RFD-TV Ploughs Verizon Distribution Pact

[cablewithaview]

Rollout Begins This Summer Across Telco’s Footprint
By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/29/2008 6:13:00 AM

RFD-TV, LLC has inked a multiyear affiliation agreement with Verizon for distribution on the telco’s FiOS TV service.

Starting this summer, the network, aimed at rural America, will begin rolling out over the next few months on FiOS’s network, which currently passes more than 6.5 million homes in 13 states, California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Oregon, Texas and Virginia.

Deal terms were not disclosed.

“These are very important markets to RFD-TV,” said Ed Frazier, COO and director of affiliate relations in a statement.. “Over the past five years, our broad distribution has expanded to reach 32 million homes. The channel’s strong brand identification should certainly appeal to new and current Verizon FiOS subscribers.”

Added RFD-TV founder and president Patrick Gottsch: “Signing a national affiliation agreement with Verizon FiOS TV is huge, and a real tribute to our programming. Since day one, it has been our goal to connect city and country again with original programming. We look forward to rolling out RFDTV on local Verizon FiOS TV systems throughout the country. This will certainly add to the unprecedented success and growth being realized by RFD-TV at this time, and is a real tribute to family-oriented, independent programming.”

RFD-TV was in the news last week as Don Imus, the disc jockey, whose show is simulcast on the network, was once again embroiled in controversy, following racial remarks made about NFL player Adam “PacMan” Jones. RFD-TV declined comment on the matter.


RFD-TV Ploughs Verizon Distribution Pact - 6/29/2008 6:13:00 AM - Multichannel News