January 2nd, 2007 12:00am

By PHIL KEITH

The following information was received from Plum TV just before Christmas and it would seem to indicate that things are really moving ahead nicely for Plum, on both a national and a local basis:

"Plum, the network of local television stations produced in, for and about some of America's most dynamic communities, today announced major investments in the company to fund expansion into new markets, including Sun Valley and Miami Beach, and the development of new content offerings." The total amount of the private equity infusion was $20 million dollars. Leading the list of investors in this round of funding were such luminaries as Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots; Chris Blackwell, Founder of Island Records [Bob Marley, U2] and Palm Pictures and owner of several luxury Jamaican resorts; our own Jimmy Buffett, world-renowned musician, author, film producer and entrepreneur; local part-time business investor Nick Buoniconti, Football Hall of Fame legend; Jason Flom, Chairman and CEO of Virgin Records U.S. and founder of Lava Records; Tom Freston, former President and CEO of Viacom and founding member of MTV; Andy and Kate Spade, founders of luxury and lifestyle fashion brands Kate Spade and Jack Spade; and, Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group and a founder of Starwood Hotels.

Tom Scott, founder and CEO of Plum, said, "It's an exciting time at Plum. We're psyched that such an inspiring group of investors share our vision for Plum and where it's going. It's amazing to have the opportunity to be working with and learning from some of the best in media, entertainment, sports, fashion, travel and finance. We've got a great team of people at Plum who really care - that's irreplaceable." Previously, Tom was the co-CEO and co-founder of Nantucket Nectars.

According to Plum's Press Release on the announcement, much of the new funding will go toward "expand[ing] its local reach and content [and] acquire[ing] additional stations in Sun Valley, Idaho and cable distribution for a new Plum channel in Miami Beach, Florida. In addition to television programming in these markets, Plum has entered into distribution agreements with AOL video and Tivo broadband. Plum also is expanding online content at Plumtv.com, including local events calendars, weather, video, photos, community news and real estate listings unique to each market. Content uploading and sharing capabilities, and interests in proprietary content development and production are also underway."

Tracy Mitchell, General Manager for Plum TV’s Hamptons Operations, was asked what the announcement might mean for Plum TV in this market: "In the short term we expect the announcement to have a positive impact on sales," she said, "because we will have the ability to deliver content across a broader base. Our real estate clients are very excited by this news, for example, because it allows them to show Hamptons properties to logical prospects in Miami, Sun Valley, Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. It'll also allow us to expand our web operations, which we are very keen to do, and it will let us make a few more hires locally. In the long run, we expect the new resources will help us boost programming dramatically in the Hamptons as well as in all of our markets."

Speaking of new programming, Ms. Mitchell was also anxious for our readers to know that Plum in the Hamptons is about ready to launch a new block of programming called "The Buzz." It'll start airing in about two weeks and according to Ms. Mitchell "The Buzz will be all things house and home related." There will be segments on home design and architecture; landscape design; interior decoration and design; interviews with local experts in all these areas; and, information on open houses and real estate sales. Following immediately on the heels of "The Buzz" will debut another new show featuring Sag Harbor's Frederico Azevedo of Unlimited Earth Care. This new segment of Plum will be devoted to that which Mr. Azevedo has become famous: "modern landscape design."

All in all, a very exciting time for Plum TV. For additional information please go to Plum's website, www.plumtv.com or call them at 537-3344.