(Western Cable Show, Anaheim, CA) – Mag Rack, Rainbow Media’s unique video-on-demand service, announced today three new VOD niche magazines Destination: Nature, Mission: Space, and Mag Rack: Showcase. The addition of these video magazines brings Mag Rack’s lineup to 18 specialty categories total, each exploring in-depth topics that are unavailable elsewhere on television. Mag Rack is the first and only service designed and produced exclusively for video-on-demand. 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 – ranging from science, bird watching and wine to photography, weddings and vegetarian cooking. Mag Rack launched on Cablevision’s iO digital cable service in September with 10 video magazines.
“Mag Rack marks a new era in the way viewers watch television, giving them the opportunity to interact with more personalized and targeted television content,” said Matthew Strauss, executive vice president and general manager of Mag Rack. “As we offer this service to cable operators across the country, we are finding that Mag Rack‘s strength in terms of original programming, editorial integrity and entertainment value makes it an attractive service and a powerful vehicle for helping operators demonstrate the power of VOD to consumers. ”
Each video magazine is presented with editorial authority and expertise, featuring comprehensive coverage of the subject matter including in-depth features, expert reports, exclusive interviews, Q&A sessions, roundtables, commentary, never-before-seen footage and travelogues. The three new Mag Rack programs are:
- DESTINATION: NATURE – A new one-hour monthly program, Destination: Nature is the first television source devoted to exploring the world of nature travel. Featuring eco-travel destination news briefs, habitat updates, wildlife information, breathtaking nature odysseys and the latest on gear and garb, Destination: Nature is the show for anyone who enjoys nature and adventure.
- MISSION: SPACE – The only television source devoted exclusively to examining the fascinating frontier of space, Mission: Space chronicles the human attempt to explore the environment beyond earth’s atmosphere and the beauties of the solar system. The program also features observations and ideas about “what’s out there and how it got to be that way.”
- MAG RACK: SHOWCASE – Mag Rack: Showcase, a 40-minute monthly program highlights the Mag Rack video library’s best segments available, offering viewers to learn new information, receive tips from experts or meet others who share their passion. Mag Rack: Showcase is hosted by Morton Dean, former lead space correspondent for CBS News, and Mary Alice Williams, former NBC News anchor and author.
In November 2001, Mag Rack launched five new programs including:
- ART OF BASKETRY – Hosted by veteran craftsperson and author Sandy Atkinson, Art of Basketry is an instructional series on making various kinds of baskets for all occasions. Detailed information on materials and construction is presented so that viewers may duplicate on-screen results in their own homes.
- THE BIBLE & YOU – An incredible journey through the pages of The Bible, the ultimate best seller, The Bible & You rediscovers the characters and their stories providing timeless lessons for Americans of all ages and faiths. Produced in association with the American Bible Society and hosted by Mike Maus, award winning broadcast journalist, former correspondent for CBS Radio Network and former executive producer and host of all American Bible Society programming, The Bible & You will offer new monthly programs featuring nationally recognized biblical scholars to explore the relevance of the Bible’s characters.
- HISTORY OF ART – A multi-part series covering Western fine art from the birth of the Renaissance to the close of the 19th century, History of Art provides a detailed look at movements and periods throughout history and the artists and events that shaped them. Dr. Fred Kleiner, professor of art history and archaeology at Boston University, introduces the program.
- LIVING WITH – Aimed at helping people manage and cope with life-changing situations, Living With provides viewers with a new show each month that focuses on one particular occurrence such as death, retirement, divorce and addiction. Hosted by Mary Alice Williams, former NBC News anchor and author, Living With provides viewers with hope, empowerment and the sense that they are not alone during difficult times.
- SHAKESPEARE – Shakespearean scholars and actors take a critical look at many of the major works of the bard. Hosted by Dr. Kristin Linklater, chair of the Theatre Division of the School of the Arts at Columbia University in New York City, the programs also features full-length presentations of selected Shakespearean plays including Macbeth and Hamlet.
Mag Rack, Rainbow’s new VOD service – currently being offered as part of Cablevision’s iO digital cable service – is designed to support the rollout of digital set-top boxes and drive VOD marketing initiatives by giving customers maximum programming choice and control. Additional video magazines available at Mag Rackinclude American Catholic, BirdSight, Bridal, Classic Cars, Club Vegetarian, Maximum Science, Motorcycles Freedom, Natural Health, Photography Close Up and Wine World. By the end of 2002, Mag Rack expects to offer 40 to 50 video magazines touching on subjects such as Aviation, How-To Sports, Parenting, Dance, Skiing and Cooking.
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 American Movie Classics, WE: Women’s Entertainment, Bravo, The Independent Film Channel, 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 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.
Contact:
Matt Frankel
Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
516-803-5141
Whit Clay
Sloane & Company
212-446-1864