Compelling Content Provides Strong Support to Cable Operators' Digital Platforms
NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2003 – IFC Companies, a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, announced today that its new subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) service, Uncensored On Demand, will be available on all Cablevision systems starting Monday, October 6. The agreement between IFC and Cablevision will make Uncensored On Demand available to more than 4 million households throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. This is the first affiliate deal for the new SVOD service. The service will be available on Cablevision's iO: Interactive Optimum® digital platform.
Uncensored On Demand is an SVOD service that was developed by IFC to break barriers within television programming and video-on-demand content by showcasing unique, thought-provoking movies, documentaries, and programming that have been literally or figuratively banned from mainstream television for a variety of social, cultural, religious, or political reasons.
"After years of development, we are pleased to officially launch Uncensored On Demand on Cablevision and make it available to MSO's nationwide," stated Cynthia Burnell, Senior Vice President/General Manager, IFC Digital Media. "Much of the exclusive programming provided on Uncensored On Demand has been heard of, but rarely seen. This new SVOD service will appeal to independent-minded viewers who have the desire to make their own programming decisions. Most of all, in an era of repurposed programming on SVOD, the content on Uncensored On Demand will be exclusive to the platform, providing digital cable viewers with unique and highly compelling entertainment."
"iO offers customers a broader array of programming than ever before, much of it on demand," said Kristin Dolan, Cablevision's senior vice president of digital product management. "IFC's Uncensored On Demand joins an industry-leading offering that features more than 700 titles on demand and a strong existing slate of subscription on demand services from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Playboy, Disney Channel and the Anime Network."
Each month, Uncensored On Demand will exclusively offer a slate of feature and documentary films, series, and made-for-television programs dealing with mature, controversial, and thought provoking themes and topics. Programs will be grouped into various categories that viewers can access, such as, Religion, Politics, Arts and Sex. Beginning in January, each selection will be preceded by an original two-to-three minute commentary that will provide historical, social, and international context to best explain the major issues each program has faced.
Rainbow Media is a leader in on-demand products and services, with the specific mission to provide content developed exclusively for the on-demand platform and not re-purposed from the company's core business networks. In 2001, the company launched Mag Rack that delivers a variety of special interest video magazines. In addition to Uncensored On Demand, other services include IFC Films On Demand, a VOD service that provides films distributed by IFC Films; as well as sportskool an SVOD service that will become available during the 4th Quarter of 2003.
IFC Companies
IFC Companies has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
IFC Companies is made up of:
IFC Television, the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial-free.
IFC Entertainment, which includes IFC Films, a theatrical film distribution company; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and InDigEnt, an initiative that helps established filmmakers shoot productions on digital video.
IFC Digital Media, harnesses the power of digital technology to provide audiences with active entertainment, informational, and transactional experiences. It is currently focused on packaging, delivering, and marketing video-on-demand services and broadband content.
About Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment, as well as Mag Rack, a collection of on-demand video magazines. Rainbow's other businesses include its regional programming services — MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks – in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. Rainbow is a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.