In an effort to provide viewers with more information about its programming, ESPN Pay-Per-View will launch a new consumer Web site next month.
The new Web site (available at www.espnppv.com or at www.espnpayperview.com) will provide consumers with information about ESPN PPV’s various college-sports packages, including scheduling, details on subscription packages and pricing, and blackout information.
“ESPN is always looking for new ways to provide our fans with the best ways to stay on top of their game,” said ESPN PPV vice president of broadband interactive sales Matt Murphy. “We hope this Web site will help increase consumer awareness of ESPN PPV and clarify some frequently asked questions about season packages, championships and special events.”
With ESPN recently taking affiliate-sales and marketing efforts for its PPV content in-house, Murphy said, the site serves as an educational tool for subscribers.
“It’s really a call to action for anyone who has any interest in ESPN PPV, and [anyone who] wants to find out more information could find it in one location,” he said. “We believe the better informed the consumer, is the better decision that they can make without having to make a phone call or look at a paper.”
Distributors that carry the service can be linked to the Web site so consumers can sign up online.
“At a minimum, consumers will be able to link to their operator’s Web site to find out how to order an event,” he said. “What we’re trying to accomplish is to tear down all the barriers to entry to order a PPV event and help facilitate orders.”
Murphy said the site will be promoted on all marketing materials for its PPV event offerings, and link to ESPN.com.
The next event on tap is its first-ever ESPN Fantasy Football Forecast, set for late August. After that, “ESPN Game Plan” college football and “ESPN Full Court” college basketball out-of-market packages will be available.
Murphy said ESPN is in negotiations with all of the major MSOs to secure distribution for its events.
