LPWire: Verizon and A&E Television Networks Sign Deal for Distribution
Verizon and A&E Television Networks Sign Deal for Distribution of All Its Networks
Verizon FiOS TV Also to Offer A&E's On-Demand
Programming
Following its recent announcement with NBC Universal Cable, Verizon today
announced another long-term programming- distribution agreement -- this time
with A&E Television Networks.
The agreement includes rights to distribute all of A&E's networks on FiOS TV,
which launches later this year. They include A&E, The History Channel, The
Biography Channel, History International, Military History Channel, The History
Channel en español, and Crime & Investigation Network. Also included is
video-on-demand content from all of A&E Television Network services.
"We are pleased to add A&E to our list of content partners," said Terry Denson,
vice president of programming and marketing for Verizon FiOS TV. "A&E's
complement of programming will satisfy our future customers' desire for diverse
content related to people, places, and events of current and past historical
significance."
David Zagin, executive vice president, distribution, A&E Television Networks,
said, "We recognize the investment and resources that Verizon is making toward
the video distribution business, and we are delighted to forge an alliance with
one of the leaders in the telecommunication business to carry all of the AETN
brands on their FiOS platform."
Earlier this week, Verizon announced an agreement with NBC Universal Cable for
distribution of NBCU cable and broadcast networks. Verizon previously announced
agreements with Starz Entertainment Group and Discovery Networks, and is close
to finalizing deal discussions with several other major content partners.
Verizon FiOS TV will offer customers a competitive alternative to cable or
satellite. In addition to the A&E channels, FiOS TV will also deliver hundreds
of other digital video channels, high-definition programming, video- on-demand
content, music channels, an interactive programming guide and other
customer-friendly features via the company's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP)
broadband network. Verizon is already constructing FTTP networks in half the
states where it offers landline communications service.
Customers will be able to buy FiOS TV as a stand-alone service or packaged with
voice and FiOS high-speed data services, which are already available in some
areas.
--Posted April 22, 2005
Source: Verizon