by Daniel Buczakowski

Address:  601 Clearwater Park Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone:    (561) 659-4122
Website: ION Media Networks

Key Executives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Hsieh
Innovation

Michael Hubner
Legal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Glenn
Engineering

Russel Frederickson
On-Air Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Competitors

Fox Broadcasting Company
Colombia Broadcasting System (CBS) Broadcasting Inc.
Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc.
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
The CW Television Network

A Brief History

ION Media Networks was founded in 1984 as Paxson Communication in Clearwater Florida.  Owning multiple radio stations and a few ABC and NBC network affiliate stations, Paxson Communication eventually became Florida’s largest radio group.  In 1994, Paxson acquired 55 percent of American Network Group for $2.5 million.  As American Network Group was a publicly held company, Paxson itself became a public company, and by doing this avoided the costs inherent with an initial public offering (IPO).  This also gave Paxon access to public capitol to help the company grow through more acquisitions.  In 1998 the company decided to build it’s own independent television company, and PAX TV (Later to be known as the PAX network) was born.  1994 was a big year for Paxson, this was the year they also acquired their first television stations, WPBF-TV  in West Palm Beach, Florida, WTLK-TV in Atlanta and Rome, Georgia, and WYVN-TV in Martinsburg, West Virginia.  By the end of 1997, Paxson had grown so large that it owned more then 60 stations and covered 60 percent of all US households, and had revenues that exceeded $88 million after selling it’s radio division to Clear Channel Communications for $693 million in cash.  However, operating loss had also grown to $22 million, a major difference from the $4 million of 1996.  This was just the beginning of Paxson’s financial problems, for by 1998, Paxson’s operating capitol had shrunk to $1.8 million and it’s net loss had risen to $137.9 million, while total revenue was only $134.7 million.  By the year 2007 after lengthy legal battles with NBC Universal, the company’s founder Bud Paxon sold his shares of the company and retired.  Branden Burgess replaced him as President and C.E.O. and the company was renamed ION Media Networks Inc.

History of Financial and Legal problems

1999 Paxson reports a negative cash flow of $102.6 million with a long term debt of $382 million.

September 1999:  NBC buys 32% share in Paxon for $415 million.  Effectively bailing Paxson out and to Paxon’s consternation, becoming effectively an equal partner rather than a minor shareholder.

December 4, 2001:  Paxon files and arbitration to block NBC’s acquisition of Telemondo.

September 2002:  Paxon arbitration against NBC was denied.

November 13, 2003:  NBC requests redemption of it’s $549.2 million investment in Paxon.

August 2004:  NBC Universal files lawsuit against Paxon.

November 7, 2005:  In and agreement with NBC Universal, Lowell Paxon leaves the company and sells his shares to NBC Universal.  He is replaced with Brandon Burgess.

November 2007:  ION Networks is taken to trial by Positive Ions Inc. for trademark infringement.  ION Networks loses and is forced to pay Positive Ions $1.7 million.

May 19, 2009:  ION Media Networks files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with $2.7 billion of debt.

December 2009:  Emerges from bankruptcy as a privately owned company under the ownership of its bondholders and secured lenders.

Today

Currently, ION Media Networks is one of the largest privately owned television networks in the country, with over 60 television stations in North America.   Under Brandon Burgess’ direction, ION Media Networks has rewritten it’s policies to follow four main objectives:

• Innovation

By fostering an environment which gives it’s employees the freedom to explore new ideas, while also helping them stay focused to the task at hand, ION Media Networks is able to create new opportunities as opposed to rehashing the same ideas over and over.

• Diversity

Understanding that sometimes the greatest ideas come from differing viewpoints, ION Media Networks takes great pride in hiring a diverse group of employees.  Their motto being that multiple inputs often yield the most valuable outputs.

• Empowerment

By providing the tools and support needed to succeed, Ion Media Networks empowers their employees to take the necessary steps to accomplish their goals.

• Accountability

ION Media Networks fully stands behind all of it’s employees.  Holding themselves accountable not only to their audience, but to themselves as well.  Each employee shares in the companies success as well as the burden of their failures.

Major Divisions

ION Media Networks is broken down into four major divisions:  ION Television, Qubo, ION Life and Dyle.

 

One of the fastest growing television networks in the nation, ION Television focuses on syndicated network shows as well as introducing new original programming and special event programming.  A leader in the Adult 25-54 and Women 25-54 demographics, ION Television reaches more than 100 million US households.  Starting in October of 2012, ION Television adopted an 108-hour network programming schedule, providing general entertainment programming from 11am – 3am Mondays – Fridays, 1pm – 3am Saturdays and Sundays.  All other times are filled with religious programming or infomercials.

Programs:

Cold Case
Criminal Minds
Flashpoint
House
Law & Order:  Criminal Intent
Leverage
Numb3rs
Psyche
WWE Main Event
My Name is Earl
Without a Trace
Married With Children
Monk

Specifically targeting children in the 5 – 8 age range, Qubo offers quality children’s programming 24/7.  Available via over-the-air coverage, cable, satellite and telco, Qubo has won multiple awards from both the FCC and the US government in recognition of it’s dedication to improving children’s health and reducing childhood obesity.  Qubo was also recognized by the US government as one of the most trustworthy sources of children’s television.  Qubo is a joint venture between Ion Media Networks, NBC Universal, Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, Scholastic Corporation and DreamWorks Classics.

Programs:

Taste Buds
Jakers
Harry and his Bucket Full of Dinosaurs
Timeblazers
Willa’s Wild Life
The Mysteries of Alfred Hedgehog
Artzooka!
Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?
Animal Atlas
Dex Hamilton Alien Entomologist
Animal Exploration with Jarod Miller
Peralie
3 2 1 Penguins!
Gofrette
Turbo Dogs
Mighty Machines
Jane and the Dragon
Rescue Heroes
Babar
My Friend Rabbit
Jacob Two-Two
Vita Minix
Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse
The Zula Patrol
Miss BG
Pecola
Pippi Longstocking
Rupert Bear

Focusing on adult viewers, ION Life is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more active lives.  Featuring programs featuring:  home design, wellness, healthy and active living, adventure and community engagement, ION Life is is focused on celebrating life’s positive adventures.  Available via over-the-air coverage, cable, satellite, and telco.  The Network was going to be named iHealth prior to Ion Televisions name change.

Programs:

Absolute X
Alive + Well
Body Fuel
Drop In
Gadget Girlz
Killer Comebacks
My Green House
Planet X
Positive Living
Power Yoga
Smart Cookies
Style by Jury
The Right Fit

The mobile branch of ION Media Networks, Dyle Mobile TV allows viewers to watch broadcast television shows right on their mobile Android and IOS devices.  Partnering with major broadcasters ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox among others, the application also allows viewers access to live local and national news as well as sports and entertainment.  Although currently limited in coverage, future expansion is expected soon.  You can check availability in your area on their coverage map.

Recent News

June

ION Television debuts WWE Main Event.

August

ION Television acquires off-Network rights to Numb3rs

ION Television acquires Law & Order:  Criminal Intent

September

Flashpoint debuts Season 5

October

ION Media Networks announces agreement with DirecTV

Refrences

[1] ION Media Networks Homepage:  http://www.ionmedianetworks.com/
[2] Ion Television: http://iontelevision.com/
[3] Fox Broadcast Company: http://www.fox.com/
[4] CBS Broadcasting Inc.: http://www.cbs.com/
[5] Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc: http://www.sbgi.net/
[6] Qubo: http://www.qubo.com/
[7] ION Life: http://www.ionlife.com/
[8] Dyle: http://www.dyle.tv/
[9] Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_Media_Networks
[10] Press releases: http://www.ionmedianetworks.com/press
[11] Answers.com: http://www.answers.com/topic/ion-media-networks-inc
[12] ABC: http://abc.go.com/
[13] The CW: http://www.cwtv.com/
[14] NBC Universal: http://www.nbcuni.com/
[15] Corus Entertainment: http://www.corusent.com/home/default.aspx
[16] Nelvana: http://www.nelvana.com/
[17] Scholastic Corporation: http://www.scholastic.com/home/
[18] DreamWorks: http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/

* All images are courtesy of ION Media Networks *