Sundance Channel and WE TV are making their way to Asia.
Rainbow Media, MEASAT Satellite Systems and Ascent Media have signed a deal that will distribute the networks to Asia for the first time. Under the pact, terms of which were not disclosed, both the standard and high-definition versions of Sundance Channel and WE will be available throughout Asia.
Under the agreement, Ascent Media will deliver a complete file-based workflow and fully automated playout system, operated in a shared network environment. The company also will provide the HD uplink to the MEASAT-3a satellite. Ascent will also create promotional spots for both channels suited to the Asian market, as well as provide other post-production services.
"We are pleased to announce this significant deal, which paves the way for the Sundance Channel and WE TV to be available in Asia for the first time," said Ed Carroll, chief operating officer, Rainbow Entertainment Services, in a statement. "Working with MEASAT and Ascent, we are looking forward to Sundance Channel expanding its reach into another major world market and the launch of WE tv beyond the United States."
"Our collaboration with Rainbow Media dates back to 2007 when Voom HD, the first HD channel on MEASAT-3, was launched in Asia," said Terry Bleakley, vice president, commercial operations, MEASAT. "The addition of Sundance Channel and WE tv strengthens our position as the leader of HD channel distribution in the region."
Noted Ascent Media Group CEO Jose Royo: "We are pleased to provide Rainbow Media with an end-to-end solution that allows them to quickly and efficiently expand their presence in another international market. Media companies of all kinds are increasingly looking for ways to implement more efficient operations and our shared HD platform provides a cost-effective solution for networks to continue to expand in a difficult economic environment."
