Los Angeles (Nov. 17, 2008) – Steve Bellamy, Chairman and CEO of The Ski Channel
(
http://www.theskichannel.com) announced today that the network will launch on
December 25th, Christmas Day, to over 15 Million digital US households. The network has
additionally signed multi-year distribution agreements with DIRECTV and Verizon FiOS
TV. And, it will have the crème de la crème of all mountain sports content with Warren
Miller films and television shows on its air at launch.
Through the deal with Mountain Sports Media, The Ski Channel will broadcast some of the
most famous films in skiing, from the Warren Miller Entertainment library, as well as their
television series Thrills and Spills. “This is a great partnership for Mountain Sports Media,”
said President/Group Publisher Jamie Pentz. “We have the magazines, events, online,
production and film tour. TV distribution within our space was the missing component.
Our partnership with The Ski Channel enables us to deliver true 360-degree programs to
our partners. The deal provides heavy marketing of The Ski Channel on Mountain Sports
Media assets and heavy marketing of the magazines and film tour on The Ski Channel.
The Ski Channel will soon join Verizon FiOS TV’s video-on-demand (VOD) service,
which offers more than 11,000 titles each month – 8,500 are free of charge. Verizon FiOS
TV is currently available to more than 8.2 million homes in 14 states. “Verizon FiOS TV
subscribers will soon have access to the best of all mountain sports on The Ski Channel on
VOD,” said Terry Denson, Verizon’s vice president – FiOS TV content and programming.
“FiOS TV’s amazing picture and sound quality will make viewers feel like they’re right at
the slopes.”
Through the agreement with DIRECTV, The Ski Channel will be available on the satellite
TV leader’s DIRECTV on Demand service. Customers with DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR or
R22 DVR receivers have access to the VOD service at no additional charge. “The Ski
Channel will be an exciting addition to DIRECTV’s VOD service, which is designed to
appeal to a diversity of interests,” said Todd Mathers, Vice President, Programming,
DIRECTV, Inc. “And by virtue of our nationwide distribution, ski and mountain sports
enthusiasts from Vail to Vermont will have access to this new and unique channel.”
The Ski Channel currently owns broadcast rights to over 250 hours of content and is
actively acquiring hundreds more in addition to its original programming. “It has been an
incredible month for us,” said Bellamy. “We closed a significant capital raise. If we close
all the ad deals on the table – we will hit our first years number before we launch, we have
added a ton of incredible programming, we will be announcing more distribution shortly
and we are launching on Christmas Day! The Farmers Almanac is predicting the next
decade to have great snow and resorts are already opening early across the country this
season!”
The Ski Channel http://www.theskichannel.com is an original ad supported network
delivered via VOD, web, wireless, and other distribution. It is the only National television
network devoted to the wide variety of year-round mountain activities such as skiing,
snowboarding, hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing, etc., along with many off-slope
activities. The Ski Channel’s content will inspire and inform its audience with magazine
shows, movies, events, news, weather, and programs that focus on destination travel,
equipment, instruction and real estate. Its corporate partners include: Time Warner Cable,
Cox Communications, DirecTV, Brighthouse Networks, Verizon, Panasonic, Marquis Jets,
Fender Guitars, Mirage Resorts, Rage Films, Ride Guide, World Heli Championships,
Teva Mountain Games, Level One Productions, Skiers World and Olympic Gold Medalist
Jonny Moseley.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in
delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass
market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates
America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide.
Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and
seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which
brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment
services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company,
Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated
consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit
www.verizon.com.
DIRECTV, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTV)
http://www.directv.com, the nation's leading satellite
television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than
17.1 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with more
than 130 HD channels -- more quality HD channels than any other television provider.
Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture
and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has
surpassed all national cable companies for eight years running) and superior technologies
that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive
sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV,
please visit directv.com.
| Kate Donnelly (310) 230-2050 | kdonnelly@theskichannel.com |
