A slew of ESPN -branded properties kicks off the ’08 college football season on Aug 28, with ESPN on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN360.com, ESPN Classic and ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN Radio all involved. Combined with ESPN Regional Television‘s roughly 85 syndicated productions and approx 150 games on PPV service ESPN GamePlan, the nets will cover more than 400 games. Other highlights include more than 300 games on ESPN360.com and up to 10 simulcast games per week at ESPN Mobile TV. ESPN’s post-season Bowl coverage will also include 2 additional games: The the Congressional Bowl in DC and the St. Petersburg Bowl. — First came the Puppy Bowl, and now Animal Planet‘s unveiling "Puppy Games 2008" to coincide with the Opening and Closing of the real summer Olympics. Pups representing countries from around the globe will compete for the gold in events such as boxing, swimming, gymnastics and soccer. The 3-hour special debuts at 6pm, Aug 8, and a modified version airs Aug 23 at 8pm ET. — It’s an "All Skate" over at Comcast SportsNet Northwest, with the channel featuring a week of roller derby action beginning Mon. After all, the net’s based in the roller derby mecca of Portland. Featured programming includes the Comcast SportsNet original "Roller Derby 101," rare archives of classic roller derby bouts from the ’60s and ’70s, and screenings of the ’72 roller derby classic "Kansas City Bomber," starring Raquel Welch. — Outdoor Channel has teamed with conservation group Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. The partnership centers on conservation and education, using Outdoor’s multiple media platforms as promotional vehicles. — Universal HD‘s Olympic programming kicks off at 2am ET, Aug 8 and continues all day through Aug 24. Those who can’t wait for the Games can check out trial events during its "Olympic Athlete Weekend," Aug 2 (11:30am-8pm ET) and Aug 3 (8:30am-8pm). — The live, televised announcement of the "TitleTown USA" winner on ESPN‘s "SportsCenter" has been moved to Mon, 6pm ET from Sun. ESPN.com visitors can vote through Sun on which of the 20 community finalists is TitleTown.

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Life Independent: Reelz Among Indy Nets Navigating Upfronts

Economic uncertainty is plaguing all corners of the market, and with this year’s upfronts well underway, the ambiguous outlook into the future makes it that much harder for folks to transact.

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