Signs Major Distribution Agreement with Echostar Communications Corporation
Greg Moyer and Nora Ryan Named Co-General Managers of VOOM 21 HD Originals
VOOM HD Originals will Appear on DISH Network
JERICHO, N.Y. April 29, 2005 – Rainbow Media Holdings LLC today announced that it will operate and launch the VOOM 21 HD Originals, an innovative suite of 21 high-definition
channels, for distribution to cable operators and satellite TV providers. Rainbow also announced today that it has concluded its first major carriage agreement for the channels with EchoStar Communications Corporation, which will carry ten of the HD channels on its DISH Network, expanding to carry all 21 channels by 2006. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rainbow Media CEO Joshua Sapan stated: "Throughout its history, Rainbow has been at the forefront of innovation in television programming, from cable to VOD and now HD, creating and developing highly successful networks that deliver compelling programming to targeted audiences. Signing our first distribution agreement with EchoStar validates our long-held confidence in the business opportunities inherent in the growing consumer demand for quality high-definition programming. We believe that these channels represent a vital and viable new business for Rainbow Media and its distribution partners."
Rainbow Media has a rich history of "firsts" in creating groundbreaking original content for a wide variety of consumer interests and a number of different platforms. Rainbow created some of the nation's first regional sports channels, with MSG Network and the Fox Sports Net regionals; the first regional news channel with News12; the first arts and entertainment network with Bravo; and the first classic movie channel with American Movie Classics. Rainbow developed Mag Rack, the first VOD service with original programming and was the first to deliver sports programming in high definition on its MSG Network.
As part of today's announcement, Nora Ryan and Greg Moyer have been named co-general managers of the VOOM 21 HD Originals. Ms. Ryan and Mr. Moyer have both been overseeing the management and development of the 21 channels and their content over the past year. Gregg Hill, president of Rainbow Network Sales, will now direct the positioning and sales of the HD networks as new, valuable and unique product for Rainbow, specifically designed for the growing HD audience.
"Once again, Rainbow is proactively addressing a growing viewing need within the marketplace," stated Mr. Hill. "From a sales standpoint, we are very excited about the potential of today's announcement. Consumers now demand content that maximizes the HD viewing experience and Rainbow will be the only content provider in the market filling this lucrative void. VOOM 21
HD Originals will also serve our television partners with great value as Rainbow now provides them with one-stop shopping for the best content on the cable, VOD and HD tiers."
VOOM 21 HD Originals Management
Joshua Sapan, President and CEO, Rainbow Media Holdings
One of the cable industry's premier innovators and a pioneer in the area of niche programming, Joshua Sapan leads Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Sapan has guided Rainbow Media's growth and success by serving distinct, passionate audiences through targeted national networks such as AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; regional programming such as MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks; and industry-leading video- on-demand (VOD) services which forged new ground in VOD and SVOD content and programming that include Mag Rack, sportskool, IFC Films On Demand and World Picks On Demand.
Greg Moyer – co-General Manager, VOOM 21 HD Originals
A well-known industry innovator, Mr. Moyer joined Rainbow in January 1999 from Discovery Communications, Inc., where he served as chief creative officer. As president of regional programming for Rainbow, Mr. Moyer managed all operations, strategic planning and business development for Rainbow's regional programming including MetroChannels and News 12
Networks which, together, are a complement of news, information, and entertainment channels serving the greater New York viewing area.
Nora Ryan – co-General Manager, VOOM 21 HD Originals
Nora Ryan is a television executive with deep roots in building programming channels and franchises. Along with strategic and operating expertise, and a track record of success in start-ups, turn-arounds and brand extensions, she is credited with building market share in competitive business environments as well.
Gregg Hill – President, Rainbow Network Sales and Marketing
Gregg Hill is responsible for overseeing affiliate sales and marketing as well as local ad sales for Rainbow Media's national networks AMC, IFC and WE: Women's Entertainment, and its on demand services, Mag Rack and sportskool; and now the Voom 21 HD Originals.
Mr. Hill most recently served as the executive vice president of Affiliate Sales and Marketing for Rainbow Media and was responsible for the distribution of AMC, IFC, WE: Women's Entertainment and Mag Rack. Previously, Mr. Hill played a central role in the development and growth of Rainbow's Bravo and IFC networks.
VOOM 21 HD ORIGINALS LINE UP
ANIMANIA HD
A whole channel dedicated to unique animation entertainment. A diverse programming lineup of animated series, shorts and specials, from the classics to the newest and most cutting edge animation.
Auction HD
AUCTION HD provides an inside look at the once exclusive auction world. Preview upcoming auctions and hear the stories behind the objects. See live coverage of sales from top auction houses and get news from the collecting world. Everything from classic cars, to Hollywood memorabilia, to impressionist art is enhanced in vivid high definition.
Equator HD
We send filmmakers all over the world to produce HD films of breathtaking quality and substance that provide a unique view of the world as it really is with stunning explorations of some of the most exquisite places on earth.
Gallery HD
An arts and museum channel. Experience the world of art, architecture and performance enhanced in stunning high definition. Masterworks from the world of painting, sculpture, photography and architectural design come alive. Gallery brings the world's best artists, exhibitions and performances together in a virtual video museum of arts and culture.
HD News
The only national 24/7 high definition source for news. HDNews offers late-breaking stories, current headlines, compelling features, national and regional weather, and sports highlights and updates in brilliant high definition. HDNews is supplied by 5 regional news bureaus, along with the nation's best photojournalists.
LAB HD
High definition unlocks the expressive power of television. LAB delivers original non-narrative video art from artists and award-winning designers, all produced in stunning widescreen format. Showcased is Tank, the only HD, exotic aquarium, and new series that bring you entrancing HD animation and innovative video shorts.
Monsters HD
Monsters HD is the first and only all monster movie channel in high definition. See monster movies brought to life with a frightening HD clarity. Exclusive original programming, special fright fests, rare monster movie trailers and upcoming movie previews are featured.
RAVE HD
Rave HD is the first and only music channel dedicated to delivering a larger than life concert experience in crystal clear high definition. Today's hottest artists play a wide variety of music – rock, pop, R & B, jazz and world music. Get front row views with unequaled video and audio clarity.
RUSH HD
RUSH HD brings heart-pounding extreme action sports to life, including kite surfing, mountain boarding and downhill speed skating against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery displayed in vivid high definition.
ULTRA HD
ULTRA HD is the first channel devoted to covering the world of fashion, beauty and style exclusively in high definition. Gain access to the world's most exclusive fashion shows, get insight from leading fashion designers, visit major international runways or trendy new restaurants.
WorldSport HD
WorldSport HD delivers exclusive high definition coverage of the Spanish Premiere Soccer League, featuring Real Madrid. See Beckham, Ronaldo, Zidane and the world's finest players in action. WorldSport HD delivers a wide variety of top sporting events from around the globe, including world-class sailing, track and field competitions, and much more.
10 HD Movie Channels
Movies redefined. Our 10-channel multiplex gives movie lovers the most HD movie choices anywhere. Choose from 10 different high definition movies playing on 10 different channels, 24 hours a day. See the finest films and biggest stars. A wide variety of movie eras and genres are presented uncut, commercial-free and solely in wide-screen HD format.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
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, sportskool, 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.