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Sunshine Network To Originate Studio Programming From Universal Studios Florida Production Group

10/13/2003

September 30, 2003 Orlando, FL - “Universal Studios Production Group and Sunshine Network announce an agreement for Sunshine - Florida’s largest regional sports network - to televise its new studio-based programming from Stage 18 on the lot at Universal Studios Florida,” said Pamela Tuscany Warren, Senior Director Marketing & Business Development for USF Production Group.

The production will include the network’s popular new “Tailgate Saturday” college football programming, plus additional shows under development. The addition of the studios, combined with the new network logo and new on-screen graphics unveiled last month, signal a new era of sports broadcasting in the state.

“We are excited about our new “Tailgate Saturday” lineup and more broadly, the opportunities for future programming development,” said Cathy Weeden, Vice President and General Manager of Sunshine Network. “The studio infrastructure provides us unique opportunities to originate original, high-quality studio-based programming.”

New production and technical staff will work out of the studios year-round. The studios include a newly constructed state-of-the-art multi-purpose set, designed by FX Group of Ocoee, FL. Shows that are currently being produced from the new studio include “Bubba Burger College Kickoff,” “Tailgate Saturday Football Wrap,” and “Tailgate Saturday FSU & UF Postgames.”
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“The broadcast of Sunshine Sports from Universal will show case the level of production values that are the mandates of the Central Florida Production community,” noted Warren.

A member of the Fox family of regional sports networks, Sunshine Network is Florida's largest regional sports network, available in more than 5.9 million cable and satellite homes statewide. The network annually produces television coverage of over 500 local/regional games, events, series and specials. Sunshine's programming lineup includes many of the state's most popular professional teams including the NBA Orlando Magic, NBA Miami Heat, NHL Tampa Bay Lightning, NFL Miami Dolphins, and NFL Jacksonville Jaguars. Sunshine Network is also partnered with collegiate powerhouses Florida State University and the University of Florida, as well as the University of Central Florida, the ACC, SEC, MAC and Sunshine State conferences. Sunshine is available via cable and satellite in Florida, nationwide via satellite, and much of its local/regional programming is available to digital cable subscribers outside Florida via Fox Sports Digital Nets. For more information on the network, visit www.sunshinenetwork.com.

For information about the Universal Studios Florida Production Group’s state of the art Sound Stages, more than one-hundred Backlot locations, production and office facilities, support services and the east coast’s only 727 Aircraft configured for film, video and still production, please contact USFPG at 407/363-8400 or visit our website at www.universalstudios.com/studio/florida.

Media Contacts:
Terri Hartman 407/224-6790 Terri.Hartman@universalorlando.com
Amy Pempel 407/245-2511
Apempel@sunshinenetwork.com
r&p sunshine network FINAL Oct 2

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