Time Warner Cable Creates 'Born to Shine' Talk Show Series to Celebrate and Empower African Americans in Entertainment

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) today announced the launch of "Born to Shine" – a multi-platform marketing campaign dedicated to showcasing the impact African Americans continue to make within the entertainment industry and the community. The campaign features a national contest to identify four aspiring television personalities to host a "Born to Shine" talk show series, which will be available on Time Warner Cable On Demand this Fall.

Time Warner Cable has partnered with the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) to find four aspiring television hosts for the talk show series. Founded in 2007, WEEN is a global non-profit coalition of women and men, all ages and races, committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and society. Each of the winners will host an individual episode featuring African Americans who are paving the way in areas of pop culture, television, film, sports, music and the community. The guests will share their lessons learned and success stories for viewers to glean from to pursue their own personal goals.

"Born to Shine is a reflection of Time Warner Cable's commitment to provide African American consumers with inspiring and quality entertainment that represents their vibrant and diverse stories," said Marisol Martinez de Rodriguez, Senior Director of Segment Marketing for Time Warner Cable. "The campaign will run throughout the year and provide a host of opportunities for members of the community to connect with our brand and others who share a passion for entertainment. We're excited that this program empowers individuals to pursue their goals and actualize why they were born to shine."

"Time Warner Cable's innovative program will introduce four talented individuals to a nationwide audience," said Valeisha Butterfield, WEEN Chairman and Co-founder. "Our partnership with Time Warner Cable and the 'Born to Shine' program enables us to bring a unique and meaningful opportunity to the community and those who want to make an impact in entertainment."

To enter the "Born to Shine" Contest, participants can upload a three-minute audition video on the "Born to Shine" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/twcableborntoshine) beginning March 7 through April 30. Online submissions will be voted on by Facebook fans and judged by industry insiders and Time Warner Cable executives. Participants can also enter the contest by auditioning at live casting call events in Charlotte, N.C. and New York City.

The panel of judges for the casting calls will include a combination of celebrities, industry executives and Time Warner Cable executives. The four winners will be determined from a select pool of online and live casting call auditions in May.

For more information on the program, casting calls and official rules of the "Born to Shine" Contest, please visit www.facebook.com/twcableborntoshine.  

No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited. The Time Warner Cable Born to Shine Contest is open to legal U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older as of 3/5/11. Online submission period starts 12:00 p.m. ET 3/7/11 & ends 12:00:01 p.m. ET 5/15/11. For official rules and complete details, visit facebook.com/twcableborntoshine. Sponsored by Time Warner Cable Inc.

About Time Warner Cable

Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly in five geographic areas — New York State (including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas.  Time Warner Cable serves more than 14 million customers who subscribe to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services.  Time Warner Cable Business Class offers a suite of phone, Internet, Ethernet and cable television services to businesses of all sizes. Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions that are targeted and affordable.  More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.timewarnercable.com, www.twcbc.com and www.twcmedia.com.

About Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network

Founded in 2007, the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) is a global non-profit coalition of women and men, all ages and races, committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and society. Led by chair Valeisha Butterfield, vice chair Sabrina Thompson and co-founders Kristi Henderson and Lauren Lake, WEEN provides entertainment-based, educational programs for its members worldwide. For more information on WEEN and to become a member today, go to www.weenonline.org.

SOURCE Time Warner Cable