ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2003--Cox Communications, Inc., today launched a website -- www.makethemplayfair.com -- to educate consumers, media and policymakers about the rapid, unrestrained rise in the cost of cable sports channels and the threat that poses to the value of cable television service for American cable consumers.
The site contains background information, frequently asked questions and news articles pertaining to this issue, and provides an opportunity for consumers to e-mail sports network representatives and national lawmakers to express their opinions.
Sports networks, like ESPN and Fox Sports are dramatically raising wholesale prices to Cox -- as much as 35% -- which drives up retail cable prices. Cox is taking a stand against escalating programming costs by asking the networks to moderate their price increases to more reasonable levels. If the networks refuse, Cox is seeking the right to place these channels on an optional service tier, so those consumers who don't want to pay for these expensive channels won't have to.
Cox Communications (NYSE: COX), a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications company with approximately 6.5 million total customers, including 6.3 million basic cable subscribers. The nation's fourth-largest cable television provider, Cox offers both analog cable television under the Cox Cable brand as well as advanced digital video service under the Cox Digital Cable brand. Cox provides an array of other communications and entertainment services, including local and long distance telephone under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the Cox High Speed Internet brand; and commercial voice and data services via Cox Business Services. Local cable advertising, promotional opportunities and production services are sold under the Cox Media(SM) brand. Cox is an investor in programming networks including Discovery Channel. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com/espanol.
CONTACT: Cox Communications, Inc., Atlanta Laura Oberhelman, 404/269-7562 laura.oberhelman@cox.com or Bobby Amirshahi, 404/843-7872 bobby.amirshahi@cox.com SOURCE: Cox Communications, Inc.
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