New Orleans -- ESPN said Monday that it has signed an agreement to launch
interactive channel ESPN Today on Cablevision Systems Corp.'s digital suite, iO:
Interactive Optimum.
Cablevision's iO customers will have access to this interactive channel
containing sports scores, news, statistics, highlights, commentary and analysis
from ESPN's news and information programs, commentators and select
programming.
Viewers can watch short, on-demand video clips for immediate viewing by using
the remote.
The channel -- described as a more feature-rich version of the ESPN Today
channel currently on DirecTV Inc.'s direct-broadcast satellite platform -- is
expected to launch in June.
'Sports will be a key driver of interactive television, and ESPN is at the
forefront of this emerging platform,' ESPN president George Bodenheimer said in
a news release. 'Bringing value to new businesses deployed by our affiliates is
a top priority for ESPN,' added executive vice president of affiliate sales and
marketing Sean Bratches.
'The way in which consumers are accessing sports through television is
changing, and sports fans want video, scores, stats and sports information when
they want it,' Bratches said. 'Working with iO is a perfect complement to our
programming and mission.'
ESPN Today can be accessed through the 'Enhanced TV' option on iO's main
menu, the electronic program guide or by tuning to the assigned
channel.
