ESPNU Makes Debut on Cox’s Digital Cable Lineup

By Matt Doyle, Tulsa World, Okla.

Jan. 4–Tulsa’s cable television system has expanded its sports programming.

ESPNU debuted Tuesday on Cox Communications digital cable systems in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The college sports specific network (Cox digital channel 253) is part of Cox’s sports and information tier. Fox Soccer Channel has shifted to Cox digital channel 262 from channel 253.

ESPNU, a 24-hour college sports network that debuted in March 2005, features event programming, highlighted by ap proximately 300 live events (regular-season and championships). Action will include top Division I football and men’s and women’s basketball mixed with baseball, softball, volleyball, lacrosse, hockey and wrestling. ESPNU offers comprehensive studio programming and replays of ABC Sports, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Regional Television games.

Big 12 softball and baseball games have been a staple of the network. ESPNU is scheduled to televise the Oklahoma State-Iowa wrestling match Jan. 19 in Stillwater.

“This is about giving our subscribers the widest possible choices,” said Dave Bialis, Cox Oklahoma president, in a released statement.

Another college-specific channel, though, is not in Cox’s immediate future. Officials said there are no plans to add CSTV, a 24-hour college sports network that broadcasts Conference USA events. The University of Tulsa is a C-USA member.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Tulsa World, Okla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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