Larry King launches Internet TV network
Larry King will pick back up the mic, snap his suspenders in place, and dust off his famous interviewing skills to co-found an Internet television network financed by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú. The new network will be called Ora.TV and will broadcast throughout the United States and Latin America.
King will host a program similar to his former CNN talk show Larry King Live because, as hetold the New York Times, “I run into people everyday who tell me they miss my show. And a lot of times I miss it too.” He said his wife Shawn will likely be involved in the network as a style or celebrity host. The Kings’ programs are among a number of shows in development, and more will be announced in coming months. According to a release sent out today, “Ora is in discussions with other on-air personalities to join King in creating a unique and compelling roster of talent and programming.”
Former News Corporation digital journalism president Jon Housman will serve as CEO for Ora, which means “Now” in Spanish. The New York-based network will be ad-supported rather than subscription-based and will not follow the network TV template for time. Ora’s heads plan to “incorporate content, social interactions, and technologies in ways that are difficult to pull off with linear platforms.”
Helú, considered by many to be the world’s richest man, made his $69 billion fortune through pay-television broadcasting and with his Latin American wireless company América Móvil, which will provide financial backing for Ora. “Ora.TV represents a great opportunity,” he 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.”
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