Launches New Unit Focused on Global Channel Development and Programming Distribution for its Linear, VOD and HD Content
-Glenn Oakley to Lead to International Distribution Strategy-
NEW YORK, NY – September 7, 2005 – Rainbow Media Holdings LLC announced today that it will expand 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.
Rainbow Media helped revolutionize American cable television with the development of highly successful niche oriented linear networks such as AMC, Bravo, WE, IFC and fuse, and further expanded the niche oriented concept by producing an acclaimed and varied array of original VOD programs for Mag Rack and sportskool. Most recently, Rainbow expanded to a third tier of niche-oriented content with the launch of VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of HD channels in the world.
The expansion into the international marketplace will focus on channel development and programming sales and licensing, all in an effort to broaden the audience of Rainbow’s original content, maximize the value of the Rainbow brands, and fill a large and lucrative international content void, especially in the area of HD programming.
Today’s announcement was made today by Rainbow Media President and CEO Joshua Sapan, who also named Rainbow Media Senior Vice President of Business Development Glenn Oakley to supervise this expansion for the company, leading the newly created Rainbow International division.
“Throughout Rainbow’s history, we have prided ourselves in creating popular and highly valuable original content that has been at the forefront of television innovation, from cable to VOD and now HD,” stated Sapan. “Our new distribution arm will leverage our experience in all aspects of high definition, programming and channel operations, providing viewers around the world with great value.”
Sapan continued, “With Glenn leading us into the international marketplace, Rainbow International will bring extensive network operation experience, vast programming assets and incredible stability to new global ventures. This is particularly exciting news for those in the HD space, where we are already hearing a tremendous excitement about VOOM and our HD content. Most important, Glenn will ensure the continued audience growth of each of Rainbow’s valuable brands.”
As senior vice president of business development for Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, Glenn Oakley leads the company in new areas of business. Oakley, a 24-year cable industry veteran, is responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities and market development, in addition to negotiations and deal structuring for Rainbow.
Oakley was formerly senior vice president, corporate strategy and international operations, at Showtime for 14 years. In that role, he was responsible for developing strategies and operations for Showtime Networks and its International Division’s global networks and focusing on technology trends for the transition and deployment of digital services. He managed the launch and rollout of its HDTV channels, and was Chairman of the Board of Directors for Showtime Extreme in Spain and Showtime in Turkey. Prior to that, Oakley held progressively increasing business strategy, planning and sales roles at Showtime. His previous posts include marketing and sales management positions at Time Warner Cable and Continental Cablevision.
The catalyst of today’s announcement is the emergence of Rainbow Media’s successful launch of its new HD content service, VOOM HD Networks. VOOM HD Networks is a stand-alone HD content service, providing the largest and most diverse suite of HD channels worldwide. The new service fills a significant HD programming void in the States, featuring original programming made specifically for HD and appealing to a broad spectrum of fan bases, including movies and entertainment, news, sports, fashion and arts, travel, music and children’s animation. In addition, the new service provides Rainbow Media with a unique and powerful programming footprint with the development of original content for each of the cable, VOD and HD tiers.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLCA 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 its 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.