HARTFORD, Conn. -- In a groundbreaking venture, WFSB and Connecticut Public Television are partnering to create the Connecticut Sports Network, which will feature the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) High School Basketball Championship games as its inaugural broadcast.

On Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the CIAC girls' high school championship games will air on CPTV2, CPTV’s digital broadcast channel. (Check local cable listings for channel positions).

Joe Zone Introduces New Venture To Televise H.S. Sports

On Sunday, March 9, all the girls' championship games will be re-broadcast on CPTV beginning at 6 a.m.

WFSB will broadcast the boys' high school championship games on Saturday, March 15, beginning at 11 a.m. on its digital channel, Eyewitness News NOW (Click here for local cable listings and channel positions).

WFSB will also broadcast the boys' L or LL championship game live on Channel 3 in prime time (exact time and game to be determined).

For a complete schedule, click here

All of the games will be posted on the Web at www.ctsn.tv.

“Over the years, we’ve seen how sports can positively impact the lives of Connecticut viewers,” said Jerry Franklin, President and CEO of CPTV. “Through this unique partnership and the cooperation of the CIAC, we are incredibly pleased to be able to showcase the talents of our exemplary athletes. It’s a win, win for everyone involved.”

Klarn DePalma, Vice President and General Manager of WFSB added, “It’s the mission of both Channel 3 and CPTV to serve the community with local content. Our viewers have asked us to bring these games into their homes and we are proud to make that happen.”

The creation of the Connecticut Sports Network comes on the heels of the highly rated and successful CIAC State High School Football Championships that aired on CPTV in December 2007.

According to Franklin, the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive.

“Viewer e-mails poured in from across the state supporting the coverage, and the message was loud and clear that Connecticut residents want more of this type of sports coverage,” said Franklin. “We are now proud to be partnering with WFSB on the Connecticut Sports Network. Together, we hope to eventually provide viewers with the best in local high school and collegiate sports available across the state."

CIAC Executive Director Mike Savage thanked Channel 3 and CPTV for their vision in creating the Connecticut Sports Network.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to broadcast the many achievements taking place on Connecticut’s high school playing fields each and every day - achievements that the public can now witness, share in and celebrate,” said Savage.

The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), a division of the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS), is the governing body for high school sports in Connecticut. Since its inception in 1921, the CIAC has worked to establish and unify policies of administration in interscholastic athletics, to maintain rules and regulations, which allow for fair and equitable competition among schools, and to encourage and promote the organization of athletic activities as part of the overall educational program.

WFSB Channel 3 is Connecticut’s most-watched television station and is the home of Eyewitness News. WFSB produces more than 36 hours of live, award-winning, local news each week and provides information 24 hours-a-day on its Web site, WFSB.com and on its digital channel Eyewitness News NOW.

CPTV is the public television affiliate of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network. It is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including UConn Women's Basketball, original documentaries and educational programming. CPTV has the distinction of providing more children's programming than any other public broadcasting station in the country.

The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network also includes WNPR, an affiliate of National Public Radio and Public Radio International. WNPR serves over 190,000 listeners in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island with news and information. Its award-winning local programming includes The Faith Middleton Show and Front and Center with Ray Hardman. Overall, the network brings a broad spectrum of public affairs, entertainment, sports, and educational programming to our viewers, listeners and readers.