Studio 4 Networks
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CORPORATE BACKGROUNDER

Company Profile
Studio 4 Networks (www.studio4networks.com), headquartered in Los Angeles, is the leading independent provider of lifestyle and educational programming delivered on-demand over cable television, satellite, and the Internet. Launched in 2003, Studio 4 produces and distributes targeted programming environments to consumers in the U.S. and Canada through three video networks – Studio 4 Kids (www.studio4kids.tv), Studio 4 Learning, and Studio 4 Fitness (www.studio4fitness.tv). Each network offers a rich and informative viewing experience via broadband video and video on demand, one of the fastest growing services on cable. Dedicated to delivering “programming with a purpose,” the Studio 4 Networks library of award-winning content reaches approximately 7 million households in North America, providing viewers young and old with instant access to a deep library of hard-to-find DVD specialty titles to enhance their lives. Studio 4 Networks is committed to excellence in reliability and providing families with programming they can trust.

Company Origin
Studio 4 Networks was founded in 2002 and launched in 2003 by Chief Executive Officer Ed Stansfield. The inspiration behind Studio 4 Networks was Mr. Stansfield’s frustrating search for instructional Spanish language videos. He discovered that educational home videos were hard for the average consumer to find, and felt there should to be a more efficient way to deliver this type of specialty programming to the public. With years of experience in media and technology, Mr. Stansfield compiled extensive research, met with cable operators and put his plan into action. The result of Mr. Stansfield’s efforts has been a “hat trick” of three distinct television networks offering “edu-tainment” that’s available across both VOD and broadband video environments.

In Development During the current rapid expansion phase of its distribution, Studio 4 Networks has found the right corporate partner to bring resources to bear, including DVD and linear distribution and additional family-rich programming. Studio 4 in October 2007 agreed in a letter of intent to be acquired by Knightscove Media Corp., a public family-oriented Canadian media company, for approximately $7 million in cash and stock. Once the agreement has received approval from various agencies and has closed, the current senior management will remain at Studio 4 Networks, leading the company with the support and considerable distribution muscle of Knightscove. Ed Stansfield also will become a senior executive at Knightscove, leading the combined video distribution efforts. The Toronto-based Knightscove, which recently acquired home entertainment distributor Morningstar Entertainment and its library of 1,400 DVD titles, plans to expand and distribute its family-friendly content through Studio 4 Networks VOD networks and Internet sites.

On the Leading Edge
Studio 4’s expertise in delivering VOD networks with companion broadband-based services has gained tremendous industry recognition and support. Its channels bring its trusted content to communities served by distribution partners Cox, Charter, Shaw, and AT&T. The Telly Awards, Today Show, Dove Foundation and Parents’ Choice Awards as well as numerous awards from parenting, film, and educational organizations, have all recognized Studio 4 Networks’ content partners as the highest quality entertainment for families.

Studio 4’s VOD allows users to watch video and clip content as part of an interactive television system on cable and satellite, on-demand instead of scheduled or pre-recorded. The Canadian cable systems provide this content in a pay-for-use environment, while Studio 4’s U.S.-based VOD service is completely sponsor-supported. The programming for kids, parents, education and fitness appears in full-length format, the full experience from its high-quality DVD producers.

Studio 4’s online content is adapted for the smaller-screen on-demand lifestyles of broadband. The same quality of video has been carefully edited into a diverse selection of 1-3 minute video clips that enlighten, educate, and inspire. Studio 4 Learning is in final stages of development of a new teen-oriented site with everything from math essentials to acing the SAT. At Studio 4 Kids, the range extends from discovering phonics to potty training videos. And, at Studio 4 Fitness, trainers help viewers build a better body with a vast selection of highly targeted workout videos. And all three environments are searchable – consumers can quickly watch what they want, when they want it.

Market View
Studio 4 Networks is committed to making its VOD and online programming broader and deeper to match the desires of its growing viewing communities.

Studio 4’s business model includes three distinct approaches to advertising, sponsorship, pay and product sales.

  • Traditional 15- to 30-second spots, two-minute spots, flash banner ads for TV and interactive banner ads for online all drive revenue.
  • Studio 4 Networks has also established partnerships with Parenting, Babytalk, and Self magazines. Parenting picks up Studio 4 Kids content and helps promote its latest features, while driving traffic to studio4kids.com. Self promotes Studio 4 Fitness within its magazine and at its online site. Both print publications also bundle Studio 4 inventory in their ad packages.
  • Studio 4 also is developing programming and promotion opportunities with niche brands and content – partners with content and community that hasn’t made business sense with traditional TV economics, but that brings new opportunities to on-demand video.

It’s all part of a revolving promotional strategy that benefits Studio 4’s VOD platform, cable and satellite affiliates, print partners and the community.

Senior executives at Studio 4 Networks have been with VOD from the beginning. While competitors are just starting to comprehend the business and marketplace, Studio 4 Networks has been there from the outset, understanding what works in today’s market and working to create even better programming and partnerships for the on-demand consumers to come.

Media contact:
Eric Schwartzman/Jonathan Zaleski
(310) 446-8310 ext. 111 office
(310) 569-0153 after hours

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