Evans to Lead Efforts to Accelerate Broadband and New Media Opportunities for Rainbow Media’s National Brands
NEW YORK, NY, April 17, 2007 – Reflecting its commitment to innovation and maximizing new technology and content distribution platforms, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, announced today that David Evans has been named senior vice president of Rainbow Broadband, a newly created business group that will further develop Rainbow’s acquisition strategy, brand development and content distribution across new media platforms for AMC, WE tv, and IFC.
Evans efforts will center on building an infrastructure for Rainbow that will extend the reach of the company and its brands on the Internet, wireless devices and other broadband-enabled in-home entertainment and consumer electronics. His responsibilities will include strategic partnerships, new business opportunities and additional revenue seeking opportunities through both content and advertising sales. He will report directly to Josh Sapan, president and CEO of Rainbow Media and serve as a strategic partner with the heads of Rainbow’s other business units with a particular focus on helping them maximize the value of their programming content in the evolving media landscape.
“Consumer viewing habits are undergoing rapid changes with the dramatic expansion of new distribution platforms for content,” stated Sapan. “Rainbow’s networks have recognized the importance of this trend and have begun some initial efforts to tap these opportunities. To further accelerate our efforts and more efficiently and effectively build our network brands and pursue distribution of our content across platforms, we are investing resources and adding a seasoned executive in David Evans to lead these efforts. David brings significant experience and will create focus and organization around an issue that is imperative for Rainbow and all of our individual networks.”
“Within the industry, Rainbow Media has a reputation for developing superior targeted content and using innovative distribution strategies to distribute that content,” said Mr. Evans. “Today, people have an ever growing range of options to receive and view the content they want. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a leading entertainment and programming company that understands the changes in consumer viewing habits and a real commitment to implementing smart business strategies that recognize both consumer and advertiser needs in the new media world.”
Rainbow Media has been at the forefront of innovation and trendsetting in the programming world. In recent years, Rainbow Media launched the first day-and-date distribution strategy with its IFC In Theatres VOD service, which releases films simultaneously in theatres and through video on-demand. In addition, Rainbow Media created first-of-their-kind networks that deliver original programming through the power of video-on-demand with LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL and established a series of original HD programming services the VOOM HD networks, which deliver on the power of high-definition programming. Rainbow Media was also among the first to develop targeted television networks that capitalize on the power of cable television distribution platform to deliver targeted programming content based on viewers interests building brands like AMC, The Independent Film Channel and WE tv which tap viewer demand for great films, independent film and women’s programming.
Prior to joining Rainbow Media in 2007, Mr. Evans served in variety of new media roles for nearly five years with New York Magazine. He first served as the part-time general manager of newyorkmetro.com, a joint venture between Rainbow Media and PRIMEDIA Inc., who then owned New York Magazine. Newyorkmetro.com was a smart, critical guide to life in the city for readers who want to stay on top of the players, trends, culture and politics of city life. In November of 2004, he became the full time general manager of the operation, now owned by Wasserstein & Co. At this time, he began the site’s complete re-build and re-design, re-launching in February 2006 as nymag.com. The results were dramatic with the site reaching a record 2.8 million unique visitors in October 2006. Before joining the online group for New York Magazine, Mr. Evans served as vice president of marketing and internet operations for PRIMEDIA, Inc., developing and executing strategies to expand enthusiast magazine brands into true multi-media franchises. Earlier in his career, he held marketing posts at Nerve Media, Interactive Media Group and Dell Computer Corporation.
Mr. Evans earned his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
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, 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.