| | ESPNEWS, the definitive 24-hour sports news network, continued to achieve significant distribution in 1999, growth that continues on January 1, 2000 when the network adds the 1.4 million subscribers of the New England Sports Network (NESN). As of January 1, ESPNEWS will be seen in 18 million television homes, enjoying a 80 percent increase in subscribers, up from 10 million homes in January 1999.
ESPNEWS recently forged new partnerships with Boston-based NESN and Comcast Sports Southeast. NESN serves subscribers in six states (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut). Comcast Sports Southeast has approximately one million subscribers encompassing the areas in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
ESPNEWS, which provides viewers greater depth and perspective on breaking news through continuous up-to-the-minute scores, highlights, analysis and press conferences, also featured extensive coverage of 1999's major sports news.
"Building upon ESPN's extensive news and information enterprise, ESPNEWS has carved a niche as the ultimate national television outlet for breaking news in sports," said Norby Williamson, ESPN's assistant managing editor and news director. "The service has been invaluable asset because its unique 24-hour format offers a wider window to present extensive coverage."
Some 1999 ESPNEWS highlights:
Comprehensive live coverage of the retirements of Michael Jordan, John Elway and Wayne Gretzky
Live post-game interviews at the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and NHL's Stanley Cup
Live coverage of pre- and post-match press conferences including interviews and analysis of the first Lewis vs. Holyfield bout in New York's Madison Square Garden
Immediate and extensive coverage of the news of Joe DiMaggio's death with features, tributes and reactions
Live news from the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup sites including interviews with members of the U.S. Women's National Team
Extensive coverage of Walter Payton's death including live presentation of the public funeral in Soldier Field - simulcast on ESPN2
Wilt Chamberlain's death, including back-to-back, live national telecast of press conferences from Chamberlain's compound and with Jerry West from the Los Angeles Lakers press room
Up-to-the minute coverage of the tragic news surrounding the death of Payne Stewart including live news updates from his funeral in Orlando, Fla., and the special tribute at the Tour Championship in Houston
Upcoming highlights on ESPNEWS:
Live coverage of pre- and post-game press conferences from major college football bowl games including media day interviews
Live coverage of Super Bowl week events including media day and daily team news briefings
Weekly in-season and post-season NFL briefings by head coaches, team management and key players from team headquarters (generally on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Significant press conferences in sports such as those announcing player trades, retirements, new hires, new deals, etc.
Simulcasts during halftimes of select ESPN and ESPN2 live events such as NHL and college basketball games
Interactive online polls by ESPN.com users and a nightly sports trivia called "ESPN.com Question of the Night."
High Five, a review of the day's top-five sports highlights.
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