Uncut, Originally-Produced Election Coverage of Conventions, Candidates and Key Campaigns Issues to Air Weekly, Beginning September 2
New York, NY – August 29, 2008 – Beginning Tuesday, September 2, IFC resident political junkies Will Rabbe and Sarah Scully will host IFC’s exclusive coverage of this year’s election process, where they uncover the stories that are top-of-mind for the network’s young, independent viewers. Coverage rolls out in six new weekly, originally-produced installments devoted to thought-provoking aspects of this year’s election process, including the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and providing an inside view of each candidate’s campaign.
"The 2008 race is perhaps the most important election of our lifetime. With an unprecedented cast of diverse characters competing in the most expensive, technologically advanced and drawn-out elections, it has never been a better time to be a political spectator," said Debbie DeMontreux., senior vice president of programming for IFC. "These election news segments will offer a smart, non-partisan perspective on aspects of this year’s election that are important to our audience, but may not be making headline news."
Topics explored in each interstitial include:
"The Democratic National Convention"
– airs September 2
Highlights from Denver, Colorado with daily online videos and blog posts from inside, and outside, the convention hall.
"The Republican National Convention"
– airs September 9
Highlights from St. Paul, Minnesota, will also include daily online videos and blog posts from inside, and outside, the convention hall.
"The Conventions: Partying With the Parties"
– 1/2 – hour special airs September 16
A thorough review of key moments from Democratic and Republican conventions, including interviews with party insiders, protestors outside, voters and pundits about the event.
"Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
– airs September 23
IFC News will check in with the brave souls who have, or are currently, running against all odds as third party candidates.
"The Rise of the Independent"
– airs September 30
IFC News expounds on the discussion of the electoral map with an overview of how independent voters have become the key demographic in this election and where that has led the campaigns and the polls.
"Band on the Run"
– airs in October
IFC News hosts Will and Sarah travel with both Obama and McCain, offering an insider’s view of the campaign machinery at work.
IFC News election coverage interstitials will air Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. on IFC and will also be available at www.IFC.com/politics.
About IFC
Operating under the mantra "always uncut," IFC (The Independent Film Channel) uncovers and champions alternative content and makes it available to audiences across multiple platforms: on air, online and on demand. In pursuit of what’s new, next and relevant, IFC presents clever, offbeat original series like "The Whitest Kids U’ Know" and "Z Rock" alongside thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door and This Film Is Not Yet Rated. The network also offers exclusive web series, shorts, animation, and a comprehensive independent film library of award-winning titles and cult classics. IFC broadens the audience for independent culture through its exclusive live coverage of notable film and music events like the Independent Spirit Awards and South by Southwest. The network’s on demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC’s original series before they air on the linear network. IFC Media Lab offers financing, professional development and distribution opportunities for aspiring film makers. IFC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.
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, Sundance Channel, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media’s NYC studios and post-production facilities.