ESPN launches new football brand

ESPN has launched a new football brand, replacing ESPNsoccernet for all of its global football coverage.ESPNFC runs on television, online and mobile and will have contributors such as Steve Nicol, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan and Gabriele Marcotti.ESPN also intends to expand its club blogger network and add new regional correspondents. ESPNFC was initially launched as a preview in April for Euro 2012.ESPNFC debuts ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier League and the start of other top European football leagues in the coming weeks. It will also cover all major leagues and competitions worldwide.On mobile, an ESPNFC app will give fans access to its content on the go, and is available on Apple, Windows Phone and Android handsets. Key features of the app include allowing football fans to personalise the app by their favourite leagues, teams and tournaments, and exclusive video and audio from ESPN's various studio-based discussion and analysis shows.On TV, changes include having its football debate and discussion show ESPNsoccernet PressPass rebranded as ESPNFC PressPass.Both TV and digital content will be heavily integrated to highlight major club news and analysis across all screens, said an ESPN release. Furthermore, the editorial agenda of both the TV show and web companion content will be closely aligned, it said. It will screen in over 107 countries and territories globally.At launch, ESPNFC will be broadcast in English and Spanish and will evolve over time to serve more languages.Arne Rees, vice president of international digital media for ESPN International said: "ESPNFC aims to serve fans by being the leading destination for definitive football coverage worldwide and year-round whenever and wherever fans want it."