In A Lather Editor's Note: we thought Larry King had retired. we were missing him. Then to our surprise and delight discovered he's been back behind the mike since July 2012. The show is Larry King Now. Catch it on hulu.com YouTube and ora.tv
New York, NY—March 12, 2012—Global media industry leaders today announced the creation of Ora.TV, a new digital television venture funded by América Móvil, the leading Latin American wireless service provider that is controlled by Carlos Slim Helú. The announcement marks the return to television of broadcast news legend Larry King, who joins Mr. Slim Helú as a co-founder of the network. Ora.TV will be led by Jon Housman, who until recently was the President of Digital Journalism for News Corporation.
 | Ora.TV will create high-quality video programming for digital distribution via a variety of platforms, such that it is seamlessly available on phones, laptops, tablets, connected televisions, and other devices. Unlike linear cable channels, from its inception Ora (which means "now" in Italian) will be an on-demand network, producing a wide range of stand-alone content that transcends traditional format distinctions. The company will produce shows that resemble traditional TV in terms of production quality and content but which will be available in a variety of formats, including short-form segments lasting as little as three minutes. |
The group is already in talks with potential distribution and technology partners. In addition, Ora is in discussions with other on-air personalities to join King in creating a unique and compelling roster of talent and programming. Several shows are currently in development and will be announced in the coming months.
Carlos Slim Helú is considered one of the world's foremost business leaders with interests in finance, media, telecommunications and other fields. He owns stakes in many companies, including The New York Times, Saks, and is the main investor in Telefonos de Mexico, América Móvil and Grupo Financiero Inbursa. "Ora.TV represents a great opportunity," Carlos Slim Helú said. "The business model is sound and the team brings the talent and industry understanding that will help Ora stand out in digital television, a category which is primed for exponential growth."
Larry King is joining the network having concluded an illustrious 27-year career at CNN. At CNN, he established a reputation as the foremost interviewer of world leaders and the leading source for information on breaking news.
"I am thrilled to be working with Carlos and Jon to create Ora.TV, a bold new model for digital television," King commented. "The backing of Carlos, given his stellar track record in business, combined with Jon's track record of leadership and innovation, is a recipe for success."
"With the exponential burst in video consumption via internet-connected devices, this is an incredible moment to be launching a digital network and studio," according to Jon Housman, Ora.TV's CEO. "Moreover, to create a new network with Carlos Slim and Larry King, arguably two of the most accomplished individuals in the worlds of business and broadcast journalism, is an unprecedented opportunity."
Housman brings more than 15 years of experience in the digital media business to the position. Over the past seven years, he has held a variety of positions at News Corporation, across both its entertainment and news divisions, leading businesses, developing strategy, and directing investments. He was previously the publisher of the Wall Street Journal Europe before its acquisition by News Corporation.
"In addition to traditionally styled programs, we will produce shows in alternative formats and varying lengths so that viewers can find and get information and insights they really care about in ways designed to harness these new mobile and interactive platforms," Housman added. "This approach will allow us to thoughtfully address topics and ideas that might not be as well suited to traditional TV, Additionally, with Ora, we will also be able to incorporate content, social interactions, and technologies in ways that are difficult to pull off with linear platforms."
Housman also hailed the involvement of Larry King, a true TV pioneer.
"Larry King's access to and insight into top newsmakers is simply unparalleled. His experience, his relationships, and his fan base "including millions of Twitter followers" are outstanding assets to help launch a new kind of digital network." Ora.TV will be based in New York City and will be launching programming later this year. www.ora.tv
Ora TV Announces A Multi-Year Agreement to Bring "Larry King Now" Exclusively to Hulu And Hulu Plus
(July, 17, 2012) – Ora TV, the new digital TV network, announced today a multi-year, exclusive licensing and distribution agreement that provides Hulu with the rights to stream "Larry King Now," the brand new show by legendary talk show host Larry King. Today's premiere of "Larry King Now" marks Larry King's first news and entertainment show since he concluded an illustrious nearly three-decade career at CNN. Ora TV is backed by renowned investor Carlos Slim Helú.
New episodes of “Larry King Now” will be available every Monday through Thursday in the early evenings, Eastern Standard Time on the free, ad-supported Hulu service, on the Hulu Plus subscription service, and at Ora.TV. The shows will be 30 minutes in length, and available to watch on-demand.
Merging the best of TV with the flexibility and interaction of the Internet, "Larry King Now" will feature Larry King’s trademark in-depth conversations with the world’s most fascinating voices in entertainment and politics as well as produced segments on a variety of topics. The show’s premiere week will feature comedic powerhouse Seth MacFarlane ("Ted", "Family Guy"), Meghan McCain, and Matthew McConaughey ("Magic Mike", "Killer Joe"). Political guests and global leaders will also feature prominently in future segments.
Hulu will be the only online video service to carry the new show. This is the first of several new shows that are expected to launch on Hulu as a result of this partnership with Ora TV. In addition to traditional television formats, Ora TV will produce shows in alternative formats and varying lengths for viewers to enjoy on mobile and interactive platforms. Additionally, "Larry King Now" will integrate content, social interactions and technologies in ways enabled by digital platforms.
Larry King remarked, "I have always been driven to innovate, from my time on radio, to the first call-in show on national television, to being an early adopter of online columns and Twitter. I am thrilled about our partnership with Hulu—I love being able to interact directly with audiences, and digital TV allows me to do this in new and powerful ways."
"Larry is one of the most followed personalities and influential voices in the world today, and we look forward to leveraging the power of Hulu’s platforms and the growing wave of video consumption and connectivity available through Internet-connected mobile devices and TVs," said Jon Housman, CEO of Ora TV. "'Larry King Now' will take advantage of the flexibility and freedom available with Hulu, while staying true to Larry’s unique brand of insightful and entertaining talk and discussion."
"'Larry King Now' is Larry King doing what he does best—talking with top newsmakers, world leaders and entertainers and exploring issues and current events as no other interviewer can," said Andy Forssell, SVP of content for Hulu. "We're excited for our partnership with Ora TV—and thrilled to bring fans a daily dose of fascinating interviews from a man whose characteristic charm and distinctive style has impacted pop culture so greatly."
At CNN, King established a reputation as the foremost interviewer of world leaders and entertainers and a leading source for exclusive news on the stories of the day. Viewed in more than 200 countries, King has interviewed every US President since Richard Nixon as well as hundreds of global heads of state and thousands of celebrities from all walks of life.
About Ora TV:
Ora TV is a new digital television venture that creates high production level programming for digital distribution via a variety of platforms, seamlessly available on phones, laptops, tablets, connected televisions, and other devices. Ora (which means “now” in Italian) is an on-demand network producing a wide range of stand-alone content and differentiated shows which transcend traditional format distinctions. The company’s first show is Larry King Now, available on Hulu and Ora.tv, and additional shows are currently in development. The network is funded by América Móvil, the leading Latin American wireless service provider, with a majority interest held by noted global business leader Carlos Slim Helú.
About Hulu
Hulu is an online TV service whose mission is to help people find and enjoy the world's premium content when, where and how they want. As we pursue this mission, we aspire to create a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love. Hulu was founded in 2007 and is operated independently by a dedicated team. NBCUniversal, News Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, Providence Equity Partners, and the Hulu team share in the ownership of the company (www.hulu.com)
Media Contact:
Josh Hirschland
publicity@ora.tv
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