LOS
ANGELES, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) and The WHAM Network Inc, announced a
partnership to launch The WHAM Network, a 24/7 streaming channel
providing news, information and entertainment focused on the global
eSports and Gaming lifestyle. The companies will jointly
operate and market the channel, which will be available across all
major connected mobile devices, gaming consoles, and set top boxes.
Additionally, the companies are in talks with additional platforms,
skinny bundle providers, and cable operators in order to make the
channel broadly available on all modes of distribution. The channel
is expected to launch in the third quarter of
2017.
Founded in 2016 by Gary
Kleinman, with a dedicated team of native gamers,
entertainment, media and advertising professionals, WHAM has over
twenty original series slated for production, with a target of at
least160 hours of original programming in 2017. Ranging from news,
celebrity gaming, and documentaries to reality, gaming
competitions, live event coverage and more, WHAM will provide shows
that inform, engage, and entertain the 2-plus billion gamers
worldwide, from professional eSports teams to casual and
competitive gamers.
"WHAM is extremely excited to launch this Gaming lifestyle
and culture channel," says WHAM Founder/CEO Gary Kleinman. "We couldn't be happier
than to work with the exceptional team at Cinedigm, an organization
that has tremendous experience in all avenues of content
distribution on a global basis."
In addition, WHAM will be hosting Button Mash Live, a
consumer-centric Gaming festival to be held in the Los Angeles area in October 2017. Button Mash Live will be one of the
first dedicated festivals for gamers of all levels and all
games.
"We are thrilled to be working with Gary and the rest
of the top-notch team at WHAM to bring this very timely streaming
channel to audiences worldwide," said Chris McGurk, Cinedigm's Chairman and CEO.
"Given the huge global market and fast growing consumer
obsession with esports and gaming, we fully expect this
channel to resonate with audiences and provide a tremendous growth
opportunity."
The WHAM Network is the fourth channel from Cinedigm's
rapidly growing Digital Networks Group, which plans, launches and
operates owned-and-operated as well as partner networks. Currently
the company operates factual network Docurama, fandom lifestyle
network CONtv, and family-focused Dove Channel.
Combined, the three channels currently have
approximately 3.34 million App downloads, 610,000 registered users
and approximately 80,000 active subscribers. The company plans to
continue to pursue additional network partnerships in the coming
months.
"Wham Network is the perfect addition to our family of OTT
brands," said Erick Opeka, EVP/
Digital Networks for Cinedigm. "Along with complementing our
existing channels, our platform partners are intrigued by the
concept, and we expect significant distribution for the network in
year one."
[CIDM-G]
For Cinedigm:
Jill Newhouse Calcaterra
Cinedigm
jcalcaterra@cinedigm.com
310/466-5135
For WHAM Network:
Chris Huppertz
Bob Gold &
Associates
chris@bobgoldpr.com
310/320-2010
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SOURCE Cinedigm