FSI is an international sports programming and production entity and a unit of Fox Networks Group, one of the major operating units of News Corporation (NYSE: NWS). Under the agreement, IMG Sports Media will assume full distribution duties for the FSI catalogue, containing more than 3,000 hours of content, on July 1st.
Michel Masquelier, Executive Vice President, Head of Acquisition and Sales Worldwide, IMG Media, said, “We look forward to leveraging our worldwide presence and extensive relationships with broadcasters, as well as our representation of premier properties, governing bodies and sporting events, to help Fox Sports International expand the reach and exposure of their comprehensive catalogue of programming.”
Hillary Mandel, Senior Vice President, Programming and Distribution, IMG Media, added, “Fox Sports International is a first-class sports and media company, and we are delighted they have chosen to align their outstanding programming catalog with IMG. Over the last year, we have significantly expanded our international distribution capabilities and fortified our presence in territories around the world. We have the expertise to help companies like Fox Sports International navigate the international marketplace and maximize the value of their assets.”
David Sternberg, Executive Vice President and COO of Emerging Networks for Fox Cable Networks, added, “We are pleased to enlist the expertise of IMG Sports Media in generating increased distribution and sales revenues for our sports programming properties. This agreement will help to expose audiences worldwide to the finest in sports event coverage and feature programming from Fox-affiliated networks and our many content suppliers.”
FSI currently represents a wide range of sports content, including Bowl Championship Series college football (as well as the Cotton Bowl), Big Ten Network programming (including football and basketball), Fuel TV action sports programming, FSN college football and basketball (Pac-10, Big 12, ACC) and Fox Soccer Channel properties. In addition, FSI represents a variety of third-party sports programmes, including the Everton FC Channel, Argentine soccer’s Torneo de Verano, the ASP Women’s Surfing Tour and the “Skating Gold” figure skating series among others.
