Jim Owens Regains Control Of Nashville Network That Was Part Of Luken Programming

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Chattanoogan.com

Jim Owens Entertainment, Inc. (JOE) announced today that it has successfully taken legal action to end its license agreement with Chattanooga-based digital TV Network operator Luken Communications, LLC "due to Luken’s default on the trademark agreement for the use of the name and logo for The Nashville Network."

This action by JOE has been approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court in Chattanooga, it was stated. 

In June 2013, Luken Communications filed for protection under the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy code after losing a lawsuit in Arkansas involving their purchase of the Retro TV Network from Equity Holdings.  Jim Owens Entertainment, Inc. filed the motion in the bankruptcy proceeding after Luken confirmed that it could no longer comply with the conditions of the license, JOE officials said.

Jim Owens, president and CEO of Jim Owens Entertainment and The Nashville Network, LLC said, “We are thrilled to have regained total control of our federal trademark “The Nashville Network.”

Owens had been one of the creditors listed in the Luken Communications bankruptcy. He attended one of the hearings at Bankruptcy Court in Chattanooga.

Owens said, "We feel it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the history and tradition of this world famous brand.  We are privileged to be the trustee of this important icon, and take seriously our responsibility to the music industry and the viewing public to protect it at all costs, and we have taken the necessary legal steps to do just that.” 

When asked about future plans for The Nashville Network brand, Owens would only say that he is reviewing a number of options; and has had extensive interest and proposals in returning the network to its former and rightful place as the leader in country music television.  Owens went on to say that announcements about the future of the brand will be forthcoming; and that it is his intent to make the network available to viewers all across the country and internationally, as well. 

Jim Owens is the most prolific producer of country music programming and maintains a growing library of over 10,000 hours of both current and historic shows and raw footage.  Owens’ vaults contain interviews, performances, specials, series and long form programming, from the legends of country as well as the current stars of today.

One of his most well-known brands is “Crook & Chase" (www.crookandchase.com). The "Crook & Chase" television show is currently seen weekly in 166 markets, reaching 70% of all US TV Households; and the four-hour weekly radio show the "Crook & Chase Countdown" is heard in 231 radio markets.  Crook & Chase were inducted this year into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and were recently nominated for Broadcast Personalities of the Year at the upcoming 47^th annual CMA Awards.