Basic cable sports network ESPN has fired off another salvo in its ongoing carriage war with cable operator Cox. Cox is threatening to shunt ESPN and Fox Sports into a Sky Sports-like premium sports programming tier unless the cable channels back down over carriage fee increases Cox says are not acceptable.

This time round, ESPN cited information from a Beta Research-conducted survey showing that ESPN had a strong following among the advertising-friendly adults 18-39 demographic, particularly males.

Artie Bulgrin, ESPN's senior vice president of sales and development, said:

"This survey not only reaffirms the strong appeal of ESPN among the 18-34 demographic, but also confirms the value of ESPN and its enduring strength among viewers."

An explainer on this issue can be found right here on Digital Spy.