"Green" Expert Melissa Mansfield Joins as New Host
NEW YORK – April 21, 2008 – VOOM HD Networks announced today that EQUATOR HD's original series, KEEP IT GREEN, will return for a second season with a newly expanded half-hour format and a brand new host: noted green expert Melissa Mansfield. Starting April 23, Mansfield will interview leaders in their field about important environmental and social issues, show viewers how simple choices can make a big difference and offer practical advice about sustainability. The series' six one-hour episodes include: "Green Design," with green architect Michelle Kaufman demonstrating ways to make homes greener; "Coffeehouse Conversations," with environmental journalist Dale Willman leading weekly discussions from the rise of wind power to the effectiveness of the United Nations; "Green Streets," a straw poll of ordinary Americans about where they stand on green issues; and "Web Pick of the Week," the best green sites on the Web.
The first episode of KEEP IT GREEN premieres Wednesday, April 23rd at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C on EQUATOR HD, the first 24/7 hi-definition channel dedicated to global adventure and green living. EQUATOR HD is one of fifteen VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide.
"The goal of the series is to educate, entertain and, most importantly, inspire viewers to take action," said Greg Moyer, general manager of VOOM HD Networks. "We are thrilled to bring another season of this successful series to our viewers."
Melissa Mansfield is a green lifestyle expert and activist, with an extensive background in environmental and social justice issues. She currently works with Green Festival – the largest environmental expo in the world – where she has conducted interviews with green luminaries such as Bill McKibben, Amy Goodman and Ralph Nader. Mansfield also develops editorial content for www.GreenMaven.com and www.Urth.tv. Mansfield lives the green lifestyle, walking or biking to work almost every day, as well as applying numerous other green principles to her everyday life. She is a vegetarian and teaches yoga in her spare time.
Following are descriptions of the first six episodes from this series.
- World Premiere – Episode 1 – TV-G
Airs Wednesday, April 23rd at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C
On tonight's episode, Melissa Mansfield interviews Lou Cafiero from the National Atmospheric & Oceanic Administration about national marine sanctuaries, endangered sea mammals and what the public can do to protect them. The green temperature of the nation is taken and viewers learn where passers-by stand on environmental issues. Then, it's off to San Francisco with green architect Michelle Kaufman, where viewers see her green home and learn tips on greening their own. - World Premiere – Episode 2 – TV-G
Airs Wednesday, April 30th at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C
Tonight, the topic is world aid. Melissa Mansfield discusses access to medical care in developing nations and what the public can do to help with Dr. Buddhima Lokuge of Doctors Without Borders. Environmental journalist Dale Willman poses whether the United Nations is effective or obsolete, while pedestrians are polled about green issues and the "Web Pick of the Week," the best green sites on the Web, is revealed.
World Premiere – Episode 3 – TV-G
Airs Wednesday, May 7th at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C
In an episode about green technology, Melissa Mansfield interviews Jim Hartzfeld of Interface Inc. about how businesses can be more sustainable and how one man's vision changed an industrial philosophy. Also tonight, Dale Willman discusses whether wind power is a renewable energy solution or "eyesore" when it's close to home, the nation's green pulse is taken, a new green website to visit is suggested and tips on how to make homes greener are shared.- World Premiere – Episode 4 – TV-G
Airs Wednesday, May 14th at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C
World aid is the main topic of conversation tonight when Melissa Mansfield interviews Grameen America's Ritu Chattree about microfinance. She shares how, with little investments, her company is helping to make the entrepreneurial spirit available to everyone. Also, while Dale Willman discusses whether the World Bank is productive or exploitative, Americans share their opinions on environmental issues, the "Web Pick of the Week," is revealed and Michelle Kaufman offers additional tips on greening one's home. - World Premiere – Episode 5 – TV-G
Airs Wednesday, Wed May 21st at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C
In this episode, Melissa Mansfield discusses wildlife conservation, endangered species and how viewers can be kind to their fine-feathered friends with the National Audubon Society's Aaron Virgin. The topic of conversation continues when Dale Willman leads a discussion on the reintroduction of wolves into the wild. Also tonight, a straw poll is taken on environmental issues, a new green website to visit is recommended and more tips on greening one's home are shared. - World Premiere – Episode 6 – TV-G
Airs Wednesday, May 28th at 8pm ET/9pm PT/7C
In an episode about green technology, Michael Moyer of Popular Science magazine talks with Melissa Mansfield about the latest alternative fuels and automotive technologies, while Dale Willman discusses whether or not nuclear power is cleaner and greener. Also, green architect Michelle Kaufman offers new tips about greening one's home, the nation's green temperature is taken, and this week's top green website is recommended.
KEEP IT GREEN is an EQUATOR HD original production. Greg Moyer is the executive in charge of production, William Roberts is the vice president of programming, Ali Hossaini is the executive producer and Lauren Flick is senior producer.
About EQUATOR HD
Explore the world's most intriguing people and exotic destinations with EQUATOR HD, the first and only high-definition channel capturing the world's most visually stunning sights and sounds. Featuring an eclectic mix of breathtaking nature and travel documentaries, compelling films and video essays, EQUATOR HD brings to life a glorious tapestry of the most unique locales and remarkable landscapes from around the globe. Offering a rarely seen glimpse inside fascinating cultural traditions as seen through the eyes of those who call these places "home," EQUATOR HD is a once-in-a-lifetime passport to an exotic, first-class voyage viewers will not soon forget.
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks (www.voom.com) comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition channels for distribution through satellite and cable operators. Produced exclusively in true high-definition and 5.1 Dolby? digital surround sound, VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. VOOM HD Networks' 15 HDTV channels are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network and Cablevision's iO digital cable service. VOOM HD, a 24/7 international linear channel, is currently distributed in Europe and Asia. Building on Rainbow Media Holdings LLC's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed by Rainbow to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.