High-Definition Channel Expands Programming Library with New Original Series, EarthTripping, Premiering Summer 2008
New York, NY – November 13, 2007 – Equator HD, the high-definition channel that seeks out the intriguing and captivating sights, sounds and stories that define the world's most unique locations, announced today that it has tapped Survivor Africa winner Ethan Zohn as the host of an all-new and first-of-its kind adventure series, EarthTripping. The 7-episode series, which is slated to premiere next summer, will be a "go-green guide" for energetic travelers and will follow Zohn as he journeys the globe, seeking out fun and practical eco-friendly ways to experience the great cities of the world. Equator HD, one of the VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide, continues to expand its library of compelling and visually-stunning HD content that includes such popular series as Ultimate Journeys and Earth Diaries, among others.
"Ethan's experience on Survivor makes him a perfect match for this new and adventurous series, and his energetic personality and social activism are a welcome addition to our channel," said Ali Hossaini, Executive Producer of Equator HD. "EarthTripping is an inventive and truly unique series that will really bring to light the value of an authentic and green travel experience, and the eco-friendly element of the show is truly representative of the groundbreaking programming that VOOM HD Networks is producing."
Throughout the series, Zohn will take incredible journeys to some of the world's most exotic urban locations, with the goal of experiencing each city's culture not as a tourist, but as a true local, and making a positive impact on each destination. He will make personal connections, sample native and organic foods, meet local food producers and retailers, visit indigenous sites, volunteer with local organizations, seek out "green" spaces, and support the local economy.
The first episode of EarthTripping will take viewers to New York City, where Zohn will incorporate his eco-friendly travel-ways into visits to some of the Big Apple's most famous landmarks and sites. For example, Zohn will take a walking tour across the Brooklyn Bridge, kayak out to the Statue of Liberty, volunteer at the New York Aquarium, and visit Union Square to seek out the city's best organic eating and locally-grown food. Among other sites, Zohn will visit Birdbath Bakery, where they transport baked goods by rickshaw, and Brooklyn's Habana Outpost, an ecologically-designed eatery that has become a nexus for community activity. Beyond New York, the series will follow Zohn to such destinations as Mexico City, Mexico; Singapore, Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition channels for distribution through satellite and cable operators. Produced exclusively in true high-definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound, VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. VOOM HD Networks' 15 HDTV channels are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network and Cablevision's iO digital cable service. A 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel is available internationally and is currently distributed in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Select VOOM HD programming is also available worldwide and has been licensed for exhibition in more than 150 countries. Building on Rainbow Media Holdings LLC's history of original programming innovation, VOOM HD was developed to meet the growing worldwide demand for quality high-definition programming.
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 content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through its IFC Entertainment division, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a theatrical feature film distribution company; IFC First Take/IFC in Theaters, a day and date theatrical feature film/VOD initiative; the IFC Center in New York City; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Entertainment, which owns and operates a film library. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.