ESPN today said it plans to launch two new channels, ESPNU, focusing on college athletics, and ESPN2 HD, a second high-definition television network. In addition to a 24-hour a day, seven day a week cable network, ESPNU will include Web, broadband, wireless, interactive, radio and print components. It is scheduled to launch in March 2005.

ESPN is just beginning to introduce the new channel to cable operators, a company spokesperson said. ESPN2 HD will launch as a simulcast of ESPN2 in January 2005 and will feature 100 live sports telecasts in its first year, including college football and basketball, NHL, Little League Wold Series and ESPN Original Entertainment programming that will be produced in HD.