Press Release - DISH Network Reaches Agreement with Ski Channe to Offer VOD Content

[Jason Nipp]

The Ski Channel Reaches 21 Million Households

Adds Long-Term Distribution Agreement with DISH Network®

Announces Fall Programming Slate

Los Angeles (Nov. 9, 2009) – Steve Bellamy, Chairman and CEO of The Ski Channel http://www.theskichannel.com announced today a long-term VOD distribution agreement with DISH Network®, as well as numerous programming elements of the channel’s upcoming winter schedule.

“We have only been on air for nine months and have already crossed the 21 million subscriber mark,” said Bellamy. “And, we will be announcing more distribution agreements shortly that will push that number significantly higher.”

“DISH Network is excited to now offer VOD content that speaks to the growing popularity of skiing and other mountain sports,” said Andy Karofsky, vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “We are always exploring new programming that contributes to the depth of content available via our already extensive VOD service, and The Ski Channel is a perfect addition.”

The addition of DISH Network means that nearly every consumer in America now has at least two available television platforms to receive The Ski Channel.

The Ski Channel’s fall programming lineup brings an amazing cadre of new shows and films including the works of legendary ski filmmaker Greg Stump, whose “Blizzard of Aahhhs” is considered by many to be the greatest ski film ever made. The fall will also bring a wide variety of Colorado’s best filmmakers including Sweetgrass Productions, Denver’s Futuristic Films and Crested Butte’s Two Plank Productions.

“The Ski Channel has got to be one of the best programmed networks on television,” said Rich Tavtigian, VP of Content and Business Development. “The majesty of the mountains provides such a compelling element to these stories, and the athletic achievements happening everyday are hard to match anywhere in sports.”

The Ski Channel original productions ramped up heavily last winter and produced 100 fresh new shows including documentaries on the late Shane McConkey, Errol Kerr and Lynsey Dyer. Kerr, the lone Jamaican ski team member, will likely be this year’s version of “Cool Runnings” and will be a focal point of the upcoming Olympics. Dyer and fellow skier Sven Kueenle are followed as they take an epic journey to Japan, where an accident nearly takes Dyer’s sight. The channel will also debut talk shows starring Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn, Tanner Hall, Glen Plake and Simon Dumont, as well as feature partnership programming with the X-Dance Film Festival. In addition, the channel includes destination travel programming from some of the greatest resorts in the world.

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The Ski Channel http://www.theskichannel.com is an original, free ad supported network delivered on cable, satellite, IPTV, web and wireless. It is the only television network devoted solely to year-round mountain activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing and off-slope activities. The Ski Channel’s content includes series movies, events, news, weather, destination travel, equipment, instruction and real estate. Its corporate partners include: Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, DISH Network, DirecTV, AT&T, Brighthouse Networks, Verizon, Cablevision, Panasonic, Marquis Jets, Fender Guitars, Mirage Resorts and REI.

About DISH Network L.L.C. DISH Network L.L.C., the nation’s HD leader, provides approximately 13.610 million satellite TV customers as of June 30, 2009 with the highest quality programming and technology at the best value, including the lowest all-digital price nationwide. Customers have access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most HD channels, the most international channels, state-of-the-art interactive TV applications, and award-winning HD and DVR technology including 1080p Video on Demand and the ViP® 722 HD DVR, a CNET and PC Magazine “Editors’ Choice.” Visit www.dishnetwork.com.

[Paul Secic]

VOD only?

[Deke Rivers]

gee i can rest easy now knowing the Ski Channel has arrived

[sundude90]

This is a VOD Only Channel. This channel doesn't offer anything else beside VOD. I can't seem to find any Ski Channel VOD on my 612.