Cinedigm and TV4 Entertainment have announced a partnership to launch new OTT digital networks together. The partnership will mine Cinedigm’s film and TV episode library to program at least one co-owned, on-demand, online channel that will be distributed through TV4 Entertainment's online video distribution platform, covering 100 million US households and more than 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 upcoming 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.
Cinedigm www.cinedigm.com
TV4 Entertainment http://www.tv4ent.com