As part of its European expansion in 2004, ESPN Classic Sport's new English-language service will transmit 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Launched this week, the network will initially be available on systems in Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Russia, Scandinavia, and Switzerland, rolling out to additional European territories throughout 2004.
A separately produced English-language network for the UK is under consideration.
The new English-language network further establishes ESPN Classic Sport as a significant sports’ television brand, currently attracting over 7 million European subscribers.
ESPN Classic Sport already has widespread distribution among multi-channel homes in France and Italy (88 percent and 100 percent respectively) via operators such as Canal Satellite, TPS, NOOS, FTC, UPC and SKY Italia.
ESPN Classic Sport is also available as a three-hour branded block to 2.3 million subscribers in Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Commented Roch Pellerin, managing director of ESPN Classic Sport: "We’re excited about launching our third full-time network in Europe. An English-language service will give us additional programming flexibility at a time when sport will be a top viewing priority in 2004, with great anticipation building up around Euro 2004 in Portugal and the Olympic Games in Athens.
"This new network will also allow our cable and satellite distribution partners to broaden their sports offering and bring fans the passion of unforgettable triumphs and victories."
