The concept was launched back in 2010 or so and has been pretty low-key. Outside fo features in Dengeki G's and the videos (and the music CDs), Love Live hasn't really had much exposure. I'm guessing the main reason they're only going ahead with the series in 2013 is BECAUSE Idolm@ster the TV animation got such a following. Unfortunately it's going to seem more like a hanger on to the Idol anime bandwagon than anything else.
...which is too bad. I think Ayase Eri is hot. ^w^ --hang on, Ranked #9? The girl I prefer is the LEAST LIKED character in the group? O_O
also may be of interest:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odzdY...feature=g-vrec