New York, largely considered to be one of the most predominant cities in American comedy, is home to a visionary new company; ComedyNet. While already using multiple delivery methods for its hip, edgy, and original comedic content, ComedyNet has now set its sights on high-definition, on-demand cable platforms.
This free, ad-supported material is already available to over 15 million digital cable subscribers, and talks have begun regarding ComedyNet’s eventual launch into a full-time HD channel. The company produces about 3 hours of fresh programming on a weekly basis, and is working constantly toward improving its services even further.
“We have been very successful in fulfilling our primary goal of gaining carriage on the On Demand platform of cable systems, and we expect to be available to over 25 million cable homes by year end. We look to expand that distribution and explore all other modes of digital delivery including IPTV, Broadband, etc. Response to our mix of stand-up, sketch and animation has been wonderful,” noted Jocelyn Bayle, VP of Affiliate Relations, also adding, “ComedyNet has also recently signed an agreement to bring ComedyNet programming to a major cell phone service provider, and we will be looking for strategic partners to develop strong marketing tie-ins to maximize this opportunity.”
Founder Mark Graff offered his comments as well, “With growing brand recognition, we look forward to delivering a full time High Definition (HD), channel to cable in the near future. With nearly 300 hours of programming already in our library, which tends to skew to a different demographic profile than our competitor, we strongly believe that all Comedy is not Central.”
For many people, ComedyNet’s fresh take on humor is a long-awaited departure from Comedy Central’s sometimes redundant lineup. Long has been Comedy Central’s virtually unchallenged reign over America’s funny-bone, but now it looks as if they may have some competition.
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