ESPN, CANALSAT Renew Distribution Agreement for Channels in France
ESPN has signed a new multi-year agreement with CANALSAT, the leading TV provider in France, to continue the distribution of its popular sports TV channels ESPN America and ESPN Classic on the CANALSAT television service in France, Monaco and French-speaking Switzerland.
“For nearly a decade, we’ve had a strong relationship with CANALSAT, and we’re very pleased to continue that long-standing collaboration and to deliver outstanding sports content to the passionate sports fans in France,” said Murray Barnett, Vice President, Sports Channels & Syndication, ESPN EMEA. “ESPN America continues to grow behind the increase in popularity of US sports in France and across Europe, and the recent update to ESPN Classic offers CANALSAT subscribers a fresh and passionate look at the biggest legends and moments in sports with a unique editorial voice.”
ESPN Classic, dedicated to celebrating sports legends, heritage and history, while providing context to the modern sport scene, is available on CANALSAT’s Sport Pack on channel 96 to satellite and ADSL subscribers.
In July, with only one year left until London 2012, ESPN Classic will be featuring a host of Olympic programming including , highlights from the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as new series: Champions and Challengers and Les héros inattendus (from 25 to 29 July).
In August, ESPN Classic will present a new ESPN-produced series, Legends of the Barclays Premier League. Focusing on the finest players to have graced one of the top football leagues in the world, the weekly show will concentrate on one stand out player as its subject and tell the story of what makes them a true legend of the game. Its subjects include iconic players from France such as Eric Cantona, David Ginola and Thierry Henry.
To tie in with the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, ESPN Classic will build up to the event with its comprehensive programming, giving viewers the chance to see new, original programmes and to relive the greatest moments from the tournament’s recent past with legendary matches. Included among the schedule are: Meilleurs moments du XV de France, with host Laurent Depret joined in studio by Olivier Magne to discuss the best moments of the French team through the Rugby World Cups (televised September 2nd from 21:30); and Certifié Classic: France in the Rugby World Cup, a celebration of the French Rugby team (televised September 7th from 21:00).
Check local listings for the full schedule or visit www.espnclassic.com
ESPN America delivers the best in US sport to fans in Europe, and is available to satellite and ADSL CANALSAT Sport Pack subscribers on channel 97. This summer, ESPN America will offer baseball fans comprehensive coverage of the MLB season, in full swing throughout July and August, as teams aim towards the post-season Playoffs. Viewers will see the fun, romance and storylines of the Little League Baseball World Series and the high-impact competition of Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend.
Also not to be missed is X Games 17 in Los Angeles – the premier action sports competition in the world (28 – 31 July). The summertime sibling of Winter X Games events in Aspen and Tignes, the sensational ESPN event features the best in international athletes pushing the boundaries of height, flight and gravity.
Check local listings for the full schedule, or visit www.espnamerica.com.
