Boxing Channel Set to Debut in 2004

A former In Demand executive is planning to launch a 24-hour digital channel
next spring dedicated exclusively to the sport of boxing.

BoxTv-The Boxing Channel will feature live events, news and programming from
the sweet science, said Brian Ricco, president of MultiVision Media Inc., a
privately owned pay-per-view and special-events company that will distribute the
service.

He said the service could be offered as part of MSOs' digital-sports tiers,
but he would not reveal a rate card.

Ricco, a former programming executive with In Demand and TVN Entertainment
Corp., said there's a demand for more boxing information and events than is
currently aired on basic-cable sports networks and premium services Home Box
Office and Showtime.

"There is an overwhelming supply of boxing programming, fights, news and
events that has thus far been overlooked due to the limitations of variety,
sports and movie networks," Ricco said. "BoxTv will offer die-hard boxing fans
and viewers looking for action-packed programming instant
gratification."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.