In something of a surprise move, CBS announced that the CBS College Sports Network will rebrand as the CBS Sports Network starting April 4, 2011.
The network will still focus on college sports at first, but CBS says it expects to expand the content it features down the line. CBS hired former ESPN exec David Berson in December to run the network’s day-to-day operations.
With the rebrand, CBS is planning to more closely leverage its other sports properties with the network, including CBS Sports, Showtime Sports, CBSSports.com and MaxPreps.com.
“The rebranding of CBS College Sports Network to CBS Sports Network is an important step in the evolution of CBS Sports, allowing us to create more programming opportunities and expand our viewer base,” said CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus in a statement. “We are excited about extending the CBS Sports brand as we position CBS Sports Network as a destination for all sports fans.”
More information, after the jump.
CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK TO REBRAND AS CBS SPORTS NETWORK
Network Broadens Reach to Serve More Fans
CBS Sports today announced that CBS College Sports Network will become CBS SPORTS NETWORK, effective April 4, 2011. CBS SPORTS NETWORK will continue to focus on college sports, with the rebranding allowing for the Network’s future expansion of content. The announcement was made today by Sean McManus, recently named Chairman, CBS Sports and David Berson, Executive Vice President, CBS Sports and President, CBS Sports Network.
As part of the rebrand, CBS SPORTS NETWORK will more closely align and expand CBS’s portfolio of sports assets including CBS Sports, Showtime Sports, CBSSports.com and MaxPreps.com. CBS SPORTS NETWORK will continue to provide comprehensive college sports coverage, including hundreds of live games annually, as well as in-depth studio and original programming.
“The rebranding of CBS College Sports Network to CBS Sports Network is an important step in the evolution of CBS Sports, allowing us to create more programming opportunities and expand our viewer base,” said McManus. “We are excited about extending the CBS Sports brand as we position CBS Sports Network as a destination for all sports fans.”
“The new name, CBS Sports Network, better capitalizes on the strength of the powerful CBS Sports brand and its marquee assets,” said Berson. “It also paves the way for aggressive broadening of multi-media content, and enhances the Network’s position as a leading sports provider.”
CBS College Sports Network currently covers over 15 men’s and women’s college sports, while providing compelling coverage of over 250 live events each season, in addition to a variety of live studio shows and award-winning original programming. For more information, go to www.cbscollegesports.com.
CBS Corporation acquired CSTV, the leading digital media company devoted exclusively to college athletics, in January 2006. In February 2008 CSTV was rebranded as CBS College Sports Network. The Network is currently seen in approximately 40 million homes and available to over 94 million households.
About CBS Sports
CBS Sports, a year-round leader in television sports, broadcasts a portfolio of events on the CBS Television Network, including the NFL’s American Football Conference; THE NFL TODAY; college basketball, including the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship; golf, including The Masters® and PGA Championship; college football, including the SEC ON CBS; the U.S. Open Tennis Championships; CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR, including track & field, auto racing and gymnastics. In addition, the division directs CBS Sports Network, a 24-hour national cable network; produces INSIDE THE NFL for SHOWTIME; and partners with CBSSports.com in creating a recognized leader among sports Internet destinations.