Orbit and ESPN International renew programming distribution agreement

This mutual accord once again proves the long-term commitment on the part of Orbit and ESPN International and to the future of sports television in the Middle East. The fresh five-year agreement also solidifies a mutually beneficial and amicable relationship between Orbit and ESPN International that has been ongoing since the launch of Orbit in 1994.

Under terms of the agreement, Orbit-ESPN will continue to broadcast top quality sports programming in Arabic and English to more than 20 countries throughout the Middle East. In 2004, programming highlights will include NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, and major golf and tennis tournaments, in addition to soccer, college sports, horse racing, motor sports, and the premier action sports franchise in the world, ESPN's X Games.

"We are very excited about the continuation of the co-operation with ESPN International that this renewal agreement provides. The association between Orbit and ESPN International is of great benefit to our viewers," said a delighted Michael Anthony, Vice President of Sports Programming at Orbit. "The combination of Orbit-ESPN's current programming with ESPN International's content will enable us to offer by far the most complete and dynamic 24-hour sports channel in the region."

"We value our relationship with Orbit and we are pleased that we have renewed our distribution agreement," said Timo Lumme, ESPN International's vice president of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. "As the leading broadcaster in the Middle East and North Africa, Orbit provides the ideal platform for ESPN programming to reach sports fans in the region."

Orbit-ESPN is a 24-hour sports service committed to providing coverage of the world's premier sporting events as well as those with strong local appeal. Orbit-ESPN Sports is the premier sports channel in the Middle East and North Africa, providing programming never seen before in the region to an upscale, highly educated audience while continually adding innovative programming and technology to reflect the tastes of genuine sports fans of all ages.

Commenting at the signing ceremony, Ali Ajouz - Orbit's Vice President Marketing said: "This agreement, following the heals of our exclusive broadcasting rights of the Saudi League for the upcoming two years, reiterates our commitment to providing our viewers with the best in sporting programs."

Orbit offers viewers 7 movie channels, 2 sports channels, 7 general entertainment channels, 5 news channels, 3 children's channels, 2 documentary channels, a music channel and 20 radio channels in addition to 4 pay-per-view channels offering the latest Arabic & Western blockbuster movies.