posted September 16, 2004 23:46            

I received an e-mail from Alan Mgim (Event Director) who informed me that Q will be covering the events and is the exclusive media coverage of the events.

I am having some trouble posting a copy of my e-mail to him and the reply, but please rest assured I will get it done before this night is over.Most likely within the next hour, so please bear with me.

I think that this is great news!!!!

posted September 17, 2004 00:02            

quote:

---

Originally posted by betting babe:
heheah. ok, now i'm blushing...

---

posted September 17, 2004 00:13            

For the record please post your original email content and response.

Thanks

take it easy!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doctoall:
Greetings Fellow Qbidians!!!! Today I sent an e-mail to the organizers of the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatic Championship coordinator to confirm that Q would be covering the event in FL on Oct 06-11 2004.

I received an e-mail from Alan Mgim (Event Director) who informed me that Q will be covering the events and is the exclusive media coverage of the events.

I am having some trouble posting a copy of my e-mail to him and the reply, but please rest assured I will get it done before this night is over.Most likely within the next hour, so please bear with me.

I think that this is great news!!!!

---

posted September 17, 2004 00:41            

doctoall,

As far as I know, Q Television is covering the event exclusively.

Alan Ngim
Nadadores of South Florida

doctoall wrote:

I am trying to confirm that your events are being exclusively covered by Q Television of Palm Springs CA. If you are able to confirm this for me one way or the other I would appreciate it.

doctoall

posted September 17, 2004 00:48            

NICE!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doctoall:
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:16:29 -0400
From: sobeswim@bellsouth.net
To: <doctoall>
CC: "Jonathan Olson" <Jonolsenrealtor@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Q Television

doctoall,

As far as I know, Q Television is covering the event exclusively.

Alan Ngim
Nadadores of South Florida

doctoall wrote:

I am trying to confirm that your events are being exclusively covered by Q Television of Palm Springs CA. If you are able to confirm this for me one way or the other I would appreciate it.

doctoall

---

posted September 17, 2004 00:57            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doctoall:
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:16:29 -0400
From: sobeswim@bellsouth.net
To: <doctoall>
CC: "Jonathan Olson" <Jonolsenrealtor@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Q Television

---

posted September 17, 2004 01:03            

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1BigTip:
New Image of Frank and Rene.

[b]Frank Olsen (left) and Rene Schenk, interview of 13 September 2004.

Interview can be found here: [URL=http://www.thebizpress.com/profiles/stories/BP_News_Local_bp0913_profile-tnt.ef7f.html]http://www.thebizpress.com/profiles/stories/BP_News_Local_bp0913_profile-tnt.ef7f.html[/ URL] [/B]

---

Thanks 1BigTip for the picture and link. It's good to associate a face with a name. I'm really looking forward to meeting them.

Let's hope that they do realize that we are supporting them in all of their efforts.

Like you, I feel so fortunate to have found QBID.

posted September 17, 2004 01:39            

quote:

---

Originally posted by kbpkt:
I don't really know much about that stock, sorry. Check out this thread...
http://www.allstocks.com/stockmessageboard/ubb/Forum8/HTML/007540.html

It is very informative and was put together very nicely. You can get most of the Q history there. I don't really want to start an argument that seems to repeat itself time and again over here. I'm sure after reading that thread, you will understand a lot of my concerns. Although not all of them are covered there, I'm sure you'll get most of it. I will say that although I am concerned with Q's outlook, don't take what U4TSAF2 says seriously.

Much of what he says has truth behind it, but he likes to put his own spin on it.

I would also direct you to what RobinO posts. He/She seems to present the similar concerns I have in a much better way than UTSAF2 does. RobinO has posted on this thread many times, so you won't have to go back too far to find it.

Most of my posts about my concerns are from many threads ago and would probably take you a while to find. Come to your own conclusions and regardless to what you decide, always listen to both sides of what people on here post, especially to the people you disagree with. If you disagree with someones point of view on here, just know why you don't agree with them. Don't blindly believe one side or the other because its what you want to believe. Hope that helps, and I hope you understand me not wanting to start another war on here.

---

k, I'm impressed! How kind of you to take a newbie under your wing! I see that you guided him/her directly to Robin0's posts.

posted September 17, 2004 05:05            

quote:

---

Originally posted by firefly:
We are getting nailed in Atlanta.
Glad you made FLA ok Lil.
McFly

---

Sam, I hope all is well. Be safe

posted September 17, 2004 07:48            

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Sep 17, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Q Television Network (Pink Sheets: QBID), a gay and lesbian television network, announced today that it has signed a formal agreement with Firestone Communications, Inc (FCI). Q TV will work with FCI to produce a portion of the live programming which will be seen on the network daily.

"We are thrilled to be working with Firestone. Its quality programming is second to none and will really help to brand our network," said Frank Olsen President and CEO of Q Television Network. "Firestone has been very helpful to Q and is building a studio just for our programming."

The line up of live shows will prove to be very interactive and unique. One of the live programs viewers will be seeing is a broadcast hosted by a gay or lesbian personality who will take live call-ins from the audience; its format will be very much like a radio talk show, only on television. A producer will screen all calls and the audience call-ins will be broadcast through live web cams to the station's video monitors.

Another live program that will be produced by FCI is a news and sports show. This will be broken into two 30 minute segments with two different gay or lesbian anchors. FCI will produce 39 weeks of programming for Q TV

FCI will also be creating 40 documentaries on gay and lesbian celebrities which will add a great deal of value to Q TV. These documentaries will be timeless television which will be a great asset for the Q TV library of films.

"We are extremely pleased to be selected by Q Television Networks," said Michael Fletcher , President of Firestone Communications. "We look forward to producing Q's dynamic and realistic television shows and a historically important series of documentaries."

Firestone Communications, Inc., (www.firestoneinc.com) is a privately held media company based in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas. FCI's core business is the network origination and uplink of cable and broadcast neworks, ownership of the cable network, Sorpresa!, and complete commercial and television production services. Company executives have produced television programming for Univision, Telemundo, Turner Broadcasting, and many other clients. The company's facilities include over 43,000 square feet of offices, production studios, fully digital master control, Avid editing suites and a comprehensive tape library.

About Q Television Network

This television network was organized to create and develop a network devoted to providing television programming for the gay and lesbian community. While the company expects much of its subscriber base to be comprised of members of the gay and lesbian population, management also believes that quality programming about the gay and lesbian experience, designed to entertain, educate and inform, will attract many other segments of the viewing public. The company's programming will be available on a subscription basis to those desiring its programming. The network will broadcast 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Providing distribution via satellite ensures availability of the network across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Safe Harbor Statement

As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the television network's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and the risks described from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

SOURCE: Q Television Network

CWR & Partners, LLP
Ronnie Welch, 508-222-4802
Ronnie@cwrpartners.com

posted September 17, 2004 07:52            

I hate to say this to you guys but......
I HOPE WE DELAY ANOTHER 2 MONTHS! I want things to be perfect and everything setup. Like a business structure.

I can wait as long as there's PR's like this one showing progress. Plus I get the chance to keep buying cheap. !

posted September 17, 2004 07:56            

Yes we have TIME WARNER contract!!

Yes we have NTI contract!! (they upload SCI-FI, etc..)

Yes we have RCN contract!!

Yes we Acquired Film Package from Warner Bros.!

Yes we have Steven Grunberg (New World, Orion Pictures, Trans World, Epic, and Columbia Tri-Star International)

Yes we're appearing in various news sources.

We now have an agreement with Firestone Communications.

We just purchased a 20,000 square foot building to produce live shows.

Next we have Major advertisers

Next we have exposure from national/world media.

Next we have subscriber revenue stream!!!

Next we have share buyback!!

Shares are extremely cheap.

posted September 17, 2004 07:57            

"We are extremely pleased to be selected by Q Television Networks," said Michael Fletcher , President of Firestone Communications. "We look forward to producing Q's dynamic and realistic television shows and a historically important series of documentaries."

posted September 17, 2004 08:04            

Sep 17, 2004 7:45:00 AM

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Sep 17, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Q Television Network (Pink Sheets: QBID), a gay and lesbian television network, announced today that it has signed a formal agreement with Firestone Communications, Inc (FCI). Q TV will work with FCI to produce a portion of the live programming which will be seen on the network daily.

"We are thrilled to be working with Firestone. Its quality programming is second to none and will really help to brand our network," said Frank Olsen President and CEO of Q Television Network. "Firestone has been very helpful to Q and is building a studio just for our programming."

The line up of live shows will prove to be very interactive and unique. One of the live programs viewers will be seeing is a broadcast hosted by a gay or lesbian personality who will take live call-ins from the audience; its format will be very much like a radio talk show, only on television. A producer will screen all calls and the audience call-ins will be broadcast through live web cams to the station's video monitors.

Another live program that will be produced by FCI is a news and sports show. This will be broken into two 30 minute segments with two different gay or lesbian anchors. FCI will produce 39 weeks of programming for Q TV

FCI will also be creating 40 documentaries on gay and lesbian celebrities which will add a great deal of value to Q TV. These documentaries will be timeless television which will be a great asset for the Q TV library of films.

"We are extremely pleased to be selected by Q Television Networks," said Michael Fletcher , President of Firestone Communications. "We look forward to producing Q's dynamic and realistic television shows and a historically important series of documentaries."

Firestone Communications, Inc., (www.firestoneinc.com) is a privately held media company based in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas. FCI's core business is the network origination and uplink of cable and broadcast neworks, ownership of the cable network, Sorpresa!, and complete commercial and television production services. Company executives have produced television programming for Univision, Telemundo, Turner Broadcasting, and many other clients. The company's facilities include over 43,000 square feet of offices, production studios, fully digital master control, Avid editing suites and a comprehensive tape library.

About Q Television Network

This television network was organized to create and develop a network devoted to providing television programming for the gay and lesbian community. While the company expects much of its subscriber base to be comprised of members of the gay and lesbian population, management also believes that quality programming about the gay and lesbian experience, designed to entertain, educate and inform, will attract many other segments of the viewing public. The company's programming will be available on a subscription basis to those desiring its programming. The network will broadcast 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Providing distribution via satellite ensures availability of the network across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Safe Harbor Statement

As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the television network's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and the risks described from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

SOURCE: Q Television Network

CWR & Partners, LLP Ronnie Welch, 508-222-4802 Ronnie@cwrpartners.com

Customize your Business Wire news & multimedia to match your needs. Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide. Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.

posted September 17, 2004 08:14            

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1BigTip:
Lets recap again what he said:

[b]
By: maccif
14 Sep 2004, 07:47 PM EDT
Msg. 550631

i am in the investment banker for the company

By: maccif
14 Sep 2004, 07:41 PM EDT
Msg. 550616

QBID will be off the pinks really soon. i am the investment banker for QBID

By: maccif
14 Sep 2004, 07:46 PM EDT
Msg. 550629

announcing carriage with aol/ time warner @ end of month

By: maccif
14 Sep 2004, 07:42 PM EDT
Msg. 550619

QBID has retained a major IR group to start a campaign for them as early as next week

y: maccif
14 Sep 2004, 07:44 PM EDT
Msg. 550622

major press releases every day for next 2 weeks to supplement IR campaign starting monday.

[This message has been edited by 1BigTip (edited September 16, 2004).][/B]

---

posted September 17, 2004 08:22            

I'm really impressed. Maybe i can make some of my money back now. happy happy

posted September 17, 2004 08:29            

Oops. Overslept. Morning, all.

posted September 17, 2004 08:32            

quote:

---

Originally posted by sonnydbar:
"Firestone has been very helpful to Q and is building a studio just for our programming."
is this our new building, that would mean that the cost of the building is being undertaken by Firestone and not the Q's money?

---

posted September 17, 2004 08:33            

quote:

---

Originally posted by crosseyed:

Actually Sonny, I take that as FCI is going to be in charge of the construction, doubt they are going to pay for it.

---

(could be wrong, heaven knows I've been wrong before)

posted September 17, 2004 08:38            

quote:

---

Originally posted by crosseyed:

Actually Sonny, I take that as FCI is going to be in charge of the construction, doubt they are going to pay for it.

---

posted September 17, 2004 08:53            

GREAT DD AND FABULOUS DEDUCTIONS AND SPECULATIONS. TEAMWORK ROCKS!!

SOON THE REST OF THE WORLD WILL KNOW ABOUT QBID. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! THANKS TO ALL!!

posted September 17, 2004 08:59            

Yes we have TIME WARNER contract!!

_____________________________________________

posted September 17, 2004 09:01            

quote:

---

Originally posted by U4TSAF2:

SO NOW WE HAVE 20,000 SQ. FEET WHICH A BUTLER BUILDING IS A ALUMINUM BUILDING WHICH YOU FREQUENTLY SEE CAR REPAIR/BODY SHOPS WORK IN.

UH, 67 FEET HIGH IS A JOKE. MOST STUDIO'S ARE AT BEST 30-FEET HIGH. TO MAKE IT SOUND LIKE WE HAVE 67 FEET TO "FLY" LIGHT/SOUND IS A JOKE AND MADE TO LOOK BETTER THAN WHAT IS MEANT.

---

posted September 17, 2004 09:02            

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QBID--
Q Television Network (Pink Sheets: QBID), a gay and
lesbian television network, announced today that it has signed a
formal agreement with Firestone Communications, Inc (FCI). Q TV will
work with FCI to produce a portion of the live programming which will
be seen on the network daily.
"We are thrilled to be working with Firestone. Its quality
programming is second to none and will really help to brand our
network," said Frank Olsen President and CEO of Q Television Network.
"Firestone has been very helpful to Q and is building a studio just
for our programming."
The line up of live shows will prove to be very interactive and
unique. One of the live programs viewers will be seeing is a broadcast
hosted by a gay or lesbian personality who will take live call-ins
from the audience; its format will be very much like a radio talk
show, only on television. A producer will screen all calls and the
audience call-ins will be broadcast through live web cams to the
station's video monitors.
Another live program that will be produced by FCI is a news and
sports show. This will be broken into two 30 minute segments with two
different gay or lesbian anchors. FCI will produce 39 weeks of
programming for Q TV
FCI will also be creating 40 documentaries on gay and lesbian
celebrities which will add a great deal of value to Q TV. These
documentaries will be timeless television which will be a great asset
for the Q TV library of films.
"We are extremely pleased to be selected by Q Television
Networks," said Michael Fletcher , President of Firestone
Communications. "We look forward to producing Q's dynamic and
realistic television shows and a historically important series of
documentaries."
Firestone Communications, Inc., (www.firestoneinc.com) is a
privately held media company based in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas. FCI's
core business is the network origination and uplink of cable and
broadcast neworks, ownership of the cable network, Sorpresa!, and
complete commercial and television production services. Company
executives have produced television programming for Univision,
Telemundo, Turner Broadcasting, and many other clients. The company's
facilities include over 43,000 square feet of offices, production
studios, fully digital master control, Avid editing suites and a
comprehensive tape library.

About Q Television Network

posted September 17, 2004 09:03            

may we assume that rumors provided by Marco are turning into reality????

it would be nice!

Lets se what will happen monday morning.
Personally i am glad with this new pr firm- each release is created with more enthusiasm etc.

Try to image confirmation about 1.8b shares held by investment fund, retiring of shares held by Frank, start of buyback, confirmation of launch, confirmation of moving into the other exchange, signing the other carriers, revealing of shares structure ( Dmphoto posted some time ago that o/s has dropped dramatically. maybe here is some link to MArco position?? )

Ups, then we are instantly rich.

Lets see how the story unfold!

posted September 17, 2004 09:04            

quote:

---

Originally posted by WinsumLosesum:
Gee, I hope Firestone contacts U4 before building, so they don't make it too tall. After all, a national television network definitely should have a production studio as good as a car repair or body shop.

---

Maybe they can put U4's name on the cornerstone as a contribution to his knowledge of the media business and making our lives and the world a safer place.

posted September 17, 2004 09:06            

You won't find better network origination and playout anywhere.

Backed by the best technology including SeaChange Media Servers, Sundance FastBreak Automation, and the VCI Stars II Traffic System, Firestone Communications ensures premium functionality and flexibility at value-creating rates.

But what truly sets Firestone Communications apart is our deep experience in network operations, thanks to running our own 24-hour-a-day network, ¡SORPRESA!, the first and only U.S.-based, 24-hour network dedicated to America’s Hispanic children, and broadcast entirely in Spanish. This experience gives Firestone Communications a unique perspective and understanding that directly benefits our customers.

Additionally, we offer affiliate sales and marketing services; production and creative services; and shared transport services.

If you are looking for a high-performance partner that delivers more than just network origination, we'd like to welcome you to Firestone Communications.
http://www.sorpresatv.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.firestoneinc.com

Network Origination & Distribution

Firestone provides its clients with access to cable and satellite audiences with its 24/7 network origination facility. Origination is one of Firestone's core services, providing master control and delivery of video programming using an optimal combination of high-performance fiber optic, satellite, Internet protocol, and conventional delivery methods to reach cable and satellite audiences.

On-site Network Origination Services Include:

* Satellite uplink
* Downlink antennas
* Fiber delivery
* SeaChange media servers
* Sundance FastBreak automation
* VCI Stars II+ traffic system
* 3.7 Meter C-band antenna
* 8 broadcast channel uplink capacity
* Fully digital system
* PowerVu Plus Encoders
* Domestic or International transport of signal
* MPEG 2 and DVB formats
* Bilingual (Spanish/English) master control operators
* Two production studios
As the first network dedicated to America's Hispanic children, ¡SORPRESA! speaks to its young audience in Spanish and is distributed nationally on major cable systems. Around-the-clock programming features award winning animation, educational series, variety and the nation's only "teen novela." The Soundtrack Channel (STC) is a 24-hour cable and satellite channel featuring the hottest movie and television music from across the globe. It brings viewers up close and personal with celebrities, the movie making process, and offers the latest movie news from Hollywood. America One is a 24-hour broadcast network that provides Western, equestrian and homeland values programming to more than 20 million households via 123 broadcast affiliate stations located in 40 states. It's the first network built by and for people who are passionate about America
http://www.sorpresatv.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.firestoneinc.com

Affiliate Sales & Marketing Services

Firestone provides shared affiliate sales and marketing services for its network clients via strategic partnerships. Providing a full-range of services that can be customized to each client's needs, Firestone's services include market analysis and assessment, business modeling, contract negotiations, field sales, affiliate marketing, and promotions. Our partners' field sales and marketing executives are among the best in their area of expertise with proven track records for delivering results in the most competitive of markets.

Shared Transport

In today's digital environment, cable operators favor networks that are strategically clustered together on a single transponder for maximum cost efficiency. Firestone is building a "pod" of services that cable operators can receive without requiring a cherry picker, dramatically enhancing its client's distribution opportunities by providing operators with a cost-effective alternative.

Production and Creative Services

Firestone offers full network production and creative services. The Production Systems features an Avid media composer, Adobe Graphics After Effects System, 3DS Max 3D graphics, off-line editing systems and Betacam SX and Digital Betacam tape formats. Supported by its creative talent and advanced technologies, Firestone produces high-end broadcast quality promos, animation and other network interstitial. The creative staff is fluent in English and Spanish and is led by the director of creative services, Francisco Cuevas. Firestone's executive leadership team has more than 75 years of broadcast and production experience, with experience from noted companies such as Allbritton Communications, Univisión, Telemundo, and CMT International.

Firestone Production Services Include:

* Pre-Production Creative Meetings
* Set design and location scouting
* Talent casting
* Storyboards and shot plan production
* Graphic design for print or screen
* Craft services
* Complete shot acquisition on location including floor direction
* Mobile field acquisition
* Full audio, video, and lighting trucks with engineers
* Production available on video or film
* Mastering to any format for video or audio including CD and DVD
* Tape duplication
* Full post production services including graphic design, animation, and digital editing

 
 
© 2004 FIRESTONE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sorpresatv.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.firestoneinc.com

Telstar 7 Satellite

Firestone utilizes Telstar 7, a very cable friendly satellite, which is currently home to multiple broadcast networks, including: Lifetime, The Biography Channel, HBO HDTV, Trinity Broadcasting, CNBC, Court TV, and ¡SORPRESA! Telstar 7 covers the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and into the Caribbean and Latin America from its orbital slot at 129° West Longitude. The satellite carries a total of 48 transponders - 24 at C-band and 24 at Ku-band, and Firestone leverages its exclusive access to Transponder 18. Its design is based on Space Systems/Loral's three-axis, body-stabilized FS-1300 bus, which has proven its worth during more than 300 years of cumulative on-orbit service, close to one-half of the total of nearly 700 plus years amassed by all Space Systems/Loral satellites to date. Firestone has non-preemptible access to TelStar 7 until the satellite's end of life in 2014.

SeaChange Media Servers

The installation of SeaChange International's powerful server and software systems enable Firestone clients to provide on-demand services and to gain greater efficiencies in advertising and content delivery. With its MediaCluster technology, SeaChange systems help broadband, broadcast and satellite television companies to streamline operations, expand services and increase revenues. Firestone's MediaCluster technology provides the best redundancy possible.

Sundance FastBreak Automation

Sundance's FastBreak Automation is a comprehensive facility automation solution designed to manage information and control the playback of all material in broadcast master control. Designed from the ground up for video server-based operations, FastBreak Automation integrates powerful SQL-based database management with frame-accurate server, tape transport and switcher/router control for complete command of the broadcast process.

VCI Stars II+ Traffic System

Firestone's VCI STARS II+™ offers an open, standards-based solution designed for modern broadcast and cable business practices. The system enables broadcasters in all size markets - from small market independents to the multi-station cluster operations - to assemble and edit logs faster, while managing commercial inventory more efficiently. The systems are capable of generating a variety of reports including accounts receivable, average unit rates, spot avails, and other accounting functions. Based on the popular Microsoft Windows operating systems, STARS II+ offers powerful functionality, an easy-to-use graphical user interface, and open database connectivity (ODBC) database support for flexible customization and reporting.

PowerVu Plus Encoder

Scientific-Atlanta's PowerVu Plus Encoder performs video and audio compression with data capabilities in accordance with MPEG-2, DVB, and ATSC standards. Advanced features include a flexible architecture, compact design and unsurpassed throughput.

Digital Services

All of Firestone's services are fully digital.
http://www.sorpresatv.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.firestoneinc.com

Time Warner Cable's Lynne Costantini Wields Programming Clout

Nimble Negotiator

By Linda Moss
Copyright © Multichannel News

When Lynne Costantini talks, programmers listen.

Costantini, Time Warner Cable's vice president of programming, played a key role in the creation of a new channel called ¡SORPRESA!, a Spanish-language children's network. Citing research, she suggested the need for such a Hispanic network, aimed at kids, to officials at programmer Firestone Communications.

"No one else was pursuing the niche, so she encouraged us to develop it," said Firestone chairman Leonard Firestone. He rolled out ¡SORPRESA! last year.

"We were very pleased and supportive of that network when it launched," Costantini said. "There were dozens of Spanish-language networks, but nothing in the children's area."

Costantini, 43, is a gatekeeper in a department that helps decide what networks almost 11 million subscribers will see on their TV screens.

LESSONS LEARNED

After years toiling as a corporate lawyer, Costantini came to cable fairly recently, joining Time Warner in 1996, as the chief lieutenant of Fred Dressler, the MSO's executive vice president of programming.

"She started out being a lawyer and has really grown into one of the top negotiators in the business, someone that Fred relies on heavily," said Bill Goodwyn, executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for Discovery Networks U.S. "There are a lot of issues Time Warner feels strongly about. There's a lot at stake and it's a big job and she does a great job with it."

Dressler is considered one of the most astute, respected - and feared - MSO programming chiefs, so Costantini has been tutored in the cable business by one of the best.

"You'll learn more in six months [with Dressler] than you would in three years somewhere else," Goodwyn said.

Costantini's grandparents immigrated from Poland to Yonkers, N.Y., where her father made his career as a plant manager for Otis Elevator.

"We lived in a three-family house: My aunt on the top floor; my grandparents were downstairs and we were in the middle," Costantini said. "I tortured my grandfather: He thought I walked like an elephant."

At her all-girl's high school, Costantini decided she wanted to go to law school "to help poor people and change the world somehow." But while serving on the school's student council, she got a taste for politics, for wheeling and dealing at that very grass-roots level. She loved it.

LOVE OF THE DEAL

Costantini graduated from Manhattanville College, and then New York Law School in 1984. Working for two big New York firms, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and Kelley, Drye & Warren, she practiced for 10 years - specializing in mergers and acquisitions. "I just got caught up in deal-making," Costantini said. "I liked corporate law."

Her firm was retained by Time Warner Cable as outside counsel to negotiate the MSO's "thousands" of retransmission-consent deals. She worked on that account, getting to know the crew over at Time Warner, which ultimately recruited her.

"When Fred and I first started to work together we were like hand in glove," Costantini said. "As I've grown into the job and he's grown more confident with me, there are some deals that he does and some deals that I do, but we work in a very collaborative fashion. I'm not out here doing deals without his input and insight. And he's not out there doing deals without bouncing ideas off me as well."

One of the things that Costantini said she's learned from Dressler was to tone down the aggressive, pit-bull-type negotiating style she had adopted as a lawyer.

"I'm a little bit more direct and in-your-face," Costantini said. "Fred is more of an elegant negotiator ... I've been able to incorporate some of his styles in with mine. Over the years, I have a little softer approach than I did. Fred always used to say to me you catch more bees with honey than vinegar."

Today, Dressler has nothing but praise for Costantini, who some predict will be his successor.

"She's one of the smartest people that we have," Dressler said. "She understands both sides of the issues. And so she is able to be creative in coming up with solutions that are satisfactory for both sides."

For the most part, Costantini has maintained a very low public profile. But last summer, during the CTAM conference in Seattle, Costantini had a coming-out party of sorts, by making a rare public appearance at a session on programming with Insight Communications Co. CEO Michael Willner and Cox Communications Inc. chief operating officer Pat Esser. And she more than held her own.

"She did a great job at that panel," said Lindsay Gardner, executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for the Fox Cable Networks Group. "That should have been a tipoff to the industry that she has stature on her own, that she has her own voice in this industry."

GROWING DIVIDE

Today, both MSOs and programmers are having difficulty keeping their ambitious, difficult-to-achieve promises to Wall Street, which is a major reason why tensions between both those parties have been boiling over, according to Costantini. The interests of networks and cable operators are no longer aligned, she said, and that has created a greater strain compared with times past.

"We weren't haggling about half cents and cents, as we are now," she said. "There's a lot more thinking outside of the box that needs to be done these days, and not everybody can do that; not everybody wants to do that. Change is really hard on our side and their side, but we're all trying to find ways to reconcile our conflicting goals, and sometimes it gets acrimonious. But it's never personal."

posted September 17, 2004 09:44            

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2004
Q Television Network Announces an Agreement with Firestone Communications, Inc; Q Television and Firestone Communications, Inc to Produce Live Programming  - BusinessWire 7:45 AM 

  THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
Q Television Network Purchases Studio; Network Announces It Has Acquired Exclusive Rights to the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championship  - BusinessWire 7:30 AM 

  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2004
Q Television Network Moves its Satellite Signal; Network Announces an Agreement with Firestone Communications  - BusinessWire 7:30 AM