muscle mass to appeal to his dream girl.
-- A show that sounds like "Tough Enough" or MTV/CMT's "MADE" reads: "Die-hard, middle-aged fans live out their childhood dreams of becoming a WWE Superstar by training in the ring, learning how to talk on the microphone, and getting 'slammed' by their childhood hero."
-- Superstars & Divas show select fans how to perform their work-outs to stay in shape for WWE.
-- WWE fans compete in an Amazing Race-type competition show to win tickets to WrestleMania. The course will be limited to U.S.
-- Six Divas profiled in a "behind-the-scenes look" into their lives, work, and partying as they travel together on a tour bus. The interactive aspect is the bus's "live 24/7 webcam."
-- An HBO 24/7-style show documenting developmental wrestlers as they "work, train, and struggle" their way onto the main roster.
-- Viewers vote on which classic WWE moment or match they would like to see. The show would be hosted in WWE's HD Studio.
-- A show that documents classic "romantic relationships" in WWE history - Savage & Liz, Hunter & Stephanie, Edge & Lita, and "Mr. McMahon’s multiple conquests."
-- The Oddest WWE Superstars profiled, ranging from George “The Animal Steel” to Goldust to Mankind to The Brood.
-- A 10-part series on WWE's "most hilarious scenes, commentary, and bloopers." Examples referenced include DX skits, Rock's interviews, and Edge & Christian top moments.
-- OMG Moments hosted by Mick Foley documenting "death-defying falls" including Foley off the HIAC, Hardy off a 12-foot ladder, and Shane McMahon falling off the Titantron.
-- Classic matches from NWA, AWA, WCW, WWE, Smoky Mountain, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and more territories in a "modern day presentation." WWE would show matches featuring Bruno Sammartino, Bobo Brazil, and Bob Backlund with "enhanced with onscreen factoids and interactive interviews."
-- A show that revisits "water cooler" incidents such as McMahon's limo explosion to document what led to the events and would include interviews with the involved parties.
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Post by Head Booker on Dec 7, 2011 8:10:52 GMT -6
Former WWE wrestler Sean Waltman tweeted Tuesday night, "I did a 2 hour interview at RAW yesterday for a 15 episode series focusing on the Monday Night Wars to air on the new WWE Network." One of the key areas of emphasis for Network programming will be utilizing WWE's expansive tape library, which will be the case for this show.
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Post by Head Booker on Mar 2, 2012 12:16:48 GMT -6
The New York Post reported today that WWE has yet to sign on one cable or satellite outlet for their planned WWE Network, which is slated to launch by the end of 2012 and has been pushed to stockholders as a future financial boon for the company. The company has also had issued finding seasoned cable execs to work for them as they plan their launch. “WWE has the programming and marketing muscle, but they just have no one with cable experience who can execute for them,” said one unnamed cable executive in the article. WWE has had employees conducting interviews and working on the project for months to create content that will be ready when they officially launch. As noted earlier this week, they are penciling in November for the launch currently. To read the complete article, click here. |
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Post by Head Booker on Mar 28, 2012 21:41:22 GMT -6
WWE marketing executive Michelle Wilson says WWE is in the "late stages" of negotiating some form of WWE Network distribution with potential TV partners.
"There will be a WWE network in some shape or form," Wilson told the Stamford Advocate publication in Connecticut. "Getting a distribution agreement for a cable network is not easy."
Despite WWE releasing promotional material in 2011 that pointed to a WrestleMania 28 Weekend launch for the Network, Wilson claimed there never was a target launch date, attempting to refute a N.Y. Post report earlier this year that the Network was in trouble. Wilson did not reveal if there is currently a target launch date.
Wilson did offer some insight on the revenue model - WWE will charge a subscription fee to each distributor, and they hope to reach 50 million homes.
Wilson suggested they are not partnering up with a company to share the revenue/cost burden of launching and maintaining the Network. "This is an all-WWE initiative -- fully," she said. "It's going to be a game-changer."
According to Wilson, WWE has filled 30 positions for the Network, and they anticipate needing to fill 120 positions. Current hires have come from ESPN, Viacaom, Discovery, and Warner Brothers.
Program will be key, and Wilson says WWE is working on a WWE Divas reality show to accompany the "Legends House" show they just wrapped up. Raw and Smackdown will remain on USA Network and Syfy, respectively, as expected.
"USA is the number one cable network in terms of viewership, and we are critical to USA," Wilson said. "The more places you are, the more your viewership rises."
Wilson did not address, nor does it appear it was brought up, whether the opposite result may occur - WWE over-saturating the market and spreading their audience too thin over USA Network, Syfy, and the Network.
Analysts interviewed for the story continued to stress the cost issue, as well as convincing cable network distributors to accept whatever rate fee WWE charges and believe that WWE can draw an audience to sell TV time to advertisers.
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Post by Head Booker on Jan 8, 2014 22:37:32 GMT -6
I take it everyone has heard the good news...
Tate
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Post by Icon Lord Leon Corbin on Jan 9, 2014 0:35:16 GMT -6
Does this apply to those across the pond as most of your people on here right now are not in the states lol.
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Post by Head Booker on Jan 9, 2014 0:35:43 GMT -6
WWE Network is fully "over the top" streaming available on android devices, iphones, gaming consoles and more. It's wrestling Netflix with live content. February 24th launch date. $9.99 per month with six month commitment. All monthly PPVs included, all past WWE, ECW and WCW pay per views available on demand at launch. Library content to be added consistently.
~~
WWE has the setup the following FAQ section for the media regarding the WWE Network.
1. What is WWE Network?
WWE Network is a 24/7 streaming service with both scheduled programming and an on-demand library. WWE Network will include all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events including WrestleMania 30, groundbreaking original series, reality shows and documentaries, and the most comprehensive video-on-demand library featuring all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views and classic matches uncut and uncensored as well as replays of Raw and SmackDown episodes. Additional programming, including a live daily studio show coming this summer, and video-on-demand content will be added regularly.
2. How much will a subscription to WWE Network cost?
A monthly subscription to WWE Network is $9.99 per month (plus tax where applicable) with a 6-month commitment.
3. How do fans purchase WWE Network?
To subscribe to WWE Network, fans should go to WWE.com beginning Monday, February 24 at 9 am ET.
4. When can fans buy WWE Network?
Monday, February 24 at 9 am ET.
5. When will WWE Network be available?
Live programming on WWE Network will begin on Monday, February 24 at 11:06 pm ET with a live post-show immediately following Monday Night Raw. Video-on-demand programming will be available immediately at 9:00 am ET.
6. What devices will WWE Network be available on?
WWE Network will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; Sony PlayStation® 3 and Sony PlayStation® 4; and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow this summer. For more information, go to wwe.com/devices.
7. If fans already have the WWE App, do they need to update it to get WWE Network?
The WWE App will automatically update on iOS and Android-powered mobile devices to play WWE Network. To watch on connected devices such as Roku streaming devices, Sony PlayStation® 3 and Sony PlayStation® 4 and Xbox 360, fans must download the new WWE App, which will be available on Monday, February 24.
8. What content will WWE Network feature?
WWE Network is a 24/7 streaming service with both scheduled programming and an on-demand library. WWE Network will include all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events including WrestleMania 30, groundbreaking original series, reality shows and documentaries, and the most comprehensive video-on-demand library featuring all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views and classic matches uncut and uncensored as well as replays of Raw and SmackDown episodes. Additional programming, including a live daily studio show coming this summer, and video-on-demand content will be added regularly.
9. Will WrestleMania be available as a part of this subscription?
Yes, WrestleMania is included with a subscription.
10. Will encores of RAW, SmackDown and Main Event be on WWE Network?
Yes, encores of these programs will be available on WWE Network.
11. Will Pay-Per-View events still be available outside WWE Network?
Yes, WWE will continue to offer individual pay-per-view events to TV providers. Fans should call their local cable or satellite provider for availability.
12. Will classic WWE content be available on WWE Network?
Yes, a WWE Network subscription will include access to the most comprehensive video-on-demand library featuring all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views and classic matches uncut and uncensored as well as replays of Raw and SmackDown episodes. Additional content will be added regularly.
13. Will Superstars and NXT air on WWE Network?
Yes, premiere episodes of Superstars and NXT will air on WWE Network.
14. Will RAW, SmackDown and Main Event move to WWE Network?
No, Raw, SmackDown and Main Event will continue to air on their current networks – USA, Syfy and ION television, respectively.
15. Will shows on WWE Network be available in HD?
Yes, all programming on the WWE Network will be available in HD.
16. Will shows on WWE Network be available in Spanish?
Live pay-per-views will be available in Spanish. All other programming will be presented in English.
17. Will shows be closed captioned?
Yes.
18. Will WWE Network also be available through cable or satellite providers?
No, WWE Network is delivered directly to fans through over-the-top digital distribution on the following devices: desktops and laptops via WWE.com; through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; Sony PlayStation® 3 and Sony PlayStation® 4; and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow this summer.
19. Will all of the programming that premieres on WWE Network also be available via on demand?
Yes, all programming that premieres on the network will become immediately available in the video-on-demand library.
20. How quickly will content that premieres on WWE Network be made available on demand?
Content that premieres on WWE Network will be available on demand immediately after it airs.
21. Does WWE Network programming contain advertisements?
Most WWE programming on WWE Network will be commercial-free, however, there will be limited promotional content in select programs.
22. Is the entire WWE library available through on demand?
WWE Network will launch with more than 1,500 hours of on-demand content, including all WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-views. New, on-demand content will be added regularly.
23. Will WWE Network be available internationally?
Beginning Monday, February 24, WWE Network will only be available in the United States. WWE Network is scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Nordics by the end of 2014/early 2015.
24. Will all content on WWE Network be PG?
WWE Network will contain a range of programming suitable for various audiences. Content rated TV-14 or TV-MA will be preceded by appropriate advisory messages recommending viewer discretion. Parental controls will be available for on-demand content.
25. Can parental controls be set-up on WWE Network?
Yes, parents will have the ability to block content that is rated TV-14 and TV-MA for on-demand content only. Viewer discretion is advised for live 24/7 streaming programming.
26. Who can fans call or email today if they have questions?
Customer Service support will be available beginning Monday, February 24 at 9 am ET by calling 1-866-308-5684 or emailing customerservice@wwenetwork.com. Additionally, searchable Frequently Asked Questions and live chat service will be offered starting February 24.
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Post by Head Booker on Jan 9, 2014 0:38:07 GMT -6
Does this apply to those across the pond as most of your people on here right now are not in the states lol. question 23 should answer that ma'am... Tate |
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Post by Sir Chris Cairns on Jan 9, 2014 5:06:53 GMT -6
Some crazy value for money for fans. I have to wonder how WWE won't end up making a long-term loss on this. Isn't WrestleMania alone usually $60 or something? And now it's all inclusive in a $10 monthly app. This might also drive down DVD sales (but it does cost considerably less to distribute a video library over the internet than it would with DVD disc/packaging production).
No/limited ads also...
Can only assume someone very smart somewhere has tallied up all the sums.
But yeah, I'll subscribe lol.
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Post by Icon Lord Leon Corbin on Jan 9, 2014 5:28:49 GMT -6
Chances are Vince has been informed of the GZG 360 Network and thinks it's a brilliant idea to to copy.
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Post by Sir Chris Cairns on Jan 9, 2014 5:40:40 GMT -6
Of course, the GZG Xbox 360 Network doesn't have all the old PPVs up on demand. In fact, it has very few of the old PPVs up on demand. Doesn't it, Tate?  |
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Post by Icon Lord Leon Corbin on Jan 9, 2014 5:49:54 GMT -6
True lol. We really do need a proper show archive.
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Post by Head Booker on Jan 9, 2014 9:06:55 GMT -6
I think taking a short term loss this year in order to drive interest up for the Network is a good thing...I don't think Wrestlemania will be included next year and if it does I can only imagine that you won't be included on the monthly price...
Tate
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Post by Icon Lord Leon Corbin on Jan 9, 2014 9:36:36 GMT -6
Have to remember that Vince is a businessman. He'll make sure he gets money in the long run. Will shows still be on the usual channels or exclusively on their Network over here as Sky Sports makes a killing.
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Post by Head Booker on Jan 9, 2014 9:45:01 GMT -6
Shows will still be on the regular channels since WWE is still contracted to broadcast with them...
Tate
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