BBC AMERICA LAUNCHES ON CABLEVISION THIS WEEK
BETHPAGE, N.Y., August 23, 2011 -- Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced the addition of BBC AMERICA to iO TV digital cable on channel 101. The network is launching in some markets today and will be available in standard and high definition across Cablevision's entire service area by Thursday, August 25. As part of the company's agreement to launch BBC AMERICA, Cablevision has also extended its carriage agreement for BBC World News, currently found on iO TV's channel 104.
BBC AMERICA brings U.S. audiences the latest hits and biggest stars from the UK with a new generation of award-winning dramas, comedies, and groundbreaking non-fiction shows. The channel combines established hits such as Doctor Who, Top Gear, The Graham Norton Show and Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, with the latest buzz shows from across the Pond, such as The Hour, Luther, Bedlam, Friday Night Dinner and 24 Hours in the ER.
"We are pleased to add BBC AMERICA and its unique mix of British programming to iO TV," said Bradley Feldman, Cablevision's vice president, video product management. "We continue to expand the diversity of content available to our cable customers, as part of our iO TV package and the wide variety of premium services we offer, and BBC AMERICA is a high-quality addition to our programming mix."
Perry Simon, General Manager Channels, BBC Worldwide America, said: "We couldn't be more proud of our programming and we're delighted to bring it to a new audience. From iconic series like Doctor Who and Top Gear to the very latest critically acclaimed hits, like The Hour and Luther, BBC AMERICA brings viewers Britain's best originals, and a taste of TV trends to come."
Sandy Ashendorf, EVP Network Distribution, BBC Worldwide America, added: "We're thrilled to expand our existing BBC World News partnership with Cablevision to offer BBC AMERICA in both standard and high definition. Cablevision's markets are a great fit for BBC AMERICA's world class programming and we welcome Cablevision's customers to the channel's growing distribution."
Last month, the network annouced its first original scripted drama series, Copper. The 10 episode series, which centers on a young Irish cop operating in the immigrant communities of 19th century New York, is co-created by Tom Fontana (OZ, Homicide: Life on the Street, St. Elsewhere) and Will Rokos (Monster's Ball, Southland). The executive producers include Fontana, Rokos, Barry Levinson (Good Morning, Vietnam, Rain Man, You Don't Know Jack) and Christina Wayne (Broken Trail and executive in charge of Mad Men at AMC) of Cineflix Studios. Copper will premiere on BBC AMERICA in Summer 2012.
BBC AMERICA has won numerous awards including four Golden Globes, one Emmy, and 10 Peabody Awards. In addition, BBC World News America, carried on BBC World News, was honored with a Peabody for overall excellence and described by the judges as: "A nightly newscast like none the United States has ever had, it places our actions and concerns in a global context."
Cablevision customers can find BBC AMERICA on channel 101 as part of iO TV's iO Package. Customers must have a digital set-top box or CableCARD to receive BBC AMERICA. Cablevision's award-winning digital cable service, iO TV, offers customers access hundreds of channels, including more than 50 premium movie channels, 46 channels of commercial-free digital music, thousands of titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, more than 120 free high-definition programming services and uniquely valuable and relevant local content through News 12, MSG Varsity and their companion interactive television applications.
About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is one of the nation's leading media and telecommunications companies. Its cable television operations provide a full suite of advanced communications services that include iO TV(R) digital television, Optimum Online(R) high-speed Internet, and Optimum Voice(R) digital voice, all over state-of-the-art cable systems that pass nearly 6 million households and businesses across the New York tri-state area and throughout four Western states. Cablevision's telecommunications properties also include its Optimum WiFi(R) wireless Internet, and its Optimum Lightpath(R) integrated business communications solutions. Cablevision serves the New York area with compelling local content through News 12 Networks, a local news leader; MSG Varsity, a suite of television and online services covering high school activities; and, Newsday Media Group, a business unit that includes Newsday, Long Island's leading daily newspaper, and amNewYork, the nation's most widely circulated free daily serving New York City. The company also owns and operates Clearview Cinemas throughout the New York tri-state area including the famed Ziegfeld Theatre, a frequent and historic venue for film premieres and events. Additional information about Cablevision is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.
About BBC AMERICA
BBC AMERICA delivers U.S. audiences high quality, innovative and intelligent programming. Established in 1998, it has been the launch pad for talent embraced by American mainstream pop culture, including Ricky Gervais, Gordon Ramsay, Graham Norton, and successful programming formats including ground-breaking non-scripted television like Top Gear and top-rated science-fiction like Doctor Who. Owned by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, BBC AMERICA has attracted both critical acclaim and major awards including an Emmy, four Golden Globes and ten Peabody Awards. The channel attracts one of cable's most affluent and educated audiences and is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 68 million homes. It broadcasts in both standard and high-definition, with content available On Demand across all major digital platforms. Online, www.bbcamerica.com is the place to go to dig deeper into pop culture with a British twist.
About BBC World News
BBC World News, the BBC's commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World News Ltd, a member of the BBC's commercial group of companies. BBC World News is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and around 300 million households and 1.8 million hotel rooms. The channel's content is also available on 129 cruise ships, 40 airlines, 22 mobile phone networks and a number of major online platforms including bbc.com/news. For further information on how to receive BBC World News, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit bbcworldnews.com.
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