VOOM HD Networks' Equator HD Acquires Programming from Japan's NHK

20+ Hour Deal Brokered by Equator HD
Executive Producer Ali Hossaini
and MICO Senior Chief Manager of Sales Mayumi Akane

New York, NY – January 23, 2007 – Exemplifying its commitment to bring top-quality high-definition (HD) content to its viewers, VOOM HD Networks’ Equator HD, which is owned by Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (Rainbow), has signed a deal with Media International Corporation (MICO) to acquire more than 20+ hours of HD television content from premiere Japanese pubcaster NHK. The programming, which consists of a documentary series and ten stand-alone documentary specials, will air on Equator HD, throughout the first quarter. This latest deal, on behalf of Equator HD, was brokered by Ali Hossaini, Executive Producer of Equator HD and Mayumi Akane, Chief Sales Manager for MICO, the programming distribution arm of NHK.

“NHK is recognized the world over for its pioneering work in HDTV technology. NHK has a wealth of programming that is consistent with the quality, storylines and production values of VOOM HD Networks. We are delighted to work with MICO in bringing these beautifully produced and thoughtfully delivered stories to our viewers in the U.S.,” said Hossaini.

Equator HD, which focuses on programming that unveils and explores the most extraordinary places and people on the planet, has acquired seasons three and four of the NHK HD documentary series Wild Secrets, as well as ten stand-alone documentary titles dealing with ecology and issues of cultural, wildlife and environmental concerns that impact the world.

From grassy plains and remote jungles to the bottom of the sea, Wild Secrets is NHK’s critically acclaimed wildlife documentary series that reveals the struggles of the world’s creatures to survive not only against natural predators and harsh environments, but also the encroaching presence of mankind. Equator HD will begin airing season three of Wild Secrets in this month, with season four debuting in February 2007.

The one-off documentary programs, scheduled to premiere in 1st quarter on Equator HD, are:

  • The Yellow Sand (52′) – China confronts the growth of deserts and their negative effects on city and countryside.
  • Beneath a Sinking Island (49′) – Rising waters threaten the prosperity, and in some cases the existence, of coastal nations.
  • Mountainous Sky Caves (49′) – A breathtaking look at the world’s largest subterranean caves discovered in the Guangxi Autonomous Region in southwest China.
  • Children at the Muo’men Hotel (50′) – An inspiring story about Iraqi children, patients at a cancer hospital in Jordan, who are helping each other fight the disease and the loneliness of separation anxiety.
  • Displaced II (52′) – A special focusing on the voices of Kosovo civilians, whose wounds from ethnic hatred have not healed six years after the bombings.
  • My Burning Back (52′) – The journey of the Taniguchis, a married couple who survived the U.S. bombing of Nagasaki 60 years ago.
  • The Nuclear Bazaar (52′) – A penetrating, behind-the-scenes look at international politics and the activities of Dr. A. Q. Khan, a Pakistani scientist who sold nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea.
  • Nature’s Unique Angles: The Hidden Insect Paradise (52′) – An exploration of the photographic work of Satoshi Kuribayashi, including a plethora of images of the amazing insects and beautiful flora that reside in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
  • Invasion of the Giant Jellyfish (52′) – A documentary capturing amazing footage of the giant jellyfish besieging Japan and its fishing industry and what’s being done to resolve the situation.
  • Satoyama: Japan’s Secret Watergarden (52′) – Cinematographer Mitsuhiko Imamori’s HD coverage of richness and color of the insects, animals and plants that thrive in Satoyama, an ecosystem and agricultural area unique to Japan.

About VOOM HD Networks
The VOOM HD Networks are the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere. Produced exclusively in true high definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators, the 15 VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. The VOOM HD Networks are commercial-free and available nationally on Echostar’s DISH Network. Developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high definition programming, the VOOM HD Networks build on Rainbow Media’s history of original programming innovation.

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.

About NHK
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan’s sole public broadcaster, introduced a radio service in 1925 and a television service in 1953. Today, NHK operates five television channels and three radio services. General TV and Educational TV are broadcast terrestrially and with the three radio channels NHK provides a diverse range of programs, including news, education, and family entertainment. The three satellite channels also offer a varied and versatile program mix. Internationally, NHK offers three TV and radio services under the NHK WORLD umbrella. News is provided in 22 languages on the radio and over the internet via the website www.nhk.or.jp/english/. NHK has 54 stations across Japan and correspondents in 33 locations around the world. The launch of digital satellite TV broadcasting in Japan in December 2000 was followed by the first digital terrestrial broadcasts in December 2003. The core technology is Hi-Vision (HDTV), which delivers clear, vivid pictures and CD-quality sound. More than 90% of NHK’s general TV programming is produced and aired in Hi-Vision.

About MICO
Established in 1990, MICO (Media International Corporation) boasts a proven record of Japanese TV program distribution worldwide. As an international distribution arm for public broadcaster NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), the scope and quality of available programs is unmatched in the market. With a constantly growing library, including award-winning documentaries, drama series, and animation, MICO has licensed over 1,000 titles to date. MICO’s commitment to distinctive visual software facilitates global understanding of Japan through its TV culture.

Press Contacts

  • Lisa Rogen
    Rainbow Media for VOOM HD Networks
    (917) 542-6216