AEG Goes Live

Along with the L.A. Live project set to open Dec. 1 in downtown Los Angeles, AEG is looking into partnering with a Los Angeles TV station to create a digital channel to feature telecasts of events at Staples Center and the Nokia Theatre. 

The channel, also called L.A. Live, is being pitched as advertiser-friendly programming that could be run on a local station’s digital multicast channels or on the station’s available bandwidth when not broadcasting at maximum high-definition strength, according to Variety.

“We are committed to creating a lifestyle channel that would be about music and fashion and sports and point-of-destination travel. This lifestyle channel will have various means of distribution,” AEG President / CEO Tim Leiweke said.

“We’re very, very committed to [building] a big distribution opportunity here. Although [the channel] will not be solely focused on content from L.A. Live, it will be headquartered in Los Angeles.”

Leiweke said that in addition to partnering with a local station for the channel, there are plans for national and international TV channels featuring AEG-related events.

The timing is right for the L.A. Live channel with the upcoming Feb. 17 digital switchover date.
“When we see changes in the landscape come next February, I think you will see [that] we will be part of that switch,” Leiweke said.

Within the L.A. Live complex, AEG is building a $20 million broadcast facility as the central hub for the channel. Execs and operations staffers are being recruited for the TV project.

The L.A. Live complex, adjacent to the Staples Center, includes an ESPN production studio, the Nokia Theatre, dining options, nightclubs, a 14-screen cineplex, two hotels and office space. The project’s cost is estimated at $2.5 billion.