Dish to offer subscribers concert tickets, other deals via HDNet

Dish Network plans to offer subscribers deals on concert tickets and discounts on food and drinks through a carriage agreement it struck with Mark Cuban's HDNet, which will be renamed AXS TV on March 15.

Cuban, who flipped the switch on HDNet in 2001, just as HDTV sales were beginning to take off, said Wednesday that he will rebrand the channel as part of a joint venture he formed with concert promoter AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and Creative Artist Agency. Dish agreed to add the network to its America's Top 120 programming package, which will help AXS TV reach more than 35 million homes at its launch.

While HDNet was the first dedicated HD channel, its distribution has been limited since most cable and satellite TV providers carry it on premium tiers. Dish's move to distribute it in one of its most popular programming packages could compel HDNet affiliates such as Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), AT&T (NYSE: T) and Charter Communications (Nasdaq: CHTR) to offer it on digital basic programming packages.

Dish, which has stepped up its marketing efforts with the launch of its Hopper multiroom DVR, could take advantage of the publicity Cuban will generate for the launch of AXS TV. Dish also plans to offer subscribers amenities such as premium seating at concerts that will be televised on AXS TV and it will launch AXS Headliner Club, an online audition site that will allow local bands audition to perform at AEG venues.

For more:
- see the news release

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