• January 7, 2004

ESPN ranks number one in key categories among all measured broadcast and ad supported cable networks evaluated in an independent study of advertising executives conducted and released by Beta Research Corp. Among basic cable networks, ESPN also ranked number one in the percentage of executives planning to increase advertising on the network. ESPN rated higher than almost all broadcast networks in having appealing audience demographics. The Beta Research Advertising Executive Study is based on a poll of 300 advertising executives, including agency media planners, buyers, directors, supervisors and managers; all were pre-screened to ensure their responsibilities include involvement in media-buying decisions.

In related ESPN news, the network unveiled plans yesterday to start production on its third original, made-for-television movie, "3: The Dale Earnhardt Story," an ESPN Original Entertainment production based on the storied life and career of the late auto racing legend. The movie is set to premiere late summer 2004.

Lastly, ESPN Deportes launched yesterday, with ESPN2 simulcasting several editions of the new Spanish-language production of SportsCenter over the next seven days. ESPN2 will give viewers a chance to preview ESPN Deportes and its own version of SportsCenter, which will feature anchors Michele LaFountain, Heriberto Murrieta, Fernando Palomo, and Jorge Eduardo Sanchez Perez.