Optimum TV Expands Lineup for Sports Fanatics with Addition of Fight Network and FNTSY Sports Network

Cablevision is the First Major U.S. Cable TV Provider to Offer Either Channel

Bethpage, NY (PRWEB) June 26, 2014

Cablevision Systems Corp. CVC today announced that it has expanded its Optimum TV lineup with the addition of Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel, and FNTSY Sports Network, the first-ever channel dedicated to fantasy sports. Cablevision is the first major U.S. cable TV provider to offer either channel.

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news and analysis, as well as fight-themed drama, reality series, documentaries and feature films. Fight Network's dynamic programming lineup includes live events from around the world, extensive news coverage and expert analysis.

FNTSY Sports Network is the world's first-ever television network specifically targeted towards the estimated 40 million people who play fantasy sports annually and on a daily basis. It includes live studio programming, call-in shows, panels, celebrity and expert drafts, reality programming and on-site commentary from sports venues, as well as short-form programming from the experts around the country.

Fight Network can be found on channel 464 and FNTSY Sports Network is on channel 147. Both networks are available as part of the Optimum Sports & Entertainment Pak. Fight Network and FNTSY Sports Network are owned by Anthem Media Group Inc., a global leader in operating targeted specialty television channels on linear, digital and mobile platforms.

“We are pleased to now offer Fight Network and FNTSY Sports Network, two high-quality channels that add even more variety and choice to the Optimum TV sports programming lineup,” said Kevin Packingham, Cablevision's executive vice president of product management. “Customers who are interested in combat sports are sure to enjoy the extensive coverage available on Fight Network, and FNTSY Sports Network's around-the-clock commentary and analysis makes it the ultimate place for fantasy sports participants to plan their next moves.”

“For years, the marketplace has been crying out for a destination channel serving fight hungry fans and, with Fight Network, the call has been answered,” said Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem Media Group Inc. “Fans want to watch the fights but they also want to connect with the culture of combat sports, and we are pleased that Optimum TV customers can now experience this with Fight Network. We are equally excited to launch FNTSY Sports Network on Optimum TV; with the explosive growth of fantasy sports, there is an insatiable need for information and advice from the experts and for a place that the social community of fantasy sports players can call home. FNTSY adds an element of entertainment that provides the fantasy sports player with an exciting way to engage with their passion.”

In addition to live weigh-ins, press conferences and other breaking news, Fight Network airs mixed martial arts events from Cage Warriors, KSW, Ultimate Challenge MMA, Championship Fighting Alliance and M-1, kickboxing from K-1 Global, Enfusion and Final Fight Championship, world-class boxing productions from Frank Warren, Matchroom Sport, DiBella Entertainment, Hennessy Sports and more, plus professional wrestling events and traditional martial arts disciplines such as amateur wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, sambo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Fight Network also produces weekly and daily news programs, including “5 Rounds” on Mondays at 7 p.m., featuring extensive event recaps and technical breakdowns, and “Fight News Now” on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., a look at the biggest newsmakers with analysis and profiles of upcoming events. Fridays at 8 p.m., “Toe 2 Toe” provides in-depth interviews with the most relevant and interesting people in the world of combat sports, from mixed martial arts fighters to trainers to boxing legends and more.

FNTSY Sports Network covers every possible fantasy sport, from football to golf, baseball, World Cup soccer, basketball, racing and more. It airs insightful daily live news and feature programs, including the simulcast of SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio's “RotoExperts” with Scott Engel and Adam Ronis weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m., followed by live studio productions of “Game Time Decisions” with Gabriel Morency at 3 p.m. and “FNTSY Sports Today” with Laura Diakun at 4 p.m.. Additionally, the channel recently launched “Bloomberg Sports Stats Insights” weekdays at 6:30 p.m., focusing on predictive analytical content to reveal fantasy projections and forecasts, as well as in-depth analysis and coverage of the day's top sports stories that affect the fantasy sports world. FNTSY Sports Network also features short-form content from some of the top experts in fantasy sports, providing timely up-to-the-minute information and breaking news, as well as a permanent multi-zone fantasy sports “ticker,” all combining to provide an exciting schedule that a fantasy sports player can't do without, and regular sports fans will not want to miss. The network's major suppliers of statistics and data include industry leaders Stats LLC. and The Sports Network.

Optimum TV residential customers who receive Fight Network and FNTSY Sports Network as part of their package can also watch programming from both networks at home and on the go using the Optimum App and a WiFi connection. The Optimum App is available from the App Store for iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, Google Play for Android phones and tablets and Amazon Marketplace for Kindle devices.

Cablevision's award-winning digital cable service, Optimum TV, offers customers access to hundreds of channels, including more than 80 premium movie channels, 50 channels of commercial-free digital music, tens of thousands of titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, more than 150 high-definition channels and uniquely valuable and relevant local content through News 12, MSG Varsity and their companion interactive television applications.

ABOUT CABLEVISION
Cablevision Systems Corporation CVC is a leading media and telecommunications company, serving millions of households and businesses throughout the greater New York area. Providing quality products that keep customers connected, Cablevision offers Optimum-branded digital cable television, high-speed Internet and phone services as well as Optimum WiFi, the nation's most robust wireless Internet network. Cablevision's Lightpath subsidiary is a premier provider of integrated business communications solutions for larger companies. Through its local media and programming properties – News 12 Networks, Newsday Media Group and MSG Varsity – Cablevision also delivers news and information created specifically for the communities it serves. Additional information about Cablevision is available at http://www.cablevision.com.

ABOUT ANTHEM MEDIA GROUP INC.
Anthem Media Group Inc. is a media company with offices and studios in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, operating targeted television channels on linear, digital and mobile platforms globally. In addition to Fantasy Sports Network, Anthem's portfolio includes RotoExperts.com, a leader in fantasy sports content, Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel now broadcasting in the U.S., Canada and over 30 other countries, as well as significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. available in over 40 million homes. Anthem also owns SportsGrid.com, a leader in general sports entertainment commentary.

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