Detroit Auto Show: WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 Announces Programming Plans

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 18, 2003 -- WXYZ-TV/Channel 7, the official television sponsor of the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today announced its expanded local programming lineup:

"2004 NAIAS PRIME TIME PREVIEW," a half-hour prime time special airing Tuesday, December 30, 8:00 p.m. The preview is hosted by WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 news reporter Guy Gordon, with featured reports from Mary Conway. The special will highlight the magnitude of the 2004 Detroit show with a special focus on anticipated new car introductions, concept cars, Auto Show exhibits and innovative technologies.

"2004 NAIAS SNEAK PEEKS," a series of four programs airing Press Week, January 4th-7th. Hosted by Guy Gordon and Mary Conway, with features from Action News reporters, the programs focus on the day's new car introductions, behind-the-scenes news of the day, newsmaker interviews and in-depth features. Sneak Peeks will air Sunday, January 4, 11:30 p.m. - 12 midnight, Monday, January 5, 8:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 11:35 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. and Wednesday, January 7, 11:35 p.m. to 12:05 a.m.

"2004 NAIAS CHARITY PREVIEW" a two-hour special airing live from Cobo Center Friday, January 9, 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Guy Gordon and Diana Lewis, the program will include live coverage from the floor of Cobo Center, newsmaker interviews, entertaining features and special appearances by celebrity guest stars. WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 news anchors Stephen Clark, Carolyn Clifford, Sports Director Don Shane, reporters Mary Conway, Heather Catallo, as well as Public Affairs/Editorial Director Chuck Stokes will join Gordon and Lewis for the star-studded event, which is scheduled to be broadcast statewide.

"SPOTLIGHT ON THE NEWS: 2004 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW," two half-hour special editions of the WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 public affairs program airing on Sunday, January 11 and January 18 at 11:30 a.m. Hosted by Editorial and Public Affairs Director Chuck Stokes, this local version of "Meet the Press" will feature interviews and a panel discussion with influential auto executives and leaders in the media who cover the automotive industry.

Information on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7's Auto Show programming and news coverage can be accessed on the Internet via the station's website at www.wxyz.com . The website will feature live internet-controllable cameras and real-time video images from the floor of the show throughout the public show dates.

The website will also feature daily press conferences and new car introductions, WXYZ-TV/Channel 7's schedule of programming and news coverage, live coverage of the "Sneak Peeks" and "Charity Preview" specials, maps of the Auto Show floor plan, parking and general information on show hours and tickets.

2004 marks WXYZ-TV/Channel 7's eighth year as the official television sponsor of the North American International Auto Show. Since the partnership began, the North American International Auto Show has set all-time high attendance records and has garnered the highest television rating in the history of the Charity Preview.

WXYZ-TV is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company , a diverse media concern with interests in newspaper publishing, broadcast television, national television networks, interactive media and television retailing. Scripps operates 21 daily newspapers, 10 broadcast TV stations and four cable television networks. Most recently, the company acquired the Shop At Home network. Scripps also operates Scripps Howard News Service, United Media, the worldwide licensing and syndication home of PEANUTS and DILBERT, and 31 websites sites including HGTV.com, FOODNETWORK.com, DIYnetwork.com, FINELIVING.com and comics.com.