HBO Bags Exclusive Rights to Obama Inauguration Kickoff

WASHINGTON, D.C., January
7: The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has granted HBO the exclusive
rights to televise the opening celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural,
to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on January 18.

HBO will team up with all
of its distributors to allow viewers across the country with access to cable,
telcos or satellite television to watch the event for free. Both U.S.
president-elect Barack Obama and VP-elect Joe Biden will be in attendance, and
the talent lineup for the event has yet to be announced.

"We are very excited
that HBO will be televising the kick-off event for our Inaugural," said
PIC executive director Emmett S. Beliveau. "Their proven track record as a
leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects president-elect
Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and
reflects America's spirit of unity. The Presidential Inaugural Committee is
committed to staging an opening celebration that reflects the best of our
nation, and we are pleased that millions of people across the country will be
able to share in this historic experience."

"We are honored to be
broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the
leading talent from the music and entertainment industry," added Bill
Nelson, the chairman and CEO of Home Box Office. "HBO is proud to work
with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens
as possible."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski