TV Guide Channel to Broadcast National Red Carpet Coverage of Tonys 2005

Each year those in the New York area that get the local cable news channel NY1 can see people strut their stuff on the red carpet prior to the Tony Awards. This year nearly 80 million will have that opportunity because for the first time TV Guide Channel will host its own pre-Tony coverage. While Joan and Melissa Rivers host the channel's Oscar and Golden Globe shows, the TV Guide Live at the Tony Awards program will be hosted by the channel's Madison Michele and Chris Booker.

Michele and Booker will interview arriving nominees and guests on two celebrity platforms. Former Good Day New York anchor Theresa Strasser will also contribute to the show, providing commentary on the Broadway scene. TV Guide Channel will feature a third camera angle from above the marquee of Radio City Music Hall.

TV Guide Live at the Tony Awards is being sponsored by General Motor's SAAB division. The red carpet will be decorated with SAAB logos, and a SAAB 9-7X SUV will be on display. Logos will also be displayed on the platforms Michele, Booker and interviewees stand on.

The Tony Awards, hosted by Hugh Jackman, will take place at Radio City Music Hall on June 5. The TV Guide Channel special will air live on the east coast 7pm to 8pm and be delayed in other time zones. The CBS broadcast of the awards is scheduled to begin at 8pm.