July 24, 2008

CINCINNATI -

FSN Ohio and Xavier University have reached a multi-year television rights agreement extending the long-term relationship between the school and the network. It was announced today by Steve Liverani, Senior Vice President and General Manager, FSN Ohio, and, Mike Bobinski, Associate Vice President and Athletic Director, Xavier University. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Under terms of the agreement, FSN Ohio will continue to televise 15 men’s non-conference and conference basketball games through its partnership with CBS College Sports. Additionally, FSN Ohio will again televise the Atlantic-10 quarter and semi-final tournament games. A new, 30-minute pregame show will also be added to the programming line-up prior to 10 telecasts.

"Musketeer basketball has become synonymous with excellence and FSN Ohio is proud to be continuing our longstanding relationship with this outstanding university,” said Liverani. “As Xavier continues to build its program into one of college basketball's perennial powers, FSN Ohio will be there providing Musketeer fans the most in-depth and comprehensive coverage anywhere.”

"I'm very pleased with the extension of our partnership with FSN Ohio," said Bobinski. “This relationship provides Xavier basketball with a local/regional television distribution package that is amongst the very best in the country.  The broad exposure we receive from FSN Ohio broadcasts enables us to expand our fan base and strengthen the connection of viewers to both our program and Xavier University.  The addition of a pre-game show in this new agreement is an exciting development, as it will allow a more in-depth look at what makes Xavier basketball such a successful enterprise."

Telecast schedules and talent announcements are forthcoming.

FSN Ohio, the area’s leading provider of local sports programming, is the cable home of the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, , Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Destroyers, Cleveland Gladiators, Xavier Musketeers, Kentucky Wildcats and Mid American Conference (MAC) basketball and football. FSN Ohio reaches over 5 million households in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, western Pennsylvania, western New York, and West Virginia.

FSN, with its 18-owned regional sports networks, is the nation’s leading provider of local sports programming, and reaches more than 81 million homes.  Based in Los Angeles, FSN owned – or affiliated regional sports networks serve as the TV home to 64 of the 82 MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in the United States.  FSN produces over 4,500 live events each year, including close to 500 in High Definition.  In addition to its thousands of home team games and a wide variety of locally produced sports programs, FSN televises national sports events and programs, including Pac-10 and ACC basketball; Pac-10 and Big 12 football; Best Damn Sports Show Period; CMI:  Chris Myers Interviews; the Mansionpoker.net Poker Dome Challenge, In Focus and The FSN Final Score.  For the latest up-to-the-minute sports new and opinions, visit the FOX Sports/FSN website at www.FOXSports.com.