New Programs to Freshen TLC

Headnote

| Advertising | Weak Year Moves Discovery to Expedite Debuts

Acknowledging that the company's TLC network had suffered through a tough year, Discovery Networks U.S. President Billy Campbell was quick to address new programming for the network during the company's upfront presentation to advertisers last week.

"Nowhere will change be more apparent than at TLC," said Mr. Campbell, who told ad buyers that new programming would go on-air "right now, in the second quarter." New TLC shows include "Sheer Dallas," a six-episode series premiering April 15; "Operation Homecoming," a five-part special series; and "Million Dollar Agents," with six episodes launching the summer.

Taking responsibility for TLC's performance this season-ratings are down more than 30 percent in March as its hit "Trading Spaces" wilted in the face of widespread imitation-Mr. Campbell said the channel would feature "a broader array of Life Unscripted" programming.

Other new TLC shows include "The Adam Carolla Project" (working title), in which the comedian/carpenter and his friends renovate a dilapidated house; "Going Hollywood," in which showbiz hopefuls take jobs as interns; the self-explanatory "Help! I'm a Terrible Parent" (working title) and "The Sit Down," described as "People's Court" meets "The Godfather."

During the presentation, Mr. Campbell also unveiled programming plans for a dozen other Discovery networks.