Mary-Liz McDonald
Named Vice President, Programming and Production,
Mag Rack and sportskool;
Danielle Montalbano
Named Director of Development and Acquisitions,
Mag Rack
New York, NY, December 6, 2006 – Rainbow Media's original on-demand networks, Mag Rack and sportskool, announced today the addition of Mary-Liz McDonald as Vice President of Programming and Production for both networks and the promotion of Danielle Montalbano to Director of Development and Acquisitions for Mag Rack. The expansion is a result of substantial growth for both Mag Rack and sportskool, and furthers the networks' commitment to delivering in-depth original programming custom-built for the On Demand platform. With more that 12 million subscribers nationwide, Mag Rack is the first television network to produce original entertainment created exclusively for on-demand with popular shows such as 'Guitar Xpress', '24seven gamer' and 'John Lithgow's Paloozaville'. sportskool, currently available to over 22 million subscribers, is dedicated to delivering in-depth expert sports instruction for a wide range of athletic activities from world-class athletes such as Mia Hamm and Bode Miller. Both VOD networks are taking the lead on the next evolution of the television viewing experience.
"Mag Rack and sportskool are making great strides among cable operators and television viewers by focusing on creating entertaining content and helping market the VOD experience to subscribers," stated Daniel Ronayne, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mag Rack and sportskool. "We have a significant opportunity to build on the networks' positive momentum. Mary-Liz and Danielle are extremely talented executives whose experience will prove integral in promoting the growth and development of these networks in a rapidly evolving television landscape."
As the Vice President, Programming and Production, Mag Rack and sportskool Mary-Liz McDonald is responsible for the creation, implementation and execution of the programming and scheduling strategy for both original On Demand networks. McDonald will oversee and direct all original production and programming acquisition activities and is responsible for all content scheduling, the creation of seasonal stunt programming and on-air promotion designed to drive usage, sampling and audience. Prior to joining Rainbow, McDonald served as Vice President of Original Programming for Showtime Networks, Inc. where she oversaw the development and production of films and documentaries including the Emmy Award-winning productions My Louisiana Sky and The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie. McDonald began her career as a creative executive for HBO NYC.
In her new role as Director of Development and Acquisitions, Danielle Montalbano will initiate and oversee the development of all original content, co-productions, and acquisitions in order to provide new sponsorship and revenue growing opportunities. Prior to her promotion, Ms. Montalbano was the Supervising Producer for Mag Rack, where she oversaw development and creative for several promotional programming blocks including the network's popular Paloozaville with John Lithgow and the successful Wedding Crashers movie stunt.
About Mag Rack
Mag Rack ignites viewers' interests and establishes On Demand television as an entertainment destination. The premier On Demand television network, Mag Rack helps viewers get into the things they love–from cars to guitars, motorcycles to fitness, kids shows to video games, relationships to pets–by showcasing expert on-air personalities and dynamic programs that inspire them to go even further. Mag Rack is the first television network to produce original entertainment created exclusively for on-demand. With shows such as Katie Brown @ Home, 24seven gamer, Guitar Xpress, The Pet Shop with Marc Morrone and John Lithgow's Paloozaville, Mag Rack's "TV for Whatever Turns You On" puts the viewer in control of their own potential by providing 24/7 "always on" programming that is truly exciting and that cannot be found elsewhere on television. For more information, visit www.magrack.com.
About sportskool
Launched by Rainbow Media in 2004, sportskool is the first television network dedicated to delivering in-depth sports expert instruction and coaching for a wide range of sports and athletic activities. sportskool helps athletes of all ages take their game to the next level by offering guidance and insider tips from the world's best athletes. The network – featuring exclusive and original programming custom-built for On Demand television – boasts some of the most recognizable names in sports, including Mia Hamm, Bode Miller, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton, Mike Vallely (Mike V.), tennis coach Brad Gilbert and renowned training and performance expert, Mark Verstegen. sportskool is currently available to over 22 million digital cable subscribers nationwide. For more information, visit www.sportskool.com.
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 tv, and two 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.