HDNet Taps Andrew Simon as CEO, HDNet Fights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DALLAS (October 24) - HDNet has named Andrew Simon CEO of HDNet Fights, the high definition network's new venture into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Simon will lead the strategic direction and overall execution of the network's Mixed Martial Arts initiative. He will also oversee development of all HDNet Fights branding and sponsorships.

Simon will work alongside Guy Mezger who was recently named general manager of HDNet Fights. Mezger, a former MMA champion, will handle all fighter relations and matchmaking for HDNet Fights.

"Andrew brings a proven track record in sales, marketing, video-on-demand, pay-per-view and strong MMA experience to our network," said Mark Cuban, chairman and co-founder of HDNet. "Andrew's strengths as a leader in the media industry combined with Guy Mezger's unparalleled reputation in MMA, creates a powerhouse team for HDNet Fights. We're thrilled to have them on board."

"I jumped at the chance to help build an MMA organization that treats the athletes and sponsors with the respect they deserve," said Andrew Simon. "Mark has set the standard for treatment of athletes in the NBA, and we will do the same for MMA."

Andrew Simon comes to HDNet Fights from Cox Communication in Las Vegas, Nevada where he served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales. During his tenure at Cox he was recognized with multiple industry awards including Top 40 Under 40 from In Business Las Vegas, and numerous CTAM and ADDY awards recognizing excellence in leadership and cable marketing. Prior to his tenure at Cox, Simon held management roles with MGM Mirage (formerly Mirage Resorts Inc.) and Deloitte Consulting.

Simon is a graduate of Cornell University, with an MBA from The Anderson School at UCLA.

About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming.

HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report", "Dan Rather Reports" featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather and "NASA on HDNet" (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010). HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR Grand National Division, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup re-broadcasts, boxing and Mixed Martial Arts; groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including U2, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani and more; entertaining and irreverent lifestyle programming including "Deadline!", "Art Mann Presents", and "Get Out!" HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to the critically acclaimed and award winning programs such as the Emmy Award winning "Arrested Development", "The Black Donnellys", "Blade: The Series", "Star Trek: Enterprise", "Smallville", "Joan of Arcadia", "Boomtown" and "Andy Richter Controls the Universe".

HDNet Movies also features a wide selection of major studio theatrical releases - all uncut, unedited, and appearing in their original aspect ratio so that HDNet Movies viewers get the best possible home theater experience.

Only HDNet Movies exclusive "Sneak Previews" bring feature films to viewers before they premiere in theaters! Some of the HDNet Movies "Sneak Previews" have included the Academy Award nominated "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room", Toronto Film Festival nominee "The War Within", and "Bubble", the first of six movies by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and produced exclusively for HDNet Films "Cashback", written and produced by Sean Ellis, and, most recently, "Broken English", from Zoe Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo and Griffin Dunne. Upcoming Sneak Previews include "Quid Pro Quo", starring Nick Stahl and Vera Farmiga, "Hunter", the story of the life and death of infamous gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson from director Alex Gibney and producer Graydon Carter, and "Flawless", starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net, and for more information about HDNet Fights, visit www.hdnetfights.com