CTV Acquires Game-Changing New Reality Series RISING STAR from Keshet DCP for Summer 2014

- A highlight of CTV's summer schedule, RISING STAR premieres June 22 -
- Ground-breaking new series allows viewers to vote for competitors in real time through an innovative free app, available to Canadians -

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TORONTO, May 5, 2014 /CNW/ - It's social TV on a whole new level. CTV announced today it has acquired the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to the much buzzed-about and sought-after new revolutionary reality series RISING STAR from Keshet International. The fastest-selling talent show ever and already a massive hit in its original Israeli market, RISING STAR is the first competition series ever to tally viewer votes in real time, making it truly interactive television. From the very first minute of the very first episode, viewers play an integral role in every decision made throughout the season via an innovative free app, available in both Canada and the U.S. From Keshet DCP and executive producers Ken Warwick (AMERICAN IDOL) and Nicolle Yaron (THE VOICE), RISING STAR skyrockets onto CTV's summer schedule Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning June 22 with a special two-hour premiere. The series will also be available live and on demand on CTV.ca and the CTV Go app.

RISING STAR sees aspiring singers - including solo vocalists, duos, and vocal groups - perform alone behind a giant wall of TV screens displaying the faces of viewers at home who have shown their support for the performance. As viewers, the judging panel, and the studio audience vote, competitors and viewers see how they're doing in real time through a live vote meter. Once the competitors' votes reach a certain level, the screen in front of them slowly rises and a new star is revealed.

**Media Note** - Download photos from RISING STAR at BellMediaPR.ca

"RISING STAR's innovative format is truly revolutionary, compelling, and offers CTV viewers an engagement opportunity like never before," said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks.

RISING STAR had a record-breaking debut on Keshet's Channel 2 in Israel from September to December 2013, maintaining its audience throughout Season 1 as the highest-rated show in 10 of its 15 weeks on air. The series also saw over 10 million votes cast through the app. Now sold to more than 25 broadcasters and territories, RISING STAR is the fastest-selling talent show ever. The territories include the USA (ABC), UK (ITV), Spain (Atresmedia), Italy (Toro), France (M6 Group), Russia (Rossiya1), Germany (RTL), the Nordics (Nordisk), Hungary (TV2), Brazil (Rede Globo), Portugal (TVI), and most recently Argentina (Telefe), Turkey (Acun Medya), and Indonesia (RCTI).

About Keshet International
Keshet International is Keshet Media Group's global distribution and production arm. Headed by CEO Alon Shtruzman, it includes Keshet's local production outposts (Keshet UK, Keshet Australia, Keshet Canada and Keshet DCP in the US) as well as its global distribution arm.

KI's catalogue consists of over 60 tried and tested properties that appeal to audiences worldwide, spanning all genres. Highlights include hit drama PRISONERS OF WAR, the original Israeli version of prime time Emmy^® winner HOMELAND; hit interactive talent show RISING STAR; International Emmy^®-nominated docu-reality format DEAR NEIGHBORS, HELP OUR DAUGHTER FIND LOVE; talent show MASTER CLASS; cross platform format 50 THINGS YOU HAVE TO KNOW; reality dating format GIRLFRI3NDS; game show THE VAULT; and 'buddy comedy' TRAFFIC LIGHT, winner of an International Emmy Award. 

About Keshet DCP
Keshet DCP is the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). Keshet DCP was formed to leverage Keshet's globally successful unscripted business with DC Media's expansive U.S. infrastructure and production expertise. Rising Star ABC will mark the company's first foray into the market since its formation in October.

About CTV
CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 12 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at CTV.ca.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Twitter:
@CTV_PR
@CTV_Television
@KeshetIntl

Facebook:
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Facebook.com/KeshetInternational

SOURCE: CTV

Christy Sullivan, CTV Networks, 416.384.3624 or [email protected]