National Geographic Channels International Acquires 20 Hours of Original Programming from VOOM's Rush HD

iD Distribution- Negotiated Deal Builds on Companies' Previous Content Sales

Washington, DC – May 2, 2007 – National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) announces the pre-sale of 20 hours of original programming from VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available worldwide. The content is produced by RUSH HD, and is filled with gravity-defying, action-adventure sports in breathtaking high definition.

"VOOM's RUSH HD has been a stellar performer for National Geographic Channels International," said Sydney Suissa, Executive Vice President of Content for NGCI. "By committing to this programming in the earliest stages, we're able to provide our viewers with relevant and timely HD programming that they won't see anywhere else."

Today's news builds upon the previous sale of VOOM HD content to NGCI in 2006, which offered more than 25 innovative hours from RUSH HD. This deal was also put together by iD Distribution, which distributes international programming for VOOM HD Networks – a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings.

Among the titles included in the RUSH HD pre-sale to NGCI are RUSH HD 'Best of' Series…Global Competitions (3 x 60') and Nomads (13 x 60').

"As the world becomes increasingly hungry for the compelling visuals and technical superiority of HD productions, we are confident that the RUSH HD programming will satisfy viewers, and look forward to sharing our content with National Geographic Channels International's audience," said Mark DeAngelis, VP of Programming for RUSH HD. "VOOM HD Networks leads the market in delivering high-quality original HD programming, and today's news is validation of continued domestic and international success."

iD Distribution Managing Director Sally Miles adds: "Repeat business in pre-sales, especially from a programming service of the calibre of National Geographic Channel, is the best endorsement imaginable for VOOM HD Networks' programming. We are delighted to have enabled this to happen."

About NGCI
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television – and the world – with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in over 290 million homes (including day-part households) in 164 countries and 27 languages.

About iD Distribution
iD Distribution is a dynamic company launched in 2004 with the investment backing of Ingenious Media. Working with some of the top UK and US production companies and broadcasters representing a new and exciting catalogue of programs and formats in the entertainment, factual, reality and lifestyle genres, iD Distribution is committed to providing the best service to production companies and broadcasters.

About VOOM HD Networks
Rainbow's VOOM HD Networks comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition content for distribution through satellite and cable operators. With programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art, the VOOM HD Networks are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network. The 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel is available globally. It is currently distributed in Scandinavia, Estonia and Latvia, and is debuting in Asia in April with the launch on PCCW's now TV. Similarly, select VOOM HD programming is available worldwide and has been licensed to viewers in more than 50 countries. Building on Rainbow's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.

About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform programming for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, fuse, IFC, WE tv, Rainbow Sports Networks managed FSN Bay Area and FSN New England, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. The company also manages Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.

Press Contacts

  • National Geographic Channels International:
    Victoria Kirker
    Tel: + 202 912 3204
    vkirker@ngs.org

    Contacts for VOOM HD Networks:
    Marylou Johnston, Priority Public Relations Europe
    Tel: +33 68 777 49 89
    Email: marylou@prioritypr.net

    Kristien Brada-Thompson, Priority Public Relations USA
    Tel: +1 661 964 0333
    Email: kristien@prioritypr.net

    Kristen Andersen, Rainbow Media
    Tel: +1 917-542-6246
    Email: kmandersen@rainbow-media.com