National CineMedia (NCM), a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology, has added United Entertainment Corp. (UEC) as a new network affiliate.
Under the provisions of the new, exclusive long-term agreement, 14 UEC Theatres with 124 screens in Calif., Ind., Mich., Miss., N.C., Ohio, Pa., Tenn., and Utah will join the NCM Cinema Network effective immediately. In addition to exclusively presenting NCM's FirstLook pre-feature program, select UEC Theatres will also present NCM Fathom's live and pre-recorded entertainment events. UEC Theatres have a combined estimated annual attendance of approximately 2.5 million patrons.
"With the addition of UEC's theaters in several new and existing states and DMAs, we are continuing to improve our competitive positioning against other national media networks," said Kurt Hall, NCM's chairman and chief executive officer. "We look forward to working with their management team to increase their revenue, improve their pre-show and broaden the entertainment programming choices for their theater patrons."
"NCM's quality FirstLook and Lobby Entertainment programs, as well as additional marketing opportunities, will be a great fit for UEC Theatres. We are excited to be part of NCM's strong and growing brand and look forward to a long-term partnership," said Mike Ross, president of United Entertainment Corp.
NCM currently has exclusive, long-term cinema advertising agreements in place with founding member exhibitors AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group – the three largest exhibitors in the country – totaling approximately 1,150 theaters and 15,250 screens. In addition, NCM has network affiliate relationships with 30 top regional theater circuits representing approximately 380 theaters and 3,950 screens. With the addition of UEC, NCM's national cinema network totals approximately 1,530 theaters and over 19,200 screens.
About National CineMedia (NCM)
NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 177 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 18,600 screens (approximately 17,700 digital). During 2011, nearly 671 million patrons (on an annualized basis) attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network ("DBN") is comprised of over 700 locations in 167 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 42 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.7% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com.
About United Entertainment Corp. (UEC)
United Entertainment Corp., a Top 50 theatre circuit, owns and operates a chain of video stores and movie theatres throughout the United States. The Company mission is to provide high quality entertainment at reasonable prices to the markets we serve. UEC takes pride in bringing the magic of the movies to communities. For more information, visit www.uecmovies.com.
Contacts:
NCM Media Networks
Lauren Leff, 303-957-1709
lauren.leff@ncm.com
or
Amy
Jane Finnerty, 212-931-8117
amy.finnerty@ncm.com
or
United
Entertainment Corp. (UEC)
John Shorba, 320-203-1003
jshorba@uecmovies.com
