Start-up WheelsTV has begun production of original programming for its launch next year, and it has crafted a video-on-demand offering including mini-test drives of autos for car shoppers.
The new channel’s management pioneered the creation of auto-related TV programming through Global Television Network. That company produced Wild About Wheels, which first aired on Discovery Channel then moved to Speedvision (now Speed Channel).
WheelsTV, billing itself as an automotive-lifestyle network, has kicked off production of new episodes of magazine-format Wild About Wheels, and it has also started work on new series such as Motor of Fact, which will put viewers behind the wheel of new vehicles as they’re put through their paces; and Hot Streets, a series that probes the teenaged “tuner” set.
WheelsTV’s program lineup will be 80% original and 20% acquired, with the channel looking to fill in part of its daytime schedule with off-network shows. The network is starting out with a library of 200 hours of finished programming.
