Ovation Scores Music TV Network

By Jon Lafayette

Ovation TV acquired International Music Feed, a 24-hour music television network carried by EchoStar Communications, from Universal Music Group. UMG will retain an equity position in Ovation TV.

The deal puts Ovation TV on EchoStar’s Dish Network beginning Wednesday. That increases its distribution by nearly 60% to about 25 million homes.

“In just one year, under our new Ovation TV team, the network has dramatically expanded its reach, adding 20 million new homes—from approximately 5 million homes regionally to more than 25 million homes nationally,” said Ken Solomon, chairman of Ovation TV. “By any measure, that is a significant accomplishment.”

“Music is undeniably a large part of our everyday lives, and the music category has been a key element of our programming,” said Ovation CEO Charles Segars. “This strategic acquisition is an ideal fit, as it provides us with access to the resources of Universal Music Group—the world’s largest holder of music programming, including jazz, classical and world music.”

IMF was launched in 2005, featuring all-music programming including live concerts, in-depth artist interviews and the most popular music videos from the U.S. and around the world. Under the purchase agreement, IMF will cease operation of its programming on Dish Network on Wednesday, at which time it will be replaced by the current programming of Ovation TV. IMF will cease its programming on other distributors by the end of the first quarter.