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via Cartoon Network press release:

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL TO HOST CARTOON NETWORK’S
SECOND ANNUAL HALL OF GAME AWARDS

Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards Returns in Early 2012

“The Diesel,” “Shaq Fu,” “The Big Microphone,” Shaquille O’Neal announced today via his Twitter account that he will host the second annual Hall of Game Awards, airing on Cartoon Network in early 2012. Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards is a high-energy, off-the-wall, multi-platform experience that lets viewers vote for and honor their favorite sports stars and sports moments of the year. Last year 1,487,000 total viewers* tuned in and more than 37 million voted online for their favorite sports stars to win the GAME trophy.
“I’m so excited to be hosting the Hall of Game Awards,” said O’Neal. “While I can’t guarantee who will win, I can guarantee it will be a blast!”

“Shaquille O’Neal is the ideal sports icon to host the fun at this year’s Hall of Game Awards show,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. “With Shaq’s help, we will build off of last year’s success to deliver an exciting blend of celebrity, sports, music and entertainment.”

This first-of-its-kind, sports award and entertainment event for kids, will once again be produced by IMG Media, the production arm of global sports, entertainment and media company, IMG. Time Inc. Sports Group’s SI KIDS franchise will be serving again as the official media partner. Veteran, award-winning television and special events producer, Michael Dempsey and Steve Mayer will again serve as executive producers. Viewers can expect a star-packed red carpet, on stage celebrity surprises, icons from television, film, music and sports, and hilarious hijinks all wrapped up into one awesome awards show.

Last year’s show was hosted by skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, and featured appearances by First Lady Michelle Obama, Jessica Aney (SI KIDS’ Sportskid of the Year), Nnamdi Asomugha, Jake T. Austin, Drew Brees, Shannon Brown, Kobe Bryant, Chewbacca, Chris Cole, Lucas Cruikshank aka “Fred,” Stephen Curry, Landon Donovan, Carl Edwards, Roger Federer, Arian Foster, Rick Fox, Zachary Gordon, A.J. Hawk, David Henrie, Dwight Howard, DeSean Jackson, LeBron James, Greg Jennings, Joe Johnson, Tony Kanaan, Lisa Leslie, Robbie Maddison, Sal Masekela, Terrell Owens, Rico Rodriguez, Ryan Sheckler, Matthew Stafford, Amar’e Stoudemire, Andrew W.K., Dwyane Wade, Venus Williams, Tiger Woods and the cast of Cartoon Network’s Dude, What Would Happen—C.J. Manigo, Jackson Rogow and Ali Sepasyar—along with musical performances by Far East Movement and Travie McCoy.

Among his many accolades during his illustrious 19-year playing career, O’Neal was chosen as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players, ranks fifth all-time in NBA scoring history (28,596 points scored), won the Rookie of the Year award (1993), MVP award (2000) and was named All-NBA 14 times. Additionally, his impressive career includes four NBA Championships—three with the LA Lakers (2000—2002), where he was named NBA Finals MVP for all three championships, and one with the Miami Heat (2006). The 15-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA All-Star MVP (2000, 2004, 2009) also won two scoring titles (1995, 2000). He appeared in 1,207 regular season games, averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 blocks in 34.7 minutes per contest throughout his career, which included playing for the Orlando Magic, LA Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 99 million U.S. homes and 168 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families. Nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animated and live-action programming for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About IMG Media
IMG Media operates from over 30 offices worldwide and distributes content across all forms of media including TV, Audio, Fixed Media, Inflight and Closed Circuit, Broadband and Mobile. IMG Media Production generates 6000 hours of programming, over 200 projects in locations around the world. These include coverage of: New York City Marathon, Masters, PGA Championship, ATP and WTA Tennis, Professional Bull Riding, television and digital production for both Wimbledon and the R and A, Premier League Soccer Productions, Total Rugby for the IRB, Transworld Sport, FIFA Futbol Mondial and FIFA World Cup Preview Series. IMG Media also has produced entertainment specials such as: Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials, World’s and Year’s Funniest Commercials for TBS, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, and Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular. IMG Media also maintains the world’s largest sports archive with more than 250,000 hours of footage.

About Time Inc. Sports Group’s SI KIDS Franchise
The SI Kids franchise is anchored by the flagship monthly and includes the website (www.SIkids.com), books, events, licensed products and the annual “SportsKid of the Year” platform. For 21 years SI Kids has helped young fans (8 and up) learn about positive values, good sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle through sports. The franchise delivers SI’s in-depth reporting, action photography, first-person athlete accounts and features to a monthly audience of 4.9mm. Today, more than 60% of current Sports Illustrated readers have subscribed to SI Kids.

*RATING PERIOD: 2/25/11

SOURCE: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 blended with Live+ SD datamost current data.

NOTES: All ratings based on Total U.S. Television Universe of 114,500,000 homes.