Demand for branded content is rising steeply because there are projects to suit brands large or small - from film financing such as Eurostar's Somers Town, to pop star tie-ups. Catherine Turner reports
Few ads generate anything like the excitement of the big TV campaigns of the Seventies and Eighties, and in pursuit of that old-time glamour - and with the aim of "giving consumers more" - marketers are turning to the idea of branded entertainment.
It isn't a new idea, but has gained traction in marketing circles since 2001 when a series of short films by Hollywood A-list directors had the BMW car as the star of the action.
Seven years on - and with the internet amplifying the shift from "interruptive" to "engaging" advertising - branded content has exploded. And the good news for advertisers is there's a format or idea to suit every budget - from low-cost hosting of videos and entertainment on the web, through staging festivals and shows such as the O2 Wireless event, and funding or sponsoring hit TV shows.
Eurostar of the show
Earlier this year train operator Eurostar raised the bar by financing a film from gritty UK director Shane Meadows. The film takes place in Somers Town, from which the film takes its name, an area near St Pancras station, Eurostar's new UK home.
Jonathan Webb, managing director of Virgin Media Television, which set up the UK's first dedicated advertiser-funded programming team, says: "In my view the most impactful recent example of branded content comes not from commercially-focused television, but from the world of cinema. The £500,000 budget for Somers Town came from Eurostar, which also plays a starring role in the story."
Branded content blurs conventional distinctions between what constitutes advertising and what constitutes entertainment and, according to its advocates, creates a richer relationship with the target audience.
Branded entertainment should primarily be that - a piece of entertainment, but which aligns with the brand's attributes and is a reflection of the advertiser's brand personality. Get it right, and you've created a property that can sit at the heart of your marketing strategy, amplifying any PR or advertising and straddling all media and consumer touchpoints, according to Gemma Newland, managing director of TBWA/Stream.
But it is easy to get wrong. Daniel Salem, Viacom Brand Solutions head of partnerships, says pitfalls include not working with partners such as broadcasters earlier enough, and developing properties that do not relate to any other activity. "This should not be an afterthought," he says. "It should fit in to your overall activity. Brands should not do it 'just because they can'."
Branded entertainment works particularly well for brands wanting to associate with subjects that people feel passionate about, such as sport, music and food.
"Bold advertisers will reap rewards", says Virgin Media TV's Webb, but he cautions that television regulation still makes it difficult to achieve real brand integration on the medium. He believes newer platforms such as mobile and online bring one obvious benefit: they are free of the kind of tight and unyielding regulations that limit TV deals.
The Pros Of Online
Another advantage the internet brings is value. Online branded campaigns cost a fraction of the price of TV and can be distributed more cheaply too.
Rebecca Allen, head of client services at specialist agency HowTo.tv, says there has been an increase in brands seeking to create short, targeted films and clips to either distribute or host on their websites, from pure entertainment to advice.
Others look to events to create a closer relationship with customers, such as Polish music marketing company STX Jamboree which recently staged a music festival at Wembley Arena featuring the cream of Poland's music scene to reach the 1 million Poles living in the UK. The concert was sponsored and branded by Polish bank PKO BP.
In every case close collaboration is critical. Getting branded content right is an art and requires media agencies, producers and media owners to work together from the beginning of an idea. Only this can produce content that really lives up to its full potential.
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Virgin Media
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Media Companies
Media Man Worldwide is part of the Media Man Group of companies aka Media Man. Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Fight Channel
About Us
TheFightChannel.com is a streaming high definition web TV network airing live Pay-Per-View fighting events and library programming, 24/7 FightNews coverage, originally produced and licensed movies, documentaries and TV shows, plus a state of the art community and social networking site, "Deportes" TFC's all Spanish language network, virtual online gaming room, mobile TV, RadioFightChannel and much, much more.
Website
The Fight Channel
TheFightChannel.com is a streaming high definition web TV network airing live Pay-Per-View fighting events and library programming, 24/7 FightNews coverage, originally produced and licensed movies, documentaries and TV shows, plus a state of the art community and social networking site, "Deportes" TFC's all Spanish language network, virtual online gaming room, mobile TV, RadioFightChannel and much, much more.
Website
The Fight Channel
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
WWE SmackDown, WrestleMania on MyNetwork - The Miami Herald - 9th September 2008
World Wrestling Entertainment on MyNetworkTV will kick off a night early with a first ever broadcast presentation of WrestleMania at 8 p.m. EST/PST Thursday, Oct. 2, said the network's president, Greg Meidel, in a release.
This special presentation featuring the best moments of WrestleMania XXIV in March from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando including boxer Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show will be followed by the premiere of WWE SmackDown! at 8 p.m. EST/PST Friday, Oct. 3.
WWE SmackDown! moved to MyNetworkTV from the CW Network, formerly UPN which housed WWE SmackDown! from 1999-2006, after CW and WWE opted not to renew their contract. MyNetworkTV, an offshoot of stations dropped when CW took some of UPN's affiliates, quickly snatched the television ratings' grabber.
WWE SmackDown!'s prime-time wrestling show boasts 474 episodes and counting. It has been one of the highest-rated shows on the networks, even drawing millions of viewers when it moved from Thursday to Friday nights, television's death wish.
Meidel said, ``We're thrilled to bring fans even more of their favorite WWE action on MyNetworkTV. These side-by-side primetime events are sure to deliver two nights of edge-of-your-seat, action-packed entertainment.''
WWE SmackDown! will be presented on MyNetworkTV weekly on Fridays and showcase a star-studded cast of WWE stars including Triple H, Edge, Jeff Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, Shelton Benjamin, Big Show, Carlito, Mr. Kennedy, Great Khali, Umaga, Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Victoria, Natalya, Thee Brian Kendrick, Vladimir Kozlov and Miami's own MVP.
It will feature the action, excitement, drama and athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television and one of the Top 10 English language prime-time programs among Hispanic households.
• WrestleMania is one of the biggest annual sports entertainment events. In addition to the Mayweather/Big Show match, this year's lineup featured the retirement of the legendary Ric Flair following an emotional loss to Shawn Michaels, as well as the crowning of the Undertaker as the new World champ and Kane as the new WWE/ECW champ.
Celebrity appearances included a performance of America the Beautiful by John Legend along with special guest hostess Kim Kardashian and BunnyMania Lumberjack Match Master of Ceremonies Snoop Dogg. Raven-Symon helped entertain 50 children honored by WWE in its largest ever Make-A-Wish event.
WrestleMania XXIV was the highest grossing live event for WWE and the Citrus Bowl.
• About MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV is a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. Reaching more than 97 percent of the country and targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV provides its affiliates 12 hours of diverse programming Monday through Saturday. Visit mynetworktv.com.
• About World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE produces original weekly programming, 52 weeks per year, distributed domestically, internationally and via WWE.com. WWE programs reach more than 16 million total viewers during the average week.
Its domestic cable and broadcast programs include Monday Night RAW and A.M. RAW on USA Network and WWE's ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling on the Sci Fi Channel. WWE's television programming can also be seen in more than 130 countries around the world on broadcast partners including BSkyB in the UK and Foxtel in Australia.
Visit wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com and wwe.com/worldwide.
• Wrestlers Rescue, a very worthy cause, is Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Radisson in Piscataway, N.J.
Meet Torrie Wilson, Terri Runnels, Mick Foley, Dawn Marie, Tammy Sytch, Missy Hyatt, Iron Sheik, Superfly Snuka, Greg Valentine, Lou Albano, Balls Mahoney, Nikolai Volkoff, Lanny Poffo, Brutus Beefcake, JJ Dillon, Sandman, Manny Fernandez, Baywatch's Traci Bingham, boxing legend Emile Griffith and others.
There will be a wrestling convention/autograph session and a semi-formal dinner with the stars. For up-to-date information on the star-studded celebrity guests, schedule, prices, super tickets, auction, charity, etc. visit WrestlersRescue.Org.
Questions about the event, e-mail Michele at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
• Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television series debuts 8 p.m. EST Oct. 18 on cable channel CMT.
The celebrities are Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell, Tiffany, Todd Bridges from Different Strokes, Trishelle from Real World, boxer Butterbean, Nikki Ziering from Playboy, Sylvester Stallone's acting/singing brother Frank, Erin Murphy from Bewitched, Danny Bonaduce and former NBA player Dennis Rodman. They will be learning to wrestle.
The reality-type television show, under the direction of Eric Bischoff (AWA/WCW/WWE), Jason Hervey (Wonder Years) and Hogan, was filmed in a converted warehouse in California.
Jimmy Hart, Bischoff and Hogan will be the judges. Rodman previously worked with Bischoff and Hogan in WCW. Sylvester Stallone inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bischoff and Hervey run their own production company, co-produced a reality show on television sitcom star Scott Baio for VH-1 and actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus for CMT as well as I Want To Be a Hilton for NBC. Hogan starred in Hogan Knows Best on VH-1.
• The Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Irish-American Club in Malden, Mass. Proceeds will benefit the Walter Killer Kowalski Memorial Fund. See Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff and more. Visit superstarprowrestling.com.
• WWE's Monday Night Raw is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 4. Prices $70, $50, $40, $30 and $20.
WWE Raw has a house show 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Bank Atlantic Center in (South Florida) Sunrise. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Aug. 30. Prices $60, $45, $35, $25 and $20.
WWE SmackDown/ECW has a house show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24. Prices $40, $30, $25 and $20.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers, Fla. See talent signed to WWE developmental contracts. Go to fcwwrestling.com.
• Between The Ropes wrestling radio is 6-8 p.m. EST Tuesdays on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060. Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci and Dickerman host the show which is simulcast worldwide online at BetweenTheRopes.com
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WrestleMania
This special presentation featuring the best moments of WrestleMania XXIV in March from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando including boxer Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show will be followed by the premiere of WWE SmackDown! at 8 p.m. EST/PST Friday, Oct. 3.
WWE SmackDown! moved to MyNetworkTV from the CW Network, formerly UPN which housed WWE SmackDown! from 1999-2006, after CW and WWE opted not to renew their contract. MyNetworkTV, an offshoot of stations dropped when CW took some of UPN's affiliates, quickly snatched the television ratings' grabber.
WWE SmackDown!'s prime-time wrestling show boasts 474 episodes and counting. It has been one of the highest-rated shows on the networks, even drawing millions of viewers when it moved from Thursday to Friday nights, television's death wish.
Meidel said, ``We're thrilled to bring fans even more of their favorite WWE action on MyNetworkTV. These side-by-side primetime events are sure to deliver two nights of edge-of-your-seat, action-packed entertainment.''
WWE SmackDown! will be presented on MyNetworkTV weekly on Fridays and showcase a star-studded cast of WWE stars including Triple H, Edge, Jeff Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, Shelton Benjamin, Big Show, Carlito, Mr. Kennedy, Great Khali, Umaga, Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Victoria, Natalya, Thee Brian Kendrick, Vladimir Kozlov and Miami's own MVP.
It will feature the action, excitement, drama and athleticism that have made it for nine years one of the most popular programs among males on broadcast television and one of the Top 10 English language prime-time programs among Hispanic households.
• WrestleMania is one of the biggest annual sports entertainment events. In addition to the Mayweather/Big Show match, this year's lineup featured the retirement of the legendary Ric Flair following an emotional loss to Shawn Michaels, as well as the crowning of the Undertaker as the new World champ and Kane as the new WWE/ECW champ.
Celebrity appearances included a performance of America the Beautiful by John Legend along with special guest hostess Kim Kardashian and BunnyMania Lumberjack Match Master of Ceremonies Snoop Dogg. Raven-Symon helped entertain 50 children honored by WWE in its largest ever Make-A-Wish event.
WrestleMania XXIV was the highest grossing live event for WWE and the Citrus Bowl.
• About MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV is a primetime general entertainment broadcast television network. Reaching more than 97 percent of the country and targeted to Adults 18-49, MyNetworkTV provides its affiliates 12 hours of diverse programming Monday through Saturday. Visit mynetworktv.com.
• About World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE produces original weekly programming, 52 weeks per year, distributed domestically, internationally and via WWE.com. WWE programs reach more than 16 million total viewers during the average week.
Its domestic cable and broadcast programs include Monday Night RAW and A.M. RAW on USA Network and WWE's ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling on the Sci Fi Channel. WWE's television programming can also be seen in more than 130 countries around the world on broadcast partners including BSkyB in the UK and Foxtel in Australia.
Visit wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com and wwe.com/worldwide.
• Wrestlers Rescue, a very worthy cause, is Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Radisson in Piscataway, N.J.
Meet Torrie Wilson, Terri Runnels, Mick Foley, Dawn Marie, Tammy Sytch, Missy Hyatt, Iron Sheik, Superfly Snuka, Greg Valentine, Lou Albano, Balls Mahoney, Nikolai Volkoff, Lanny Poffo, Brutus Beefcake, JJ Dillon, Sandman, Manny Fernandez, Baywatch's Traci Bingham, boxing legend Emile Griffith and others.
There will be a wrestling convention/autograph session and a semi-formal dinner with the stars. For up-to-date information on the star-studded celebrity guests, schedule, prices, super tickets, auction, charity, etc. visit WrestlersRescue.Org.
Questions about the event, e-mail Michele at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
• Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television series debuts 8 p.m. EST Oct. 18 on cable channel CMT.
The celebrities are Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell, Tiffany, Todd Bridges from Different Strokes, Trishelle from Real World, boxer Butterbean, Nikki Ziering from Playboy, Sylvester Stallone's acting/singing brother Frank, Erin Murphy from Bewitched, Danny Bonaduce and former NBA player Dennis Rodman. They will be learning to wrestle.
The reality-type television show, under the direction of Eric Bischoff (AWA/WCW/WWE), Jason Hervey (Wonder Years) and Hogan, was filmed in a converted warehouse in California.
Jimmy Hart, Bischoff and Hogan will be the judges. Rodman previously worked with Bischoff and Hogan in WCW. Sylvester Stallone inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bischoff and Hervey run their own production company, co-produced a reality show on television sitcom star Scott Baio for VH-1 and actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus for CMT as well as I Want To Be a Hilton for NBC. Hogan starred in Hogan Knows Best on VH-1.
• The Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Irish-American Club in Malden, Mass. Proceeds will benefit the Walter Killer Kowalski Memorial Fund. See Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff and more. Visit superstarprowrestling.com.
• WWE's Monday Night Raw is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 4. Prices $70, $50, $40, $30 and $20.
WWE Raw has a house show 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Bank Atlantic Center in (South Florida) Sunrise. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Aug. 30. Prices $60, $45, $35, $25 and $20.
WWE SmackDown/ECW has a house show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24. Prices $40, $30, $25 and $20.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers, Fla. See talent signed to WWE developmental contracts. Go to fcwwrestling.com.
• Between The Ropes wrestling radio is 6-8 p.m. EST Tuesdays on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060. Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci and Dickerman host the show which is simulcast worldwide online at BetweenTheRopes.com
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Saturday, September 06, 2008
THE FIGHT NETWORK LANDS EXCLUSIVE DEAL IN CANADA WITH HISTORIC AFFLICTION BANNED EVENT
TORONTO, ON – June 21, 2008… The Fight Network’s President and CEO George Burger announced today that it has secured the exclusive rights to air the live star-studded, one-hour undercard for July 19th’s Affliction Banned Pay-Per-View event on its Network.
Mr. Burger made the announcement at a packed news conference at Toronto’s MMA Expo, alongside Tom Atencio, Affliction’s Vice President; Fight Network Senior Vice President, Strategy and founder Mike Garrow; and two MMA superstars: Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovksi and “Big” Ben Rothwell who will face each other on Pay-Per-View.
“This is a stellar card, arguably the best collection of heavyweights under one roof in the history of MMA. The Fight Network is excited to be working side by side with Affliction in taking the launch of this promotion worldwide,” said Mr. Burger. “Not only are we showing the undercard live and exclusively on our Network, a great lead-in to the Pay-Per-View event, but we are also distributing the Pay-Per-View in Canada, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.”
The 60-minute broadcast on the Fight Network will air in Canada at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT, and is expected to feature at least two of the five scheduled preliminary bouts, including a heavyweight clash between former UFC heavyweight title challenger Paul Buentello and Aleksander Emelianenko. The pay-per-view broadcast will follow starting at 9 pm ET.
“With this card, Affliction vaults into the front ranks of what is the fastest growing sport in the world,” said Mr. Atencio. “We have a long relationship with The Fight Network and are pleased to share this momentous event with them.”
Affliction Banned is the monster mixed-martial-arts promotion presented by Affliction, the premier fashion label for men who love hard rock and fast living, in association with Roy Englebrecht Events. Earlier this month, Donald Trump announced his involvement and partnership with the promotion. The main event features the return of Russian combat fighting icon Fedor ”The Last Emperor” Emelianenko against former two-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.-
Mr. Burger also announced that The Fight Network’s on-air MMA experts Mauro Ranallo and legendary MMA pioneer and Fight Network analyst “Big” John McCarthy will be calling the action for this worldwide event.
Along with the Emelianenko-Sylvia match-up, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will take on Pedro Rizzo in a rematch of their February 2001 bout, Team Quest founder Matt Lindland will return to action against Fabio “Negao” Nascimento, and UFC veterans Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Mike Whitehead will collide as well.
ABOUT THE FIGHT NETWORK
Launched in 2005, The Fight Network is currently seen in nearly 10 million homes in Canada and the UK. The Fight Network is a multi-platform, international sports and entertainment company, providing its content to fight fans on digital television, pay-per-view, VOD, radio, mobile and online. The Fight Network is the global leader in presenting and covering all combat sports, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing, Wrestling and Kickboxing and theme-related entertainment, through its 24/7 dedication to the sports. The Fight Network Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TFN Global Inc., whose corporate headquarters are located in Toronto, Canada. Visit www.thefightnetwork.com
ABOUT AFFLICTION
Already a mainstay for most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collections of style and design, focus on quality and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes.
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Mr. Burger made the announcement at a packed news conference at Toronto’s MMA Expo, alongside Tom Atencio, Affliction’s Vice President; Fight Network Senior Vice President, Strategy and founder Mike Garrow; and two MMA superstars: Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovksi and “Big” Ben Rothwell who will face each other on Pay-Per-View.
“This is a stellar card, arguably the best collection of heavyweights under one roof in the history of MMA. The Fight Network is excited to be working side by side with Affliction in taking the launch of this promotion worldwide,” said Mr. Burger. “Not only are we showing the undercard live and exclusively on our Network, a great lead-in to the Pay-Per-View event, but we are also distributing the Pay-Per-View in Canada, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.”
The 60-minute broadcast on the Fight Network will air in Canada at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT, and is expected to feature at least two of the five scheduled preliminary bouts, including a heavyweight clash between former UFC heavyweight title challenger Paul Buentello and Aleksander Emelianenko. The pay-per-view broadcast will follow starting at 9 pm ET.
“With this card, Affliction vaults into the front ranks of what is the fastest growing sport in the world,” said Mr. Atencio. “We have a long relationship with The Fight Network and are pleased to share this momentous event with them.”
Affliction Banned is the monster mixed-martial-arts promotion presented by Affliction, the premier fashion label for men who love hard rock and fast living, in association with Roy Englebrecht Events. Earlier this month, Donald Trump announced his involvement and partnership with the promotion. The main event features the return of Russian combat fighting icon Fedor ”The Last Emperor” Emelianenko against former two-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.-
Mr. Burger also announced that The Fight Network’s on-air MMA experts Mauro Ranallo and legendary MMA pioneer and Fight Network analyst “Big” John McCarthy will be calling the action for this worldwide event.
Along with the Emelianenko-Sylvia match-up, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will take on Pedro Rizzo in a rematch of their February 2001 bout, Team Quest founder Matt Lindland will return to action against Fabio “Negao” Nascimento, and UFC veterans Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Mike Whitehead will collide as well.
ABOUT THE FIGHT NETWORK
Launched in 2005, The Fight Network is currently seen in nearly 10 million homes in Canada and the UK. The Fight Network is a multi-platform, international sports and entertainment company, providing its content to fight fans on digital television, pay-per-view, VOD, radio, mobile and online. The Fight Network is the global leader in presenting and covering all combat sports, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing, Wrestling and Kickboxing and theme-related entertainment, through its 24/7 dedication to the sports. The Fight Network Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TFN Global Inc., whose corporate headquarters are located in Toronto, Canada. Visit www.thefightnetwork.com
ABOUT AFFLICTION
Already a mainstay for most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collections of style and design, focus on quality and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes.
Media Man Australia Profiles
MMA
PPV
Media Companies
Couture Returns to Defend Heavyweight Crown against Lesnar on Nov. 15, by Thomas Gerbasi - 2nd September 2008
If we’ve learned one thing in combat sports, it’s to never say old adage was solidified once again today, as UFC President Dana White announced the November 15th return to the Octagon of heavyweight champion Randy Couture to face Brock Lesnar in the main event of UFC 91 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The announcement comes after nearly a year of contentious relations between the organization and Couture, who walked away from the UFC in October of 2007 with two fights remaining on his contract. But in August, the heavyweight champion and the organization worked on a renegotiation of his contract that will enable ‘The Natural’ to finish his Hall of Fame career with the UFC.
“We had some problems with Randy, we’ve resolved them all, and he’s always been the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “It took us some time to get everything straight, but I think we’re all good now and ready to move forward and get Randy back out there fighting again.”
”I think we cleared the air and addressed a lot of the issues, we’re both in a different place, and both the company and myself are trying to move forward,” said Couture. “I think we understand each other, and I certainly would much rather fight in the Octagon than anywhere else. Spending the last year in legal fights is not someplace where I’ve had a very good time. At 45, I can’t sit around in court rooms for very long – I want to fight.”
Couture’s first order of business – taking on the imposing 6-3 ½, 265 pound Lesnar, a former NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion whose arrival in the UFC earlier this year shook the foundations of the MMA world. Add in the former pro wrestling superstar’s spectacular victory over Heath Herring at UFC 87 in August, and the stage is set for what will most certainly be one of the most highly-anticipated heavyweight title fights in history.
“I haven’t looked at tape yet and studied him,” said Couture of Lesnar. “Obviously, he’s a great big guy, and on the ground or standing, he poses some interesting problems, so I’ve got to go to work and find the answers to those questions.”
“My whole goal coming into this company was to get a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, so for me, this is a great opportunity, one that anybody in my position wouldn’t turn down,” added Lesnar. “Randy poses all kinds of threats, and we’re gonna try to nullify them and try to win the title that night.”
You don’t have to convince White when it comes to the importance of this matchup.
“I can tell you this right now,” said White. “Couture vs Lesnar will be the biggest fight in UFC history.”
And though some might question whether Couture
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- 45 years old and more than a year removed from his last fight – will be able to keep up with a younger, faster, and stronger challenger, keep in mind that the Las Vegas resident has made a career of baffling oddsmakers, most recently in March of 2007, when he returned from a year-long retirement to shutout 6 foot 8, 263 pound Tim Sylvia to win the UFC heavyweight crown a record third time.
Couture went on to successfully defend the title with a third round TKO of Gabriel Gonzaga in August of 2007, but two months later, the title was left in limbo, leaving Brazil’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to swoop in and take the interim belt by submitting Sylvia in February. Nogueira is scheduled to clash with his fellow Ultimate Fighter 8 coach (and former heavyweight champion) Frank Mir in December, with the winners of these two heavyweight megafights to meet sometime in 2009.
“The winner of the Brock-Randy fight will be the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “Obviously, the reality show is already in motion, and those two (Nogueira and Mir) are already scheduled to fight, so they’ll fight for the interim (title) and then it will be Champion vs Champion when this thing’s all done. So it’s a pretty interesting little tournament.”
Of course, Lesnar will have something to say about putting a dent in Couture’s fighting plans, and he’ll get his chance to say it on November 15th.
“Things happen in mysterious ways, and I’m fortunate and honored to get in the Octagon with Randy, so it’s very exciting all the way around,” said Lesnar.
As for Couture, it’s been a long, strange trip to get to this point, but suffice to say, he’s happy to put acting, book tours, and speaking engagements on the side for now in order to get back to where he belongs – the Octagon.
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The announcement comes after nearly a year of contentious relations between the organization and Couture, who walked away from the UFC in October of 2007 with two fights remaining on his contract. But in August, the heavyweight champion and the organization worked on a renegotiation of his contract that will enable ‘The Natural’ to finish his Hall of Fame career with the UFC.
“We had some problems with Randy, we’ve resolved them all, and he’s always been the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “It took us some time to get everything straight, but I think we’re all good now and ready to move forward and get Randy back out there fighting again.”
”I think we cleared the air and addressed a lot of the issues, we’re both in a different place, and both the company and myself are trying to move forward,” said Couture. “I think we understand each other, and I certainly would much rather fight in the Octagon than anywhere else. Spending the last year in legal fights is not someplace where I’ve had a very good time. At 45, I can’t sit around in court rooms for very long – I want to fight.”
Couture’s first order of business – taking on the imposing 6-3 ½, 265 pound Lesnar, a former NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion whose arrival in the UFC earlier this year shook the foundations of the MMA world. Add in the former pro wrestling superstar’s spectacular victory over Heath Herring at UFC 87 in August, and the stage is set for what will most certainly be one of the most highly-anticipated heavyweight title fights in history.
“I haven’t looked at tape yet and studied him,” said Couture of Lesnar. “Obviously, he’s a great big guy, and on the ground or standing, he poses some interesting problems, so I’ve got to go to work and find the answers to those questions.”
“My whole goal coming into this company was to get a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, so for me, this is a great opportunity, one that anybody in my position wouldn’t turn down,” added Lesnar. “Randy poses all kinds of threats, and we’re gonna try to nullify them and try to win the title that night.”
You don’t have to convince White when it comes to the importance of this matchup.
“I can tell you this right now,” said White. “Couture vs Lesnar will be the biggest fight in UFC history.”
And though some might question whether Couture
Click here to find out more!
- 45 years old and more than a year removed from his last fight – will be able to keep up with a younger, faster, and stronger challenger, keep in mind that the Las Vegas resident has made a career of baffling oddsmakers, most recently in March of 2007, when he returned from a year-long retirement to shutout 6 foot 8, 263 pound Tim Sylvia to win the UFC heavyweight crown a record third time.
Couture went on to successfully defend the title with a third round TKO of Gabriel Gonzaga in August of 2007, but two months later, the title was left in limbo, leaving Brazil’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to swoop in and take the interim belt by submitting Sylvia in February. Nogueira is scheduled to clash with his fellow Ultimate Fighter 8 coach (and former heavyweight champion) Frank Mir in December, with the winners of these two heavyweight megafights to meet sometime in 2009.
“The winner of the Brock-Randy fight will be the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “Obviously, the reality show is already in motion, and those two (Nogueira and Mir) are already scheduled to fight, so they’ll fight for the interim (title) and then it will be Champion vs Champion when this thing’s all done. So it’s a pretty interesting little tournament.”
Of course, Lesnar will have something to say about putting a dent in Couture’s fighting plans, and he’ll get his chance to say it on November 15th.
“Things happen in mysterious ways, and I’m fortunate and honored to get in the Octagon with Randy, so it’s very exciting all the way around,” said Lesnar.
As for Couture, it’s been a long, strange trip to get to this point, but suffice to say, he’s happy to put acting, book tours, and speaking engagements on the side for now in order to get back to where he belongs – the Octagon.
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Brock Lesnar
MMA
Las Vegas
WWE
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Sports Betting
Setanta Sports News rebrands to take on its Sky rival - Guardian News and Media Limited - 4th September 2008
As the Virgin Media and Setanta joint venture channel nears its first birthday, it has toned down its previous "busy" look
Setanta Sports News has unveiled an on-screen revamp as it approaches its first birthday in a bid to create a simpler look and provide greater contrast with its rival, Sky Sports News.
The channel, which launched in November last year, has seen its audience grow steadily, hitting a record reach of 784,000 viewers on Monday.
This week's on-screen revamp has seen its branding brought more into line with Setanta Sports 1 as well as the toning down of its previous "busy" look with the ditching of one of the two news tickers at the bottom of the screen.
Setanta Sports News editor-in-chief Geoff Hill said he expected the channel's ratings to continue to grow as it geared up for its busiest season ever after Setanta Sports became the FA's broadcast partner, picking up rights to England internationals and FA Cup games in addition to its existing live Premier League coverage.
A spike in viewers is expected tomorrow when England's World Cup qualifying campaign kicks-off, with live coverage of the game on Setanta Sports.
Hill said:
We are a television medium and if we have rights it makes our coverage better. The World Cup qualifying matches on Saturday will be the biggest story in town.
The sports news channel, a joint venture between Virgin Media and Setanta, with its output produced by ITN under a three-year contract, was created after Sky Sports News was withdrawn from the Virgin Media cable TV network following the row with BSkyB over carriage fees.
Setanta Sports News now has a staff of more than 60 based at ITN's central London headquarters, although it is still about a third of the size of Sky Sports News' team.
Sky Sports News, which has been on air for a decade and continues to be the channel of choice for other news organisations, had an average daily reach of 1.6 million viewers for the week ending Sunday August 24. In the same week Setanta Sports News had an average reach of 317,000 viewers.
Hill said he didn't expect Setanta Sports News to overtake its rival but instead wanted it to be a contrast and praised the fact that the total audience for sports news was growing.
He added:
I don't know if overtaking Sky is possible. What we need to do is compete with them and offer viewers more. We try and offer something different. We have 12 appointment to view shows in our schedule.
We are also a bit less formal than Sky Sports News. We try not to be too serious in terms of interacting with our viewers. Sport is very important but it can be fun too.
There are three million people out there who want to watch sports news and there is evidence there is a growing number of people watching both channels.
With Setanta Sports News having a monopoly on viewers on the Virgin Media cable network, Hill said the battle with Sky Sports News was now on its rival's home ground - Sky's own digital satellite TV service.
He added:
Every increase in viewing we get will come from the digital satelitte platform. That is the battleground. Sky Sports News will be a hard habit for people to give up but we have something different for them.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Setanta Sports
Virgin Media
Sky Sports
Setanta Sports News has unveiled an on-screen revamp as it approaches its first birthday in a bid to create a simpler look and provide greater contrast with its rival, Sky Sports News.
The channel, which launched in November last year, has seen its audience grow steadily, hitting a record reach of 784,000 viewers on Monday.
This week's on-screen revamp has seen its branding brought more into line with Setanta Sports 1 as well as the toning down of its previous "busy" look with the ditching of one of the two news tickers at the bottom of the screen.
Setanta Sports News editor-in-chief Geoff Hill said he expected the channel's ratings to continue to grow as it geared up for its busiest season ever after Setanta Sports became the FA's broadcast partner, picking up rights to England internationals and FA Cup games in addition to its existing live Premier League coverage.
A spike in viewers is expected tomorrow when England's World Cup qualifying campaign kicks-off, with live coverage of the game on Setanta Sports.
Hill said:
We are a television medium and if we have rights it makes our coverage better. The World Cup qualifying matches on Saturday will be the biggest story in town.
The sports news channel, a joint venture between Virgin Media and Setanta, with its output produced by ITN under a three-year contract, was created after Sky Sports News was withdrawn from the Virgin Media cable TV network following the row with BSkyB over carriage fees.
Setanta Sports News now has a staff of more than 60 based at ITN's central London headquarters, although it is still about a third of the size of Sky Sports News' team.
Sky Sports News, which has been on air for a decade and continues to be the channel of choice for other news organisations, had an average daily reach of 1.6 million viewers for the week ending Sunday August 24. In the same week Setanta Sports News had an average reach of 317,000 viewers.
Hill said he didn't expect Setanta Sports News to overtake its rival but instead wanted it to be a contrast and praised the fact that the total audience for sports news was growing.
He added:
I don't know if overtaking Sky is possible. What we need to do is compete with them and offer viewers more. We try and offer something different. We have 12 appointment to view shows in our schedule.
We are also a bit less formal than Sky Sports News. We try not to be too serious in terms of interacting with our viewers. Sport is very important but it can be fun too.
There are three million people out there who want to watch sports news and there is evidence there is a growing number of people watching both channels.
With Setanta Sports News having a monopoly on viewers on the Virgin Media cable network, Hill said the battle with Sky Sports News was now on its rival's home ground - Sky's own digital satellite TV service.
He added:
Every increase in viewing we get will come from the digital satelitte platform. That is the battleground. Sky Sports News will be a hard habit for people to give up but we have something different for them.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Setanta Sports
Virgin Media
Sky Sports
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