MegaTV signs for ESPN sports block

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MegaTV, part of Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS-NASDAQ: SBSAD) and ESPN Deportes, the leading multimedia, Spanish-language sports brand dedicated to providing the widest variety of sports to the U.S. Hispanic sports fan via television, radio, online, print, and wireless, announced today a strategic alliance that will complement their shared commitment to connect and serve the U.S. Hispanic audience across multiple platforms. The alliance between the networks will be highlighted with the launch of four hours of original programming under the new sports block, “Clasicos de ESPN Deportes,” exclusively on MegaTV.


The alliance rolled out last weekend on MegaTV, airing unparalleled sports content from ESPN Deportes, including World Class Boxing Cards, X-Games, Action Sports, Perfiles – investigative Anthologies of the great names in sports, and Mixed Martial Arts. “Clasicos de ESPN Deportes” airs on MegaTV, Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

In addition, ESPN Deportes will produce two daily one minute briefs featuring culturally relevant sports news that will air across all SBS Radio Stations in Miami, New York, Chicago, and Puerto Rico. SBS Interactive and SBS Entertainment divisions will also be a key component in the new affiliation inter-changing sports information for our 21 entertainment web sites, as well as, a number of high-profile concerts throughout the year, where sports personalities and celebrities can also participate.

“Within the critical mass of U.S. Hispanics, there is a deep enthusiasm and loyalty to entertainment & sports. This compelling opportunity is the driving force behind an ambitious alliance that will compliment that cultural passion across television, radio, online, and out-of-home events. With the 2010 U.S. Census Report as a compass, an SBS-MegaTV and ESPN Deportes affiliation makes smart, tactical sense for growth. We’re thrilled,” stated Albert Rodriguez, Chief Revenue Officer of SBS’s consolidated operations, Executive Vice President and General Manager of MegaTV.

“We are pleased to join forces with Spanish Broadcasting System,” said Lino Garcia, General Manager, ESPN Deportes. “This agreement is a unique opportunity to connect with more fans while reinforcing our common commitment with SBS: serving the growing Spanish-language audience across platforms.”

“The launch of ‘Clasicos de ESPN Deportes’ on MegaTV marks the first Spanish-language entertainment television network to designate a programming block dedicated exclusively to quality sports programming for Hispanic sports fans, reinforcing Mega’s commitment to bring their viewers the highest quality programming in every genre,” added Jose R. Perez, VP of Programming for SBS MegaTV.

This Saturday, July 30th “Clasicos de ESPN Deportes” will feature the 10th Edition of “Billabong Big Wave Challenge” from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m., followed by “ESPN Perfiles: Gabriela Sabatini”, and “ESPN Perfiles: Ronaldihno Gaucho” from 7 p.m.- 8 p.m., and later “Big Fights: Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Gene Fulmer” and “Big Fights: Joe Frazier vs. Oscar Bonavena” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

(Source: MegaTV)