Strengthened International Team to Take WE tv into Global Marketplace While Continuing to Grow Distribution for Sundance Channel
New York, October 1, 2009 – Reinforcing its commitment to global brand expansion, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, has strengthened its international team in advance of MIPCOM. Led by Ed Carroll, Chief Operating Officer, Rainbow Entertainment Services, key team members include Harold Gronenthal, Senior Vice President and General Manager; Ed Palluth, Senior Vice President, International Distribution; and Dave Alworth, Vice President, Operations. The company has also added Elena SanGabino as Director, Programming & Scheduling, Rainbow International.
Rainbow International, which recently launched Sundance Channel in France and Belgium, is committed to the continued growth of its brands worldwide. The team will focus on building global distribution for WE tv and expanding the distribution of Sundance Channel. Simultaneously, Rainbow Media will work with various distribution companies such as Off the Fence (WE tv) and 3DD (IFC) on program sales. The overall goal is to generate brand awareness for a multitude of Rainbow Media properties-Sundance Channel, WE tv, IFC and Rush HD.
"The international marketplace has responded enthusiastically to our initial channel and programming offerings," said Mr. Carroll. "As the world’s appetite for compelling television increases, Rainbow has never been in a better position. With the right people now firmly in place, we will cover a larger territory that ultimately opens more doors for Sundance Channel and WE tv."
Effective immediately, Ms. SanGabino, whose background includes previous posts with BBC America, Bravo, WE tv and HBO, will oversee and implement program planning and scheduling for all services related to Rainbow’s international distribution efforts. Reporting to Mr. Gronenthal, she will also work closely with Rainbow’s partners in various markets around the world on custom promotional strategies.
"Elena’s background combines a wealth of television insight, accomplishment and expertise that encompasses all areas of programming operations, said Mr. Gronenthal. "Her sensitivity to the needs of the international marketplace and her extensive knowledge of 24-hour entertainment, high definition and broadband channels contributed to her previous success stories. We look forward to adding her talents to our international division."
Available in more nearly 74 million U.S. households, WE tv (www.WEtv.com) is the premier source for women looking to satisfy their curiosity with fascinating, original stories and entertaining, informative content that is relevant to key stages of their lives. Popular programming featured on the network includes "Bridezillas," "Amazing Wedding Cakes, "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," "The Locator" and "Raising Sextuplets." WE tv will be offered in standard definition, high definition and on video-on-demand.
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel (www.sundancechannel.com)-acquired by Rainbow Media in May 2008-already reaches more than 30 million subscribers in the U.S. Programming featured on the network includes signature series such as "Iconoclasts," "Man Shops Globe," "Eco Trip" as well as coveted indie films and engaging, award-winning documentaries. The 24/7 linear channel is presented in both standard and high definition and content is available on video-on-demand.
About 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, multiplatform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC (The Independent Film Channel), WE tv, Sundance Channel, and IFC Entertainment. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading U.S. distributor of independent and foreign film with a unique day and date distribution model, "IFC In Theaters," that makes films available to a national audience by releasing them simultaneously in theaters as well as on cable’s On Demand platform; IFC Festival Direct features titles acquired from major international film festivals and initially offers them exclusively through On Demand; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Center, a state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of NYC’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, an advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, a 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.