Nat Geo gets a Rush

NEWS BRIEF: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has pre-bought 20 hours of original programming from Voom HD Networks.

The deal, negotiated by ID Distribution, comprises two series produced by Rush HD: Nomads (13x60') and Rush HD 'Best of' series Global Competitions (3x60'). It builds on an agreement last year in which NGCI picked up 25 hours of Rush HD programming.
http://www.c21media.net/resources/detail.asp?area=100&article=35640

National Geographic Channels International Acquires 20 Hours of Original Programming from VOOM's Rush HD




iD Distribution- Negotiated Deal Builds on Companies' Previous Content Sales
Washington, DC - May 2, 2007 - National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) announces the pre-sale of 20 hours of original programming from VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available worldwide. The content is produced by RUSH HD, and is filled with gravity-defying, action-adventure sports in breathtaking high definition.
"VOOM's RUSH HD has been a stellar performer for National Geographic Channels International," said Sydney Suissa, Executive Vice President of Content for NGCI. "By committing to this programming in the earliest stages, we're able to provide our viewers with relevant and timely HD programming that they won't see anywhere else."
Today's news builds upon the previous sale of VOOM HD content to NGCI in 2006, which offered more than 25 innovative hours from RUSH HD. This deal was also put together by iD Distribution, which distributes international programming for VOOM HD Networks - a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings.
Among the titles included in the RUSH HD pre-sale to NGCI are RUSH HD 'Best of' Series...Global Competitions (3 x 60') and Nomads (13 x 60').
"As the world becomes increasingly hungry for the compelling visuals and technical superiority of HD productions, we are confident that the RUSH HD programming will satisfy viewers, and look forward to sharing our content with National Geographic Channels International's audience," said Mark DeAngelis, VP of Programming for RUSH HD. "VOOM HD Networks leads the market in delivering high-quality original HD programming, and today's news is validation of continued domestic and international success." iD Distribution Managing Director Sally Miles adds: "Repeat business in pre-sales, especially from a programming service of the calibre of National Geographic Channel, is the best endorsement imaginable for VOOM HD Networks' programming. We are delighted to have enabled this to happen."

http://www.rainbow-media.com/rainbow/media/release_release.jsp?nodeid=5523

Good to see that VOOM is starting to make some money off of their production capabilities, and not just from Dish Network subscribers. Hopefully they'll ramp up new HD production for their other channels.

National Geographic needs to buy another 200 hours in my opinion. They need a lot more material.