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RCN: RCN Expands Its South Asian Programming With the Addition of ITV

^{Published on 2009-02-17 08:24:18, Last Modified on 2009-02-17 08:25:20 - Market Wire}
 

HERNDON, VA--(Marketwire - February 17, 2009) - RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: [ RCNI ]), a leading provider of all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet, and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers, as well as high-capacity transport services to carrier and large enterprise customers, announced today that they have broadened their South Asian programming by adding ITV to their international channel line-up.

ITV is one of the only cable-exclusive channels in the United States targeting the South Asian Diaspora such as Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, and Sri Lankans, as well as many people of Indian origin from countries such as Guyana, Trinidad, and Jamaica. ITV boasts a programming schedule which covers the gambit of languages including: Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati and English and also special shows in other regional languages.

In addition, ITV takes viewers through a cosmopolitan experience, offering a broad mix of rich programming including live shows; movies; and talk, music and debate programs. Two of the new and innovative shows featured on ITV are "Main Teri Parchhain Hoon" and "Dhoom Macha De." "Main Teri Parchhain Hoon" is an emotional, fast paced story about a young and ambitious girl, Aanchal, (played by Hindi star Megha Gupta) who sets out to fulfill her dreams. "Dhoom Macha De" is a unique reality show featuring 11 of India's top singers who come together to compete at what they do best -- perform LIVE. It is hosted by the gorgeous Malaika Arora Khan and judged by Shankar Mahadevan, Prasoon Joshi and Sharmila Tagore.

Dr. Banad Viswanath, ITV's CEO, said, "We are excited to launch our channel within RCN's footprint, including Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York. Viewers can look forward to seeing our TV cameras at their local events as we strive to reflect the community needs. Being part of the community is a hallmark of ITV."

"RCN is pleased to bring this exclusive programming to our customers; satellite providers, as well as other cable competitors like Comcast, Cox Communications or Verizon FIOS, can't offer it," said Richard Ramlall, RCN's SVP of External Strategic Affairs & Programming. "With our on-going commitment to provide the most innovative programming from around the world, ITV is a perfect fit for our robust and expanding Global Passport program tier."

RCN is also pleased to announce a free, two-week preview of ITV to their customers starting Feb. 23, 2009 through March 8, 2009. To start enjoying ITV immediately, viewers can call 1.800.RING.RCN (1-800-746-4726) or visit [ www.rcn.com ].

About RCN Corporation

RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: [ RCNI ]), [ http://www.rcn.com ], is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company's geographic markets. RCN's primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. (RCNI-G)