CBS College Sports Network Tops 30 Million Subs With Increased DIRECTV Carriage

Through a deal with DIRECTV, CBS College Sports Network has expanded its overall household reach to more than 30 million subscribers. Elevated to DIRECTV’s CHOICE XTRA package, the network is available to a wider DIRECTV audience.

In addition to CHOICE XTRA, the network is accessible through DIRECTV’s PREMIER package and SPORTS PACK. CBS College Sports Network is available on DIRECTV in standard- and high-definition on Channel 613. DIRECTV was CBS College Sports Network’s (then CSTV) first affiliate.

“The recent growth of CBS College Sports Network to over 30 million subscribers is a direct result of the tremendous teamwork between the people at CBS Sports and CBS College Sports,” says Sean McManus, president, CBS News and Sports. “Together, with the help of our affiliate partners, we are committed to making CBS College Sports Network the premier destination for college fans nationwide.”

Says Derek Chang, EVP, content strategy and development, DIRECTV Inc., “DIRECTV, through its historic partnership with CBS Sports, has been delivering NCAA Mega March Madness exclusively to its customers for many years. And as the leader in sports programming, we believe CBS College Sports Network is an important part of our lineup, and we look forward to introducing it to more of our customers.”

Steve Herbst, EVP/GM, CBS College Sports Network, adds, “We are excited to bring the most comprehensive coverage of live games and events to more DIRECTV customers nationwide. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated in our mission to deliver what our customers want most: more live games, more HD programming, and the high quality level of production that has always been associated with CBS Sports.”

Says Bob Rose, EVP, distribution, CBS College Sports Network, “DIRECTV embraces collegiate sports, and we are extremely pleased to expand our partnership by over 40%. They were our first affiliate and the first to carry our HD product and now, fittingly, have helped drive our carriage past 30 million subscribers. The timing is perfect for us as DIRECTV is signing up new customers in record numbers.”

In the past three months, CBS College Sports Network has added approximately 7 million subscribers through a variety of deals with cable and video providers. The network is currently available to 84 million households. Since CBS Corp. acquired CBS College Sports Network (then CSTV) in January 2006, the network has nearly tripled its distribution with the addition of approximately 20 million subscribers.

CBS College Sports Network’s regular-season and championship-event programming includes coverage of NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, showcasing more than 25 men’s and women’s college sports, in addition to multiple NCAA championships. The network holds media and marketing rights for the Mountain West Conference, Conference USA, the Atlantic 10 Conference, and the U.S. Naval Academy.