International Library Continues to Expand with 77.5 New Programming Hours available for Global Distribution
New York, NY – March 26, 2007 – Rainbow Media Holdings LLC announced today the appointment of Harold Gronenthal as Senior Vice President, Program Acquisitions and International Development. In his new role, Gronenthal will be responsible for the international management of Rainbow's AMC, IFC, WE tv, and fuse cable networks, as well as the on-demand networks, LIFESKOOL and SPORTSKOOL. In addition to his new international responsibilities, Gronenthal will continue to lead the Rainbow's content acquisitions and serve as a senior member on the Company's executive team. In conjunction with today's announcement, Rainbow has also declared the expansion of its international catalogue, making more than 77.5 hours of new SD programming content available for international distribution.
Since launching its global expansion initiative in October 2005, Rainbow Media-through iD Distribution-has sold more than 1,000 hours of programming from its VOOM HD, WE tv, IFC, LIFESKOOL and SPORTSKOOL brands to broadcasters all over the world, including China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Australia, New Zealand and India.
"Rainbow's growing international presence is proving to be a powerful force in the global marketplace," stated Sapan. "Harold's expertise solidifies the leadership of our international programming. He has a strong understanding of our core brands and a clear sense of the growth strategy for our networks as the television landscape continues to evolve."
Fueled by the success of these international sales and the continued demand for its content around the world, Rainbow has added another 77.5 hours programming to its agreement with iD Distribution. The expanding lineup now includes original content from fuse-marking the irreverent music-oriented network's first ever international offering-as well as new programs from IFC, WE tv and LIFESKOOL. Today's news also marks the fourth recent expansion to the Rainbow catalogue represented internationally by the London distributor.
Among the 77.5 new hours represented by iD Distribution are fuse's signature Pants Off, Dance Off and Whitest Kids U Know, IFC's brand-new Terror from Tokyo, WE tv's hilarious Take My Kids Please and LIFESKOOL's provocative Pleasure 911, among other key original content.
"iD Distribution continues to demonstrate success with our brands, and we are confident in their ability to grow our global reach with new content from fuse and other core Rainbow networks," said Gronenthal. "We look forward to continuing to work with iD and others to provide our clients with bold and distinct high-quality programming that has particular appeal to today's discerning international audience."
In addition to his previous responsibilities as SVP of Program Acquisitions and Administration for Rainbow Entertainment Services, Gronenthal will now take on international management of programming, sales, and brand extensions across multiple platforms in conjunction with sales partners iD Distribution, NBDtv and Electric Sky. He will also seek in-market business opportunities such as joint ventures and co-productions.
Gronenthal began his career in 1985 in public relations and on-air promotions for PRISM, a Philadelphia-based regional pay sports and movie service owned and operated by Rainbow Media. During his tenure, he earned multiple industry honors and rose to director of programming. Gronenthal moved on within Rainbow and continued to excel in key executive-level programming roles for Bravo International, Bravo Networks and IFC Companies, where he was instrumental in the development of several Rainbow Media on-demand services and new business, including the launch of channels for VOOM HD Networks. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with honors from Haverford College.
Below are highlights of new Rainbow programming available through iD Distribution:
fuse Programming Highlights
Empire Square (6 x 30', Canada only) – This edgy animated series follows the adventures of three foul-mouthed characters forever in search of music superstardom and "get rich quick" schemes that can take them there.
fuse Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (1 x 90') – This awards show is hosted by improv genius Jamie Kennedy and spotlights the best in horror-themed cinema, music and television.
Munchies (7 x 30') – A surreal half-hour experience, this is late-night channel-surfing for the lazy man/woman, with animated hosts who randomly and jarringly usher viewers through a host of weird, strange, funny and always entertaining visual content.
Pants Off Dance Off (24 x 30') – In this first-ever dance/strip/game show on TV, competitors dance down to their skivvies to popular music videos for the chance to win bragging rights and some not-so-valuable prizes. Includes online/text voting.
Steven's Untitled Rock Show (25 x 30') – Join host Steve at the premiere place for music videos, interview, and commentary on the worlds of indie, punk, hardcore, and all other things ROCK!
Tattoo Stories (44 segments and 7 x 30') – This series explores the stories and unique experiences behind the tattoos of music fans and artists throughout the U.S. with no discrimination as to how-good, bad or embarrassing-the tattoo originated.
The Nighttime Clap (6 x 30') – A 30-minute installment that's part Regis & Kelly and part 60 Minutes for the Warped-Tour generation, this show features a duo of snarky anchors skewering the stars and happenings in the world of pop music.
The P.A. (6 x 30') – A home-grown reality series, The P.A. features real-life production assistant Josh Taub, in the trials and tribulations of being the lowest man on the music television totem pole.
Warped: Inside & Out (6 x 30') – This documentary-style series, co-produced by truth®, the youth smoking prevention campaign, looks at the Vans Warped Tour 2006, the summer's premiere festival dedicated to alternative music and extreme sports.
Whitest Kids U Know (10 x 30') – This acclaimed and irreverent series originated as an underground sketch comedy troupe featuring off-kilter parodies and shorts by Trevor Moore, Sam Brown, Zach Cregger, Timmy Williams and Darren Trumeter.
IFC Programming Highlights
Terror from Tokyo (1 x 30') – This news special outlines the popularity of J-horror films in America, from their historical Japanese roots to their American blockbuster remakes, and how the phenomenon has opened the doors of Asian cinema to America
The Henry Rollins Show, Series 2 (20 x 30') – Hosted by former front man of the iconic punk band Black Flag, this series offers an uncensored approach to talk show programming with an independent voice that balances humor, angst, art and intellect.
The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman, Series 2 (8 x 30') – The antics of best friends Jackie Woodman and Tara Wentzel continue as they struggle to succeed in Tinsel Town armed only with willful ignorance, fleeting confidence and poor judgment.
Greg the Bunny, Season 2 (6 x 15') – Greg the Bunny and his puppet pals embark on another season of hilarious film parodies of Hollywood blockbusters such as Monster, Moulin Rouge and Being John Malkovich.
WE tv Programming Highlights
America's Cutest Puppy (10 x 30' & 1 x 60') – This five-part original series captures the excitement, anticipation and angst as hundreds of dog-owners attempt to earn a place among the final dozen to compete for the coveted title and cash prize.
Lingerie Secrets Revealed (1 x 60') – Playful, evocative, and meaningful, this fun makeover special offers expert advice on how to find the perfect lingerie for every body type by learning the secrets of design, colors, fabrics and style.
Swimsuit Secrets Revealed 2 (1 x 60') – Featuring celebrity stylist Rachel Zalis, WE tv comes to the rescue yet again with this one-hour makeover special filled with tips and advice on how to look your best at the beach with swimsuits for every body type.
She House Wraps (8 x 30') – In this series, two young, ambitious designers go head-to-head to design the perfect female-minded house. The winning designs go into a lucky viewer's home and the winning designer receives $10,000.
Take My Kids Please (13 x 30') – This family-style reality show gives frazzled parents the opportunity to revisit their carefree courting days by hoisting their parenting duties onto a single friend or relative of their choosing.
LIFESKOOL Programming Highlights
Pleasure 911 (15 x 10') – In this "school of womanly arts," Mama Gena's lessons teach women to take control of their power of pleasure to have their way with the world of men, with each episode offering new tips and techniques.
Get Clark Smart (19 x 10') – Best-selling author, newspaper columnist and syndicated radio talk show host Clark Howard teaches viewers how to spend the least, get the best and have fun doing it with practical money saving advice and tips.
Road Rage (14 x 20') – Hosted by former pro-wrestler, Brett "The Big Schwag" Wagner, this series delivers everything from gritty lessons on how to navigate Xtreme off-road conditions to a look at custom choppers and hot rods.
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.
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.