Iovino+blog+post+2


 * TO:** Proximity Teams
 * FROM:** Chris Iovino
 * SUBJECT:** ESPN 360
 * DATE:** January 20, 2010

ESPN 360 is a broadband network for live sports programming. This service allows users to view more than 3,500 events a year, streamed through a computer. The only issue with ESPN 360, is only consumers with ISP's that have paid ESPN for the service are able to view these 3,500 events. If your ISP chooses to not purchase this ESPN package, there is not a thing the consumer can do.

"Content is going to play a role in the high-speed data marketplace" says ESPN's Executive VP David Preschlack. ESPN is trying it's best to avoid the direct relationship with customers and reap the great benefits of licensing the distributors. ESPN is trying to influence these ISP's to purchase the service. This is how ESPN originally made a name for itself in the television world. ESPN's plan to get these distributors to purchase their "exclusive, live and archived content" is gradually becoming effective. Today, over 40% of homes with high-speed-data capabilities have ESPN 360 available.

The continuous debate over the distribution of ESPN 360 is very relevant in the Gen-Y consumers life. It, however, has its good and bad. The biggest issue is the fact that only 40% of people have access to this service. Time Warner Cable is the second largest cable network in the country, and its consumers do not have ESPN 360 access. It will soon get to the point where people are choosing their ISP based on content, not what they believe is best. The good relevance in the Gen-Y consumer's life is the different ways to access the sporting event you wish to watch. I believe Gen-Y consumers are fairly busy and constantly moving. If you are a big sports fan, and have this service, you can watch the game from your couch, then on your cell phone, then on another computer, all without missing a play. Also, Microsoft and the Walt Disney Company are in serious talks about enabling XBOX 360 consumers, through the use of XBOX Live, to be able to access ESPN 360.

Van Buskirk, E(2009, February 5) ESPN to ISP's: Pay For Your Customers to Play Video. retrieved January 20, 2010 from :[]
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