ION TELEVISION RENEWS ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES "SAVIN

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 6, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television has renewed original drama series "Saving Hope" for a fifth season that will deliver 18 new episodes. Production will begin this spring. Additionally, the second season of the program, from Ilana Frank's ICF Films and Entertainment One (eOne), will premiere on the network on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at 11 p.m./10c, with a two-hour block of new episodes and encore runs on Fridays at 11 p.m./10c.

"Saving Hope," which debuted in the U.S. on Oct. 13 last year, has performed well for ION, ranking in the top ten in households, Adults and Women 25-54 and Adults and Women 18-49 in its time period. Additionally, "Saving Hope's" audience has grown each month it has been on the air, up 6% from October to November and from November to December.

"We're delighted to build upon our successful partnership with eOne and CTV to bring viewers a new season of this high-quality original series," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks. "'Saving Hope' has resonated with our viewers since its debut and continues to be a key component of ION's long-term programming strategy."

"Saving Hope" is the latest installment in a string of successful scripted original series on ION that includes "The Listener," "Flashpoint" and a robust slate of original movies. The program seamlessly joined the network's lineup of highly acclaimed drama series, including "Criminal Minds," "Blue Bloods" and all three "Law & Order" franchises. Overall this season, ION has claimed its highest ranking ever among all cable networks at #8 in Adults 25-54, up 5% from last year.

"Saving Hope" is produced by ICF Films, in association with eOne and CTV, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. The series is executive produced by Ilana Frank and John Morayniss and co-executive produced by Linda Pope, Noelle Carbone, and Patrick Tarr. Adam Pettle is Executive Producer and Showrunner. All distribution rights are handled by eOne. CTV in Canada renewed the series for a fifth season in December 2015.

About ION Television

A leading U.S. general entertainment network, ION Television combines high-quality programming and dependable distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth. Its "Positively Entertaining" network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. ION Television has grown its Adults 25-54 audience by 160% since its 2007 launch and has consistently remained among the top 15 entertainment networks. For more information, visit http://www.iontelevision.com .

About Entertainment One

Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE: ETO ) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Spain, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Film and Television divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 40,000 film and television titles, 4,500 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.

Photo Caption: Michael Shanks (L) and Erica Durance (R) star in the Season 2 premiere of original drama series "Saving Hope" on ION Television, Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 11 p.m./10c with encore runs on Fridays at 11 p.m./10c.

Photo Credit: Ken Woroner

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=38348

Sandy Genelius ION Media Networks 646.351.8220