Cole Media was established in 2002 to help its clients launch media-related businesses.
To date, the company has assisted over 60 different companies in evaluating and developing new lines of business. Successful businesses that have used Cole Media's services include:
TV One – Launched in January 2004 and owned by Radio One and Comcast, this U.S. cable channel targeting an African American audience is already in over 35 million homes, and is one of the most successful cable channel launches in the past decade. Lauren Cole was the Acting General Manager for the channel throughout its launch period, which included creating the business plan, managing programming acquisitions and creating operating budgets.
E! Entertainment – In 2007, E! Entertainment launched a new terrestrial channel in Canada, expanded the Style Network internationally, and developed plans to launch other Comcast properties such as the Golf Channel internationally. Cole Media helped to negotiate E!'s joint venture in Canada and developed business plans for the rollout of the other channels.
Control Room and live Earth – Control Room (a strategic partner of MSN), and its predecessor company Network established by AOL, XM Radio, and AEG) produce music concerts with major music industry acts for distribution over digital and traditional media, and also produced the global live Earth and live 8 concerts. Cole Media developed the initial business projections and operating budgets for Network live, revamped those projections two years later for Control Room, and also helped develop the business plan for an expanded live Earth business.
Peoplejam – Cole Media worked with the founders of Peoplejam to develop strategy and financial projections for this social networking website which targets life improvement.
Ovation TV – This arts-focused U.S. cable channel has nearly tripled its subscriber base since re-launching in mid-2007. Cole Media created the company’s first set of operating budgets.
Withoutabox - Withoutabox has automated the film festival submissions process for over 100,000 filmmakers and 2,000 film festivals around the world, and is substantially expanding the services that it offers to its filmmakers and festivals. Cole Media worked with Withoutabox to forecast the revenue potential for many new services and provides ongoing services to the company. Amazon.com's IMDB division acquired Withoutabox in early 2008, using Cole Media's projections to evaluate the company.
TV Guide Spot – Cole Media created the initial business plan for TV Guide’s first VOD and broadband video service, and also investigated several other potential digital business opportunities for TV Guide.
World Championship Sports Network – WSCN offers exclusive coverage of over 60 different sports, delivered on broadband, television, and other media. Cole Media worked with the founders to develop the initial business plan for the company.
Bennett Productions – Bennett Productions is one of the leading producers of Men's lifestyle programming in high definition, and provides production and post production services to outside clients. Cole Media conducted a strategic review of the company, helped develop the business plan for the MEN7 digital venture, and has provided ongoing assistance with budgeting and finance.
