briefs

Cable World, July 15, 2002

TENNIS NETS DEAL WITH NCTC

The Tennis Channel is scheduled to announce today that it scored another long-term carriage deal by signing a letter of intent with the National Cable Television Cooperative. The sports network now can cut deals with the cooperative's cable networks for either digital or analog coverage, said David Meister, Tennis chairman and CEO. While neither party would disclose license fees, Meister called them "affordable." The deal lasts for nine years and covers about 14.5 million subs.

WNET DIGINETS GET N.Y. CARRIAGE

New York metropolitan area cable operators said they plan to carry two digital broadcast channels being launched by PBS station WNET-TV. Time Warner Cable is carrying Kids Thirteen on channel 714 and Thirteen HD on channel 713. A Cablevision Systems spokesman said the MSO is working on the packaging for its high-definition package and expects to include Thirteen HD.

BULLISH ON OUTDOOR LIFE

Outdoor Life Network signed a multiyear, multimillion dollar contract that will increase its coverage of Professional Bull Riders Inc. events. OLN will televise all 29 Bud Light Cup Series events slated for the 2003 season. OLN also will broadcast a one-hour highlights show in prime time.

BUZZ BUILDS FOR BROADBANDPLUS

More than 100 floor exhibitors have signed on for BroadbandPlus: The New Western Show, taking place Dec. 3 to 6 in Anaheim, Calif. Although the Bandies awards show won't be returning (it has been rescheduled for 2003), more than 50 companies have also made commitments to participate in the CableNet technology showcase at the show.

DISH SUBS DIG CARTOON NET

Cartoon Network ranked first in perceived value, with Discovery Channel and ESPN next, in Beta's 2002 Satellite Dish Subscriber Study. Discovery Channel took top spot for the average value ($1.12) subscribers ascribed to networks, and took first place as the network with which DBS subs felt "very satisfied."