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Roll 'em! ReelzChannel(TM), a new television network all about movies, will launch September 27th in more than 28 million homes, announced Stanley E. Hubbard, CEO of Hubbard Media Group, which founded the network.
That's one blockbuster opening! As measured in actual subscribers, the ReelzChannel(TM) launch will be the largest of any new network in history.
ReelzChannel(TM), previously known as Moviewatch, will entertain viewers with original programming filled with information about movies in all windows of release. In addition to the television network, plans include a fully integrated website and brand extensions on emerging digital platforms.
"ReelzChannel(TM) is an exciting new network for everyone who loves movies," Hubbard said. "In this environment of ever expanding movie options, at home and in theaters, ReelzChannel(TM) will be the only channel dedicated exclusively to movies. Our programming will be entertaining, informative and always fresh."
Hubbard said ReelzChannel(TM) technology will provide viewers with the opportunity to see localized information on screen, including specific recommendations for movies available to them from their cable or satellite provider.
"Because our viewers will know about more movies, they will watch more movies than ever before," Hubbard said.
Rod Perth, President of Television for ReelzChannel(TM), agreed.
"The appetite for movies in the U.S. is insatiable, and there is a corresponding need for a network that can bring the world of movies to viewers in new and entertaining ways," Perth said. "With ambitious ad-supported original programming, and a fully integrated website always about current movies, we will become a new and important link in the value chain for studios, cable/satellite operators, advertisers and consumers."
ReelzChannel(TM) has affiliation agreements with Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight Communications, Mediacom Communications, and Time Warner Cable, which includes Bright House Networks.
"We're grateful for the support that distributors have demonstrated for ReelzChannel(TM)," said John deGarmo, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Relations. "We simply couldn't be moving forward without them."
DeGarmo said distributors quickly recognized that ReelzChannel(TM) would focus on a critical programming category for them - movies - but "additionally, they guided us on the kinds of strategies and tactics that would make the channel more appealing to both them and their subscribers.
"The proof of their support is that we will launch into 28 million homes, and when we say 28 million homes, we don't mean 'in front of' or 'potential to reach,'" he said. "We mean 28 million homes will be able to tune to ReelzChannel(TM) on day one: September 27, 2006."
ReelzChannel(TM)
ReelzChannel(TM), with offices in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles, was founded by Hubbard Media Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., a privately held corporation. Hubbard Broadcasting owns and operates television stations in Minnesota, New York and New Mexico; radio stations in Minnesota and Wisconsin; The Hubbard Radio Network, a regional radio network; and F&F Productions, one of the premier high definition remote production companies in the United States.
