CubaNetwork, America’s first multi-platform network dedicated to capturing the mystique of Cuba, will launch with thousands of hours of original and exclusive programming from Havana, Cuba in both English and Spanish. The programming service will capture a love affair with classic American cars, salsa singers, inventive offerings in food, culture, night life and much, much more.
This first-of-its-kind video on demand and linear cable network is a result of new U.S. rules relating to Cuba to allow for an extraordinary and exclusive partnership with RTV Comercial of Cuba (RTVC).
CubaNetwork has selected Vubiquity, a provider of premium content services, to provide state-of-the-art content preparation including encoding and delivery to the storefront, localization from Spanish to English sub-titling and first-time development of metadata, to name a few services. In addition, Vubiquity will be providing all digital storefront management services to help the new network reach service providers and digital-first audiences.
“We’re honored to support CubaNetwork with the launch of a new, in many ways, historic service. The ability to work together to bring what is extremely exclusive content produced in Cuba and previously not made available elsewhere along with new, topical content to be produced in country, is ground-breaking,” said Darcy Antonellis, CEO of Vubiquity. “We plan to use Vubiquity’s ANYVU Cloud platform and OTT user experience to deliver thousands of hours of programming to engage consumers via a comprehensive end-to-end solution.”
CubaNetwork will have access throughout Cuba and to its people with a local production location in Havana, to capture the island’s unique energy and ingenuity. CubaNetwork will be the exclusive importer of a vast library of historical, current and new original series emanating from the island. It will also co-produce content for Americans intrigued by the island’s enduring fascination at a critical historical moment between the U.S. and Cuba.
“There’s never been a greater thirst to experience the rich, exotic and vibrant culture of Cuba. That’s why we are launching a new entertainment brand that will serve as a powerful destination for digital video online and on cable with compelling content for the U.S. consumer,” said Keith Bass, CEO of CubaNetwork. “Right now, Cuba is the coolest, most compelling place on the planet. The moment is ripe for CubaNetwork.”
CubaNetwork’s plans include:
- An English-Language Production Studio in Havana: In addition to its headquarters in Hollywood, CubaNetwork will open an office and production facility in Havana. From there, CubaNetwork and RTVC will co-produce English-language programs including a daily live show featuring news headlines, lifestyle reports, music, sports, interviews and local stories.
- A Captivating Programming Lineup: The network’s library includes Cuban-made documentaries, TV movies, telenovelas and age-targeted entertainment series. The network also has exclusive rights to many live Cuban sports including baseball, boxing, basketball and soccer.
- CubaNetwork Everywhere: Select programming will also be available on CubaNetwork’s multi-platform offerings, such as video on demand and via a new mobile app.
CubaNetwork promises to capture the culture of Cuba – a complex mixture of different, often contradicting, factors and influences, touching the realms of cuisine, arts and culture.
About CubaNetwork
This all new video destination is a subsidiary of privately-held Caribbean Broadcasting Network, which brings a rich history of broadcasting in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The television stations are affiliated with major U.S. networks FOX, NBC, CW, THIS and COZI-TV.
CubaNetwork is the U.S.’s first multi-platform media brand devoted exclusively to Cuban entertainment, lifestyle, sports and news. It is the only U.S. company to secure rights to classic, current and future Cuban video content, under a unique partnership with RTV Comercial of Cuba (RTVC). Select programming will be available as video on demand and via a new mobile app. CubaNetwork has offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and soon Havana, Cuba; and is headquartered in Hollywood, California. More information is at www.cubanetwork.com.
