(New York, June 17, 2002) – Mag Rack, Rainbow Media's unique video-on-demand (VOD) service, announced today the debut of three new VOD magazines – Your Next Car, Let's Go Garden and Celebrating Dogs. With the addition of the new programs, Mag Rack will offer a total of 27 specialty categories that offer authoritative content in an on-demand format – unlike anything else available to viewers.
"Mag Rack frequently launches new magazines in an effort to reach further into audiences with programming not readily available on television," said Matthew Strauss, executive vice president and general manager of Mag Rack. "With over 40 million dog owners in the U.S. and half the population participating in vegetable or flower gardening, we are effectively targeting enthusiast's hobbies and personal interests, but with exclusive VOD technology that greatly enhances their viewing experience."
In May 2002, Mag Rack signed a long-term distribution agreement with Insight Communications, a leader in state-of-the art telecommunications and programming. Insight will provide Mag Rack to all of its digital, VOD-enabled subscribers beginning this summer. Insight is the first MSO to launch Mag Rack nationally, giving its customers the only service designed for and exclusively available via video-on-demand.
Following is information on the new programs:
- Your Next Car: This video magazine will help viewers to buy smart when purchasing their next car, whether it's this year or next. The program provides important tips on buying, leasing and insurance. The inaugural programming takes place at the New York Auto Show to explore many of this year's cars and trucks. It also takes a look at some of the concept cars and new technologies for a glimpse of what's coming down the road over the next few years. (Launched June 1).
- Let's Go Garden: Let's Go Garden is the place for both beginning gardeners and passionate enthusiasts. Viewers join the Buffalo News gardening columnist Jackie Albarella as she gets down and dirty, focusing on the practical side of gardening. From planting annuals and perennials to creating a water garden in the backyard, it is easy to achieve and be proud of these gardening projects. Jackie is the executive producer and host of the popular syndicated gardening show, "Gardening for Real People." She is a member of the Erie County Agricultural Society and the Garden Writer's Association of America. Jackie is a lifelong gardener and executive director of the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center in West Seneca, New York. (Launching July 1).
- Celebrating Dogs: Hosted by Master Trainer Brian Kilcommons, Celebrating Dogs teaches practical information to help at all stages of a dog's life. From buying a puppy to providing geriatric care, Celebrating Dogs is a must for every dog and his owner. For those just getting started Kilcommons compares different breeds to help decide which dogs are best suited to which lifestyles. Then he'll teach how to train your puppy – breed by breed, helping you gain insight into a dog's behavior. The program also provides health care, geriatric care, obedience training and grooming tips. Kilcommons, an author, educational consultant, lecturer and master trainer, is supremely qualified to assume authority on a wide range of animal issues. He is the only North American to have studied with the legendary dog trainer, Barbara Woodhouse of Great Britain. Celebrating Dogs is the on-demand resource for all those people who want to better understand and care for man's best friend. (Launching July 1).
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 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. Video magazines available at Mag Rack include American Catholic, Art of Basketry, Best of Mag Rack, Better Golf Club, BirdSight, Classic Cars, Club Vegetarian, Cook with the Pros, Destination: Nature, Fame & Faith, History of Art, Inside Weddings, Maximum Science, Mission: Space, Modern Parent, Motorcycle Freedom, Healthy By Choice, Photography Close Up, Shakespeare, SportsCamp, Take On Life, The Bible and You, Wine World, Yoga Retreat, and Your Next Car. By the end of 2002, Mag Rack expects to offer as many as 40 video magazines.
About Rainbow Media
Mag Rack is owned and managed by Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. A subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC) and NBC, Rainbow manages AMC, WE: Women's Entertainment, Bravo, IFC, 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 (NYSE:MGM) owns a 20% stake in four of Rainbow's national networks – AMC, Bravo, IFC, and WE: Women's Entertainment.