MovieSphere Gold: Lionsgate Launches a New Era in Digital Broadcasting
The television landscape is evolving, adn a surprising player is gaining momentum: diginets. These multicast networks, also known as digital subchannels, are quietly becoming a notable force in entertainment.They initially emerged during the transition to high-definition TV, offering a low-cost way to utilize the expanded capacity of digital broadcasting.Today, diginets represent a multi-billion dollar industry, with eight of the top 50 entertainment networks now falling into this category.
Lionsgate is now entering this space with MovieSphere Gold, a network uniquely focused on contemporary films. This differentiates it from many existing diginets, which often rely on older programming.
What Makes MovieSphere Gold Different?
Lionsgate’s vast library – boasting over 20,000 titles including blockbuster franchises like John Wick, The Hunger Games, and Expendables – fuels this new venture. You can expect to find popular titles like dirty Dancing, Rambo, Kick-Ass, and The Shack gracing the channel’s lineup.
Hear’s a breakdown of what sets MovieSphere Gold apart:
* Focus on Recent Films: Unlike many diginets, MovieSphere Gold prioritizes contemporary movie titles.
* Extensive Library: Lionsgate’s massive film catalogue provides a constant stream of recognizable and engaging content.
* Strategic Distribution: the network is readily accessible across a wide range of platforms.
Where Can You Watch MovieSphere Gold?
moviesphere Gold is already available to a broad audience, reaching over 80% of U.S. TV households through:
* DirecTV
* Dish
* Sling Freestream
* Frndly (now owned by Roku)
* Local station groups
* Univision’s digital lineup
This widespread availability ensures that you have multiple options for tuning in.
The Bigger Picture: Lionsgate’s Strategy
The launch of MovieSphere Gold comes on the heels of Lionsgate renewing its pay-1 movie deal with Starz. Notably,Starz separated from Lionsgate earlier this year and now operates as an self-reliant company.This strategic move allows Lionsgate to explore new revenue streams and leverage its content library in innovative ways.
Debmar-Mercury, a Lionsgate subsidiary acquired in 2006, brings significant experience in television distribution. They are known for prosperous syndicated programs like Sherri, The Wendy Williams Show, and Family Feud.
According to ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, Co-Presidents of Debmar-Mercury, MovieSphere Gold presents “the rare opportunity to enter into an area of television – digital broadcasting – that is growing year over year.” They emphasize the network’s ability to adapt and showcase titles that resonate most with viewers, thanks to the sheer volume and quality of Lionsgate’s film library.
Lionsgate’s Content is a Revenue Driver
Lionsgate’s recent quarterly earnings report highlights the strength of its content library. Trailing 12-month revenue from the library reached a record $1 billion, a 13% increase year-over-year. this demonstrates the significant financial value of their film and television assets.
Jim Packer, President of Worldwide Television distribution for Lionsgate, believes MovieSphere Gold “represents the next evolution in multicast entertainment.” He explains that the network offers audiences access to acclaimed films previously unavailable in this space, providing a more diverse and compelling viewing experience.
Advertising and Future Growth
CBS Media Ventures is handling national ad sales for MovieSphere Gold, ensuring the network has a strong partner in monetizing its reach.
MovieSphere Gold isn’t just a new channel; it’s a strategic play by Lionsgate to capitalize on the growing diginet market and maximize the value of its extensive content library. As the television landscape continues to shift, expect to see more innovation and competition in the digital broadcasting space.
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