LPWire: Cablevision and ABC Cable Networks Group Introduce Disney Channel on Demand

Cablevision and ABC Cable Networks Group Introduce Disney Channel on Demand to iO: Interactive Optimum Digital Cable Customers

Lizzie McGuire, Stanley, And Other Favorites Come Alive Whenever Kids Want Cablevision Is First Major Cable Provider To Launch Disney Channel On Demand As Optional SVOD Service

Cablevision Systems Corporation and ABC Cable Networks Group today announced the first major launch of Disney Channel On Demand as a subscription video on demand (SVOD) package through Cablevision's advanced suite of digital television services, iO: Interactive Optimum(SM).

Under the agreement, ABC Cable Networks Group will provide Cablevision with original series programming from the Channel's Playhouse Disney programming block for preschoolers such as "Rolie Polie Olie" and "Stanley" as well as Disney Channel Original Movies and original series for kids and tweens including "Lizzie McGuire" and "The Proud Family." Offered as a stand-alone, a la carte SVOD package, the programming will be updated on a monthly basis and will be uniquely packaged and scheduled. The Disney Channel On Demand SVOD package will consist of over 25 hours of programming and will be priced at $4.95 per month.

"The addition of Disney Channel On Demand makes iO's on demand offering, already among the best and most robust in the industry, even better," said Kristin Dolan, Cablevision's vice president of digital product management. "Busy families will now be able to dial up Disney Channel favorites at their convenience with complete control of the viewing experience. We are very pleased to offer this compelling content to our growing base of iO customers."

"Cablevision is a proven leader in the video on demand arena, and we are excited to work with them to add Disney Channel On Demand to their SVOD offerings," said Ben Pyne, ABC Cable Network Group's senior vice president, affiliate sales and marketing. "This agreement is a perfect example of how we are leveraging technology to build a deeper relationship with our customers and build a new business for our cable affiliates."

Pricing and Availability

The Disney Channel on Demand SVOD package will be immediately available to Cablevision iO customers who receive the Disney Channel for an additional $4.95 per month on channel 503. Cablevision's iO service is currently available to more than 3.8 million homes across the New York metropolitan area. Disney Channel On Demand is iO's sixth SVOD service, joining HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Fox On Demand and Playboy. For more information or to order Disney Channel on Demand, customers can visit www.io.tv or contact their local Cablevision office.

About ABC Cable Networks

ABC Cable Networks Group develops and manages non-sports cable television networks and television programming for its parent, The Walt Disney Company. ABC Cable Networks Group operates the wholly-owned Disney Channel, Toon Disney and SOAPnet cable channels and manages Disney's kids programming on multiple U.S. television platforms, including ABC Television and ABC Family. Additionally, the Group manages the Walt Disney Television Animation division. ABC Cable Networks Group is also responsible for managing Disney's equity interest in cable groups Lifetime Entertainment Services, A&E Television Networks and E! Networks.

About iO

Cablevision's suite of digital television services, iO: Interactive Optimum, is among the industry's most robust and sophisticated digital television offerings. Cablevision has built a superior digital platform that delivers the most progressive entertainment and communication services available. With iO, customers have access to more than 700 titles on demand, more than 200 channels with access to 50 premium movie channels as well as 45 commercial-free digital music channels. No other cable or satellite provider exceeds the breadth and depth of the iO service or gives customers more control over their television experience.

About Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading entertainment and telecommunications companies. Its cable television operations serve 3 million households located in the New York metropolitan area. The company's advanced telecommunications offerings include its Lightpath integrated business communications services; its Optimum-branded high-speed Internet service and iO: Interactive Optimum, the company's digital television offering. Cablevision's Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. operates programming businesses including AMC, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and other national and regional services. In addition, Rainbow is a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net. Cablevision also owns a controlling interest and operates Madison Square Garden and its sports teams including the Knicks and Rangers. The company operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas, one of the tri-state area's leading motion picture exhibition circuits. Additional information about Cablevision Systems Corporation is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.

--Posted June 9, 2003
Source: Cablevision