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RCN Secures Hall of Fame Spokesman Jim Rice for Two More Years

^{Published on 2009-12-04 07:06:09 - Market Wire}
 

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - December 4, 2009) - [ RCN Corporation ] (NASDAQ: [ RCNI ]), a leading provider of all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet, and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers, as well as high-capacity transport services to carrier and large enterprise customers, announced today that Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice has signed on for another two years as spokesman for RCN.

"We are honored to have the legendary Jim Rice as RCN's spokesperson for another two years," said Richard Wadman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of RCN Boston. "Jim is truly an ideal partner, and we are thrilled to have him on our RCN team. This partnership has allowed us to treat our customers and Red Sox fans to once in a lifetime experiences with the accomplished left fielder, and we look forward to continuing to work with him."

Since 2008, Rice has represented RCN to provide fans and RCN customers with Hall of Fame worthy experiences -- including trips to spring training and lunch with Rice, neighborhood youth hitting clinics offering hands-on coaching tips from the pro, and dinner with Rice while watching a game and talking baseball with the legendary Red Sox alumni.

Jim Rice was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2009 on January 12, 2009. Rice spent his entire 16-year career (1974 through 1989) with the Boston Red Sox as one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Rice proved he was one of the best American League sluggers by receiving eight All-Star Selections and placing in the top five MVP balloting six times. He has remained closely involved with the Red Sox organization -- holding several coaching and commentator positions for New England Sports Network -- since ending his playing career in 1989. As a Hall of Famer, Rice will be remembered and revered among the great Red Sox and baseball players of all time.

"It has been a wonderful experience working with RCN, and I am thrilled to continue our partnership over the next two years," said Rice. "The company's continued commitment and dedication to the community is outstanding and truly embodies the qualities I look for in a corporate partner."

The partnership with Rice was negotiated by Kim Zayotti, Founder and CEO, Blue Sky Sports & Entertainment and it allows RCN to use his name, image and likeness exclusively for two years. He will make several appearances throughout the term and will represent RCN in radio, television, print and internet advertisements. RCN will also receive autographed memorabilia including baseballs and jerseys.

About RCN Boston

RCN in Boston serves the communities of Allston, Arlington, Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Burlington, Dedham, Dorchester, Framingham, Hyde Park, Lexington, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Roslindale, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, West Roxbury and Woburn.

About RCN Corporation

RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: [ RCNI ]), [ www.rcn.com ], is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company's geographic markets. RCN's primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. (RCNI-G)