'The Voice' and HDNet Ink Long-Term Deal

'The Voice' and HDNet Ink Long-Term Deal

In a time of great change in the MMA World, Schiavello tells the network, 'I'm here to stay!'

DALLAS, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, HDNet announced a long-term agreement with "The Voice" Michael Schiavello. In times of great change in the mixed martial arts world, Schiavello's long-term commitment signals a dedication to quality and consistency in HDNet's unmatched MMA coverage.

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In less than two years, Schiavello has established himself as the signature voice of the network's MMA programming and is regarded as the best play-by-play announcer in the sport. In 2010 he was the only broadcaster nominated for 'Leading Man' in the prestigious World MMA Awards, and was named runner-up to color commentator Joe Rogan as the sport's 'Best Commentator' in all major online fan polls.

"Michael is unique and distinctive - the first time I heard him scream at K-1 that 'Jerome Le Banner has more muscles than a seafood platter,' I knew he was the perfect fit for HDNet," said HDNet Chairman Mark Cuban. "Michael's energy and humor is so great that it doesn't matter if you are watching the main event at Dynamite on New Year's Eve or an undercard of a small regional show -he always makes the event something special."

"I'm here to stay and am thrilled to continue to be a part of the HDNet family," said Schiavello, a 15-year veteran of commentary who lists the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and "The Contender Asia" on his extensive resume. "HDNet is the Home of MMA and to be a part of this remarkable team and to cover the very best array of MMA promotions is a constant thrill. I also want to thank the North American audience for their overwhelming response to me over the last 18 months. Keep watching HDNET and I will keep delivering enthusiastic and passionate commentary of each and every event."

"Michael is an integral part of our commitment to expanding MMA programming on HDNet," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "He is like a professional athlete that has the ability to make everyone around him rise to another level. I am honored to work with one of the best in the business."

This month you can hear "The Voice" Michael Schiavello in an HDNet doubleheader this Friday, March 25 with "The Voice vs. Wanderlei Silva" at 8:00 p.m. ET and "HDNet Fights: Titan Fighting Championship 17" at 10:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and thought-provoking 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 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 2011.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, King of the Cage, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC 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, while "Fighting Words with Mike Straka," goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features live coverage of regular season games from the second season of the United Football League.

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 Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Girls Gone Wild," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) 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, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, 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 in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS and in Canada via Access Communications, Cogeco, Rogers, Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct.

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

SOURCE HDNet

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HDNet

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

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

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