African-American targeted cable network TV One will launch a high–definition channel sometime in fourth quarter 2008.
TV One have yet to sign any deals for the HD offering, which will feature a simulcast of the 43-million subscriber network’s programming lineup, but network executives say they’re currently in discussions with operators.
“High-definition programming is important tour distributors and our audience, and we have long known we would launch an HD offering, but only after making sure our primary channel was well received and on firm footing,” said TV One president Johnathan Rodgers in a statement. “TV One’s initial success has assured us – and we believe our distributors as well – that we can provide a first-rate HD channel, and we expect this offering to be available to distributors and consumers before the end of fourth quarter 2008.”
Affiliate sales efforts for the new service will be handled by recently promoted executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing Michelle Rice, who had been serving as senior vice president of distribution and strategy. In her new job, Rice is responsible for all aspects of the network’s distribution strategy and operations, including sales, marketing and local ad sales.
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