ESPN is "floating ideas" to cable operators about new
digital networks, although an MSO programming exec said that
any attempt by ESPN to offer digital services "would be met
with heavy resistance," according to Moss & Umstead of
MULTICHANNEL NEWS. Some of ESPN's network ideas include
hunting and fishing, auto racing, extreme sports, a country-
club channel and a Spanish-language channel that would air
sports such as soccer. But a source said that ESPN has
"angered so many people" with its license fee of over $1 per
subscriber that "even if it's a strong product, it would be
a hard sell." The source also said that people "are buying
digital for the movies." Moss & Umstead report that while
most major programmers have launched digital networks or
have plans for them, ESPN "has been conspicuous in its
silence" about any specifically designed networks for
digital carriage. ESPNEWS and ESPN Classic are carried on
digital tiers. ESPN VP/Affiliate Relations Sean Bratches:
"ESPN is always looking at new opportunities and our
affiliates are among the first whom we talk to about such
matters" (Moss & Umstead, MULTICHANNEL NEWS, 11/9 issue).
