LAS VEGAS, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Players Network (OTCQB: PNTV), a Global New Media and Entertainment Company, announced today the appointment of Multi-Channel Network executive Jim Bates to its Board of Directors.   Bates' appointment comes as the company prepares to roll out its next generation proprietary broadband-based content distribution and social media platform.

With more than 30 years of experience, Jim has been involved in the launching of over 10 cable-programming start-ups- most notably, ESPN and The Golf Channel.  His most recent position was COO of HRTV, an Equestrian lifestyle and horseracing channel that also launched a successful subscription based broadband platform. 

Mark Bradley, PNTV CEO states "Jim brings enormous insight and experiences from his career in cable programming to help shape our growth strategy, while bringing significant value to our shareholders. Jim's broadband experience coupled with his vast cable programming background will provide significant insight as PNTV moves into this next phase of consumption of video content.  Having Jim on our board adds strength to our management bench and will provide direction on creating new revenue opportunities and niche channels for PNTV. "

Jim Bates states, "The media business is undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift, much like it did in the early 80's with the development of the narrowcasted channels. Once again, technology is dictating consumer behavior in the availability of video content across multiple screens at the time of choosing by the consumer. PNTV's foray into this space is perfectly timed and the deployment of multiple niche oriented channels provides significant opportunity. I am very excited to be joining the PNTV board and leading the company through this exciting phase of its development.

About Jim Bates

James M. Bates has an extensive track record of success in digital media, cable, sales, distribution, marketing and advertising. Jim is proficient at developing and implementing strategies to increase market share and profitability. He has a history of involvement in successful cable programming startup properties, including ESPN, The Golf Channel (grew TGC's distribution 500%, from 7M to 42M homes), Sports Channel New York  (currently a part of MSG Media) and HRTV.  As principal of Blue Line Media Ventures, Jim consults with startups and existing businesses interested in moving into the cable and digital space; advises on crafting strategies, writing business plans, compiling financial models, establishing linear 24x7 models, and launching subscription-based video on demand services to expedite market reach.

About Players Network, Inc.

Players Network is a fully reporting public company and producer and distributor of video content for Branded Digital Lifestyle Networks that utilize the company's Proprietary Enterprise Web Platform.  Players Network's original "Vegas On Demand" Channel is distributed in over 27,000,000 television homes over Comcast, and other cable platforms and worldwide on its own internet channel destination, as well as on Hulu, Blinkx, Sling Media, Google, YouTube and Yahoo Video; and for DVD Home Video, mobile platforms, and through worldwide television Syndication.  For further information please contact Leslie Thomas at 702.734.3457 and visit www.PlayersNetwork.com.   

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act:

With the exception of the historical information contained in this Release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to: the ability of the Company to increase revenues in the future due to the developing and unpredictable markets for its products, the ability to achieve a positive cash flow, the ability to obtain orders for or install its products, the ability to obtain new customers and the ability to continue to commercialize its products, which could cause actual results or revenues to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements.

SOURCE Players Network