NRTC Adds AMC, IFC and WE to Powerful Video Lineup

Turning up the Power of TelcoVideo, Responding to Member Requests

For Immediate Release

DATE: April 12, 2010

NRTC Contact:
Chris Martin, 703-787-7288
cmartin@nrtc.coop

April 12, 2010 [Herndon, VA] – The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) today announced that it had reached an agreement for video distribution rights with Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Under the agreement, rural video providers that are NRTC members will have access to programming from AMC, IFC and WE tv through the TelcoVideo programming offering that NRTC developed through a joint initiative with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA).

The agreement includes rights for NRTC members to distribute AMC, IFC and WE tv to subscribers via analog, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 delivery. 

“To have an edge in the market, rural telcos must be able to offer their subscribers content that is appealing,” said NRTC President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Phillips. “The demand for AMC, IFC and WE is terrific, and I’m proud that NRTC can expand its contract portfolio to meet the needs of its members as they serve rural America,” he continued. 

TelcoVideo gives rural telcos access to over 350 video and audio channels—including more than 85 high-definition (HD) channels. With the powerful programming in TelcoVideo, telcos can customize programming packages to appeal to a wide range of customers—from residential subscribers to commercial accounts. Packages are also divided into white-labeled, highly marketable tiers, including the HD, Hispanic and Variety Tiers. Premium channel packages, including HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore, Showtime and The Movie Channel complete this robust offering.  

AMC’s original stories include the Emmy® Award-winning dramas Mad Men and Breaking Bad and insightful non-scripted programming such as AMC Storymakers and AMC News. IFC is the only channel dedicated to airing independent film, unedited and commercially uninterrupted 24 hours a day. WE tv’s programming offers viewers compelling perspectives on women’s lives ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The network’s originals include the provocative signature series Bridezillas and critically acclaimed The Locator.

“Maximizing opportunities for increasing incremental revenue is key to the success of the video business for rural telcos, said NRTC Vice President of Video Services Madeleine Forrer. “ NRTC is working hard not only to give its members an edge over their competition but also to help improve their bottom line,” she continued. 

TelcoVideo also provides smart support to help telcos grow their video businesses, including complete marketing support, access to sophisticated Web-based support tools and a password-protected online business center to help telcos run their video businesses. To learn more, visit www.nrtc.coop/video. 

About NRTC
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of more than 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states.  Founded in 1986, NRTC provides products and services developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite, full service Internet access and support, advanced metering infrastructure, SmartSCADA, wireless technologies, power quality products, long distance programs, mobile phone service, IP backbone services, direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) with DIRECTV and programming for Internet protocol television (IPTV). For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.   

About NTCA
The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) is the premier association representing more than 580 locally owned and controlled telecommunications cooperatives and commercial companies throughout rural and small-town America. NTCA provides its members with legislative, regulatory and industry representation; meetings; publications and educational programs; and an array of employee benefit programs. For more information, visit www.ntca.org.