Fiber distribution service provider The Switch has acquired substantially all of the assets and operations of HTN Communications, LLC (HTN), a provider of sports television and radio distribution services in North America.
Founded in 1956, HTN (formerly Hughes Television Network), is one of the longest-tenured provider of sports television and radio distribution services in North America, providing HD transmission access from every MLB, NBA and NHL sports venue in the United States as well as numerous entertainment events, concerts and news media outlets.
Joseph Cohen, chairman of the board and CEO of HTN, will continue in his capacity as president of The Switch's new subsidiary, The Switch HTN Sports Group, while HTN's management team will remain intact. Cohen is one of the most well-known figures in the sports programming and live distribution service industry.
The Switch is an industry pioneer in customer-controlled, uncompressed HD distribution services for domestic and international television networks, common carriers, local broadcast stations. It also produces and distributes sports, entertainment, news, financial, and public service television programming.
In 2012, The Switch completed phase two of its network expansion, adding six additional U.S. cities for a total of 33 locations. The Switch plans to expand to 50 key media markets across the United States and internationally.
Observers say the deal will consolidate HTN's network diversity of more than 70 sports venues with The Switch's uncompressed HD network, local fiber circuits, and switching services, providing the highest level of quality in television programming distribution.
Scott Beers, president and CEO of BEI said he views the transaction as both a strategic partnership and a natural progression for The Switch, as the company continues to expand into the North American and international sports market.
Cohen said the transaction “creates substantial value for the broadcast industry — merging HTN's expertise, customer service, and customer operating support with The Switch's state-of-the-art fiber network, advanced facilities, and national sales and marketing expertise. We are confident that working together will provide unmatched service to the industry."
