Style Network Announces Formation of 'Style Media'

The Style Network today announced the formation of Style Media, a new global, multimedia content company that will broaden its focus to program and market to all facets of consumers' lives, from the way they view content, to how they consume information, to the experts they rely on for tips and advice. New and expanded growth areas include digital, mobile, licensing and merchandising, brand experiences, and domestic and international television networks. The details were unveiled today by Salaam Coleman Smith, President, Style Media.

"Style is a powerful brand that resonates with women on multiple platforms and across the globe," said Coleman Smith. "The creation of Style Media will broaden our business and allow us to capitalize on Style's strong consumer base of savvy women with immense purchasing power. On the heels of record-breaking success at The Style Network we want to seize the momentum and ensure that Style Media allows our viewers to experience Style in a multi-dimensional manner."

At Style Media's core is the creative and transformational television content found on Style, which marked its best first quarter in network history in 2012 with women 18-49. Style is up an impressive +22% among women 18-49 year-over-year in primetime, according to Nielsen. Style continues to hold its title as the fastest growing women's cable network, now available in 78 million homes. The network continues to resonate with younger viewers, lowering its median age by four years to 38, year-over-year.

The addition of the following business divisions will enable fans and viewers to engage with the network and talent in a variety of ways:

STYLE DIGITAL

Style Digital, which includes myStyle.com and various social media platforms, expands the brand promise of fueling women's insatiable appetites for all things style, by providing companion resources on the user's journey through stylish living. With approachable solutions through original content and partnerships from experts and trendsetters, Style Digital will satisfy the user's need to always be in the know.

Style's current success is anchored by its social media reach as well as industry-leading user engagement. Style attracts more than 10 million social followers from Twitter and Facebook, which are driven by how-to beauty tips seen by nearly one million Twitter followers of @myStyleQuickTips, and popular TV series that attract digital savvy audiences and on-air talent who engage with fans on a year-round basis. Style's hit series are experiencing spectacular growth with unique users for returning series up +30% in 2012, and in some cases their social footprints have increased dramatically as evidenced by "Big Rich Texas" more than tripling its Twitter following since the end of its first season. In addition to great success in the social sphere, myStyle.com attracts one of the most loyal user bases among cable network websites, outperforming other women's networks in "return visit" rate by 48%.

Uniquely positioned for tremendous growth, Style Media's campaign to re-launch its digital properties, including myStyle.com, will take advantage of the latest advances in technology through adaptive, liquid and responsive user interfaces, using whatever device available, from desktop to tablet to mobile. In addition, Style Digital plans to enhance the way in which viewers experience Style shows with dynamic, narrative and interactive second screen experiences, including more talent live chats, social TV initiatives and a second screen-viewing app.

STYLE LICENSING & MERCHANDISING

Style Media will produce branded products for their passionate consumer base through lines inspired by Style shows as well as the style category overall. In addition, Style will create talent-inspired products, from clothes to beauty, which will be integrated into show storylines, and offered to consumers for purchase at myStyle.com.

STYLE INTERNATIONAL

A leading global brand outside of the U.S., Style has their own channels in the U.K., Australia and Pan Regional, which include Pan Asian and EMEA. Currently, Style International extends to over 17 million subscribers in 90 countries and nine languages with 900+ hours of programming licensed worldwide.

STYLE EXPERIENCES

Style Experiences will allow fans to engage with the brand on a more personal level as Style Media makes their desire to live stylishly attainable through various local activations such as pop-ups, local retail partnerships, expert styling events and social interactions. These interactive, in-person experiences will bring current trends and topics in fashion and beauty to life.

One such Style Experience activation is the Style Beauty Bus Tour, which will kick off in September, traveling to as many as 10 major markets across the country. The fun, stylish 34-foot sleek bus provides consumers with complimentary services, including nail stations with mini-manicures and tips for everyday makeup application. As part of Style's skin cancer awareness and prevention initiative, consumers also may have their photo taken by a Reveal Imager, which is designed to show sun damage, brown spots and red areas. Trained estheticians then will review the Reveal Imager report and provide suggestions for skin care. Manicurists and make-up artists will offer sun-safe tips on SPF products and how to get the best sun protection available.

Style's skin cancer initiative is part of its overall pro-social platform, Fight with Style, which empowers women to be actively engaged in the causes that matter most to them. The focus of the annual multi-tiered campaign on-air, online and on the ground is to raise awareness and educate viewers on how to best protect themselves from skin and breast cancers.

Skin Cancer support includes not only the Style Beauty Bus but also partnerships with Universal Pictures, Pale Girl Speaks and the Melanoma Research Alliance. Initiatives include Celebrity PSA's, event sponsorships (including the May 6 Miles for Melanoma event at Universal Studios), fundraising and awareness and education via mystyle.com/fightwithstyle.

Style's support of Breast Cancer Awareness focuses this year on early detection via partnership with Giuliana Rancic and Be Bright Pink. Included in the program are two PSA's executive produced by and featuring Rancic, which will premiere during original episodes of "Giuliana & Bill."

Style has been the exclusive media partner to Dress for Success for the past seven years. Dress For Success provides professional attire and support to disadvantaged women rejoining the workforce. Style supports and partners with the organization on various programs, including special episodes of Style shows, PSA campaigns, cause marketing initiatives, hosted fundraisers and staff volunteering.

About The Style Network

The Style Network is the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming. Style currently counts more than 78 million cable and satellite subscribers and is the fastest growing women's network in the U.S. MyStyle.com keeps women up-to-date on all of the latest fashion and beauty news on the web. Style's popular series include "Tia & Tamera," "Jerseylicious," "Giuliana & Bill," "Glam Fairy" and "Big Rich Texas." The Style Network is a network of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/StyleNetPR.

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