London, Feb 23, 2009 – ESPN announced today that Jeroen Oerlemans has been appointed as vice president, TV Channels, EMEA. In the new role Oerlemans will focus on the programming and production of ESPN TV channels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In making this announcement, Lynne Frank, ESPN’s Managing Director in the region, said, “Jeroen will be a tremendous addition to our team. His broadcasting experience in Europe combined with his expertise in US, International and European sports programming will enhance our growing television businesses. Jeroen brings excellent business acumen, strong management skills and above all a real passion for sport. He is a great fit for ESPN.”

Jeroen Oerlemans said “”I am thrilled by the chance to contribute to the further development of the ESPN channels in EMEA, leading the production and content development of both ESPN Classic and the newly re-branded ESPN America. This is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to joining the ESPN ranks.”

Oerlemans has an extensive background in international TV and sports programming and production. Earlier in his career Jeroen spent 10 years in production at NOS Studio Sport which included being the chief Liaison officer for the Barcelona Olympics committee. He then moved to Filmnet Netherlands to become Head of Sport and did acquisitions there for 3 years, moving to Telepiu in Italy to do sports acquisitions. He built up his American sports knowledge when he spent three years as Director of Broadcast Europe for the NFL. He was most recently the General Manager of Sport1 in Holland.

Oerlemans will start with ESPN full-time on the 2nd of March based out of London and Dublin

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About ESPN

ESPN International has grown to include ownership — in whole or in part — of over 45 television networks outside of the United States, as well as a variety of brand extension businesses, which allow ESPN to reach fans in 194 countries and territories. In Europe, ESPN now includes a portfolio of television and digital brands including ESPN Classic, ESPN America, ESPNsoccernet, Cricinfo, Scrum.com, ESPN360 and Racing-live.com.

ESPN Classic Sport now has five networks (UK, French, Italian, and pan-European feed) available in over 40 countries, and ESPN America has rights to show NFL, NHL, MLB and NCAA Football and Basketball across Europe, available in 43 countries. Online, Soccernet is the destination of choice for football fans worldwide, and launched French, German, Spanish and Italian versions in May 2007. ESPN acquired cricinfo.com – the world’s leading cricket website – and scrum.com – a leading rugby news, features and information portal – in summer 2007. ESPN360.com – the company’s signature broadband service – launched in Europe in January 2008. In August 2008, ESPN acquired the world’s leading independent motor racing website, Racing-Live.com.
Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN, Inc. is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

For further information, please contact:-

Damion Potter
ESPN Communications Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Pacific Rim
damion.potter@disney.com
Tel: +44 208 222 2104