Sinclair's American Sports Network To Broadcast Dancesport Championships

BALTIMORE, July 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Sports Network ("ASN"), a division of Sinclair Networks Group, LLC and  Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. SBGI, announced today an agreement with Millennium Dancesport Championships to showcase three nights of one of the world's largest and most renowned dancesport competitions this summer.

Starting July 25, 2015, and running the successive two Saturday nights, ASN will televise the Millennium Dancesport Championships from the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina on various Sinclair CW, MyNetwork and multicast channels. This competition features some of the world's best professional dancers in Latin, ballroom and exhibition styles of dance. Celebrating its 18th year, Millennium Dancesport Championships is one of the world's most prestigious dancesport competitions. 

This event is the debut of American Sports Network's new competitive dancesport series titled, "The Dance League on ASN."  This series will provide dancesport fans an innovative "behind-the-scenes" look at some of the world's finest dancers in addition to highlights of the preliminaries, semifinals and finals of the competition.

Providing the exciting descriptions and analysis of "The Dance League on ASN" are several well-known veterans of nationally-televised dancesport competitions.  The talent roster includes Karina Smirnoff and Jonathan Roberts, formerly of 'Dancing with the Stars,' Stephen Knight, Linda Wakefield, Toni Redpath, Kia Malone, and John DePalma.

"Dancesport made its way to TV through extremely popular shows on network television," said Michael Chapman, organizer of Millennium Dancesport. "Now, we show you an actual competition, with the drama, the glitz, the excitement and the stamina needed to survive round after round after round. These dancers are athletes in every sense, but when they sweat, when they're tired, they still have to look graceful and gorgeous."  

"Reaching agreement to televise Millennium Dancesport is another step in the evolution of American Sports Network," said Bill Lutzen, Vice President/General Manager of Sinclair Networks Group. "This unique programming follows where American sports fans are leading – into new and exciting outlets for entertainment and sport along with celebrating the competitive spirit of Americans."

"The beauty and athletic proficiency of competitive dancing takes on even more significance when you learn about the sacrifices made by every team," said Craig Haffner, Vice President Programming and Executive Producer for American Sports Network. "ASN's unique focus on the "story behind the glory" gives context to the months of preparation that crescendo in an explosive few moments in the ballroom."          

About American Sports Network (ASN):

American Sports Network is a programming initiative of Sinclair Networks Group, LLC, a division of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. ASN produced more than 250 college sports games during the 2014-2015 academic year featuring distinguished NCAA Division I conferences including the Atlantic 10 Conference, Big South Conference, Big 10 Conference, Colonial Athletic Association, Conference USA, Horizon League, Ivy League, Ohio Valley Conference, Patriot League, Southern Conference, and Western Athletic Conference. In addition to its college initiative, ASN produces local high school sports under the "Thursday Night Lights" and "Friday Night Rivals" brands. ASN also broadcasts Minor League Baseball games and AMA Pro Racing Flat Track events.  For more information, please visit ASN's website at www.americansportsnet.com.

About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.:

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. SBGI is the largest and one of the most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 161 television stations in 79 markets, broadcasting 376 channels and affiliations with all the major networks.  Sinclair Networks Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. For more information on Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., please visit www.sbgi.net.

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SOURCE Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.