Ovation Returning to Time Warner Cable Lineup

NEW YORK: Time Warner Cable and Ovation have reached a new carriage agreement, as the arts network has pledged to deliver 200 more hours of original programming in the next year.

Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks dropped Ovation back in January of this year, citing the network's small amount of original arts programming. Since then, the channel has increased its original output, which includes high-profile series such as A Young Doctor's Notebook. 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. The company has launched an in-house production unit, Ovation Studios, to support these efforts.

Ovation is expected to return to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks customers' lineups on January 1, 2014.

”We’re pleased to reach an agreement with Ovation that will deliver a much better value for our customers,” said Melinda Witmer, the executive VP 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.”

“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,” added Chad Gutstein, the COO for Ovation. “We have committed to presenting over 750 hours of original arts programming over the next several years and are thrilled that TWC has responded by reaffirming their support of the arts and Ovation.”