Charter, Rogers, Hotels on Board with Howard

In Demand Networks will distribute its “Howard Stern TV” subscription-video-on-demand package to Charter Communications Inc., as well as to Rogers Cable Inc. in Canada and two hotel VOD distributors -- LodgeNet Entertainment Corp. and On Command Video Corp.

Along with the Stern product, the deals also include In Demand’s new “TooMuchForTV” SVOD service, as well as its events-on-demand programming, according to CEO Rob Jacobson.

With the additions, Howard Stern TV will become available to more than 1 million U.S. hotel rooms and 21 million North American homes -- a number that is expected to grow to 25 million homes by year-end, Jacobson said.

Charter and Rogers joins Cablevision Systems Corp., Adelphia Communications Corp. and In Demand owners Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications Inc. in distributing the on-demand packages.

The Howard Stern TV package includes on-demand video of Stern’s Sirius Satellite Radio shows one to two days after they premiere on the radio service, as well as uncensored archival programming from Stern’s old radio show, syndicated to broadcasters by Infinity Radio. The package retails at a suggested rate of $13.99.

The TooMuchForTV SVOD package, which carries a suggested retail price of $14.95, will showcase 30-50 hours of uncensored television programming from such shows as Blind Date, Cheaters, Stag and The Jerry Springer Show. It will also offer edgy comedy, animation and uncensored music videos and concerts.

The Events on Demand a la carte VOD service will feature approximately 35 hours per month of content from various genres of programming including ring sports, music, specials and uncensored TV fare.

“It’s a really comprehensive VOD deal for In Demand that will make a number of its on-demand packages, including Stern VOD, available to a lot of homes,” Jacobson said.