Time Warner Cable to restore Ovation arts channel

The artsy cable network Ovation has something to clap about.

Beginning in January, Ovation will be available in about 9 million homes that have Time Warner Cable digital packages. The cable company had been carrying the independent Santa Monica channel but dropped it in January, saying Ovation was one of its least-watched channels.

As part of the agreement to restore carriage, Ovation agreed to significantly bolster its slate of original programming dedicated to the arts.

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Ovation promised to deliver more than 400 hours of original arts programming next year, nearly double the amount that it offered this year. Ovation will increase the amount each year until it provides more than 750 hours annually of original shows.

Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

“We’re pleased to reach an agreement with Ovation that will deliver a much better value for our customers,� Melinda Witmer, chief video and content officer for Time Warner Cable, said in a statement. “Ovation’s recommitment to its mission as an arts channel strengthens and differentiates their programming.�

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Ovation separately has launched an in-house production unit called Ovation Studios.

Returning to Time Warner Cable systems will make Ovation available in about 53 million homes -- slightly more than half of all homes in the U.S. that have pay TV subscriptions.

Passing the 50-million mark represents a milestone in the industry.

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Follow Meg James on Twitter: @MegJamesLAT