Verizon Touts More Deals for FiOS TV

April 29, 2005

Today Verizon announced yet more deals with entertainment providers for its FiOS TV service scheduled for launch later this year:

Verizon Signs Additional Programming Deals for FiOS TV

Verizon has previously announced agreements with A&E, Showtime, NBC Universal Cable, Starz and Discovery. See my�previous blog entry: Verizon Signs Showtime for FiOS Video.

Under the new deals, FiOS TV will offer Varsity TV, Gospel Music Channel, Soundtrack Channel, MavTV and GolTV.

The company's rollout of extensive FTTP (fiber to the premises) networks is making it possible for Verizon to become a video provider in its markets. According to today's release, Verizon is constructing FTTP in half the states where it offers landline communications. FiOS TV will include "hundreds of other digital video channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand content, music channels, an interactive programming guide ...."

The latest FiOS TV deals are described as follows:

Varsity TV
As the only 24-hour network dedicated exclusively to teenagers, Varsity TV delivers programming produced by, for and about teens. Varsity TV complements the other offerings of the Varsity Media group, which delivers content at VarsityTV.com, Varsity On Demand and Varsity Mobile. The collective offerings allow teens to experience entertainment on their own terms and on the screen of their choice. Varsity TV's programming features teen-created and professionally produced sports series, reality shows, dramas, comedies, music shows, animation and films.

Gospel Music Channel
The first 24-hour network devoted to all styles of gospel music. It captures the rich history and contemporary styles of gospel music and is targeted to viewers of all ages who are fans of all gospel music styles. The program schedule includes music videos, artist profiles, specials and live concerts of top artists such as Amy Grant, Mahalia Jackson, CeCe Winans, Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Jump 5.

Soundtrack Channel
The only cable and satellite channel exclusively featuring music videos from movie and television soundtracks, including original movie videos that are produced for the channel. Soundtrack Channel also features entertainment news, behind-the-scenes specials and celebrity interviews.

MavTV
A new network targeting men aged 18-54. The emphasis is on sports and gaming, but it also presents all the other themes relevant to men, including women and relationships, gadgets, finance, health and fitness, and entertainment.

GolTV
The only bilingual (English/Spanish) channel in the United States dedicated to world soccer. It offers more than 1,500 live matches annually, news updates and informative programming.

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AB -- 4/29/05

Related Tags: gospel music, music, Varsity, varsity, programming, verizon