DirecTV, CBS ink on hoops
CSTV to be offered to over 8 mil subscribers
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As part of the deal, CBS Corp. has also secured broader distribution of its CSTV cabler on DirecTV. The satcaster will offer the college sports-themed channel to more than 8 million subs, bringing CSTV's total distribution to more than 20 million households.
"We're not only generating new revenues through the NCAA satellite package, but by offering CSTV to more than 8 million DirecTV customers, we've significantly expanded its reach," said CBS Corp. prexy/CEO Leslie Moonves.
Under the deal, DirecTV's "NCAA Mega March Madness" package will include as many as 37 out-of-market games produced by CBS during the first three rounds of the championship. High-definition telecasts are included in the package.
"From its inception, exclusive sports programming has set DirecTV apart as the leading multi-channel provider of the world's most important and exciting sporting events," said DirecTV prexy/CEO Chase Carey. "The NCAA men's basketball championship is one of those unique events that captures the attention of sports fans throughout the country."
CBS, which is in the middle of a $6 billion, 11-year deal to air the tourney, last year began offering ad-based online streams of out-of-market March Madness games for free -- to huge auds.
