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ESPN International will have worldwide television rights to the IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights series through the 2010 season under a two-year contract extension with the Indy Racing League.

The agreement announced Wednesday does not include coverage in the United States, where races are carried by ABC and VERSUS, or Brazil, where BAND TV has broadcast rights. The IRL and ESPN International will each have an option to extend the agreement another two years after 2010.

ESPN International owns more than 45 television networks outside the United States and is available in 201 countries and territories.

ESPN and ABC are owned by The Walt Disney Co. (nyse: DIS - news - people )

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

The Federal Reserve is extending the life of key programs aimed at busting through credit clogs and restoring stability to financial markets.

The Fed says the programs, originally slated to last through Jan. 30, will be extended through April 30.

The Fed's emergency lending facility for investment firms is covered by the decision. Another program that lets financial institutions temporarily swap risky investments, such as shunned mortgages, for super-safe Treasury securities also is covered.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed