WHAM Network; Cinedigm
Cinedigm announced the launch today of the free gaming- and eSports-centered WHAM Network on Twitch, online and on mobile devices. It will cover industry news and the celebrity gaming scene, provide gamer-focused original series and offer in-depth coverage of live events.
The new 24/7 channel will put a spotlight on a wider range of programming for the gamer audience. Itll offer thousands of hours of game tournaments and highlights, as well as original programs such as Clip Blip, an Americas Funniest Home Videos for gaming, and eSports Central Live, broadcasting news and and industry developments, a la ESPNs SportsCenter.
The schedule also will include Retro Gaming from the Strong Museum, bringing the stories of some of the best-known gaming franchises to life through interviews with the developers who created them, and Game Bytes, an entertaining look at the bar/restaurant gaming scene.
“Gaming lifestyle and eSports content will be a multibillion-dollar industry within the next few years,” said Erik Opeka, EVP of Cinedigm Networks. “Were excited to tap into this flourishing market with the launch of WHAM Network.”
Earlier this month, Cinedigm closed a $19 million credit facility with East West Bank to help power its content and digital in the U.S. and in China. It operates three streaming channels in the U.S.: the Dove Channel of family-oriented, values-focused programming; CONtv, catering to the Comic-Con crowd, with more than 2,800 titles; and Docurama for documentary film buffs.
In February, in launched XUMO, an over-the-top service available through smart TVs. Its partners include LG Electronics, Hisense and Panasonic. WHAM will be available through this service as well.
Cinedigm is partnering with WHAM to jointly operate the channel, which WHAM Network founder Gary Kleinman describes as “proudly made by gamers for gamers.”
Heres a taste of whats in store:
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