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ESPN expands and upgrades online mission

Photos: ESPN X Games archive photos from skatelog.com website

By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY
July 31, 2008 05:35 AM

ESPN is creating an online action sports network that will launch in the fall and include several internet sites dedicated to specific action sports, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The network will rename and expand its current EXPN.com website to ESPN Action Sports Network. The site will offer more original programming, more previews of action sports films and viewers will be able to upload their own videos.

According to the Times, Surfline, Vans and Active will share content with the network and do cross promotion.

CJ Olivares of Fuel TV told the times, "There's this massive population of participants and aspirants who connect with these activities in a very visceral way." The story estimates the size of the action sports audience from 27 million to 115 million.

ESPN's announcement comes as the X Games gets underway today in Los Angeles. The Times reports the X Games attracted nearly 38 million viewers last year.