WASHINGTON, D.C., October 4, 2001 - The C-SPAN Networks have entered a multi-year agreement for C-SPAN 3 to join the pod operated by ESPN and ABC Cable Networks Group. This new distribution platform places C-SPAN 3 on the satellite multiplex with such widely-distributed services as ESPNEWS, ESPN Classic, Toon Disney, SoapNet, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women.

This pod multiplex is stationed on cable-friendly Galaxy 10R, transponder 20.

C-SPAN 3 offers live coverage of national events each weekday and long-form history programming overnights and weekends. Like C-SPAN and C-SPAN 2, the channel's public affairs programming is carried by cable television companies as a public service. C-SPAN 3 is free to C-SPAN affiliates.

Peter Kiley, C-SPAN Director of Affiliate Relations, says that "carriage on the ESPN/ABC Cable Networks Group pod puts C-SPAN 3 in a position to grow its subscriber count to the highest levels of digital penetration. This prime location offers our affiliates a low-cost, bandwith-efficient means of providing C-SPAN 3 on their digital tiers." Kiley added, "Working with ESPN and ABC Cable Networks Group has allowed C-SPAN 3 to join what has quickly become the strongest satellite bouquet of networks."

"At the request of many affiliates, our digital pod has co-located some of the most popular and powerful brands for cable affiliates to access in a cost effective and efficient manner," said Sean Bratches, Executive Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing for ESPN. Bratches added, "C-SPAN 3's inclusion on the pod with ESPN, ABC Cable and Lifetime networks provides a diverse selection of compelling programming that is attractive to consumers at many levels."

"ESPN and ABC Cable are working together to support our affiliates as they grow their digital business," said Ben Pyne, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing, ABC Cable Networks Group. "The addition of C-SPAN 3 to our digital pod enhances our menu of emerging networks and strengthens our service to affiliates."

C-SPAN 3 launched on a twenty-four hour basis in January, 2001 and is currently available in 4 million analog and digital cable homes. In addition to its position on this pod, C-SPAN 3 will continue to be available through the digital sideband of the C-SPAN 2 transponder.

C-SPAN, which now offers three television channels, a FM radio station and six web sites, was created by the cable television industry in 1979 as a public service.