Cinedigm and The WHAM Network Partner to Launch Global Gaming and eSports Streaming Network
24/7 Channel to Focus on News, Event and Lifestyle Programming for
the $90+ Billion Dollar eSports & Gaming Market
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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
least 160 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 outdoor 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]
Contacts
Cinedigm
Jill Newhouse Calcaterra, 310-466-5135
jcalcaterra@cinedigm.com
