"USA Today Live," the television arm of the national newspaper owned by Gannett, will produce TV segments in HD based on its printed publication's editorial content. The first production will be a weekly program called "Debate" on HDNet, featuring newsmakers and celebrities. The newspaper will choose content and topics, and the program will feature its reporters and editors, as well as others.
HDNet, co-founded by Mark Cuban and Philip Garvin, is the first network to broadcast all of its programming in 1080i. It was launched in September 2001 and Cuban said it produces more hours of original HD sports, news and entertainment programming each week than any other network. (The big three broadcast networks, with virtually all their primetime and late-night shows, and most major sporting events in HD, might disagree.)
HDNet said it is available in approximately 60 million homes, although industry researchers estimate less then four million households are actually receiving HD programming via cable or DBS.
