ION TV (formerly PAX) Strike Alliance to Broadcast BodogTV Reality Programming

From: http://www.sys-con.com/read/332340.htm

Bodog Entertainment, ION Media Networks Strike Alliance to Broadcast BodogTV Reality Programming

By: PR Newswire

Feb. 5, 2007 05:00 PM

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Bodog Entertainment, the digital entertainment giant known for its cutting-edge programming, announced today that it has reached a multi-year agreement with ION Media Networks, which will make popular BodogTV-produced content available on ION Television, reaching more than 90 million U.S. homes, beginning February 13.

BodogFight: St. Petersburg, a mixed martial arts reality show that promises to build on the success of its hit debut season, will be the first program to be broadcast under the agreement. Episode 1 of the weekly series is scheduled to air Tuesday, February 13 at 11 p.m. Eastern/10 p.m. Central. On Saturday, February 17, ION Television will also air an encore presentation of the BodogFight: USA vs. Russia pay-per-view event, which drew raves from fight fans when it was first televised in December.

Later in the year, Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker II and other BodogFight seasons will be spotlighted on ION Television.

"The agreement with ION Media Networks marks a significant step for our TV productions," says Calvin Ayre, the billionaire founder of Bodog Entertainment. "Now, the edgy world of Bodog will be available to the largest television audience we've ever had. That news is very exciting for us."

Along with being broadcast on ION Television, BodogFight: St. Petersburg will be available to fight fans worldwide through video streaming on http://www.bodogfight.com/. MMA followers will have access to previews, recaps, behind-the-scenes exclusives, fighter bios, a soundtrack featuring Bodog Music artists and much more footage only available on the award-winning web site.

A PPV spectacular, headlined by Superfights that pit some of the world's most prominent MMA competitors head-to-head, takes place in April following the eight-week BodogFight: St. Petersburg series.

ION Media Networks recently announced that its flagship television network, reaching over 90 million U.S. homes, was re-branded to ION Television, consistent with the company's corporate brand identity. This move reflects the energy and vision behind the network's plan to expand its programming and viewership. The alliance with BodogTV is an exciting building block in ION Television's expansion strategy. The new network brand was introduced to viewers on Monday, January 29, with the BodogFight: St. Petersburg season debuting Tuesday, February 13 at 11 p.m. Eastern/10 p.m. Central.

About BodogTV.com:

BodogTV.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant Bodog Entertainment. With six offices worldwide, the company features a diverse and growing roster of television shows. These include BodogFIGHT (http://www.bodogfight.com/), a mixed martial arts show, Bodog Battle of the Bands (http://www.bodogbattleofthebands.com/), a contest for a million dollar recording contract, and Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker, a poker lifestyle reality show. Bodog Entertainment Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006.

Bodog Entertainment

CONTACT: Susan Mainzer, Senior Media Relations Manager, Bodog

Entertainment, +1-866-892-3371, [email protected]

Web site: http://www.bodogfight.com/

Web site: http://www.bodogbattleofthebands.com/

Web site: http://www.bodogtv.com/

Published Feb. 5, 2007

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