Cox Communications to Carry SEC Network for August 14, 2014 Debut

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Jul 09, 2014, 11:59 ET

ATLANTA, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ESPN and Cox Communications have reached an agreement for carriage of the SEC Network on Cox when the multiplatform network launches on August 14, 2014. The channel will be available to fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference in all Cox markets. Cox subscribers will also have authenticated access to additional live events scheduled for the SEC Network's digital platform, with the ability to watch SEC Network content anytime, anywhere on their television, computer, tablet or mobile device.

"Cox is home to some of the biggest fans with five SEC schools in our markets," said Jill Campbell, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Cox Communications. "This is great news for alumni and fans across our footprint who will enjoy all the action and rivalries that have become synonymous with SEC sports."

Added Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks senior vice president, affiliate sales: "The ground swell of consumer and affiliate demand increases by the day, and we continue to build on our momentum with the announcement of Cox Communications as our latest distributor that will deliver the SEC Network to fans at launch."

The SEC Network and its accompanying digital platform will air more than 1,000 live events in its first year, including at least 45 exclusive SEC football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games, 50 softball games and events across all of the SEC's 21-sports. The network will be an all-access pass to nationally competitive events, news and information, expert analysis, classic games and in-depth features on the most storied conference in college athletics.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said: "The addition of Cox is another very important step in the development of the SEC Network, bringing millions more viewers nationwide to the network when it launches on August 14. As one of the largest cable television distributors in the U.S., including five states in the SEC footprint, this agreement with Cox has a significant impact on exposure for the SEC."

"We are pleased to expand upon our growing list of distributors who have signed agreements for the SEC Network launching in a little over a month," added Justin Connolly, ESPN senior vice president, college networks. "We look forward to serving Cox customers with an unparalleled offering of more SEC content than ever before."

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About SEC Network
The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multiplatform network which will launch August 14, 2014. The new network and its accompanying digital platform will air SEC content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events in its first year. The network will televise 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC's 21 sports annually. Programming will also include in-depth commentary and analysis in studio shows, daily news and information original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, and more. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports will be offered exclusively on the digital platform.

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SOURCE Cox Communications