Comedy Central Partners with NY Comedy Festival

Comedy Central and The New York Comedy Festival Wednesday announced a multi-year partnership deal, giving the five-day comedy showcase a national television partner for its fifth iteration.

The 2008 New York Comedy Festival, which runs from Nov. 5 through Nov. 9, will feature a variety of top-tier comedians including Frank Caliendo, Louis C.K., Craig Ferguson, Carlos Mencia, Joel McHale, B.J. Novak, Tracy Morgan, Brian Regan, Sarah Silverman and Katt Williams.

Network officials said the multi-year national partnership will include producing an on-air special shot at the Festival which will premiere in early 2009, as well as digital media support and other content opportunities. Carolines on Broadway and the United Entertainment Group are co-producing this year’s festival.

“Comedy Central applauds the New York Comedy Festival for its ongoing efforts in showcasing and celebrating stand-up comedy,” Mitch Fried, Comedy Central’s senior vice president of promotion marketing, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to partner with the Festival and Caroline's, the preeminent comedy club and look forward to providing a national platform for this illustrious event.”