Michael Schiavello Now Calling MMA Action on HDNet

Michael Schiavello Now Calling MMA Action on HDNet

Network inks long-term deal with 'The Voice'

DALLAS, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- HDNet is proud to announce internationally renowned broadcaster Michael Schiavello as the new voice of MMA events on HDNet.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080324/HDNETLOGO)

Schiavello, known as "The Voice," is one of the world's leading combat sport broadcasters thanks to his trademark mix of entertaining one-liners and unparalleled understanding of MMA. Schiavello currently serves as the global voice of K-1, K-1 MAX, DREAM, and Mark Burnett's The Contender Asia. In 2008 he was part of the global ABU broadcast of the Olympic Games from Beijing, and is the long time voice of FOX Sports kickboxing, muay thai, and MMA in Australia.

"HDNet's MMA fans are in for a special experience, as Michael's enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport is unrivaled," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Michael is in great company as he joins the best broadcast team in the business with Guy Mezger, Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice and Ron Kruck on The Home of MMA."

"I'm super excited about becoming part of the HDNet Fights family," Schiavello said. "Commentating the fight game is my obsession and I hope that, through my commentary, I can make the viewers on HDNet as passionate, excited and obsessed about the sport as I am - and give everyone a total thrill ride from their armchair with each and every show. HDNet is an amazing network doing things unmatched anywhere else in the world. It is an honor to be working with such an experienced and dedicated team."

To learn more about Michael Schiavello please visit www.hdnetfights.com and http://hdnetfights.com/schiavello.php.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net, twitter.com/hdnet) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com, twitter.com/hdnetfights). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including Affliction, DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Vegas Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com, twitter.com/hdnetmovies) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, and Emily Blunt.

Upcoming Sneak Previews include "World's Greatest Dad " written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwaite and starring Robin Williams.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five "HD Premieres" each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. To receive HDNet information via email simply go to www.hd.net/listpage.

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Source: HDNet

CONTACT: Colette Carey, Director of Media and PR of HDNet,
+1-303-542-5576, ccarey@hd.net

Web Site: http://www.hd.net/

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Profile: International Entertainment