Expansion Prompted by Global Interest in WE's Targeted Original Programming
News Comes on Heels of Strong International Sales of Other Rainbow Brands, VOOM HD Networks and Mag Rack
New York, NY – March 29, 2006 – In less than six months since announcing its global expansion initiative, Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC, ("Rainbow") is increasing its agreement with London's iD Distribution to include programming from the company's WE: Women's Entertainment network. The move was prompted by both international interest in WE and strong global sales for other Rainbow brands, such as VOOM HD Networks and Mag Rack. The announcement was made today by the company's Senior Vice President of Business Development, Glenn Oakley.
Currently seen in over 58 million US homes, WE: Women's Entertainment is the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them. WE's original programming-under the direction of Executive Vice President/General Manager Kim Martin has garnered record ratings for the Network, with the '05/'06 season pacing to be the best in WE history for primetime delivery of core demographic households. WE is continuing its commitment to original programming throughout 2006 with a strong lineup of series and specials, including John Edward Cross Country, Two Funny: Cotter & Louise, Skating's Next Star and a third season of the Network's hit series Bridezillas.
"We anticipated a strong response from the global television community to our breadth of original high definition programming, and are pleasantly surprised to learn that program buyers are also requesting programming from our other networks," said Oakley in announcing the extended agreement with iD Distribution. "We're thrilled by the success iD Distribution has had in representing our content to the world marketplace and look forward to expanding our relationships with program buyers as we increase our content offerings to include WE: Women's Entertainment."
"Affirming our goal to reach out and bring more women to the network, WE has amassed a rich lineup of original content offering something for women of all ages," said Martin. "I have been incredibly pleased with the response here in the U.S. and look forward to seeing the same success overseas."
Added iD Distribution's Managing Director Sally Miles: "Rainbow Media is benefiting from its rapidly growing reputation for high quality, innovative and entertaining original programming targeting specific sectors which are also the focus of many emerging and established networks. Whether it's high definition or video-on-demand, young adult males or women 18-to-49, Rainbow has a wealth of programming to offer the international marketplace."
Among the top WE offerings at MIPTV are:
- Style Me (2×60' & 6×30') There are tears and tantrums as 12 aspiring stylists compete to style superstar Rachel Hunter for a major red carpet awards appearance.
- Secret Lives of Women (Sr. 1 9×60' & Sr. 2 12×60') Each compelling episode explores the double lives that some women lead, from plastic surgery to sexuality.
- Daddy's Spoiled Little Girl (12×30') This compelling series looks at the father/daughter duos who take the phrase 'daddy's little girl' to new heights. These dads indulge even the most outrageous requests.
- Skating's Next Star (6×60') Twelve professional skaters are on thin ice as they battle it out in what is their last chance for fame and a $25,000 prize fund.
- Katrina Weddings: A Second Chance (1×60') Sandy Ferrira, wedding planner and "Apprentice 2" finalist, surprises two couples whose weddings were postponed as a result of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina.
Initially, Rainbow Media had contracted with iD Distribution to represent approximately 150 new hours of new and original high definition content produced by and for Rainbow Media's VOOM HD Networks' suite of thematic HD channels. To date, iD Distribution has concluded program licensing agreements on behalf of VOOM HD Networks in some 20 territories around the world.
Since launching its global expansion initiative in October, Rainbow Media-through iD Distribution-has inked multiple European deals involving its Mag Rack VOD service, as well as several HD content agreements involving 25 hours of content for National Geographic's international HD rollout; 10 hours for China's first-ever HDTV channel, CCTV; and 20 1/2 hours for Thailand's UBC.
About iD Distribution
iD Distribution is a dynamic company launched in 2004 with the investment backing of Ingenious Media. Working with some of the top UK and US production companies, representing a new and exciting catalogue of programs and formats in the entertainment, factual, reality and lifestyle genres, iD Distribution is committed to providing the best service to production companies and broadcasters.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Rainbow owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment, as well as on-demand services including Mag Rack and sportskool. Rainbow's other businesses include its regional programming services – Rainbow Sports Networks, News 12 Networks and Metro Traffic & Weather – in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications.