Cinedigm Announces the Launch of New Global Animation Network CONtv Anime™

Rhea-AI Summary

Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) has launched CONtv Anime, a 24/7 streaming network dedicated to Japanese Anime, available on over 120 million connected devices. The service also plans to rebrand Viewster into CONtv Anime, expanding its reach to about 295 million devices globally. This move comes amidst a growing demand for Anime, which has a market value of over $19 billion annually. Cinedigm aims to enhance its portfolio of networks and meet the rising consumption of ad-supported content, leveraging its existing library of over 30,000 films and episodes.

Positive

• Launch of CONtv Anime expands Cinedigm's content offerings in the growing Anime market.
• Access to over 295 million connected devices globally enhances audience reach.
• Cinedigm's library of over 30,000 films supports the launch, positioning the company well for increased viewership.

Negative

• None.

LOS ANGELES, June 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following Cinedigm’s (NASDAQ: CIDM) acquisition of global streaming service Viewster, and the recent surge of Anime viewership on Cinedigm’s flagship platform CONtv, Cinedigm today announced the launch of CONtv Anime, a new 24/7 linear and AVOD network dedicated to streaming Japanese Anime films & series. The new linear channel begins streaming today across CONtv’s widespread footprint of more than 120 million connected devices and platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, iOS Android, Vizio, and many more. The channel will be available embedded into additional platforms and Smart TV brands across North America over the coming quarter.

Additionally, Cinedigm will rebrand and transition the programming of Viewster, the global ad-supported streaming service Cinedigm acquired in 2019, into CONtv Anime in the coming weeks, providing an additional footprint of more than 175M connected televisions and devices globally, including major brands such as Philips, TCL, Vizio, LG, Sharp, Magnavox, Sony, Hisense and Vestel, among others. Following the launch and transition, CONtv Anime will be available on the majority of major devices and television brands worldwide, reaching approximately 295 million devices globally.

CONtv Anime features 24/7 programming of anime content for curious newcomers and ardent anime enthusiasts alike, focusing on a diverse range of Anime genres spanning from cyberpunk and the supernatural, to tense dramas, epic fantasy sagas, and everything in-between. Featuring content from top tier Anime producers, CONtv Anime viewers can enjoy a wide selection of popular offerings presented in English or with dubbing. Notable titles include Bubblegum Crisis, AD Police, Vampire Princess Miyu, as well as a library of hard-to-find classic and cult hits, recent releases, fan-favorites, and acclaimed anime films & series.

“According to the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the global market for Anime exceeds more than $19 billion dollars annually, and as evidenced by the popularity of the genre on top SVOD platforms like Netflix and HBOmax, Anime has gone mainstream,” said Erick Opeka, President of Cinedigm Networks. “Our goal is to provide consumers an amazing, fan-curated channel, 100% for free, deeply embedded into their favorite devices around the globe.”

“As consumption of free, ad-supported content continues to skyrocket, Cinedigm is well positioned to meet the demand by drawing on our library of more than 30,000 films and episodes,” said Tony Huidor, General Manager of Cinedigm Networks. “With that in mind, we seek to dramatically grow our portfolio of networks over the next 18 months all focused on specific demographics and interests. We want to fully meet the needs of consumers while delivering great results to our advertising partners.”

The launch is the latest expansion of Cinedigm’s burgeoning global fandom brand, CONtv, the premiere digital entertainment network showcasing the best in genre and fandom movies and television series. Over the last year, CONtv has also become one of the largest digital comics destinations in the world with more than 10,000 titles, via direct relationships with most major independent comic book publishers, providing unprecedented access to a growing roster of premium comics and graphic novels such as The Boys, Transformers, Star Trek, Judge Dredd, Bloodshot, Bob’s Burgers, and Vampirella, among thousands of others.

ABOUT CINEDIGM
For more than twenty years, Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) has led the digital transformation of the entertainment industry. Today, Cinedigm entertains hundreds of millions of consumers around the globe by providing premium content, streaming channels and technology services to the world’s largest media, technology and retail companies. For more information, visit http://www.cinedigm.com/.

Press Contact for Cinedigm Digital Networks:
Jill Calcaterra
jcalcaterra@cinedigm.com
310-466-5135

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5e8509e-4cf5-4dda-aa1d-4253ee08cc54

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83174b19-c36f-40b5-8a22-974291074b23

FAQ

What is the new service launched by Cinedigm on June 8, 2020?

Cinedigm launched CONtv Anime, a 24/7 linear and AVOD network dedicated to streaming Japanese Anime.

How many devices will CONtv Anime be available on?

CONtv Anime will be available on approximately 295 million devices globally.

What company owns the newly launched CONtv Anime?

Cinedigm owns the newly launched CONtv Anime.

What content does CONtv Anime feature?

CONtv Anime features a diverse range of Anime genres, including popular titles and cult classics, available in English or dubbed.

How is Cinedigm planning to enhance its streaming offerings?

Cinedigm aims to grow its portfolio of networks focused on specific demographics and interests over the next 18 months.