LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) and TV4 Entertainment today announced a partnership to launch new OTT digital networks together. The partnership will mine Cinedigm’s vast film and TV episode library to program at least one co-owned, on-demand, online channel that will be distributed through TV4 Entertainment's premium online video distribution platform, covering 100 million US households and over 300 million devices. The partnership will initially focus on the preschool, kids and tween space, while also evaluating other targeted channels that can be quickly launched to serve avid niche audiences.
The partnership with TV4 further underscores Cinedigm’s commitment to the OTT digital network business. Currently, the company has DOCURAMA, dedicated to documentaries; CONtv, a Comic Con-themed channel in partnership with Wizard World which launches in March and the DOVE Foundation faith and family channel launching in mid-2015.
TV4 Entertainment will add Cinedigm to its growing list of broadband television network partners and networks. With plans to reach 30 networks by the end of 2015, networks under the Cinedigm agreement will join current networks such as the All Warrior Network, Throwback Television, the Undisputed Champion Network, Motorland, and The Clairity Project, and upcoming networks on drones, space, soccer, and more.
“Cinedigm is uniquely well positioned to be a leader in the high growth OTT business,” said Chris McGurk, Chairman and CEO of Cinedigm. "Our plan is to create a diversified portfolio of digital networks, launching several narrowcast channels each with a customized business model that maximizes the potential for success. This partnership with TV4 positions Cinedigm to quickly and efficiently leverage key content pods in our library by launching highly-curated digital channels on an already existing OTT footprint, augmenting our current OTT approach that features channels such as Docurama and the soon to be launched CONtv. Given TV4’s back-end technology and platforms, this is a win-win for our companies and we are excited to work with Jon and his team to create this exciting new business opportunity.”
“This landmark partnership between two emerging giants in the OTT space continues to validate our young company’s mission and position in the quickly growing broadband television world," said Jon Cody, Founder and CEO of TV4 Entertainment. "Cinedigm’s vast library coupled to TV4 Entertainment’s nimble platform will allow us to quickly and efficiently test several genres and build substantial value for both companies."
The first channel under this partnership is expected to launch later this year.
About Cinedigm
Cinedigm is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with thousands of physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television. The company’s library of films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company®, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including National Geographic, Discovery, Scholastic, NFL, Shout Factory, Hallmark, Jim Henson and more.
Additionally, given Cinedigm’s infrastructure, technology, content and distribution expertise, the company has rapidly become a leader in the quickly evolving over-the-top digital network business. Cinedigm’s first channel, DOCURAMA, launched in May 2014, and is currently available on over 200 million consumer devices including ioS, Roku, Xbox and Samsung, with additional platforms currently being rolled out. Earlier this year, Cinedigm also announced plans for CONtv, a Comic Con branded channel, in partnership with WIZARD WORLD, for launch in Q1 2015. The Company also announced its third OTT channel via a partnership with The Dove Foundation. DOVE MOVIE CHANNEL will be a digital streaming subscription service targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by Dove.
Cinedigm™ and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp™ are trademarks of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp www.cinedigm.com.
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About TV4 Entertainment
TV4 Entertainment is an early stage start-up based in Los Angeles that aggregates high-quality video content into a portfolio of genre-specific Broadband Television Networks, and super-distributes those Networks to any Internet-connected device. TV4 Entertainment aims to bring clarity to the digital chaos for owners and creators of high-quality video content around the world with a platform that simplifies and scales digital distribution, while providing transparent viewership and monetization data across its distribution network. TV4 Entertainment's mission is to program your passion with great storytelling on every screen, anywhere. For more information visit http://www.tv4ent.com.
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