SATELLITE & CABLE: HK Cable ceases deal with ESPN

<p>ESPN has failed to reach a distribution agreement with Hong Kong </p><p>Cable, after being carried by the territory's sole cable TV platform for </p><p>five years. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>In a full-page ad taken in local Hong Kong newspapers, ESPN Star Sports </p><p>managing director Sandy Brown said the sports network would "continue to </p><p>be open to dialogue with Hong Kong Cable", but added that it was also </p><p>currently in discussion with other pay-TV platforms that will launch in </p><p>Hong Kong later this year. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"In the interests of our business in Hong Kong in the long term, we </p><p>believe that being non-exclusive is the most prudent direction for us to </p><p>take," said Mr Brown. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Meanwhile, Hong Kong Cable has enhanced coverage on its sports channels, </p><p>with Sports 2 channel expanding to a 24-hour service. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Sports 1 channel will become a 24-hour football channel, featuring </p><p>worldwide football matches such as the English Premier League and Euro </p><p>2000. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Sports 2 channel will feature worldwide action and variety </p><p>programmes, with a minimum of five hours of new programmes on weekdays. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>