HBO Secures Rights to Inaugural Ceremony

The Hollywood Reporter is stating that HBO will provide coverage of Inauguration Week starting with an exclusive program on Sunday, Jan. 18th, 2009.

HBO -- which has been awarded the rights for an undisclosed sum -- is planning to offer the event free to cable and satellite subscribers, regardless of whether they have the pay channel or not. The entertainment lineup for the event, which may also be streamed, hasn't yet been announced, but both Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are scheduled to attend reports THR.

"HBO's proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America's spirit of unity," inaugural committee executive director Emmett S. Beliveau said in a statement to the entertainment daily.

Fox News is reported earlier this week that Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, and Bruce Springsteen are among the artists asked being asked to to play at events around Washington on January 20th at the Obama Inaugural.

The Jonas Brothers and possibly Miley Cyrus were also invited to play at a children's party on January 19th at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. reports Fox.

There are also rumors Grateful Dead will get back together for the event.