Company Signs GANG TV’s Gregory Ang and IBC’s Jon Helmrich
to
Handle Worldwide Channel Development
ID Distribution, Headed by Sally Miles, to Handle Program Sales and Licensing
NEW YORK, NY September 26, 2005 – As the new player in the international scene, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (Rainbow Media) announced consulting agreements with GANG TV’s Gregory Ang and IBC’s Jon Helmrich as well as an exclusive distribution agreement with ID Distribution, headed by Sally Miles, to represent global content distribution, which will put it on the fast track in making the company’s original content widely available in channel formats and international syndication. Earlier this month, Rainbow Media launched its distribution arm internationally, providing the company with a powerful new mechanism to take its content globally for the first time in its 25-year history.
These consulting deals will create a mechanism for global distribution of Rainbow Media’s vast library of linear, VOD and HD content. It also ensures that key HD original programming from the VOOM HD Networks will be made available in the global marketplace.
The announcement was made today by Glenn Oakley, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Rainbow Media.
Operating successful niche networks in the U.S. marketplace, which includes AMC, WE, IFC, and fuse, Rainbow Media is now expanding into the international marketplace led by the introduction of VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of HD channels available today. In addition to the niche networks, Rainbow Media has also been successfully producing acclaimed and a varied array of original VOD programs for Mag Rack and sportskool, which will also be offered internationally for the first time.
“This will be Rainbow International’s first official appearance at MIPCOM, and we plan to make a big impact given the fact that high definition is fast becoming a reality and there’s a big programming void to fill,” stated Oakley. “Our priority at this market is to introduce both channel and acquisition executives to the plethora of original, exciting content that has made our company a key player in the U.S. marketplace and also to the crystal clear world of high definition programming. We are proud to unveil our offerings in categories ranging from sports, health and lifestyle to fashion, and the world around us.”
Jump starting the new effort, Rainbow Media has created a two-tier structure consisting of the best and most respected consultants in the international marketplace. The new team of channel and distribution professionals will take its direction from Oakley, a 24-year cable industry veteran charged with leading Rainbow Media in new areas of business.
- On the channel development end, Rainbow Media has signed representation agreements with Gregory Ang of GANG TV and Jon Helmrich of International Broadcast Communications (IBC). Based in Singapore, Ang has set up channel and business operations for such companies as ESPN, Discovery Channel and Hallmark Channel in Asia. Los Angeles-based Helmrich is well-known for successfully launching E! Entertainment channels around the world and more recently CHUM TV International’s S-Star channel brand.
- On the distribution side, Rainbow Media has contracted with ID Distribution in London to represent global content distribution. Led by Sally Miles, the former Chief Operating Officer of September Films, ID Distribution was launched in August 2004 with the backing of venture capital group Ingenious Media. During her 12 year career at September Films, Miles had risen to the level of president and COO, and she launched sales division September International in 2000. As the managing director of ID Distribution, Miles will assume responsibility for the international licensing of Rainbow’s cable niche programming content, VOD and HD program offerings.
At this year’s MIPCOM, over 250 hours HD programming from the Rainbow Media catalogue will be represented. This will represent one of the largest collections of high definition content ever offered at an international market. At MIPCOM 2005, ID Distribution can be found on stand number 20.11.
About ID Distribution
ID Distribution is one of the UK’s most dynamic independent distributors. Since its launch at MIPCOM in October 2004, the company is now recognised as one of the most exciting players in the field. ID Distribution’s collaborative approach with producers is helping the company develop ongoing relationships with some of the most creative independent production companies in the UK and US. Now working with over 30 independent companies, ID has experienced phenomenal growth in the last year and has equally ambitious plans going forward. ID Distribution specialises in the international distribution of formats and completed programming in factual and light entertainment, reality, lifestyle, documentaries and current affairs. The company works closely with producers to develop, finance and distribute programmes and formats with global appeal, helping programme-makers realise the full potential from their programming rights and ideas. The company undertakes all commercial activity in the exploitation of primary, secondary and ancillary programme rights, providing producers with strategic commercial services, including advice on programming for foreign markets.
Distributing programmes and formats for a wide range of producers from both the UK and US, ID Distribution has the presence to assist its producers to take the steps they need to build on their success and maximise their identity, growth and revenue potential in the international market. The company has unique experience in the US. ID Distribution represents original programme ideas on behalf of independent production companies, taking them to the network and cable channels and introducing producers to local co-production partners where required. For further information: www.iddistribution.tv
About IBC
IBC was founded in October 2001 by international television veteran and former HBO and E! executive Jon Helmrich. IBC clients include CHUM/City TV from Toronto, Popular Arts Entertainment, and Rainbow Media Holdings. These clients’ programming covers the world of entertainment, fashion, sports, and lifestyle.
About GANG TV
Formed by TV channel and media advertising veteran Greg Ang, GANG TV was set up last year with the purpose of assisting entertainment companies to develop, launch, market and manage channel operations in a cost effective manner throughout the Asia Pacific region. With more than 20 years of media experience in Asia Pacific, Ang has set up channel and business operations for such companies as ESPN, Discovery Channel and Hallmark Channel in Asia. Based in Singapore, Ang has also established satellite operations in India, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Hong Kong.
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 it’s 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.