New Online Sports Channel Launches in China

HONG KONG, August 15: The Internet video company VODone has
teamed with the pan-Asian soccer network Goal TV to launch an online channel in
China delivering coverage of a host of European football leagues.

The online service is promising coverage of French, Scottish
and Dutch leagues, as well as 200 hours of original programming, including
behind-the-scenes access to Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona.
There will also be soccer entertainment programs, including news, interviews,
pre- and post-match analysis, delayed and archived matches, bilingual
commentaries and a fans' forum. The services can be accessed for RMB 10 per
month or RMB 1 per match. VODone has set an initial target of 2 million
subscribers.

Last week, SHANGHAI-based SINA Corporation announced its
acquisition of the online broadcasting rights for China to English Premier
League and Italian Serie A soccer.