• by Fern Siegel , February 2, 2009

ION Life has rolled out a new programming slate for 2009. The 2-year-old multi-platform digital network, dedicated to positive living, is debuting eight new television shows that focus on adventure, lifestyle, health and design. Each airs Monday through Sunday.

New shows include "Say Yes and Marry Me," a series that helps people create once-in-a-lifetime proposals; "Design U," that finds the inner designer in the decor-challenged; "Bringing It Home," on-location cooking with top celebrity chefs; and "Green Matters," providing ways to contribute to a healthier planet by going green.

One series that should prove popular in this economy is "Home Team," which awards a deserving family or individual the down payment and first-year's mortgage payments for their first home.

For the daring, the travel series "Explore" focuses on adventure-style destinations, while "Living Better," hosted by New York Times best-selling author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger, targets the health conscious.

"These programs showcase the diversity and pro-social messaging of ION Life programming," said Marc Zand, senior vice president, Digital Networks, ION Media Networks. He adds that the network is pleased with its "steady subscriber growth and increased consumer interest, as well as the important partnerships we have established in the content community." The net features television shows and movies from the libraries of CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others.

ION Life's existing programming remains. The current lineup includes "FoodWise," "Kids Healthworks," "Yoga," "Gadgets, Gadgets, Gadgets" and "Girls Gone Fishing."

ION Television reaches more than 94 million U.S. TV households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. The company has also launched several digital TV brands, including Qubo, a channel for children.