Verizon and A+E Networks® expand partnership across Verizon’s family of media brands

Partnership Includes Access to Premium Programming Including First-Look Content


NEW YORK, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon and A+E Networks® today announced an expanded partnership to deliver A+E Networks programming, including award-winning content from A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY® and Viceland®, to more viewers than ever across Verizon’s family of media brands, including Yahoo and AOL. In addition to the carriage renewal for A+E Networks on Fios, the partnership will include first window rights for content from 45th & Dean, A+E Networks' digital entity.

Verizon ’s mobile and digital footprint, which ranks number one in monthly U.S. millennial reach and number two in total monthly U.S. digital audience, will expand access to A+E’s digitally-focused content and create new digital and mobile options for viewers across its family of media brands, including content geared toward women and other specific audience segments.

In addition, Verizon’s Fios customers will continue to count on A+E Networks’ programming with the added ability to view content where and when they want to on their mobile devices.

The agreement includes premium scripted dramas such as HISTORY's "Knightfall" that premiered December 6 and was watched by more than 3mm total viewers based on Live+3 viewing; as well as "Vikings," currently in its fifth season.  Also included are unscripted hit-series from A&E such as the Emmy-winning “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and “Live PD;” Lifetime’s National Women’s Soccer League games and perennial favorite competition series, “Project Runway;” in addition to Viceland’s “Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia” and “Desus & Mero.”

The first-look mobile and digital content will be provided by 45th & Dean, A+E’s digital storytelling entity. 45th & Dean creates original short and medium-form content including the digital series’ “Second Chance” which reached over 80mm viewers in its first season, and “Bae or Bail” whose first episode garnered over 40mm views to date. 

“We’re excited to offer fans of A+E Networks more access than ever across Verizon’s Fios footprint and now, across our family of digital media properties,” said Brian Angiolet, SVP, Global Chief Media and Content Officer at Verizon. “This partnership expansion is yet another example of how we’re fueling our new Oath media brands and becoming the first screen for premium content across genres. With the addition of National Women’s Soccer League games on brands like Yahoo Sports, we’re continuing to add to our robust sports offering for fans.”

"We are thrilled to continue with our strong relationship with Verizon Fios, and excited about this broader content relationship that we have in place with Verizon and Oath," said David Zagin, President, Distribution, A+E Networks.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of 160,100 and generated nearly $126 billion in 2016 revenues. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network and the nation’s premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary reaches about one billion people around the world with a dynamic house of media and technology brands.

A+E Networks® is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from linear channels to websites, gaming, watch apps and educational software. A+E Networks is comprised of A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, Lifetime Movies, FYI™ and VICELAND® as well as its own long-form production division A+E Studios™; film division, A&E IndieFilms®; A+E Networks Digital®; digital storytelling hub, 45th & Dean™; strategic investment division, A+E Ventures™; and A+E Networks Consumer Products™. A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 335 million households in over 200 territories. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks

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Media contacts:
For Verizon
Adria Tomaszewski
908.809.2382                     
adria.tomaszewski@verizon.com

For A+E
Vicky Kahn
212.210.9743
vicky.kahn@aenetworks.com

Mead Rust
212.551.1534
mead.rust@aenetworks.com