programming acquisitions, the startup of new programming ventures, and to develop growth strategies; putting plans into motion that increased budgets for original content produced in New York and California by 50%. In 1993, and to better utilize its existing NY studio facilities that independently operated at the Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS) complex, "Lifetime Studios" was created as an anchor KAS tenant and as a stand-alone profit center for the company. The 100,000 square foot digital facility was intended to produce the network's NY-based original programming, as well as to provide studios, post-production, equipment and personnel for third party productions. During the next 12 years, under the aegis of Vice-President/General Manager Mitchell Brill, the studios and its production management and engineering team supported the production of thousands of hours of network content, and was simultaneously home to over 400 projects for an array of other global media companies. Among the many projects were long-running, award-winning children's television productions; PBS's Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?, Where in Time Is Carmen San Diego?, and Between the Lions, Jim Henson Television's Bear in the Big Blue House, and Out of the Box for the Disney Channel. Additionally, many music and entertainment programs originated from the studios, including; Top of the Pops for the BBC, MTV Unplugged, A&E's Live by Request, and PBS's Great Performances. For 10 years, one studio was exclusively dedicated for Lifetime's morning block of talk, cooking and craft programming, including chef The Main Ingredient with Bobby Flay. In 1995, HAVES had ABC News produce a two-hour political special for Lifetime, and then a daily live news show that aired for two seasons. By 2000, entering the first dotcom era of emerging television and internet platforms, Lifetime Studios provided the facilities and technical expertise for some of the first interactive, cross-platform projects and companies, while also pushing to the forefront of the use of tapeless, server-based hardware and software for television production. Dubbed a "studio of the future", Lifetime Studios was an industry leader until operations ceased upon the expiration of its lease in 2005. Lifetime Entertainment Services Viacom sold its stake for $317 million in April 1994 to Hearst and Cap Cities/ABC, becoming at some point Lifetime Entertainment Services (LES). For 1996, LES committed $100 million towards original programming. In 1996, the channel's website was launched, Lifetimetv.com. With its recent involvement in sponsoring and programming women sports, the