Peanuts Worldwide announced that it has entered a new five year deal with ABC Network for the popular PEANUTS animated holiday specials.

Peanuts Worldwide is the newly formed joint venture between Iconix Brand Group and Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates.

The beloved Emmy Award winning specials, including the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” created by Charles M. Schulz and produced and animated by Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez, began airing on ABC in December 2001.

“The PEANUTS holiday TV specials are iconic and represent a family tradition of watching Charlie Brown and the gang kicks off the holiday season,” stated Neil Cole, CEO, Iconix Brand Group. Cole added, “This new deal with ABC demonstrates the continued relevance of the PEANUTS brand as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.”

This fall, the famed PEANUTS comic strip will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The first and most well known of the beloved animated holiday specials, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on television in 1965, marking this year as its 45th anniversary.

Since moving to ABC nine years ago, the specials have continually delivered stellar ratings for the Network. Against competition including the season finale of NBC’s “Biggest Loser,” ABC’s rebroadcast of the animated holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” finished a strong No. 2 in its half-hour in Adults 18-49 (3.7/11), beating slot-regulars CBS’ “NCIS” replay by 37% (2.7/8) and Fox’s original “So You Think You Can Dance” by 61% in Adults 18-49 (2.3/7). The Charlie Brown special towered over its slot with Kids 2-11, topping the combined delivery of CBS, Fox, NBC and CW in the half-hour by 42% (5.9/18 vs. 4.2/13), and finished as the No. 2 TV show of the night behind only its lead-out, ABC’s debut of “Prep & Landing.” Versus the year-ago night with original programming (“AFV” special on 12/9/08), “A Charlie Brown Christmas” boosted the time period year to year for ABC by 4.2 million viewers (11.2 million vs. 7.0 million) and by 95% in Adults 18-49 (3.7/11 vs. 1.9/5). The PEANUTS special was up year to year in Total Viewers and held even with Adults 18-49 (11.0 million and 3.7/10 on 12/8/08).

On October 2, 1950 the PEANUTS comic strip launched in seven American newspapers. Who would have guessed the impact the brand would have around the world for decades to come. Nearly 60 years later, the comic strip appears in over 2,200 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages. PEANUTS animated specials have become a seasonal tradition and thousands of consumer products are available in virtually all retail channels. Charlie Brown kicking the football, Linus and his blanket and Lucy leaning over Schroeder’s piano are images to which everyone can relate. Phrases such as “Security Blanket” and “Good Grief” have become a part of the global vernacular.

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The five-time NBA Champion Stephen Douglas “Steve” Kerr is to return to TNT Network as a game analyst, starting with the 2010-11 NBA season. Kerr is to join TNT’s NBA Thursday night doubleheader coverage and will be a part of the network’s NBA All-Star weekend and NBA Playoffs coverage.

Kerr will also contribute for NBATV and NBA.com delivering analysis and commentary for The Finals, All Star Weekend and the NBA Draft.

Kerr was with TNT for four seasons as a game analyst from 2003-2007, when he called a full slate of regular season and playoff games. He also worked on TNT marquee events, including three NBA All-Star Games and three consecutive Conference Finals.

Kerr left TNT in 2007 to join the Phoenix Suns, where he was president of basketball operations and general manager for three years. Kerr made several notable trades in his tenure. This year, the Suns advanced to the 2010 Western Conference Finals, losing in six games to the eventual champions Los Angeles Lakers.

Kerr said “I’m fortunate to have worked with two great organizations since the end of my NBA playing career; Turner Sports and the Phoenix Suns. As I resume my broadcasting career, I’m excited to return to the Turner Sports family and proud to be associated with such a great group of people.”

Jeff Behnke, executive producer of Turner Sports said “We are thrilled that Steve is returning to TNT to join our marquee roster of announcers. We look forward to Steve bringing back to Turner Sports his unique insights, candor and game analysis to our telecasts, sharing the added knowledge he gained during his three years building a team as an NBA General Manager.”

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NFL Network has announced that fans attending all 32 teams will have the opportunity to see every touchdown from every game via NFL RedZone.

NFL has announced that the Ravens and Patriots would broadcast the NFL RedZone channel during home games.

NFL RedZone, produced by NFL Network whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering touchdowns and the most exciting moments live and in high definition. When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, fans see the crucial plays as they happen.

Host Scott Hanson keeps fans up-to-date in real time, switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play.

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EPIX announced that it has struck distribution deal with Dish Network to launch American premium television network on Dish Network.

This is the huge deal for EPIX as it will reach 14.1 million Dish subscribers around the United States. EPIX has already signed agreement with Verizon FiOS, Cox, Charter, Mediacom and NCTC, carriage that will make the service available to consumers in over 30 million homes by May 2010.

EPIX is the premium entertainment joint venture formed by Viacom, its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Lionsgate, which provides consumers the latest Hollywood movies, 15,000 films from three of the top motion picture libraries and cutting-edge original programming and special comedy and concert events, exclusively in HD and SD.

Mark Greenberg, President and CEO of EPIX, said, “Teaming with DISH Network to make EPIX available to its more than 14 million satellite TV customers is a major step forward for us as we expand our national footprint. DISH Network is committed to delivering the very best in HD entertainment, and recognizes that EPIX is an important part of that
experience.”

Dave Shull, Senior Vice President of Programming for DISH Network said “Partnering with EPIX underscores our ongoing commitment to deliver the very best in HD entertainment to our customers. EPIX is an important part of our increased HD channel offering and strong expansion of our movie lineup. DISH Network subscribers will now have access to exclusive programming and movie content in HD that can be found only on EPIX.”

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AT&T will present live coverage of 74th Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club played through April 8–11.

AT&T has announced that it will bring live coverage of the 2010 Masters Tournament across television, PC and AT&T mobile phones that include AT&T U-verse TV online at AT&T Fan Zone and AT&T Entertainment, and on AT&T mobile phones.

AT&T has signed an agreement with 2010 Masters Tournament to deliver more than 110 hours of live footage and on-demand content from Augusta National Golf Club.

AT&T delivers 2010 Masters on AT&T Mobile TV, MobiTV and AT&T Mobile Video services and is the only wireless carrier delivering live and on-demand.

2010 Masters Content available on AT&T Mobile TV, MobiTV, AT&T Fan Zone and AT&T U-verse TV includes:

• 15th/16th Live, which features live coverage of the 15th and 16th holes.
• Amen Corner Live, which features live coverage of the 11th, 12th and 13th holes.
• CBS and ESPN will be delivering complete live coverage on U-verse TV.
• Featured Group, a new enhancement for the 2010 Tournament featuring coverage of selected groups beginning on the second nine Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, April 11.
• Masters Extra, which gives viewers live play-by-play action before network broadcast coverage, begins.
• Par 3 Contest, which features a live feed from this popular contest on Wednesday, April 7.
• And new for 2010, CBS will deliver live Masters Coverage on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 to mobile phones with AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV.

Dan York, president, content, AT&T, said “This year’s Masters is the most anticipated golf event in history, and only AT&T brings customers complete live and on-demand coverage of the Tournament to the screen of their choice. Sports fans wait all year long for the Masters, and with AT&T, they can catch all the action, excitement and updates whether they’re on the couch, at work or on the go. And we’re proud to bring back our popular U-verse TV Masters app that gives golf fans an unmatched way to enjoy this year’s Tournament.”

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BELD Broadband offers affordable high-speed Internet, cable television and phone service to Braintree residents and businesses has announced that it will launch four new high-definition channels in March.

• Food HD – Channel 557
• HGTV HD – Ch.560
• Investigation Discovery HD – Ch.731
• ION HD – Ch.511

Bend Broadband is currently offering 45 HD channels.

BELD Broadband Division Manager Jack Orpen, said “We’re happy to be able to add more of the quality content our customers are looking for. And we encourage them to stay tuned for more high-def additions in the near future.”

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Outdoor Channel announced that it has renewed an endorsement deal with Michael Waddell for three more years. Michael Waddell is the marquee personality continues to be one of the most successful hunters in the outdoor entertainment industry.

Michael Waddell appears on Outdoor Channel shows as “Realtree Road Trips” and “Bone Collector.”

Under the extended agreement, Michael Waddell will exclusively endorse Outdoor Channel on-air and online, providing fresh weekly content on www.OutdoorChannel.com.

Growing up in the “deep country,” hunting was never about the trophies or the glamorous prospect of being a professional hunter for Mr. Waddell – it was simply a way to enjoy the camaraderie that only family and nature can provide. Known for his charismatic personality and dedication, Waddell works tirelessly both in front and behind the camera creating down-to-earth TV for Outdoor Channel.

Tom Hornish, COO for Outdoor Channel Holdings, said “Michael is a superstar in the outdoor world, and his ability to combine his extensive hunting expertise with his engaging personality entertains fans of all ages. By renewing our partnership with Michael, we are ensuring that we remain the leading destination for the industry’s top talent. Our successful digital efforts continue to have a significant impact on drawing outdoor enthusiasts, and we view Michael’s participation in our growing online platform as a valuable asset.”

Michael Waddell, stated “My focus has always been to provide the most entertaining adventures to outdoor devotees. That goal is perfectly aligned with Outdoor Channel’s mandate of delivering best-in-class outdoor programming. The network – which I call home – is giving me an exciting new opportunity to venture online and get in front of fans in person to share my experiences beyond the TV broadcast medium.”

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Time Warner Cable has added five new HD channels in Akron, Ohio. Time Warner Cable HD subscribers receive following HD channels:

• CBS College Sports HD – Channel 397
• NBA TV HD – Channel 399
• NHL Net HD – Channel 398
• Tennis HD – Channel 396 and
• Showtime HD On Demand – Channel 650

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ESPN has announced the broadcast plans to bring 2010 FIFA World Cup from South Africa starting June 11, 2010 and will end on July 11, 2010.

ESPN Networks will present English-language exclusive coverage of all 64 matches on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC in USA.

ESPN also holds rights to broadcast the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa matches in Brazil, India, Pakistan, The Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Middle East.

ESPN will offer 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa on following platform in various countries:

ESPN Brazil- Brazil
ESPN Star Sports – India, Pakistan, The Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Middle East

ESPN’s flagship sports news and information brand SportsCenter also provides the most comprehensive coverage of marquee sports events around the world. Each SportsCenter edition will provide extensive coverage of 2010 FIFA World Cup for fans in their respective markets that includes:

ESPN 2 (Dos) serving the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (Spanish)
ESPN Australia (English)
ESPN Brasil (Portuguese)
ESPN Deportes in the U.S. (Spanish)
ESPN South Africa, Israel (English)
ESPN+ serving the Southern cone of Latin America (Spanish)
ESPN’s pan-regional network in Latin America (Spanish)
ESS Hong Kong (Cantonese)
ESS India (Hindi)
ESS Malaysia (Malay)
ESS pan-Asia (English)
ESS Taiwan (Mandarin)
J Sports ESPN (Japanese)
TSN Canada (English)
U.S. (English)

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Comcast has announced the launch of 75 new channels, including 47 new high-definition channels, 13 Spanish language channels and 14 international channels in San Francisco on November 17.

Comcast has been upgrading its system in San Francisco from analog to digital and this provides the cable operator enough bandwidth to deliver more HD channels.

Following are the new HD channels added:
Action MAX HD

WE: Women’s Entertainment HD and

WGN HD

Comcast launched following 13 Spanish language channels:
AYM Sports

De Pelicula and

De Pelicula Clasico

Comcast also added 14 international channels
Setanta Sports

MYX and

GMA Life

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