beIN SPORTS Inks Deal with HC2 Broadcasting to Launch New Live Sports OTA Channel

beIN SPORTS INKS DEAL WITH

HC2 BROADCASTING TO LAUNCH A NEW LIVE SPORTS OTA CHANNEL   

New Distribution Deal Brings beIN SPORTS XTRA to

HC2 Broadcasting Audiences in 15 Major U.S. Cities

 – beIN SPORTS announced today that HC2 Broadcasting, the broadcasting subsidiary of HC2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCHC), will carry beIN SPORTS XTRA, making it the first 24/7 live sports channel available free, over-the-air on broadcast television. The English-language channel, beIN SPORTS XTRA, will be immediately available in 15 major markets across the U.S., on HC2’s stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas - Fort Worth, Houston, San Jose - San Francisco - Oakland, Atlanta, Miami - Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Hartford, Columbus, Las Vegas, and Austin, among others.

HC2 Broadcasting has 195 operational stations in over 130 U.S. markets, including 34 of the top 35 markets across the United States. 

“Today marks a significant day as beIN SPORTS is now able to deliver the best in world-class sports to a new segment of fans on over-the-air television, where all that is required for access is an antenna to start watching LIVE events for FREE,” said Antonio Briceño, beIN SPORTS Deputy Managing Director for North America. “We’re thrilled to be the first network to air advertiser-friendly live sports 24/7 on broadcast channels to nearly 7 million households. This milestone furthers our mission to deliver the highest quality sports content to the most viewers possible, regardless of platform.”

Today’s news builds upon beIN SPORTS’ milestone media sales partnership with Azteca America, announced earlier this year. Coupled with today’s news, beIN SPORTS and HC2 Broadcasting are breaking new ground in the ways independent channels can scale and compete effectively with larger media companies.

“We are extremely excited to build upon our current partnership with beIN SPORTS in delivering the very first 24/7 premium sports channel OTA-focused on the general market sports fan,” said Craig A. Geller, Executive Vice President of HC2 Network. “HC2 Broadcasting recognized the changing media landscape and has built a best-in-class data and distribution platform for today’s top content providers to extend their reach to homes who have cut the cord or are cord-nevers. On launch, HC2 Broadcasting’s footprint will extend the beIN brand into these 15 key markets. At HC2 Broadcasting, we are committed to creating opportunities that connect and engage these coveted homes with our content partners and advertisers.”

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