WXYZ-TV and the Detroit Lions Announce New Partnership

SOUTHFIELD Mich., April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a great time to be a Lions fan!  WXYZ-TV and the Detroit Lions are proud to announce a new four year partnership that will bring the excitement of Lions football to fans in Detroit and around the country, through various platforms including, on-air, on-line and mobile, beginning with the 2012 season.

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"We are thrilled to be able to continue the amazing partnership we began last year with the Lions organization," said WXYZ Vice-President and General Manager, Ed Fernandez.  "There is so much momentum surrounding this Lions team, and we are committed to using our resources to help bring the energy of Lions football to fans in new and exciting ways ... from special programming, to interactive social media efforts and aggressive new mobile initiatives." 

"We are excited that WXYZ will once again be our preseason TV partner," said Lions President Tom Lewand.  "Our first year together was very successful, and we believe this new long-term relationship allows us to maximize opportunities not only from a broadcasting standpoint but also in the Detroit community and throughout Southeast Michigan.  WXYZ shares our passion for making a difference in our community, and this relationship collectively makes a significant impact in the Detroit area and beyond."

Detroit Lions coverage on WXYZ will kick-off in April, with Lions Draft: Before the Snap, a one-hour NFL draft special on Thursday, April 26th from 7-8 p.m.  The show will take viewers behind the scenes at the Lions facility to look at the teams top draft picks for 2012.  Then during the summer, Lions fans can get a sneak peek at the strategy for the season as WXYZ presents Lions training camp updates from the Lions practice facility in Allen Park, during 7 Action News at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. 

And as part of WXYZ's commitment to be the place to see all the Lions action before the season even starts,  WXYZ will be on the field in August for the first preseason snap to will bring you live coverage of the Lions preseason games and pregame specials.  WXYZ will produce and broadcast four games in August and September, and offer fans a chance to see the games again with encore broadcasts on Sundays.

Then every Sunday during the regular season, WXYZ will bring fans all the action live from Ford Field on Ford Lions Report LIVE, at 11 a.m.  The show will feature interviews with key players and coaches, as well as the behind-the-scenes stories of the match up. The one-hour program will include live coverage from the field during away games plus insight and perspective from top football analysts.  Ford Lions Report LIVE, will be broadcast live on affiliate stations throughout Michigan.

The day after the big game, fans can get the latest on their Lions with Schwartz Sez, an in-depth interview with Coach Jim Schwartz.  The Coach will give fans his take on the game on 7 Action News at 7 p.m.  The segment will include insight from Coach Schwartz that fans won't find anywhere else. 

Leading up to game day, fans can go Inside the Huddle, with key Lions players.  Every Thursday, 7 Action News at 7 p.m. will sit down for a personal one-on-one interview with a favorite Lions player to get a unique perspective on the game and the season.

Game days will wrap up with Sunday Sports Update, Sundays at 11:30 p.m. on WXYZ.  The show will include a review of the game and unique, on-the-field insight from key Lions players.

Throughout the year, Lions fans can stay connected with the Lions on wxyz.com.  The site will feature WXYZ blogs and training camp reports, as well as a dedicated "Lions Locker Room" page that will give fans all the latest on the team, including Lions promotions and ticket giveaways.

The Detroit Lions and WXYZ will also team up to promote and support a variety of community service efforts including, Toys for Tots, NFL Play 60, and Healthy Living for Kids; as well as the volunteer work of individual Lions team members who are committed  to improving our community.

Finally, throughout the year, WXYZ will partner with the Detroit Lions to present unique fan experiences, including special family-friendly opportunities to meet and interact with Lions players, coaches and team personnel.

WXYZ is proud to share the Lions pride in 2012 and beyond, as the official television station of the Detroit Lions.

The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse, 133-year-old media enterprise with interests in television stations, newspapers and local news and information Web sites. The company's portfolio of locally focused media properties includes: 19 TV stations (10 ABC affiliates, three NBC affiliates, five Azteca America affiliates and one independent); daily and community newspapers in 13 markets, and the Washington, D.C.-based Scripps Media Center, home of the Scripps Howard News Service. For a full listing of Scripps media companies and their associated Web sites, visit http://www.Scripps.com/.

SOURCE WXYZ-TV