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HOWARD STERN AND iN DEMAND NETWORKS REACH AGREEMENT FOR SUBSCRIPTION VIDEO-ON-DEMAND PROGRAM
iN DEMAND Obtains Exclusive U.S. Rights To Televise Stern’s SIRIUS Satellite Radio Program, Launches Later This Year
NEW YORK -- August 3, 2005 -- Howard Stern has entered into an agreement with iN DEMAND Networks, the world’s leading aggregator and supplier of Video-On-Demand, Pay-Per-View and HDTV content, to provide a new TV home for the popular radio pioneer in a subscription-only format. The two announced today that iN DEMAND has obtained the exclusive U.S. rights to televise Stern’s SIRIUS Satellite Radio show. Under the three-year deal, which also grants iN DEMAND the rights to Stern’s remaining shows while he is still broadcasting on terrestrial radio, the company will launch a subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) service that will, for the first time ever, give his fans television access to his groundbreaking morning radio program as he moves to his new format on subscription satellite radio. iN DEMAND has reached agreements with Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox that allow their operating divisions to offer the service on their subscription Video-On-Demand platforms. iN DEMAND will negotiate with other providers for additional distribution. Fans who want to learn more about the SVOD offering should go to www.indemand.com.
VOD is a transformative experience in terms of how people watch television, allowing them the opportunity to watch what they want, when they want, said Rob Jacobson, president and CEO, iN DEMAND Networks.
Jacobson added, The production baton for Howard’s show has been passed from a traditional linear basic cable environment, to iN DEMAND, where Howard’s viewers have more control over the content in their homes. With VOD, users can fast-forward, rewind and pause, and view a show at any time and as often as they want. By providing Howard Stern’s show in a subscription VOD format, this content will be available to only those viewers that make an affirmative decision to view it, with the benefit of parental controls tools from their television provider.”
Howard Stern has been credited with changing the face of radio with his top-rated morning program. Certainly no radio personality has had the impact Stern has had over his more than 20 years on the air. His dominance in the important 18-49 male demographic stands alone. A continual radio market leader from coast to coast, he has registered superior ratings year after year in markets large and small. Stern has written two books, ''Private Parts,'' the fastest selling book in Simon & Shuster history and ''Miss America,'' also a run-away number-one best seller. In addition, he has starred in the successful motion picture adaptation of ''Private Parts,'' and the ''Miss Howard Stern New Years Eve'' special continues to be ranked as the most-watched entertainment pay-per-view program ever.
VOD gives viewers at home access to thousands of movies, classic television shows, kids programming, premium network programming and special events whenever they want at the touch of a button. With a remote control, programs can be paused, rewound and fast-forwarded. With a SVOD service such as the one that will be offered for Stern’s program, digital cable subscribers choose to pay a monthly fee, on top of their regular monthly cable bill, for unlimited access to special programming. Subscription VOD also provides viewers with a greater ability to manage the content in their homes, including through the use of parental controls features from their television provider.
About iN DEMAND Networks
iN DEMAND Networks, the world's leading PPV and VOD provider, delivers television premieres of the best movies, championship boxing, mega-event wrestling, professional and college sports, plus original entertainment. iN DEMAND's digital lineup also offers MLB EXTRA INNINGS, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NHL CENTER ICE, and MLS DIRECT KICK. iN DEMAND also owns and operates two 24-hour linear high definition television channels, INHD and INHD2. The company's shareholders are Comcast iN DEMAND Holdings, Inc., Cox Communications Holdings, Inc., and Time Warner Entertainment - Advance/Newhouse Partnership. Further information about the company can be found at www.indemand.com.
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