Boston, MA – July 18, 2006 – Rainbow Media Holdings LLC today announced that Robert Broussard has been named President, Rainbow Network Sales, where he will direct the centralized affiliate sales and marketing division for the Company's programming brands. In his role, Mr. Broussard will oversee the development and growth of Rainbow Media's three tiers of content, which include the popular linear cable networks, AMC, IFC, WE, Rainbow Sports Networks and fuse; VOOM HD networks, the largest and most diverse suite of HD programming in the country; and its emerging on-demand services, Mag Rack sportskool, and IFC In Theaters. In addition, he will be responsible for managing the Rainbow Network Sales team, leading negotiations with distribution partners, and strengthening affiliate relations and marketing efforts across all of Rainbow Media's programming brands. He will report to Josh Sapan, President and CEO for Rainbow Media.
As Mr. Broussard commences his new position, Rainbow Media's national networks are generating considerable momentum and following among television viewing audiences. AMC's premiere of its first-ever original movie event, Broken Trail, delivered all time record ratings for the network. The epic western-themed movie scored a record-breaking 7.63 HH rating and ranked as the #1 cable telecast in 2006 to-date based on HH delivery (6.7 million) and total viewers (9.8 million). In addition, Broken Trail was the second most watched cable movie since 1995, based on HH delivery. Rainbow's WE's prime ratings grew 35% in 2005 as its original program telecasts grew 66% in 2005. IFC has emerged as the most powerful brand in independent film with significant increases in sponsorship revenue in 2005.
"Bob has been an integral member of the Rainbow team for more than 16 years and we are thrilled to have him in this role at the company," stated Rainbow Media President and CEO Joshua Sapan. "Bob's depth and breadth of experience at Rainbow, his understanding of our networks and media assets, his relationships in the industry, combined with his skills as a key negotiator and strategist, make him a crucial member of our team and the most logical person to take on the new challenges of this position."
"Rainbow Media has one of the strongest affiliate teams in the industry, because we understand the importance of service and helping our distribution partners meet their business goals," stated Broussard. "Rainbow's long history in creating great programming, maximizing emerging technologies, building great brands and targeting highly desirable audiences, will be an important base for our future and in a time of great change and potential for our industry, will ensure that we continue to provide value to traditional and emerging platforms. Most important, our affiliate team will always be committed to adapting to the needs of the marketplace to address national and regional entertainment needs. The potential of this position is very exciting and I look forward to getting to work."
Mr. Broussard has a long history with Rainbow Media and was most recently, executive vice president, Business Affairs, where he was the key strategist and top negotiator for Rainbow and its brands. Prior to that, he was senior vice president, Business Affairs, negotiating important distribution deals, content agreements and joint venture agreements. He has also served as vice president, Business Affairs and vice president, Legal Affairs for Rainbow Media.
As has continued to grow with the company, Mr. Broussard's roles have expanded to include management of regional sports networks and other regional programming services. He has also played an important role in concluding numerous rights agreements with professional sports teams, major affiliation agreements and other various transactions such as the acquisition of MSG, and the Fox relationship with Rainbow Sports.
Prior to joining Rainbow, Mr. Broussard was a corporate attorney with the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions.
He received a law degree from New York University School of Law and undergraduate degree from Queens College.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE, and three FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.