• by Paul Gough , July 12, 2002

Court TV isn’t just about trials anymore.

That’s the message from the basic cable network, which in recent years has undergone a subtle shift into two distinct types of programming: The trial coverage that has marked it since its 1991 debut and the evening coverage that features original shows and crime shows that ran on other broadcast networks.

Charlie Collier, executive vice president of advertising sales, said this year has been highlighted by activity surrounding its new slogan: “Court TV: Join The Investigation.”

The slogan shows the network’s focus on before and after the crime. Daytime coverage – from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays – is the familiar coverage of notable trials throughout the country. For the past several weeks, Court TV has been covering the San Diego trial of David Westerfield, who is charged in the kidnapping and murder of a seven-year-old neighbor.

But that’s not all that’s going on at Court TV, Collier said.

A live 5 p.m. program hosted by Catherine Crier shifts the focus from the courtroom to criminal justice. Other programs include “The System,” a one-hour documentary that focuses on behind-the-scenes of legal controversies. A half-hour series called “Forensic Files” highlights the science behind investigations. Shows that became famous on other networks, including “NYPD Blue,” “Profiler,” “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “COPS” are also featured.

A new show, “Power, Privilege and Justice,” is hosted by Dominick Dunne, a chronicler of crimes among the rich and famous. It’s given Court TV its highest ratings in its history. Collier said the series was sold out in a recent quarter.

Other programs announced this week include an original movie on the topic of political asylum; a 13-episode series on forensic profiler Dayle Hinman; a one-hour special on bias crimes hosted by Al Roker; and a documentary on forensics produced by the American Museum of Natural History.

“We tell advertisers and planners that when you buy on Court TV, you don’t have to run in the court coverage,” he said.

He said that comes as a surprise to some people who naturally assume that Court TV focuses mostly on trials. “We’re so much more,” he said.

The network has found a lot of success by giving viewers more of true crime, a growing emphasis on forensics and investigations and proven hits like “NYPD Blue.”

Court TV’s target audience is adults from 24-55, with more women than men watching. Collier said between 55 and 60 percent of the audience is female.

“If you don’t know anything about Court TV, that is always a surprise,” he said.

But he said it isn’t really a surprise, as women are attracted by the stories that Court TV provides. Length of tune is also high, among the best in the business among the demographic.