First Canadian Cable Provider to Ink Deal with American Movie Classics (AMC)
CALGARY, AB (August 29, 2006) – Shaw Communications announced today that Rainbow Media's American Movie Classics (AMC), a 24-hour movie-based network that offers a comprehensive library of popular movies, is now available to Shaw customers as part of its traditional analog cable service. This agreement signifies that Shaw is the first Canadian communications company to distribute the popular 24/7 movie-based network outside the United States.
Shaw has introduced this new network as part of an ongoing strategy to bring stronger content to analog cable customers. Just recently Shaw added Encore Avenue, another movie-based network to its traditional cable line-up in order to meet the needs of customers wanting more choice in traditional cable television. Encore Avenue is a 24/7 movie channel focusing on films from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. It also offers a repeat opportunity to view highly popular television series.
"We are thrilled to be the first Canadian cable provider to bring AMC to our customers. Being able to provide quality programming to our traditional cable line-up is what sets us apart from our competitors," said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications. "Adding AMC speaks to Shaw's commitment to provide the best choice in entertainment for our current and future customers."
AMC will be included in Shaw's traditional cable channel line-up in all service areas effective September 1st. AMC's commitment to original programming garnered record ratings growth over the last three years specifically in the United States and it continues to secure significant ratings for 2006. Additionally, AMC ranks amongst the top 20 networks in primetime performance.
"AMC is excited to be partnering with Shaw to bring our entertainment platform to the Canadian market," said Josh Sapan, President and CEO, Rainbow Media. "Shaw continues to capture significant market share in the Canadian cable television industry and we look forward to showcasing our popular and original programming within its traditional cable service."
For more information regarding the addition of AMC and to find out more details about Shaw's full cable service please visit SHAW.CA.
About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified Canadian communications company whose core business is providing broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Digital Phone, telecommunications services (through Big Pipe Inc.) and satellite direct-to-home services (through Star Choice Communications Inc.) to over three million customers. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 index (Symbol: TSX – SJR.B, NYSE – SJR).
About AMC
AMC, a division of Rainbow Media's Entertainment Services, which also includes WE: Women's Entertainment and IFC Companies, is a 24-hour, movie-based network, dedicated to the American movie fan. The network, which reaches over 86,000,000 homes, offers a comprehensive library of popular movies and a critically-acclaimed slate of original programming that is a diverse, movie-based mix of original series, documentaries and specials. AMC has garnered many of the industry's highest honors, including 14 Emmy awards. AMC is "TV for movie people."