NEW YORK, February 4, 2002 – Mag Rack, Rainbow Media’s unique video-on-demand (VOD) service, tied the knot today with the launch of Inside Weddings, a new niche VOD magazine that delivers exciting programming for anyone planning “the big day.” Inside Weddings will premiere on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and is hosted by Bride’s magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Millie Martini Bratten. The addition of this VOD programming brings Mag Rack‘s lineup to a total of 19 video magazines. Mag Rack is the first and only service designed and produced exclusively for delivery in a video-on-demand format.
” Mag Rack is aggressively building its portfolio of programming to satisfy the demands of consumers and to demonstrate the breadth and depth of this offering to cable operators,” said Matthew Strauss, executive vice president and general manager of Mag Rack. “VOD is more than just new technology and should be more than just recycled programming, it should be an experience that transforms the way people watch television. Our programming is vital part of demonstrating that experience to consumers. We know that as viewers understand the power of video-on-demand technology and cable operators roll-out their technology to their subscribers that Mag Rack is a logical addition and an important brand of choice for video-on-demand programming.”
Inside Weddings will feature tips segmented by various aspects of the event including gowns, photographers, flowers and wedding planners. As most brides-to-be, or anyone involved in the planning process knows, there are hardly enough days to make all the arrangements before it is time to say “I do.” Inside Weddings will demonstrate the power of VOD by enabling them to view an entire program or each individual 8-10 minute segment as time in their busy days allows. Better still, they will be able to pause, rewind and fast-forward ensuring that they do not miss a single hint.
Just like at a newsstand, customers can choose from Mag Rack’s selection of video magazines that offer authoritative content about subjects that are personally relevant. Mag Rack, Rainbow’s new VOD service, is being marketed to cable operators, supporting the effort to rollout digital set-top boxes and drive VOD adoption by giving customers maximum programming choice and control. Additional video magazines available at Mag Rack include American Catholic, Art of Basketry, Better Golf Club BirdSight, Classic Cars, Club Vegetarian, Destination: Nature, History of Art, Mag Rack: Showcase, Maximum Science, Mission: Space, Motorcycle Freedom, Healthy by Choice, Photography Close Up, Shakespeare, Take on Life, The Bible and You, and Wine World. By the end of 2002, Mag Rack expects to offer 40 to 50 video magazines.
About Rainbow Media
Mag Rack is owned and managed by Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. A subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation and NBC, Rainbow manages American Movie Classics, WE: Women’s Entertainment, Bravo, The Independent Film Channel, MuchMusic USA, Rainbow Sports Networks, News 12 Networks, and MetroChannels as well as the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. In addition, Rainbow is a fifty-percent partner in FOX Sports Net. Mag Rack is one of the assets included in Cablevision’s Rainbow Media Group tracking stock (NYSE:RMG). MGM owns a 20% stake in four of Rainbow’s national networks – AMC, Bravo, IFC, and WE: Women’s Entertainment.