Award-Winning Journalist Gretchen Carlson Returns to Television with Overall Deal at A+E Networks

A instrumental force in the #MeToo Movement and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2017, renowned journalist, author and female empowerment advocate Gretchen Carlson is returning to television, joining forces with A+E Networks to create and host a series of documentary specials. The documentary specials will be developed by A+E Originals(TM), the newly launched non-fiction content development company. The first of these specials, THE BRAVE with Gretchen Carlson (working title) for Lifetime, will focus on how Gretchen's courageous actions to confront the scourge of sexual harassment in the workplace has served as a catalyst for so many other women to say #MeToo.

"It has now been confirmed that our voices are amplified and actually get heard when we stand together, and I am proud to partner with Lifetime to make change happen by presenting the heartbreaking, but previously untold, stories of everyday working women," said Carlson. "We need to shine a light on the predators and their enablers, rather than ostracizing and blacklisting the innocent victims whose dreams and careers have been destroyed. I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with A+E Networks on this important project."

"Gretchen has stood at the forefront of this powerful movement, risking her own career to protect all women. She's a trusted, courageous journalist and a tireless advocate for women from all walks of life," said Steve Ascher, Vice President of A+E Originals(TM). "We're honored that she has chosen to partner with A+E Originals(TM) to bring her voice, passion and unique perspectives to Lifetime."

The other two specials in the series will focus on inspirational stories of every day Americans. Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, Liz Gateley and Gretchen Carlson will serve as Executive Producers. Executive producers for Lifetime are Gena McCarthy and Brie Bryant.

The collaboration with Carlson marks another major deal for A+E Originals(TM) on the heels of their recently announced partnerships with Leah Remini and Elizabeth Vargas. A+E Originals(TM) develops long-form series, specials and documentaries in all genres for distribution across the A+E portfolio, including A&E, Lifetime and HISTORY, as well as for outside entities. A+E Originals(TM) is spearheaded by Paul Buccieri, President, A+E Networks Portfolio Group & A+E Studios and Steve Ascher serves as Vice President of A+E Originals(TM).

About Gretchen Carlson

Gretchen Carlson is a veteran journalist, a tireless advocate for female empowerment, and a much sought after inspirational speaker and social commentator. A graduate of Stanford University, Carlson has emerged as one of the most influential voices in the #MeToo movement, lobbying Congress to enact laws to prohibit forced arbitration clauses in employment contracts that silence and demean victims of sexual harassment. In 2017, Carlson established the Gift of Courage Fund, which provides financial grants to organizations that empower girls and boys, and the Gretchen Carlson Leadership Initiative, which sponsors free educational seminars and workshops across the country for underserved women who may not have the means or support to seek redress for harassment. As the only classical violinist ever to be crowned Miss America, Carlson recently became the first former winner to be named the Chair of the MISS AMERICA Organization. Carlson is married to sports agent Casey Close and is the mother of two teenage children.

About Lifetime

Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning scripted series, non-fiction series and movies. The critically acclaimed UnREAL, Project Runway, Bring It!, Married at First Sight, THE RAP GAME and Little Women franchises anchor the network's programming, in addition to its over 25 original movies annually that continue to define the TV movie genre. In 2015, Lifetime launched Broad Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers to make its content which totals over 450 original hours. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

About A+E Networks

A+E Networks(R) is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from linear channels to websites, gaming, watch apps and educational software. A+E Networks is comprised of A&E(R), Lifetime(R), HISTORY(R), H2(R), Lifetime Movies, FYI(TM), VICELAND(R) and Blaze(TM) as well as its own long-form production division A+E Studios(TM); film division, A&E IndieFilms(R); A+E Networks Digital(R); digital storytelling hub, 45th & Dean(TM); strategic investment division, A+E Ventures(TM); and A+E Networks Consumer Products(TM). A+E Networks' channels and branded programming reach more than 335 million households in over 200 territories in 42 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks.