SOAPnet ACQUIRES "THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS" FROM SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

CBS' Legendary Soap Begins Airing Same-Day Episodes In Primetime on SOAPnet, Monday, April 24

SOAPnet has acquired same-day airing rights to the popular CBS Daytime drama "The Young and the Restless" from Sony Pictures Television (SPT), it's been announced by Deborah Blackwell, general manager, SOAPnet and John Weiser, president, Distribution for SPT. Beginning Monday, April 24, fans of "The Young and the Restless," the No.-1 rated daytime drama among Women 18-49 and Total Viewers, can see same-day episodes in primetime at 7:00 p.m.*, and in a Saturday night marathon on SOAPnet. The multi-year deal also includes access to historical episodes for stunts and specials.

"SOAPnet now provides the top-five rated soaps in primetime," said Blackwell. "Ever since I started at SOAPnet, CBS fans have been asking me, 'When will SOAPnet have Y&R?' -- I'm thrilled to tell them that in April they'll be able to catch 'The Young and the Restless' at night." She continued: "In addition, this deal gives us a chance to work even more closely with Sony, who have been such great partners on 'Days of Our Lives.'"

"SOAPnet has been a great partner with us on 'Days of Our Lives,' and we are especially excited about the cross-promotional opportunities for 'The Young and the Restless' between SOAPnet and CBS," said Weiser.

In conjunction with the acquisition, the following programming changes will also occur: "Days of Our Lives" will move to 11:00 p.m. "Soap Talk" will air at 11:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., and original programming from SOAPnet's library, including "1Day with...," "They Started on Soaps," "I Wanna Be a Soap Star" and "Soapography," will air at noon.

For a detailed broadcast schedule and other information, please visit SOAPnet's press website at www.abccngpressinfo.com.

"The Young and the Restless" has been the No.-1 rated daytime drama for more than 17 years and is in its 33rd season. The show is broadcast weekdays (12:30-1:30 p.m.; 11:00 a.m. -12:00 Noon, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television. "The Young and the Restless" was created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell. John F. Smith is co-executive producer, Edward J. Scott serves as supervising producer and Kathryn Foster is producer. The coordinating producer is John Fisher.

Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry's leading content providers. SPT produces and distributes top-rated, award-winning programming in every genre, including series, movies and family entertainment for network and cable television, first-run syndicated series, off-network syndicated programs and theatrical releases. SPT (www.sonypicturestelevision.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

SOAPnet, the new way to watch soaps, offers same-day episodes of popular daytime dramas including "All My Children," "Days of Our Lives," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital" at night for convenient viewing. In addition, the network provides inside access to stars and storylines with original programs, including the Emmy-nominated one-hour talk show, "Soap Talk," the biography show "Soapography," "1 Day with..." and the reality series "I Wanna Be a Soap Star." Wrapped in a 24-hour environment, SOAPnet also offers primetime classics including "Pasadena," "Melrose Place," "Beverly Hills 90210," "Dynasty" and "Dallas," as well as former daytime series "Port Charles," "Ryan's Hope" and "Another World."