MIPCOM, Cannes, France – 6 October, 2010 – Sundance Channel continues to expand internationally, with launches on France’s SFR, the Netherlands’ Caiway and South Korea’s KT, formerly Korea Telecom (NYSE: KTC). The announcement was made today by Rainbow Media CEO, Joshua Sapan during a MIPCOM press conference attended by Sundance Channel founder Robert Redford. Also in attendance were cast members of Mad Men. The award-winning hit series launches on Sundance Channel France in February 2011, marking the French HD premiere of Season One. Rainbow Media owns and operates Sundance Channel.
Today’s news comes as Sundance Channel celebrates the one-year anniversary of the network’s launch in Europe. Rainbow Media introduced Sundance Channel in France and Belgium last year, drawing on its strength in creating and operating a diverse portfolio of popular, award-winning programming and entertainment brands in the United States. Since then, the channel has also launched in Singapore, South Korea and Poland.
"Sundance Channel is a brand that resonates with audiences across the globe, and we are delighted with the momentum of our first year of international expansion," said Ed Palluth, Senior Vice President, Rainbow Media Global Distribution. "It’s exciting to partner with these leading distributors in these important territories as we continue to provide their viewers with high-quality, entertaining and innovative films and original programming."
Sundance Channel founder Robert Redford noted, "My vision for Sundance Channel is driven by a desire that it continues to entertain, to provoke thought and to nurture free artistic expression. It’s especially gratifying to watch that vision play out on a growing international stage via this distribution expansion."
New Distribution
Sundance Channel’s carriage on SFR represents its third launch in France, where the channel is already carried on Numericable and Free. Beginning 21 October, subscribers to the operator’s neufbox can access Sundance Channel in both high and standard definition as part of the Bouquet Grand Spectacle EXB. SFR is one of France’s foremost wireline telecom services providers and a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
Sundance Channel’s launch on Caiway marks its first distribution in the Netherlands. Caiway provides digital television, internet and telephony services via fibre delivery to several Dutch markets. Caiway subscribers can watch Sundance Channel as part of the operator’s HD pack.
KT, a leading Korean telecommunications service provider, further expands Sundance Channel’s reach in South Korea, where it is also carried by Skylife. KT is offering Sundance Channel in high definition as part of its QOOK TV service.
With today’s announcement, Sundance Channel’s global affiliates now include SFR, Numericable and Free (France); Telenet (Belgium); Caiway (the Netherlands); UPC Polska (Poland); Skylife and KT (South Korea); SingTel’s mio TV (Singapore); and Corus Entertainment (Canada).
About Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel-acquired by Rainbow Media in 2008-is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, imaginative and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries and original programs. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns and operates some of the world’s most popular and award-winning entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, Wedding Central and IFC Entertainment (IFC Center, IFC Films, IFC In Theaters, IFC Midnight and IFC Productions). Additional information about Rainbow Media’s multiplatform brands is available at www.rainbow-media.com.