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Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases

NBCUniversal Announces New Multi-Platform Agreement With Seasoned Broadcaster Michelle Beadle

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Beadle to Contribute to “Access Hollywood” and Several NBC Sports Group Platforms Including a Role at the London Olympic Games

NEW YORK – May 21, 2012 – NBCUniversal and former ESPN personality Michelle Beadle have forged a new multi-platform agreement that includes on-air duties for “Access Hollywood” and the NBC Sports Group.

Beadle, who will be based in New York, will serve as a correspondent for the nationally syndicated entertainment news program, “Access Hollywood,” which is anchored by Billy Bush. Beadle will cover all major red carpet events, including movie premieres and fashion week, plus report on all breaking Hollywood news. Beadle will also serve as a correspondent for NBC Sports Group’s big-event properties including this summer’s London Olympic Games, which she will also be covering for “Access Hollywood.” Beadle will also have a role in the 2012 NFL Kickoff and Horse Racing’s Triple Crown, as well as other NBC Sports Network programs. As part of the agreement, NBC Sports Group will develop new programming for NBC Sports Network featuring Beadle.

“Michelle Beadle is a perfect fit for ‘Access Hollywood’. She is a tremendous broadcaster, smart, clever with a terrific sense of humor,” said Rob K. Silverstein, Executive Producer of “Access Hollywood.” “Michelle’s sensibility will help Access to continue to separate itself from the pack.”

“I am thrilled to join the NBCUniversal family and to have the opportunity to work alongside many of the most talented and accomplished individuals in the business,” said Beadle. “This gig is the perfect blend of the two things I am most passionate about – sports and pop culture. I look forward to getting back to New York City and immersing myself into a myriad of NBCUniversal platforms, while trying to kick ass and have some fun along the way.”

“Similar to the agreement with Ryan Seacrest, this is another great example of attracting a talent who can contribute across multiple NBCUniversal platforms,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group

“Michelle’s energy and enthusiasm, coupled with her love and knowledge of sports, make her a perfect fit for the NBC Sports Group,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “She has a likability that pops through the screen, and we are excited to be able to feature her across multiple properties and events.”

Beadle joins NBCUniversal from ESPN where she most recently served as co-host of the studio show “SportsNation” on ESPN2, appeared on 1050 ESPN New York as the New York “SportsCenter” anchor for ESPN Radio’s “The Michael Kay Show,” and co-hosted “Winners Bracket” for ESPN Sports Saturday on ABC.

Prior to ESPN, Beadle worked on-air for YES Network, where she served as the pre- and post-game reporter for New Jersey Nets basketball telecasts, and as a studio anchor, reporter and host on shows such as the Emmy Award-winning “Ultimate Road Trip;” “SportsLife NYC;” and “Yankees on Deck.”

In addition to her work at YES, Beadle was hired in 2007 by People Magazine and People.com, where she hosted the online feature What You Missed over the Weekend, and served as a Red Carpet reporter for the Golden Globes, Grammy Awards, SAG Awards and the Tony Awards.

Beadle hosted the Major League Baseball Production’s magazine show “Cathedrals of the Game,” and was a feature reporter for the NFL Films syndicated program “NFL Under the Helmet.”

Beadle previously was a primary host and anchor for College Sports Television (CSTV), where she co-hosted the network’s flagship program, “The #1 College Sports Show,” in addition to CSTV pre- and postgame sports shows and specials.

Also, she hosted the Animal Planet series “Animal Planet Report;” co-hosted the Travel Channel’s Beach Week series; hosted the Discovery Channel reality series “Get Packing” and the network’s one-hour specials “Inside Orlando’s Resorts” and “Outrageous Room Service;” and hosted “I Want Your Job,” an original series on the Fine Living Network.

The deal for Beadle was brokered by Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

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About “Access Hollywood”

“Access Hollywood,” currently in its 16th season in national syndication, is an entertainment newsmagazine that provides viewers with the latest showbiz news, in-depth celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts of the most important events in Hollywood. Billy Bush is the anchor of “Access Hollywood” and the show is distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution. Rob K. Silverstein is the executive producer.

About NBC Sports Group

When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January 2011, the broad reach and storied history of NBC Sports united with Comcast’s 24/7 ability to super-serve fans to create the NBC Sports Group. The sports media company consists of an array of broadcast television, cable television and digital sports assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, NBC Sports Network, Golf Channel, 11 Comcast SportNets (regional sports networks), and their respective digital properties. Together, the assets of the NBC Sports Group possess an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, MLS, Tour de France, French Open, IndyCar, and many more.

Universal Sports Network and NBC Sports Network Present Six Hours of Coverage of HSBC Sevens World Series from Hong Kong This Weekend

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Los Angeles and New York – March 22, 2012 – Universal Sports Network and the NBC Sports Network will continue their joint presentation of the 2011-12 HSBC Sevens World Series with six hours of coverage from Hong Kong. During the sixth stop of the World Series, both networks’ coverage will include several full matches during the two-hour telecasts along with highlights from the entire tournament. In addition, UniversalSports.com will provide live streaming of the event for $4.99 or the full season’s offerings for $29.99.

Coverage begins Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. On Sunday, Universal Sports Network begins coverage at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by the NBC Sports Network at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Both networks’ match coverage will feature play-by-play announcer Bill Seward alongside analyst Brian Hightower, former USA Sevens captain.

The Sevens matches will showcase teams from 24 nations, including the current series top five of New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, England and Samoa, as well as other top tier nations including Australia, France and Wales, 13th ranked United States and host country Hong Kong.

Universal Sports and NBC Sports Network Schedule

Date Time (ET) Location Network

March 24 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hong Kong NBC Sports Network

March 25 12:30-2:30 p.m. Hong Kong Universal Sports Network

March 25 2:30-4:30 p.m. Hong Kong NBC Sports Network

April 1 8:30-10:30 p.m. Japan Universal Sports Network

April 1 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Japan NBC Sports Network

May 6 2-4 p.m. Scotland Universal Sports Network

May 6 4-6 p.m. Scotland NBC Sports Network

May 13 10 p.m.-12 a.m. England Universal Sports Network

May 13 12-2 a.m. England NBC Sports Network

Universal Sports Network recently transitioned to a multi-platform, high definition cable, satellite and IPTV service. Currently, DirecTV and several other cable providers offer Universal Sports Network. Viewers whose cable, satellite or IPTV providers are not currently offering the network should call 1-800-55-GET-US or visit www.IWantUniversalSports.com and demand access to the network’s coverage of the world’s biggest championships.

 

Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, LP, is the premier multi-platform media destination for Olympic-related sports programming in the United States. Offering more than 1,200 hours of original programming each year, Universal Sports has exclusive rights to world and national championship events in a wide array of sports, including swimming, track and field, gymnastics, cycling, skiing, figure skating and rugby. Whether on television, online, or on the go with mobile and tablet applications, Universal Sports offers a four-screen experience to fans of global sports every day of the year. For more information, please visit UniversalSports.com.

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Key Sales Promotions Announced At NBCUniversal

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Jim Hoffman, John Kelly and Seth Winter Promoted To Executive Vice President

NEW YORK – (March 12, 2012) Three key promotions have been announced within the broadcast network sales department. Jim Hoffman has been promoted to executive vice president, Sales & Marketing, NBC Entertainment; John Kelly has been promoted to executive vice president, NBC News and Information Media Sales & Marketing; and Seth Winter has been promoted to executive vice president, Sales Marketing, NBC Sports Group.

Marianne Gambelli, President, Network Ad Sales, NBCUniversal, to whom all three report, said, “I’m extremely proud to announce these very well-deserved promotions. Jim, John and Seth are three of the most talented sales executives in the business. They have tremendous reputations within the industry and have more than earned the respect of their colleagues. We’re lucky to have the benefit of their insight and experience on our team.”

Hoffman has served as senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Network Entertainment since 2004. As executive vice president, he will continue to be responsible for overseeing the network entertainment division’s sales and marketing teams, including Primetime, Late Night and Daytime. Previously, he was the senior vice president for network and cable news sales, where among his accomplishments he integrated MSNBC’s sales organization with the network. Prior to that, he was the vice president of sales for NBC’s news properties. Hoffman began his career with NBC in 1989 and held various sales roles in the company, including sports and at CNBC.

Kelly has served as senior vice president, NBC News and Information Media Sales & Marketing, since 2004. As executive vice president, he will continue to lead the national advertising sales and marketing efforts for the broadcast, cable and digital news and information media properties at NBCUniversal, including the Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and MSNBC. Kelly joined NBC in 2000 as the senior vice president of NBC Cable, managing the regional sales operations for CNBC, MSNBC and CNBC.com. He was promoted in 2001 to oversee the national sales efforts for CNBC. In 2004, Kelly was appointed sales integration leader for the NBC Universal merger, steering and supervising the ad sales integration team.

Winter has served as senior vice president, Sales Marketing, NBC Sports Group since 2006. As executive vice president, he will continue to oversee marketplace sales and marketing strategy for many of the NBC Sports Group’s assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, Golf Channel, the NBC Sports Network and their respective digital assets. He will also continue to be responsible for sales and marketing for many of sports’ most prestigious events, including the Olympics, Sunday Night Football, the NHL, PGA TOUR and Kentucky Derby. Prior to his role in sports, Winter was vice president, Digital Sales for all of NBCUniversal, and before that, he was the vice president, Sales for NBC News Networks. He joined NBC in 2000 as vice president, Sales for MSNBC.

NBCUniversal To Conduct Extensive Research Effort During 2012 London Olympics

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Company Partners with Google and comScore to Explore New Methods of Single Source Cross Platform Video Measurement

NEW YORK – (February 13, 2012) Continuing its pioneering research efforts surrounding the Beijing and Vancouver Olympics known as “The Billion Dollar Lab,” NBCUniversal will conduct a third Olympics research initiative during the 2012 London Games. The company will work with Google and comScore for a series of innovative research projects that will explore new ways to measure single source consumption of video content on TV, mobile, the PC, and for the first time in this Olympics, the tablet.

The initiative will combine Google’s unparalleled analytical and digital expertise with NBCUniversal’s extensive experience using the Olympics to explore consumer media behavior. NBCUniversal and comScore will also partner on a project to measure how different demographic groups use media to follow the Games.

Alan Wurtzel, President, Research, NBCUniversal, said, “Since we first began the Olympics Billion Dollar Lab, non-linear video consumption has increased dramatically. Cross-platform measurement is extraordinarily challenging, but we believe the unique and complementary nature of these research projects will bring us one step closer to cracking the code of single source measurement.”

Considered the “holy grail” of media measurement, single source data measures the use of different devices by an individual consumer across multiple channels, online services and apps. In order to achieve this, the Google project will feature a panel of approximately 3,000 respondents who have agreed to participate. The project will also utilize a number of proprietary algorithms developed specifically for this project by Google.

The comScore initiative will tap into the company’s new 10,000 member single source TV/Online panel to focus on several hundred Olympic enthusiasts who plan to follow the Games on multiple platforms. It will employ set top boxes, electronic meters and panelist self reports to provide new insights into how today’s media platforms contribute to the Olympic experience for the biggest fans.

NBCUniversal, Google, and comScore intend to share both the results of consumer Olympic media consumption, as well as the broader learnings obtained about the various approaches to cross platform measurement. In coming weeks, NBCUniversal will announce other research partnerships for the “Billion Dollar Lab.”

About NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

Universal Sports And NBC Sports Present Multi-Platform Coverage Of The 2011 ING New York City Marathon

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LIVE Marathon Coverage Begins at 9 a.m. ET on Universal Sports Network; Free Live Streaming of ING NYC Marathon on UniversalSports.com and NYCMarathon.org

NBC Sports Airs a Two-Hour Special Beginning at 2 p.m. ET

New York and Los Angeles – November 2, 2011 – Universal Sports Network and NBC Sports will provide more than 10 hours combined of television and online coverage of the 2011 ING New York City Marathon this Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. ET. The marathon will air live on Universal Sports Network, with live streaming available on NYCMarathon.org and UniversalSports.com presented by MOTOACTV from Motorola.

NBC will present a two-hour marathon special from 2-4 p.m. ET. The television and online coverage will showcase the 26.2-mile race featuring more than 45,000 runners traversing New York City’s five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, and finish in world-famous Central Park.

COVERAGE ON UNIVERSAL SPORTS: Universal Sports Network will present LIVE coverage of the 2011 ING New York City Marathon this Sunday, including pre-race and post-race studio shows. The network’s 30-minute Pre-Race Show presented by Skechers will begin at 9 a.m. ET and will feature interviews with 2009 ING New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, Inside Endurance athlete Ryan Sutter and Global Senior Director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Asker Jeukendrup. In addition, it will profile other race favorites and will review the marathon course. The studio shows will be hosted by Paul Sunderland alongside analyst and elite distance runner Josh Cox.

COVERAGE ON NBC SPORTS: NBC Sports will air same-day taped coverage of the Marathon from 2 – 4 p.m. ET. The two hours of coverage is the only national over-the-air television coverage of any major marathon outside of the Olympics. Coverage is hosted by NBC Sports’ Jimmy Roberts.

Headlining this year’s men’s field are 2010 ING New York City Marathon champion Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia, 2009 champion Meb Keflezighi of the USA, 2011 Virgin London Marathon champion Emmanuel Mutai of Kenya, Olympians Juan Luis Barrios of Mexico and Jaouad Gharib of Morocco, reigning Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, Ethiopian Olympic and World Championships medalist Tsegaye Kebede, Moroccan Olympian Abdellah Falil, and American debut marathoners Bobby Curtis and Ed Moran.

Making their ING New York City Marathon debuts are 2011 IAAF World Championships Marathon bronze medalist, Feyisa Lilesa of Ethiopia, 2010 SportZone Half-Marathon (Portugal) champion Stephen Kibet of Kenya, three-time Rome Marathon champion Firehiwot Dado of Ethiopia and World Championships medalist Werknesh Kidane of Ethiopia, along with the second-fastest half-marathoner in the world this year, Matthew Kisorio of Kenya, running his first full marathon ever.

In the women’s race, runners include three-time U.S. Olympian Jen Rhines, New Zealand Olympian Kim Smith, British Olympian Jo Pavey, 2010 Virgin London Marathon runner-up Inga Abitova of Russia, who finished in fourth place last year, Portugal’s championship long-distance duo of Jéssica Augusto and Ana Dulce Félix, U.S. debut marathoners Lauren Fleshman and Molly Pritz, reigning Boston Marathon champion Caroline Kilel of Kenya, 2011 London winner Mary Keitany of Kenya, 2011 Honda L.A. Marathon champion Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia, Swedish marathon record-holder Isabellah Andersson, and Galina Bogomolova, Russia’s second-fastest marathoner ever. Also competing is former World Cross Country champion and World Championships medalist Werknesh Kidane of Ethiopia, whose husband, Gebre Gebremariam, will defend his title in the men’s race.

This year’s celebrity roster features more than 20 names from a wide range of disciplines, from sports to television to music. Most of them will race for one of the more than 200 charities involved in this year’s ING New York City Marathon’s charity program, which is projected to raise more than $26.2 million, or roughly $1 million per mile. Among those racing are Inside Endurance athlete Ryan Sutter (Inside Endurance/Gatorade), U.S. Olympian speed skater Apolo Ohno (Subway), U.S. Olympian softball player Jennie Finch (Timex), The Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams, Hall of Fame hockey player Mark Messier (New York Police & Fire Widow’s and Children’s Benefit Fund and Tomorrows Children’s Fund), model Christy Turlington (Every Mother Counts), model/actress Veronica Webb (Harlem United) and Grammy Award-Winning artist Mýa (North Shore Animal League America).

No.1 New Zealand All Blacks vs. France In The 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final, Sunday 3 PM ET On NBC

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WALES VS. AUSTRAILIA IN BRONZE MEDAL FINAL ON UNIVERSAL SPORTS

NEW YORK– October 20, 2011 – The 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup will conclude this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC with exclusive coverage of the highly anticipated Final between New Zealand and France. Universal Sports Network will re-air the final at 8 p.m. ET. The Bronze Final between Wales vs. Australia will be LIVE on Universal Sports Network Friday at 3:15 a.m. ET, with a re-air of the match at 7 p.m. ET.

The famed New Zealand All Blacks, the World No. 1 team, will attempt to capture a second world title in its first World Cup Final appearance since 1995. New Zealand’s last world title in 1987 was against France. Though a surprising finalist this year, France previously beat New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup semifinals and in the 2007 quarterfinals.

Fans can also watch the World Cup Final and Bronze Medal match on-demand the following day on UniversalSports.com as part of an online subscription package.

Coverage on both NBC and Universal Sports will feature a studio pre-game show and halftime and post-game shows with Fred Roggin and Bill Seward alongside former USA Rugby Captain Brian Hightower.

NBC Sports And Universal Sports Combine For 12 Hours Of Coverage Of 2011 Hilton HHonors Skate America

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Live Coverage of Men’s and Dance Finals This Saturday at 3 p.m. on NBC

U.S. Champion Alissa Czisny and World Champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White Headline Grand Prix of Figure Skating’s First Event

 

New York and Los Angeles – October 20, 2011 – NBC Sports and Universal Sports Network take to the ice this weekend with coverage of the 2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating’s first event this season, 2011 Hilton HHonors Skate America. NBC will begin its coverage this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET with live coverage of the Men’s Free Skate and the Free Dance. Universal Sports will re-air that event on Tues., Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. ET. Universal Sports’ coverage begins on Sun., Oct. 23 at 1:30 p.m. ET with the Short Programs: Pairs and Ladies, followed at 4:30 p.m. ET with live coverage of the Ladies and Pairs Free Skates. Skate America will be streamed live on icenetwork.com for Season Pass subscribers.

The commentators for Skate America include play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon alongside NBC’s Olympic figure skating analysts Scott Hamilton, Sandra Bezic and Tracy Wilson with Andrea Joyce handling the interviews.

2011 Hilton HHonors Skate America will feature compelling skaters and storylines in each of the four categories.

Ladies

Alissa Czisny begins the season as the reigning U.S. and Grand Prix Final champion. She competes at Skate America for the third time, and first since winning silver in 2005. Caroline Zhang, who won the bronze medal at this event in 2007, makes her third Skate America appearance. Joelle Forte began the season last month at Nebelhorn Trophy.

Men

Richard Dornbush competes for the first time on the Grand Prix Circuit. Dornbush, the reigning Junior Grand Prix Final champion and U.S. silver medalist, was the United States’ highest-placing man at the most recent World Championships (9th). Armin Mahbanoozadeh comes to Ontario in defense of his bronze medal at this event last fall. Douglas Razzano began the season with a second-place showing at 2011 Finlandia Trophy earlier this month. He makes his Grand Prix Series debut in Ontario.

Pairs

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, who teamed up in May, began their international competitive careers together with a bronze medal at Nebelhorn Trophy. Mary Beth Marley and Rockne Brubaker, the 2011 U.S. pewter medalists, make their Grand Prix debut in Ontario. Also making their first trip to a Grand Prix are Tiffany Vise and Don Baldwin.

Ice dancing

Meryl Davis and Charlie White are undefeated in their last six outings. Before becoming the first U.S. ice dancing team to win World gold in April, they won gold at a pair of Grand Prix events, including Skate America, the Grand Prix Final, their third U.S. title and the Four Continents Championships. Newly formed team Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue are the 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy titlists. Isabella Cannuscio and Ian Lorello, who placed sixth at the 2011 U.S. Championships, begin their second Grand Prix season this week.

Universal Sports and NBC Sports Broadcast Schedule

schedule subject to change

ALL TIMES ET

Skate America from Ontario, CA

Sat., Oct. 22 3-6 PM Free Dance & Men’s Free (LIVE) NBC

Sun., Oct 23 1:30-4:30 PM Short Programs: Pairs and Ladies (delay) Universal Sports

4:30-7:30 PM Ladies and Pairs Free (LIVE) Universal Sports

Tues., Oct. 25 6-9 PM Free Dance & Men’s Free (NBC re-air) Universal Sports

Skate Canada from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Sat., Oct. 29 4-6 PM Pairs Free (LIVE) Universal Sports

7-9 PM Men’s Free (LIVE) Universal Sports

Sun., Oct. 30 12:30-2 PM Free Dance (LIVE) Universal Sports

Sat., Nov. 5 3-5 PM Ladies and Men’s Free NBC

Sun., Nov. 6 6-8 PM Ladies and Men’s Free (NBC re-air) Universal Sports

Cup of China from Shanghai, China (SDD)

Sat., Nov. 5 6-8 PM Ladies Free and Free Dance Universal Sports

10 PM-12 AM Men’s Free and Pairs Free Universal Sports

NHK Trophy from Sapporo, Japan (SDD & delay)

Sat., Nov. 12 6-8 PM Free Dance and Pairs Free Universal Sports

Sun., Nov. 13 2-4 PM Ladies and Men’s Free NBC

6-8 PM Men’s Free Universal Sports

9:30-11:30 PM Ladies and Men’s Free (NBC re-air) Universal Sports

Trophée Eric Bompard from Paris, France (SDD & delay)

Sat., Nov. 19 6-8 PM Pairs and Men’s Free Universal Sports

9-11 PM Free Dance Universal Sports

Sun., Nov. 27 2-4 PM Ladies and Men’s Free NBC

Sun., Nov. 27 4-6 PM Ladies and Men’s Free (NBC re-air) Universal Sports

Rostelecom Cup from Moscow, Russia (SDD & delay)

Sat., Nov. 26 4-6 PM Pairs and Men’s Free Universal Sports

8-10 PM Free Dance Universal Sports

Sat., Dec. 3 1-3 PM Ladies and Men’s Free NBC

6-8 PM Ladies and Men’s Free (NBC re-air) Universal Sports

Grand Prix Final from Quebec City, Canada

Fri., Dec. 9 1-3 PM Ladies Short and Short Dance (LIVE) Universal Sports

8-10:30 PM Shorts: Pairs and Men’s (LIVE) Universal Sports

Sat., Dec. 10 5-6 PM Men’s Free Skate (LIVE) Universal Sports

8:30-10 Pairs Free Skate (LIVE) Universal Sports

Sun., Dec. 11 12-2 PM Ladies and Men’s Free NBC

5-6 PM Free Dance Universal Sports

8-10 PM Ladies and Men’s Free (NBC re-air) Universal Sports

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Olympic Medalists Shawn Johnson, Jonathan Horton And Alicia Sacramone Highlight NBC Sports’ And Universal Sports’ Live Coverage Of The 2011 Visa Championships

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Women’s Finals Live Saturday on NBC in Primetime

Universal Sports’ “Around the Gym” with Olympians Nastia Liukin and John Roethlisberger to provide Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Competition Coverage

 

NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES – August 17, 2011 – NBC Sports and Universal Sports will continue their extensive gymnastics coverage by combining to present 13 hours of the Visa Championships, USA Gymnastics’ national championships, this week from the XL Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Universal Sports will present live coverage of the women’s competition this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET and the men’s competition Friday at 8 p.m. ET. NBC Sports will carry live primetime coverage of the women’s final day competition on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET and taped coverage of the men’s final day coverage on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET. NBC’s Olympic gymnastics broadcasting team of Al Trautwig, 1984 Olympic gold medalist Tim Daggett, Olympian Elfi Schlegel and Andrea Joyce will call the competition with David Michaels directing all production for both NBC Sports and Universal Sports.

Universal Sports’ pre- and post-competition show Around the Gym returns for its second year. Around the Gym will again be hosted by 2008 Olympic all-around gold medalist Nastia Liukin and three-time Olympian John Roethlisberger. Around the Gym will provide an inside look at the competition, featuring interviews, commentary and analysis both before and after the daily events. The 30-minute shows will air live starting Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET, prior to the first session on Universal Sports, and immediately following coverage at 10 p.m. ET. On Friday, Around the Gym will start pre-competition coverage at 7:30 p.m. ET and post-competition at 11 p.m. ET. Universal Sports will also broadcast Around the Gym following NBC’s coverage of the women’s final day of competition on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.

UniversalSports.com will provide free, live simulstreams of the competitions and Around the Gym, along with extensive competition highlights, photos, news and blogs, plus athlete interviews and other behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also access Universal Sports’ new iPad app for up-to-date broadcast schedules, breaking news, video highlights, special features and more.

The Visa Championships determine the U.S. champions and the national team for both the junior and senior elite levels in men’s and women’s gymnastics. This year’s competition will feature many of the biggest names in the sport. The women’s field is particularly star-studded, with Olympic all-around silver medalist and former world champion Shawn Johnson competing in her first VISA National Championship since her medal winning performances at the 2008 Beijing Games. Also, 2008 Olympic Team silver medalist Alicia Sacramone will look to continue her dominance on the vault, where she has won five previous national championships and is the reigning world champion.

The highly competitive women’s field also features 2010 world all-around bronze-medalist and defending U.S. champion Rebecca Bross; 2011 American Cup champion Jordyn Wieber, 2008 Olympic team silver medalistand former world champion Chellsie Memmel, and 2010 world all-around finalist and 2011 CoverGirl Classic Champion Alexandra Raisman;

The men’s field is highlighted by 2008 Olympic team bronze medalist and two-time and defending U.S. champion Jonathan Horton. In 2010, Horton landed on his first world all-around podium, winning the bronze medal in Rotterdam. Nationally, Horton will face tough competition from 2010 U.S. all-around silver medalist, Danell Leyva, who challenged Horton at last year’s national championships, but fell about 2.3 points short of the title.

2011 NBC Sports and Universal Sports Broadcast/Web Schedule (All Times ET):
8/18, Around the Gym (LIVE), 7:30 p.m., Universal Sports TV
8/18, Women’s Competition (LIVE), 8 p.m., Universal Sports TV and web
8/18, Around the Gym (LIVE), 10 p.m., Universal Sports TV
8/19, Around the Gym (LIVE), 7:30 p.m., Universal Sports TV
8/19, Men’s Competition (LIVE), 8 p.m., Universal Sports TV and web
8/19, Around the Gym (LIVE), 11 p.m., Universal Sports TV
8/20, Women’s Competition (LIVE), 8 p.m., NBC
8/20, Around the Gym (LIVE), 10 p.m., Universal Sports TV
8/20, Women’s Competition (NBC Re-Air), 10:30 p.m., Universal Sports TV and web
8/21, Men’s Competition (Tape Delay), 4:30 p.m., NBC

ABOUT UNIVERSAL SPORTS: Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, LP, is the premier multi-platform media destination for Olympic-related sports programming in the United States. Universal Sports is available in 52 markets nationwide, including all of the nation’s top 10 media markets and 20 of the top 25, and everywhere on DIRECTV. Major world championship sports events aired on Universal Sports include track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, marathons, figure skating, cycling and rugby. The network’s website, UniversalSports.com, delivers an immersive user experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes through interviews and blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year-round. For more information, please visit UniversalSports.com.

NBC Networks Unite For Most-Ever Live U.S TV Coverage Of Equestrian Sports

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NBC Sports, Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com to cover more than 80 hours of 2010 World Equestrian Games

September 22, 2010 – NEW YORK – NBC Sports, Universal Sports are teaming up to provide fans with the most extensive live television coverage of equestrian sports in U.S. history. NBC Sports will air 8 ½ hours of LIVE coverage on three consecutive weekends, beginning this Saturday at 12 Noon ET. Universal Sports will show more than 15 hours LIVE, including the majority of the show jumping competition. Universal Sports will also air taped broadcasts of the Reining Final, the Dressage Freestyle, the Driving competition and the Vaulting Final. The joint effort will include more than 30 hours of live and taped television coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. This total amount of U.S. television coverage is unprecedented for equestrian sports in this country.

This prestigious international event is being held at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from September 25 to October 10. Lexington-area cable operator Insight Communications will offer the Universal Sports network to its subscribers on a trial basis beginning on September 24, allowing local horse enthusiasts to watch the action from start to finish.

The World Equestrian Games is held once every four years, with 2010 marking the first time the event will be held on U.S. soil.  The games feature the best riders and drivers in eight disciplines – dressage, show jumping, eventing, vaulting, reining, driving, endurance and para-equestrian dressage, which involves disabled riders.  The 16-day competition is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lexington, a city known as the “Horse Capital of the World.

All sessions of competition from equestrian’s three Olympic disciplines — dressage, eventing and jumping — will be streamed LIVE on UniversalSports.com for a one-time subscription fee of $29.99. A daily purchase option of $12.99 also will be available. Full replays of subscription content will be provided for on-demand viewing. The live streams begin with dressage (Sept. 27-29, Oct. 1), continue with eventing (Sept. 30, Oct. 1-3) and conclude with jumping (Oct. 4-6, 8-9). For details and a complete schedule of coverage on UniversalSports.com, go to universalsports.com/equestrian.

Additional live coverage of the international disciplines of reining, driving, vaulting, endurance, and recorded coverage of para-equestrian dressage, will air on the United States Equestrian Federation Network at www.USEFNetwork.com. Pay-Per-View coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will also be offered at www.FEITV.org.

World Equestrian Games Television Schedule

September 26, 2010 Team Reining Competition

Opening Ceremonies

 12:00 (NOON) ET – 1:30 PM ET (LIVE) NBC
September 27, 2010 Team Reining Competition 11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET (taped) Universal Sports
October 3, 2010 Show Jumping and Eventing-Cross Country

Freestyle Dressage and Reining Individual

 1:00 PM ET – 4:00 PM ET (LIVE)

4:00 PM ET – 6:00 PM ET (LIVE)

 NBC
October 4, 2010 Show Jumping Speed Competition 10:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET (LIVE)

2:30 PM ET – 5:00 PM ET (LIVE)

 Universal Sports
October 5, 2010 Show Jumping Team Competition 10:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET (LIVE)

2:30 PM ET – 5:00 PM ET (LIVE)

 Universal Sports
October 6, 2010 Show Jumping Team Competition Finals 7:00 PM ET – 9:30 PM ET (LIVE) Universal Sports
October 7, 2010 Eventing Finals

Dressage Freestyle and Reining Individual

 11:30 AM ET – 2:30 PM ET (taped)

2:30 PM ET – 4:30 PM ET (taped)

 Universal Sports
October 8, 2010 Show Jumping Individual Competition 5:30 PM ET – 7:00 PM ET (LIVE) Universal Sports
October 9, 2010 Show Jumping Final Four 8:00 PM ET – 9:30 PM ET (LIVE) Universal Sports
October 10, 2010 Show Jumping Finals, Vaulting, Driving and

Closing Ceremonies

 4:00 PM ET – 6:00 PM ET (LIVE) NBC
October 11, 2010 Show Jumping Finals, Vaulting, Driving and

Closing Ceremonies

 11:30 AM ET – 1:30 PM ET (taped) Universal Sports
October 14, 2010 Driving  Finals 6:00 PM ET – 7:00 PM ET (taped) Universal Sports
October 15, 2010 Vaulting Final 6:00 PM ET – 7:00 PM ET (taped) Universal Sports

ABOUT UNIVERSAL SPORTS: Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, LP, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related sports programming on television and online. Universal Sports is available in more than 63 million homes, including all of the nation’s top 10 DMAs. Recent expansion includes launches in Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Denver, Portland, and Jacksonville. Go to UniversalSports.com for a complete list of TV markets. Major world championship and Olympic qualifying events found on Universal Sports range from track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, marathons and cycling, to volleyball, rowing, triathlon, fencing, speed skating and martial arts. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes through blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. For more information on the availability of the Universal Sports 24-hour television channel, please visit UniversalSports.com.

Sternberg Named CEO, Miller Named COO Of Universal Sports

By

STERNBERG NAMED CEO, MILLER NAMED COO OF UNIVERSAL SPORTS

NEW YORK and WESTLAKE, Calif. – April 5, 2010 – David Sternberg, former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Emerging Networks for Fox Cable Networks, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Universal Sports and Perkins Miller, formerly Senior Vice President, Digital Media for NBC Sports and Olympics, has been named Chief Operating Officer of the company, it was announced today by Intermedia Partners Managing Partner Peter Kern and Universal Sports Chairman Claude Ruibal.

Universal Sports, the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related programming on television and online, is coming off a year in which the channel’s distribution increased by more than 700 percent and sales grew by more than 300 percent.

“With such tremendous growth in the business during the last two years, we recognized the need to bring in an experienced executive team to build on this momentum,” said Claude Ruibal, chairman and founder of Universal Sports. “I am thrilled to have a seasoned cable executive like David to lead the company forward, and to add Perkins’ skill and experience in business development, marketing, sales and digital media.”

“With Claude and Carlos’ help we have taken Universal Sports from an idea to a fixture in the cable sports landscape.” said Kern. “Now with the opportunity to add the tremendous talent and experience which David and Perkins bring to the organization, we are even more confident that Universal Sports will become a fully distributed sports network and the destination on TV and online for fans and sponsors of Olympic sports and their athletes.   David’s success with emerging sports networks is perfectly suited to our current position and Perkins’ experience with NBC Sports and within the sports industry bring an ideal combination of skills and experience to this endeavor.”

“Claude and Carlos Silva and their team have done a great job securing critical rights and producing a first-rate television network in a remarkably short period of time,” said Sternberg. “Perkins and I are eager to build on this achievement and ensure that the millions of Olympic sports fans across the country can find their home on Universal Sports.”

Since June 2008, when NBC and InterMedia Partners officially announced their partnership with Universal Sports (formerly the World Championship Sports Network), distribution has grown from 1.5 million to being available today in more than 57 million television households.  Universal Sports is based in Westlake, California, with sales and digital operations on the East Coast. Sternberg will be based out of the Westlake offices, while Miller will be based in New York and will continue to lead NBC’s Olympic digital effort for the 2012 London Games. Carlos Silva will remain with the company as President of Universal Sports Properties, leading Universal Sports’ emerging fitness and training business and David Michaels will continue to serve as executive producer of Universal Sports.

Sternberg most recently served for nearly seven years as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Emerging Networks for Fox Cable Networks and General Manager of three U.S. networks: FUEL TV, Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Español.  The three services rank among cable and satellite television’s fastest-growing sports networks.  Fox Sports en Español is currently available in 14 million homes and is available to more than 40 percent of the total U.S. Hispanic audience, while Fox Soccer Channel is in 35 million homes and FUEL TV reaches 31 million homes.

On the strength of the distribution gains, Sternberg negotiated critical rights deals, including exclusive U.S. rights to the world-renowned Barclays English Premier League as well as the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious multinational club competition.  In addition to managing the three domestic networks, Sternberg assisted the Fox Pan American Sports venture partners in overseeing the Fox Sports Latin America network, reaching 18 million subscribers in 18 Spanish-speaking territories. He also oversaw Fox’s collaboration with Global Television in Fox Sports World Canada, and supervised Fox Sports International’s programming syndication sales efforts in partnership with IMG Media.

Before joining Fox Sports International as Director of Business Development in 1998, Sternberg served as a management consultant in Price Waterhouse LLP’s Entertainment, Media and Communications Strategy Group in Los Angeles.  Sternberg, a graduate of Princeton University, earned his Masters degree in Business Administration from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.  He and his wife, Julie, live in Encino, Calif., with their three children.

Miller was most recently Senior Vice President, Digital Media, NBC Sports and Olympics and General Manager for Universal Sports Network, where he oversaw all digital media initiatives for NBC Sports and NBC Olympics as well as NBC’s interests in Universal Sports.

Miller has overseen NBC’s largest digital events, including NBC’s “Sunday Night Football Extra” as well as the 2010 and 2008 Olympic Games, which spanned online, mobile, iTV, VOD, EST, and gaming. The combined Olympic events drew nearly 100 million unique visitors, more than two billion page views, and more than 115 million videos streamed — making them the largest digital events in history. Miller is a two-time Emmy-Award winner and was ranked No. 3 in Sports Business Journal’s Top 20 “Most Influential In Digital Sports” for 2008.

Miller has also managed NBC’s investment in Universal Sports since 2008. Prior to joining NBC, Miller was vice president and managing director for Time Warner’s Mountain Sports Media, overseeing business affairs for the magazine, film, and TV production group.  Miller oversaw Warren Miller Entertainment as well as garnering a National Magazine General Excellence Award nomination for his turn-around of Skiing Magazine. Miller was also the Director and General Manager for Internet Operations for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, during which time he brought together Olympics.com and NBCOlympics.com for the first time in history.

Miller graduated from Middlebury College and lives with his wife and two daughters in Wilton, Conn.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL SPORTS: Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related and lifestyle sports programming available on television and online. Universal Sports is available in 57 million homes, including nine of the top 10 DMAs: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth and Washington, D.C. Recent expansion includes launches in Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Denver, Portland, and Jacksonville. Go to UniversalSports.com for a complete list of TV markets. Major world championship and Olympic qualifying events found on Universal Sports range from track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, marathons and cycling, to volleyball, rowing, triathlon, fencing, speed skating and martial arts. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes through blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. For more information on the availability of the Universal Sports 24-hour television channel, please visit UniversalSports.com.