• by Charlene Weisler , Op-Ed Contributor, March 13, 2018

Let me just start out by saying that I am a great fan of Ovation -- “America’s only arts network,” according to Liz Janneman, its executive vice president, network strategy.

Ovation programming “celebrates the artist experience through premium content and compelling storytelling,” she adds.

The network announced four shows that showcase that mission.

“X Company,” is a World War II-based espionage series inspired by true events at Camp X, a top-secret Allied spy training camp on Lake Ontario.

“Versailles" is now in its sophomore year and will enter its third and final season in 2018-2019.  George Blagden, who plays King Louis XIV on the program, marveled at the series’ authenticity. It’s filmed at Versailles, “one of the eight wonders of the world,” he noted, “There is no pretending: we are actually in the 350-year-old space where ballet was invented and  opera performed.”
“
The Wine Show,” which previously aired on Hulu, takes a storytelling approach to wine connoisseurship, with episodes shot in eleven countries over five continents. One of its hosts, Joe Fattorini, assured the upfront crowd that anyone can become a wine expert in 90 seconds. “Look for BLIC,” he said. “That is, balance: Is it fruity or acidic? Length — how long does the taste stay in your mouth? Intensity of the wine flavor. And complexity — you should note no more than three distinct tastes.”

“Riviera,” which is “a sensation in the UK,” according to Janneman, debuts February 2019 on Ovation. Set in France, it follows an art curator who is trying to solve the mystery of her husband’s murder.

Multiplatform Targeting

Ovation recently launched a new OTT service called Journy that is streamed on Roku and Xumo smart TVs, featuring art, culture and travel programming.

While the network continues to target adults 25-54 with discretionary income and high education, Janneman explained that, “With Journy, we are targeting a younger subset of that demographic but still in the same theme of art, culture and travel.”

Journy initiatives for 2018 include “adding even more programming content and expanding our app to several TV connected devices to increase distribution,” such as Apple, Amazon and Chrome, according to Elba Flamenco, Ovation’s senior director of content partnerships.

Advocating for the Arts

Ovation is also a strong advocate for the arts with outreach programs. Janneman noted that “We have formed a Stand for the Arts Coalition with more than 30 organizations joining the cause, such as Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theater, National Humanities Center and the American Film Institute. All of these organizations are working together to promote art and art access.”

This advocacy is moving into the political realm. “We have come out against the defunding of the NEA. We are not a recipient of any NEA funding but we have stated that for every dollar that the NEA spends, $5 comes back to the economy,” she noted.

If the NEA is abolished, Janneman believes that the Stand for the Arts Coalition will get larger and offer organizations an even stronger voice to promote the arts. “Someone has to carry the mantle of arts,” she concluded.