ESPN and Charter Communications Sign Distribution Agreement for SEC Network

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Aug 06, 2014, 01:00 ET

STAMFORD, Conn. and BRISTOL, Conn., Aug. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ESPN and Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) have reached an agreement for distribution of the SEC Network when the channel launches on August 14, 2014. The network will be available to fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference in all Charter markets. Subscribers will also have authenticated access to additional live events scheduled for the SEC Network's digital platforms – including WatchESPN and SECNetwork.com – with the ability to watch SEC Network live and on-demand content anytime, anywhere on their television, computer, tablet or mobile device. With the addition of Charter, the SEC Network will be available to more than 91 million households nationwide.

"We are excited to be bringing the SEC Network to Charter customers," said Allan Singer, SVP of Programming for Charter Communications. "We know that there are many SEC fans and grads in our footprint who are ready to cheer on their team and we are glad that the SEC Network will be available to them when it launches on August 14th."

"With the addition of Charter, SEC Network is currently slated to be available to eight of the top ten distributors nationwide at launch, covering 90 percent of all U.S. cable homes," added Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales. "We look forward to serving Charter customers nationwide, including many SEC markets."

The SEC Network and its accompanying digital offering 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, "Millions of fans nationwide – including those in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas – will be pleased to know that this latest agreement with Charter will ensure that the SEC Network will be available to them at launch."

Added Justin Connolly, ESPN Senior Vice President, College Networks, "The SEC Network continues to attract greater demand as we inch closer to its debut, and with Charter, we will be able to serve their customers nationwide with quality content and coverage across all of the SEC's 21 sports on multiple platforms."

Charter TV customers can find the SEC Network on their channel lineup upon its launch by visiting charter.com.

About Charter Communications
Charter (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading broadband communications company and the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services, including advanced Charter TV® video entertainment programming, Charter Internet® access, and Charter Phone®. Charter Business® similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband communications solutions to business organizations, such as business-to-business Internet access, data networking, business telephone, video and music entertainment services, and wireless backhaul. Charter's advertising sales and production services are sold under the Charter Media® brand. More information about Charter can be found at charter.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 Charter Communications