Proposed 2009 Strip a Victim of Economic Downturn

Program Partners announced Friday that the proposed Marie Osmond talk show, Marie, will not be going forward for a Fall 2009 launch. Citing deteriorating economic conditions in the broadcasting, advertising and credit markets, Program Partners stated that these conditions were simply too unfavorable to support the anticipated large-scale production with the level of resources that required for a Fall 2009 launch. The daily one-hour talk series was scheduled to launch as a syndication strip in September and had been cleared in well over 80% of the U.S. and Canada.

“We acknowledge with gratitude the many stations, advertisers and marketing partners who have been totally enthusiastic and incredibly patient with us as we worked hard to maintain solid footing for this project,” said Ritch Colbert of Program Partners. “Our belief in Marie’s creative vision for a new kind of talk show is unshakable, but in the end, the marketplace this year was simply unyielding.”

“I want to express my deep appreciation for the faithful support and dedication shown by the numerous stations,” Marie stated from backstage at the Flamingo hotel showroom. “It was my sincere desire to return their enthusiastic responses by producing an exceptional talk show for their fall schedules; produced with the high quality that is associated with the Marie Osmond brand for over four decades. This project, under proper conditions, still remains a strong passion of mine.”

Marie is currently performing five shows a week at the Flamingo with her brother Donny. She recently launched a new home decor and gift line with Giftcraft and has two new albums scheduled for release: her first inspirational album in August of 2009 as well as a duet album with her brother Donny, due to be released in early November of 2009. The duet album is the first Donny & Marie c.d. to be produced in almost 30 years.

(source)

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