Additional Comcast System Launches Add 2.1 Million Helping WE tv Break 70 Million Subs
Increased Distribution, Ad Revenue, Successful Original Programming and Ratings Growth Galvanize WE tv’s Most Successful Year to Date
New York, NY – August 18, 2008 – WE tv announced today it has reached a new distribution milestone surpassing 70 million subscribers. This significant achievement comes on the heels of several original programming successes that have propelled WE tv into the #1 slot for fastest growing ad-supported cable network targeting women 18-49 and 18-34.
"WE tv has hit its stride, nearly doubling our total viewers in second quarter this year. This growth speaks not only to our successful programming and marketing strategies, but also the hard work and dedication of everyone on our team," said Kim Martin, executive vice president and general manager of WE tv. "We’ve seen consecutive growth over the past four years, primarily in response to our original programming, and we have several exciting new programming initiatives on the horizon that will continue to build on the network’s success."
Recent launches on various Comcast systems put WE tv in an additional 2.1 million homes across the country, helping to break the network’s 70 million subscriber threshold.
For 2008 to date, the network ranks number one in growth among cable networks targeting women ages 18-49 (+52%) and 18-34 (+61%). These results demonstrate a dramatic increase in younger viewers, due to the network’s commitment to original programming such as High School Confidential, Bridezillas and Platinum Weddings, which have generated record-breaking ratings for the network.
About WE tv
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. Available in more than 70 million homes, WE tv’s programming gives viewers compelling perspectives on women’s lives that range from provocative to extraordinary, including signature series like "Bridezillas" and critically-acclaimed original documentary series such as "High School Confidential." WE tv’s public affairs initiative, WE Empowers Women, is dedicated to creating programs that foster and celebrate women’s strength, confidence and diversity. The initiative’s current focus is its WE Vote ’08 campaign. WE tv is available in HD and WE tv On Demand is available in 20 million homes. WE tv is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.
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, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its 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.
Source: Nielsen Media Research, Live Data. Prime M-Su 8p-11p delivery percent change for W18-34 and W18-49 for 2008 year to date from 12/31/07 to 7/28/08 compared to 1/1/07 to 7/26/07 among ad supported cable networks targeted to women. Subject to qualification upon request.