Houston-based Anime Network has secured linear carriage in the state of Kansas with Sunflower Broadband and Eagle Communications, which adds three new markets to Anime Network's linear distribution. Anime Network will soon be available in Lawrence, Hays and Minneapolis, Kansas, just in time for the new semester to begin at universities across the state.

Today's news illustrates another successful transition for the channel from VOD-only carriage into a growing 24/7 linear offering. Anime Network is now the most widely distributed SVOD service available today, with more than 95% penetration to all VOD-enabled households.

"Anime Network is extremely popular among the 16-to-34-year-old demographic, and we are thrilled to launch our 24/7 linear service to both loyal fans and new audiences served by Sunflower Broadband and Eagle Communications," said Kevin McFeeley, the Network's vp of affiliate sales and new media.

The Anime Network, a subsidiary of A.D. Vision Inc. (parent company to ADV Films and Newtype USA), is the first cable channel in North America dedicated to anime, reaching more than 41 million households. The Anime Network launched in North America in late 2002 with extensive availability initially through digital cable video-on-demand technology. Additional information on Anime Network is available at www.theanimenetwork.com.