February 5, 2004
ESPN Deportes launches with ENPS
ESPN Deportes has launched 24-hour-a-day programming using ENPS, AP's news production system. The new Spanish sports channel marks a significant expansion for the Connecticut-based network, and reinforces the long-term relationship between ESPN and The Associated Press. Since 1998, ESPN has used ENPS to manage all phases of its news production here and abroad, including channels based in South America and Asia.
ESPN Deportes began in 2000 when ESPN and Major League Baseball began broadcasting Spanish telecasts of the Home Run Derby and a small number of Sunday night baseball games. Based on the popularity of those telecasts, ESPN Deportes began offering full Sunday night schedules of baseball, football, and exclusive boxing matches.
Now launched, ESPN Deportes plans to broadcast more than 200 live events in its first year, featuring the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Football League, UEFA Champions League, Wimbledon, the French Open, and more.
ENPS is used daily by a staff of producers, reporters, and editors to produce two Spanish-language versions of ESPN's popular SportsCenter broadcast. The ESPN Deportes staff leverages ENPS' use of the industry-standard Media Object Server (MOS) Protocol in producing fast-paced, flexible shows with ease. The ENPS Rundown will synchronize a diverse range of broadcast equipment, including Quantel's sQServer via Sundance NewsLink, Pinnacle's FXDeko character generator, and QTV's WinCue prompter.
"ESPN is one of our most important customers, and we're delighted they've chosen ENPS to continue launching exciting new ventures such as ESPN Deportes," said Lee Perryman, Director of Broadcast Technology and Deputy Director of AP Broadcast. "In English, Spanish, or any of several dozen other languages in which we work, 'ENPS' means efficiency and innovation in broadcast newsrooms."
By using ENPS, the ESPN Deportes editorial team will be able to collaborate with the rest of the ESPN production staff and keep abreast of changes and developments affecting shows across the ESPN family of networks.
ENPS also recently signed with the new NFL Network, College Sports Television (CSTV), and Portugal's Sport TV, all of which are also 24 hour sports channels.