MUMBAI: Fox Sports Media Group (FSMG) has launched a new, national, multi-sport network called Fox Sports 1 in US with which it plans to take on Walt Disney?s ESPN. The new channel, set to debut on 17 August, will coincide with Fox Sports? 20th anniversary.

Fox Sports 1 is available in over 90 million homes, making this the biggest sports cable network launch in history, and one of the largest network launches ever. At the outset, FS1 boasts nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually.

The announcement was made by FSMG Co-Presidents and COOs Randy Freer and Eric Shanks.

"Our ?secret,? admittedly a very poorly kept one, is now revealed," said FSMG Co-President and COO Eric Shanks. "Fans are ready for an alternative to the establishment, and our goal for FS1 is to provide the best in-game experience possible, complemented by informative news, entertaining studio shows and provocative original programming."
A robust schedule of live events forms the backbone of Fox Sports 1?s programming which includes college basketball, college football, Nascar, soccer and UFC all on tap between launch and year?s end. In 2014, FSMG?s new rights agreement with MLB takes effect, bringing regular and postseason games to FS1.

In addition to live events and studio programs, Fox Sports 1 introduces Fox Sports Live, a 24/7 news franchise providing around-the-clock coverage through regularly scheduled programs, hourly updates and an information-rich ticker that provides a network agnostic sports event television schedule.

Thousands of hours of news programming are expected annually from newly minted sets including a nightly program at 11:00 PM ET or immediately following events. A morning newscast is expected to launch in January 2014 in conjunction with FSMG?s expansive coverage of Super Bowl XLVIII.

"Building credibility and trust with our audience is paramount, so naturally we?ll provide the staples, like news, scores and highlights, but we?ll do it in a Fox Sports way," offered Shanks. "Just as Fox NFL Sunday reinvented the pregame show, Fox Sports Live breaks new ground in the way sports news is presented. We already have the home-team advantage of significant audiences watching local games on our 22 regional sports networks as a platform to launch our new national news."

Complementing FS1?s live events and news coverage at launch are several original programs, highlighted by Rush Hour, hosted by Regis Philbin, airing live weekdays. Originating in New York City, Regis leads the charge along with a panel of sports professionals, celebrity guests and die-hard fans in this brand new, unpredictable, talk show. Following Rush Hour live every day is Fox Football Daily.

Launching together with Fox Sports 1 will be Fox Sports Go ? a mobile sports experience for iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and web. Fox Sports Go will offer more than 1,000 live games and events from across Fox Sports, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports? 22 regional sports networks, as well as scores, highlights, news, stats, and analysis. The live games and events will be available to subscribers of participating cable, satellite, and telco providers at no additional cost.