[PROMO Xtra] TV Guide is giving itself a whole new look and fans a chance to celebrate with an online sweepstakes that awards a chance to visit TV show sets and meet some of the top stars. Starting Oct. 17, the magazine is switching from its digest format to a full size, full color magazine—the first time in the publication’s nearly 53-year-history. The new format will be easier to read and include more breaking news, photos and behind-the-scenes information on viewers’ favorite TV shows and stars.

“As television changes, we’re changing as well,” said Lauren Rutolo, director of marketing for TV Guide Publishing Group. “We want to celebrate the old with the new. We’re excited to offer readers a whole new experience.”

To kick off the launch of its new look, TV Guide is rolling out the Big Countdown Sweepstakes, which gives viewers a chance to win instant daily prizes and a meet and greet with some of the hottest TV show stars.

The sweepstakes includes a trivia game that highlights five major cities: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago, with a new city featured each week. Consumers who correctly answer the questions will be entered into a drawing for instant prizes and the weekly grand prize.

Consumers can enter the sweepstakes online at www.TVGuide.com/countdown. Instant daily prizes will be awarded during the five-week period, including Sony universal remote controls, DVD players, DVD CSI box sets, TV Guide trivia games, and 17-inch flat screen TVs. Consumers can enter to win one of five grand-prize trips to meet cast members of Law & Order, Las Vegas, CSI, Joey and NCIS and tour the sets. Each week offers different instant and grand prizes.

“These are once in a lifetime opportunities,” Rutolo said.

Since the promotion began on Sept. 8, TV Guide reported more than 10,000 registrants, she said.

The sweepstakes end Oct. 9. Internet materials, print ads and TV spots support. Winners will be announced in the Oct. 31 edition of TV Guide.

TV Guide is giving itself a whole new look and fans a chance to celebrate with an online sweepstakes that awards a chance to visit TV show sets and meet some of the top stars.

Starting Oct. 17, TV Guide is switching from its digest format to a full size, full color magazine— first time in the publication’s nearly 53-year-history. The new format will be easier to read and include more breaking news, photos and behind-the-scenes information on viewers’ favorite TV shows and stars.

“As television changes, we’re changing as well,” said Lauren Rutolo, director of marketing for TV Guide Publishing Group. “We want to celebrate the old with the new. We’re excited to offer readers a whole new experience.”

To kick off the launch of its new look, TV Guide is rolling out the Big Countdown Sweepstakes, which gives viewers a chance to win instant daily prizes and a meet and greet with some of the hottest TV shows stars.

The sweepstakes includes a trivia game that highlights five major cities: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago, with a new city featured each week. Consumers who correctly answer the questions will be entered into a drawing for instant prizes and the weekly grand prize.

Consumers can enter the sweepstakes online at TVGuide.com/countdown. Instant daily prizes will be awarded during the five-week period, including Sony universal remote controls, DVD players, DVD CSI box sets, TV Guide trivia games, and 17-inch flat screen TVs. Consumers can enter to win one of five grand-prize trips to meet cast members of Law & Order, Las Vegas, CSI, Joey and NCIS and tour the sets. Each week offers different instant and grand prizes.

“These are once in a lifetime opportunities,” Rutolo said.

Since the promotion began on Sept. 8, TV Guide reported more than 10,000 registrants, she said.

The sweepstakes end Oct. 9. Internet materials, print ads and TV spots support. Winners will be announced in the Oct. 31 edition of TV Guide.

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