After nearly a year-long standoff, Ovation will return to Time Warner Cable and Bright House systems on Jan. 1.
Under a new carriage agreement, Ovation — which airs the Jon Hamm–Daniel Radcliffe series “A Young Doctor’s Notebook” — has committed to deliver 200 more hours of original programming dedicated to the arts in the next year.
By 2015, Ovation has committed to carry 250 hours per year of new and original programming growing to 300 hours for each subsequent year of the term.
Also read: Univision and Time Warner Cable Agree to Multi-Platform Delivery Deal
Time Warner Cable cut ties with Ovation on Jan. 1 of this year, saying that it had only a small amount of original arts programming. In the ensuing 10 months, the network has worked to remedy that situation with the British series “A Young Doctor’s Notebook” and the launch of its in-house production unit Ovation Studios.
“We’re pleased to reach an agreement with Ovation that will deliver a much better value for our customers,” said Melinda Witmer, EVP and chief video and content officer for Time Warner Cable. “Time Warner Cable has a responsibility to select unique, valuable and compelling options for our customers, and Ovation’s recommitment to its mission as an arts channel strengthens and differentiates their programming. We always look for opportunities to work with networks to enhance our diverse channel lineup.”
Also read: James Franco Hosting Ovation Arts Show ‘James Franco Presents’
Ovation’s chief operating officer Chad Gutstein added that the network had remained “inent on restoring Time Warner Cable’s belief in Ovation” throughout the year-long blackout.
“After losing carriage on TWC, we never stopped listening to what they had to say, and responded to it. Our new ‘Art Everywhere’ branding is a reflection of that. We were intent on restoring Time Warner Cable’s belief in Ovation. Consumers demand that the arts belong on TV and Ovation has shown that the arts can encompass many things — from theater, film and music to graffiti, fashion and tattooing,” Gutstein said.