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Edited by Christopher Simmons, senior news editor

SONY PICTURES' AXN LAUNCHES ECO-CHALLENGE FIJI WITH PRESENTING SPONSOR NISSAN

Participating Sponsors Include Beat, Hewlett Packard, Salomon and Samsung

Eco-Challenge Fiji to be seen on AXN in over 40 countries

CULVER CITY, CA - May 21, 2003 /Send2Press Newswire/ -- AXN, the premier international action adventure channel, is premiering the latest edition of Eco-Challenge Fiji in more than 40 countries around the world. In conjunction with this launch, Nissan has come aboard as a presenting sponsor for the international broadcast.

Eco-Challenge Fiji is a five-hour miniseries documenting the world's toughest Expedition Race™. The race was filmed in the majestic beauty of the Fiji Islands, which served as a strong contrast to the intense competition that spanned over 300 miles in 12 days. Eco-Challenge was created and is executive produced by Emmy® Award-winning producer Mark Burnett (Survivor). This year's race is narrated by Emmy® Award-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actor David Duchovny (X-Files).

The presenting sponsor for Eco-Challenge Fiji is Nissan, the official automobile sponsor for this year's international broadcast event, and will have preferred status as the lead global sponsor. Local and regional sponsors of Eco-Challenge Fiji include Beat, Hewlett Packard, Nature's Way, Salomon, Samsung, and Smart.

Each specific region served by AXN will premiere a host of original programming to underscore the local relevance of this international event across all AXN territories, at the same time reinforcing the global network's commitment to the franchise. The original programming will also spotlight the seven AXN-sponsored teams, including AXN Atenah Brazil and AXN Buff Spain.

On June 6th, for example, AXN Japan will air a special program profiling the various AXN-sponsored teams, leading into the actual five-hour Eco-Challenge Fiji coverage. Similar localized programming aired on AXN Latin America, which offered viewers special and customized vignettes showcasing the AXN-sponsored Latin American teams; AXN Spain, which ran two 30-minute specials focusing on the AXN-sponsored team from Spain as well as a series of customized vignettes; and AXN Asia, which ran daily spotlights on the three AXN-sponsored teams from Asia.

Eighty-one four-person teams representing 23 countries converged on the Fiji Islands for Eco-Challenge Fiji, which for the first time focused on key expedition and problem-solving elements, challenging competitors with more decision-making and navigational hurdles. The race was one of the most grueling to date, with only 23 out of the 81 starting teams completing the full course.

About AXN
AXN is among Sony Pictures Television International Networks Group of 30 diverse global network ventures powered by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, first-run sporting events and the world's most extreme reality programming, AXN is the premier international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in over 86 million homes in 40 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. AXN can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.axn.com .

Editors Note: The Eco-Challenge® name and logo are registered trademarks of J. Mark Burnett and may not be reproduced. Eco-Challenge®, The Expedition Race™, Expedition Racing™ and Expedition Competition™ and all associated logos and service marks are all trademarks or registered trademarks of J. Mark Burnett in the United States and/or other countries.

URL: www.axn.com

Source of news: Sony Pictures Television International