Harlequin Announces First Nonfiction Acquisition

TORONTO, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises Limited, one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, unveiled today the first major franchise acquisition for their recently announced nonfiction program. The franchise will feature three books written by popular radio personality Delilah - often described as "the Oprah Winfrey of radio."

Editorial content for each of the books will be based directly on inspiring personal stories shared by listeners of Delilah's radio show, which is internationally syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks on some 250 radio stations in North America, including WLTW FM in New York City, WLIT FM in Chicago, and The Mix in Toronto.

"Delilah is an incredibly popular inspirational radio broadcaster who has struck a chord with people everywhere through the touching personal moments and stories shared by her listeners. Harlequin recognized a unique opportunity to translate these powerful and moving stories to books that could be read and enjoyed by a whole new audience," says Donna Hayes, the Publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises.

With her distinctive blend of story-telling, sympathetic listening and encouragement, Delilah's nightly five-hour radio program is all scored with adult contemporary soft rock, making it a huge hit in both Canada and the United States. Drawing nearly 8.5 million listeners in more than 200 markets, the show is consistently ranked the top nighttime program among women 25 to 54 years old. Focusing on interpersonal relationships and inspirational messages, the show receives more than 100,000 phone calls each day from audience members who value Delilah's opinion and thoughtful advice on everything from living life as a busy mom to welcoming a first grandchild.

"When listeners can't reach Delilah via telephone, they take to the Internet with tens of thousands of letters, each describing their special love, their unique life and the triumphs of the human spirit. These stories are as fascinating in print as they are on the radio. We think there is a reading audience ready to receive the first three books filled with such stories," says Kraig Kitchin, Premiere Radio Networks consulting partner.

The first book in the series is scheduled to be released in October 2008, with the two remaining volumes following in April and October 2009.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 26 languages and sold in 109 international markets. The company releases 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). Harlequin's Web site is located at http://www.eharlequin.com/. Harlequin has offices in 17 countries, including Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit http://www.eharlequin.com/ or press.eHarlequin.com.

About Premiere Radio Networks, Inc.

Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications , syndicates 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliations and reaches over 190 million listeners weekly. Premiere Radio is the number one radio network in the country and features the following personalities: Rush Limbaugh, Jim Rome, Casey Kasem, Ryan Seacrest, Glenn Beck, Bob (Kevoian) & Tom (Griswold), Delilah, Steve Harvey, Whoopi Goldberg, Blair Garner, George Noory, Maria Bartiromo, Ty Pennington, John Boy and Billy, Donald Trump, Big Tigger, Bob Costas and others. Premiere is based in Sherman Oaks, California, with 13 offices nationwide.

Media Contacts: Heather Foy Senior Manager, Public Relations Harlequin Enterprises Limited (647) 286-2263 heather_foy@harlequin.ca