Comcast grabs Body by Jake for VOD

Comcast Corporation, the country’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services and Jake Steinfeld, of Body by Jake, today announced the launch of exercisetv – the first comprehensive on-demand network dedicated to fitness, sports instruction and motivational programming. Exercisetv offers consumers unprecedented access to the world’s leading fitness video/DVD producers 24 hours a day, seven days a week on video on demand. Developed by Comcast and founded by Jake Steinfeld, with New Balance and Time Warner Cable as additional equity partners, exercisetv now is available to Comcast and Time Warner customers with video on demand.

During a pre-launch trial period with Comcast, exercisetv video on demand (VOD) reached more than two million views per month and 20 million workouts viewed over the course of the trial.

Exercisetv is a network developed exclusively for VOD and emerging media formats, such as wireless and online video, which represents a significant shift from the traditional television programming and advertising model. Rather than 30-60 second ads, sponsor-branded messages are completely integrated into the content of the network and include: product placement, branded graphic overlays and educational video segments developed in conjunction with sponsors. New Balance is the first brand to sign a multi- million dollar deal with exercisetv and is the exclusive athletic footwear and apparel sponsor of the network.

“Exercisetv represents the next generation of television networks we are developing that are created for time-shifted, on-demand viewing,” said Steve Burke, President of Comcast Cable and COO of Comcast Corporation. “Fitness content is ideally suited for video on demand, and the multi-billion dollar home exercise market offers a great business opportunity for additional exercisetv sponsors. This partnership also is a major step in the evolution of advertising through new and innovative formats.”

“Being able to partner on this breakthrough in the home fitness experience with Comcast, New Balance and Time Warner is awesome,” said exercisetv Founder Jake Steinfeld. “We’re offering the single biggest collection of motivational, sports and fitness programming in the universe. We’ll give viewers the best variety, 24×7 access to the world’s top trainers and continually refreshed workouts that keep them motivated to stay fit.”

With more than 90 programs available at any time, exercisetv offers something for all fitness levels, interests and demographics. Popular and innovative exercisetv programs include:

— Cardio — Seniors workouts
— Pilates — Pre- and post-natal workouts
— Yoga — Spanish-language workouts
— Tai Chi — Sport-specific training and tips
— Sculpting and toning — Advice on selecting the right workout
— Dancing clothing and shoes
— Walking — Jake Motivates
— Kids workouts

An exercisetv Advisory Board of fitness and nutritional experts also will work closely with Comcast and Jake to develop new original programming that will debut on exercisetv later this year. In addition, exercisetv programs will feature original content developed in conjunction with New Balance, including fitness tips and segments.

“New Balance recognizes the importance of athletic activity as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Exercisetv on demand offers consumers an easy way to fit exercise into their own lifestyle, and is an innovative and integrated marketing medium where we can showcase all of our brand’s unique strengths,” said Jim Davis, Chairman and CEO of New Balance.

This content is now available on Comcast and Time Warner Cable systems nationwide, marking the first widespread distribution of a network developed exclusively for VOD by Comcast.

“As consumers continue to experience and understand the power of video on demand, they are coming to expect even more convenience and more control from this cable-only service,” said Fred Dressler, Time Warner Cable Executive Vice President for Programming. “Exercisetv is a perfect application for VOD as it provides customers with the usefulness of working-out on their own schedule and the ability to self-tailor an individualized training regimen.”

Exercisetv’s programming is available for no additional charge to Comcast and Time Warner Cable digital cable customers with VOD service, and includes about 90 different programs that would each typically cost about $14.99 each on DVD, representing a significant value for consumers. Viewers have access to the world’s best personal trainers 24 hours a day, and can use the service’s DVD-like functionality to work out at their own pace.

The network’s companion website http://www.exercisetv.tv/ will become an online destination for additional fitness resources, including tips for planning workout schedules and program samples. In the coming months, viewers will be able to visit the website to purchase items that they see on exercisetv, including fitness apparel, equipment and extended versions of their favorite workouts on DVD.