New York, NY, March 8, 2005 – Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, the programming subsidiary for Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC), announced today that Matthew Frankel has been named Vice President, Corporate Communications. Today's announcement comes in conjunction with a series of corporate personnel announcements and the overall centralization of the Company's public relations efforts across all of its businesses. Frankel, who previously served as Vice President for Public Relations at IFC Companies, will now expand his position within the Company, directing business press and trade relations for Rainbow and each of its entertainment brands (AMC, IFC, WE: Women's Entertainment), along with overseeing the Company's industry relations and public affairs work. He will report to Ellen Kroner, Rainbow's recently named Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Marketing.
Previously, at IFC Companies, Frankel lead the public relations and communications strategy for all IFC divisions: IFC Television, IFC on Demand and IFC Entertainment, which includes IFC Productions and IFC Films. In his new position, he will be a key architect in maximizing Rainbow's external communications on issues ranging from the brand, programming, acquisitions, marketing, personnel, as well as overseeing broad strategic messaging for the Company.
Kroner stated: "Matt is an extremely talented communications strategist with incredibly strong message development skills. His expertise in these areas will be a huge asset as we centralize all of our communications functions. Expanding Matt's role at Rainbow will help us develop a strong and effective communications strategy at this exciting time when the company and each of its brands is experiencing exciting momentum."
At IFC, Frankel was a member of the company's senior staff. During his two years directing the IFC communications staff, he developed the messaging on projects ranging from the network's 10th Anniversary, the construction of the IFC Center, the development of IFC's VOD services, the Official Selection of Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession at the Cannes Film Festival and oversaw the positioning of the brand for high profile projects such as the theatrical distribution of Fahrenheit 911 and the expansion of the IFC network's original programming.
Frankel first joined Rainbow in 2001 as Director of Media Relations for Rainbow Media Holdings. Prior to his corporate experience, he worked on Capitol Hill, creating and executing communications strategies for a number of successful policy initiatives and political campaigns, serving as press secretary for the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), Congresswoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and as press aide for House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO).
He is a graduate of The College of Wooster with a B.A. in History.
About Rainbow Media
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; as well as the on-demand services: Mag Rack, Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand and World Picks Networks. Rainbow Media'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 Media is also a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.