Erickson Tribune

Headline News

UPDATED: Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Retirement Living Television Makes Its Debut

Posted on Tuesday, October 03, 2006
 

By Deborah Dasch

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The official launch of Retirement Living Television on September 5, 2006, ushers in a bold, new approach in television programming both for and about an underserved, and too often ignored, demographic—people age 62 and older.

Debuting on national cable powerhouse, Comcast, Retirement Living is the first cable channel solely dedicated to the country’s fastest growing  population.

Operating under the tagline of “changing the perception of aging in America,” Retirement Living is on a mission, says Vice President Ed Beimfohr, “to improve the lives of people who have undeservedly become disenfranchised. Our channel is about creating community and fraternity, and changing the images and attitudes of what it means to grow older.”

Or, as John Erickson, founder and CEO of Erickson Retirement Communities and visionary behind the new cable channel, likes to say about Retirement Living, “TV finally grows up.”

Original Programming

Initially, some 8 million viewers in Comcast’s New England and Mid Atlantic markets can tune in daily 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. to see seven original shows (see TV guide insert in this issue of the Tribune). “There are currently 67 million people age 55 and over in the United States, and that number is projected to climb to 116 million by 2035,” says Mel Tansill, Erickson’s senior director of public affairs. “Today, there is no national television network specifically serving this demographic.”

While the new channel is getting coverage from The Wall Street Journal and Associated Press, and signing up media celebrities like Walter Cronkite  and John Palmer, its mission is simple.  “We want to establish ourselves as the portal for information about aging,” says Retirement Living’s president, Brad Knight.


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“These are my people,”  says John Palmer, veteran newsman and NBC White House correspondent, referring to Retirement Living’s targeted viewership. “I’m 70, and I know this is a big and important audience. The fact that it’s backed by Erickson Retirement Communities, who are experts in this  demographic, made it an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

‘Seasoned’ Employees Welcomed

Not only will Retirement Living provide programming for older Americans, it also plans to employ them. In an industry that is built on chasing the attention of younger viewers, the careers of many successful artists often end well before their time, affecting actors, writers, producers, and every segment of the industry.

“At our network a seasoned resume is a good thing.”
—Patrick Baldwin

“At our network,” says  Patrick Baldwin, Retirement Living’s senior  director of  TV and media, “a seasoned  resume is a good thing.”For more information about Retirement Living, go to www.RL.tv.

Fall Lineup on Retirement Living TV

The Daily Apple

The Daily Apple is a one-hour magazine-format program that explores the notion of “wellness” in every sense of the word—personal fulfillment, health, relationships, just about anything that makes life better. Alexis Abramson, Ph.D., best known as the expert gerontologist for NBC’s Today Show, will host The Daily Apple.

The Art of Living

On the road, documentary-style, is the name of the game here with this half-hour show featuring everyday people across the country leading extraordinary lives doing what they love to do. From athletes and scuba divers to artists and community activists, The Art of Living will break new ground by blending traditional documentary with current reality TV.

The Prudent Advisor

Veteran NBC anchor John Palmer and New York Times best-selling author  Ric Edelman are the cohosts of this 30-minute program that explores the wide variety of financial issues facing today’s retirees and offers advice on making smart decisions when it comes to spending money.

Healthline

NBC medical correspondent and author of The Art of Medicine, Dr. Kevin Soden is the host of a daily in-studio discussion that features both sides of the health equation—personal accounts of individuals with medical challenges and the medical experts who offer insight and advice.

The Informed Citizen

The political process is about to get a wake-up call when newsman John  Palmer talks with today’s opinion makers and older activists on the issues  that directly impact the 62-plus population.

The Voice

This interview-based talk show is a lively blend of information and  entertainment targeted to the mature adult. Join the team of experts as they tackle the hard issues, often resulting in provocative dialogue, all under the watchful eyes of cohosts Margaux St. Ledger and Ed Beimfohr.

To Discuss Retirement Living TV or Any of These Shows, Click Here!



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