NHL Network
Feb
11
Bringing Out Some Saturday Links
Been battling the stomach flu over the last 24 hours which is why you haven’t seen new posts since the Weekend Viewing Picks. My apologies for that. Still feeling a bit blue over the flu and running to the bathroom every 15 minutes, but I’m getting better now. Been a tough winter for me getting sick, but hopefully, the spring will bring better health.
Let’s bring you some overdue linkage.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today says lucrative TV deals have emboldened the Anaheim Angels and Texas Rangers in the free agent market.
Brian Lowry at FoxSports.com rates the Super Bowl ads.
The Nielsen Wire blog says one particular Doritos Super Bowl ad is the Most-Liked.
Fred Frommer of the Associated Press has a feature story on how President Richard Nixon offered to keep the old NFL blackout rule in place if it lifted the local blackout on a home DC NFL team.
Alec Banks of Complex has the “20 Hottest Women in the History of ESPN” and I totally disagree with the list. If you’re going history, no Karie Ross? No Melissa Stark? This list is faulty.
The new radio voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox, Aaron Goldsmith goes behind-the-scenes of taping a new radio spot.
Multichannel News says NBC Sports Network has hired an ESPN executive to head up its original programming department.
At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Michael Bradley feels the media coverage of Gisele Bündchen’s comments after the Super Bowl were much ado about nothing, but he feels it could be the future of sports media.
Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has video of Jeremy Lin’s insane spin move on Derek Fisher during last night’s Lakers-Knicks game.
Dan notes that Fox Sports Jason Whitlock made a racist penis joke about Jeremy Lin and Twitter responded.
Boston Sports Media Watch’s Bruce Allen writes in SB Nation Boston that sports can be fun, except with the Boston Sports Media.
The Connecticut Post reports that YES Network Nets and Yankees studio host Bob Lorenz was arrested this week on DUI charges.
The New York Times’ Melissa Hoppert spends 30 seconds with NHL Network host Kathryn Tappen.
Richard Sandomir of the Times says not even Linsanity can get the Knicks back on Time Warner Cable.
Richard says the Mets have hired a replacement for radio announcer Wayne Hagin.
Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union talks with CBS college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg.
Tom Jones of the Tampa Bay Times writes that Nanci Donnellan, a.k.a. The Fabulous Sports Babe, is in very bad health.
Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with a former local sports talk show host who was fired from his job for making several derogatory remarks about a women’s college basketball analyst.
NBC San Diego also has an interview with the host who originally did not apologize for his remarks.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News laments the shrinking number of sports media reporters in Southern California.
Tom has a couple of notes that didn’t make his column.
Ben Koo at Awful Announcing is fascinated by ESPN’s extensive film library.
Sports Media Watch says the audience for Fox’s second live English Premier League broadcast grew slightly, but had the same rating.
SMW says this week’s Duke-North Carolina game had higher ratings from last year.
Lorenzo Arguello has video of ESPN’s Erin Andrews getting chatty with Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Brooklyn Decker at last week’s GQ Super Bowl party.
Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says NBCSports.com will stream all of the out-of-market early games from next weekend’s Hockey Day in America.
Dave Kohl of The Broadcast Booth says sports radio hosts getting personal is when they cross over the line.
We’ll end the linkage there.
Jan
24
NHL Network To Air Live From NHL All-Star Weekend in Ottawa
Starting on Thursday, NHL Network will have 16½ hours of live coverage of All-Star Weekend in Ottawa. Hosts Kathryn Tappen and Brian Duff will be joined by analysts Barry Melrose, Kevin Weekes, Mike Johnson, insider EJ Hradek and reporter Heidi Androl.
NHL Tonight will be live from the All-Star Fan Fair at the Ottawa Convention Centre on Thursday and Friday in advance of the All-Star Fantasy Draft. Then the show moves to Scotiabank Place on Saturday and Sunday.
And NHL Network will have wraparound programming for both the All-Star Skills Competition and the All-Star Game.
Here’s the NHL Network press release including programming schedule for the entire weekend.
NHL NETWORK TO BRING FANS INSIDE 2012 NHL ALL-STAR WEEKEND
Unprecedented On-Site Coverage from Ottawa Begins Thursday
Free Preview of NHL Network Available Across Canada Through Participating TV Service ProvidersNEW YORK (January 24, 2012) — Live on-site coverage from NHL Network of all the festivities surrounding the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend in Ottawa begins on Thursday, Jan. 26, delivering 16.5 hours of live coverage.
The NHL Network team in Ottawa includes NHL Tonight hosts Kathryn Tappen and Brian Duff, analysts Barry Melrose, Kevin Weekes, Mike Johnson and EJ Hradek and reporter Heidi Androl. Joining the NHL Network team as special guest is the online sensation Joey The Junior Reporter of Blackhawks TV. The 6-year old Illinois native will bring his sharp interviewing skills to Ottawa, where he will ask the “hard-hitting” questions of the NHL’s biggest stars.
NHL Network will broadcast live from the Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair™ at the Ottawa Convention Centre on Thursday, Jan. 26, and Friday, Jan. 27, with roving talent filing remote reports from the 2012 Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft™ and the NHL All-Star Media Day. The NHL Network set moves to Scotiabank Place arena on Saturday, Jan. 28, and Sunday, Jan. 29.
A free preview of NHL Network will be available on participating television services providers throughout Canada, including Bell TV, Rogers, Shaw and Shaw Direct, through Feb. 3. (Not available in all areas.)
NHL Network content also will be available to stream through NHL.com, keeping fans apprised of all the activity in Ottawa around 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend on the platform of their choice. For the latest NHL All-Star news, visit NHL.com and its dedicated microsite for the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL.com/allstar.
NHL Network broadcast coverage in Ottawa is as follows (all times Eastern):
Thursday, January 26
5 – 7 p.m. — NHL Live at NHL All-Star Weekend featuring NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman during the second hour live from Scotiabank Fan Fair™
7 – 8 p.m. — 2012 NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft Pre-Show
9:30 – 11 p.m. — NHL Tonight (2012 NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft Edition)
Midnight — 2012 NHL Player All-Star Fantasy Draft (re-air)Friday, January 27
3 – 6 p.m. — NHL All-Star Media Day
6 – 7 p.m. — NHL Tonight (NHL All-Star Media Day Recap)
7 – 8:30 p.m. — 2012 NHL Player All-Star Fantasy Draft (re-air)
8:30 – 10 p.m. — 2012 NHL Player All-Star Fantasy Draft (re-air)Saturday, January 28
4 – 7 p.m. — 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition Pre-Show
9 – 10 p.m. — NHL Tonight (2012 NHL All-Star Skills
Competition Recap)
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. — 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition (re-air in U.S. only)Sunday, January 29
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition (re-air in U.S. only)
1 – 4 p.m. — 2012 NHL All-Star Game Pre-Game Show
7 – 8 p.m. — NHL Tonight (2012 NHL All-Star Game Edition)
11 p.m.-1a.m. — 2012 NHL All-Star Game (re-air in U.S. only)
And that will do it.
Jan
19
“NHL Hour With Commissioner Gary Bettman” To Air Live on NHL Network Starting Today
This from the National Hockey League, Commissioner Gary Bettman’s weekly one hour radio show will now be simulcast on the NHL Network starting tonight. Bettman’s show has been aired weekly on Sirius XM’s NHL Home Ice every Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
Not only will it be shown on NHL Network, it will be streamed live on NHL.com.
We have the press release directly from our friends at the National Hockey League.
SIRIUS XM RADIO SHOW WILL NOW AIR ON NHL NETWORK & STREAM ON NHL.COM
NEW YORK (January 19, 2012) – NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman, the only weekly call-in show hosted by the commissioner of a major professional sports League, will now telecast live on NHL Network and stream with video on NHL.com. The show will continue to air on Sirius XM Radio’s NHL Home Ice channel (channel 92 on XM and channel 207 on Sirius Premier).
Broadcasting live on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman encourages fans to call in with questions by calling 1-877-NHL-ON-XM (1-877-645-6696).
Ottawa Senators executive vice president and general manager Bryan Murray will call in to discuss the upcoming 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend, which will take place in Ottawa, Thursday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 29. The Senators are riding a hot streak with nine wins in 11 games and 58 points for the season — just one fewer than first-place Boston in the Northeast Division. The Senators’ Daniel Alfredsson was named captain of one of the All-Star teams and will join teammates Milan Michalek, Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson and Colin Greening in the weekend activities. The Senators’ six-game road trip continues tonight in San Jose against the Sharks.
And that will do it.
Dec
22
NHL Network Unveils New Logo, New Show, New Ad Campaign
Just received this from NHL Network and it’s an announcement about the unveiling of a new logo which is pretty sharp, a new nightly 10 p.m. ET show hosted by former NESN Bruins studio host Kathryn Tappen, and a new ad campaign which gives viewers a sense that the NHL Network is no longer stuck in a broom closet.
Starting Monday, NHL Network launches NHL Tonight which will air at 10 p.m. and is a spinoff of NHL on the Fly. For the first week, NHL Tonight will air immediately following coverage of the IIHF World Junior Championships.
In addition, NHL Network will ramp up its coverage for the NHL Winter Classic by locating its NHL Live show at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia, plus it also unveils a new ad campaign for the network next week.
I have the new logos for you plus the press release below.
Highlight Show “NHL TONIGHT” Launches on Dec. 26 Showing Every Highlight,Every Game, Every Night
NHL Network Begins On-Site Coverage of the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 29
Dish Network, Verizon FiOS and Charter Communications Subscribers Can Watch A Free Preview of NHL Network Dec. 29 – Jan. 2NEW YORK (December 22, 2011) – NHL Network will get a jump on the New Year with a number of new enhancements including a new network logo, re-branded highlight show and new ad campaign. The Net will also begin broadcasting from Citizens Bank Park™ in anticipation of the 2012 NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 29, providing fans more with more hours of original programming around the annual event than ever before.
On December 26, NHL Network will officially switch over to its new logoand launch NHL Tonight – an evolution of the 10 p.m. edition of NHL On the Fly – airing seven days a week. Kathryn Tappen, host of NHL Tonight, will be joined by a rotating lineup of hockey insiders and analysts that will serve fans with every highlight, every game. NHL Tonight will re-air the following morning for fans to catch up on all the games from the previous night. For its first week, NHL Tonight will air immediately following the live coverage of the IIHF World Junior games. Otherwise, NHL Tonight will air nightly at 10 p.m. NHL on the Fly will continue to air nightly from 7-10 p.m.
The national advertising campaign for NHL Tonight also will debut on Dec. 26, positioning the show as the source for all of the night’s highlights from around the NHL using the new show slogan “Every Highlight. Every Game. Every Night.” The TV spot features NHL players watching NHL Tonight in their everyday life – at home, in arenas, working out, taping sticks, on the road and relaxing in hotel rooms. Including the new NHL Network tagline “Where the NHL Gets Hockey,” the campaign aptly features a number of the NHL’s biggest names including New Jersey’s Zach Parise, Carolina’s Jeff Skinner, Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf, Montreal’s Brian Gionta, Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler, Anaheim’s Corey Perry, Chicago’s Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, and New York’s Brad Richards and Henrik Lundqvist.
The NHL Tonight advertising campaign will run across the US and Canada, and includes TV, online, radio, print, in-arena, mobile and social media executions.
NHL Network at the 2012 NHL Winter Classic
On Dec. 29, NHL Network will set up stage in Philadelphia to provide fans with daily coverage live from the site of the 2012 NHL Winter Classic – adding up to more than 25 hours of original programming around the event. From the transformation process turning the famed ballpark into an ice rink, to daily press conferences and weather reports provided in collaboration with the Weather Channel™, NHL Network becomes the destination for fans to keep apprised of everything happening in Citizens Park Bank™ leading up to and following the fifth annual outdoor game.Deb Placey, EJ Hradek and Bill Pidto will bring the popular daily afternoon show NHL LIVE to Philadelphia along with the rest of the NHL Network broadcasting team from field level at Citizens Bank Park including host Kathryn Tappen, analysts Barry Melrose, Jeremy Roenick and Kevin Weekes. Reporter Heidi Androl will check in from Spectator Plaza, a free, three-day fan festival just outside the gates of Citizens Bank Park. NHL Network talent also will provide intermission reports from Citizen Bank Park during the U.S. broadcasts of the 2012 World Junior Championship on the Network. Joining the NHL Network team as special guest analysts for the Network’s Winter Classic coverage is former NHLer Mark Recchi, who will bring unique insight to the event. Recchi played in the 2010 NHL Winter Classic in Boston as a member of the Bruins. He finished his 22-season NHL career by winning the Stanley Cup with the Bruins last season.
On Dec. 31, Broad Street meets Broadway in the 2012 NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game, featuring some of the biggest names from Rangers and Flyers past including former Blueshirts Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Dave Maloney and Mike Gartner and Flyers Bob Clarke, Eric Lindros, John LeClair, Mark Howe, Jeremy Roenick and Reggie Leach. NHL Network will air a 90-minute special providing a detailed account of the game and reliving all of the memorable moments.
As the current Rangers and Flyers take to the open-air ice for the first time on January 1 for team practices, NHL Network will be there broadcasting it live beginning at 11 a.m. ET. On game day, January 2, beginning at 10 a.m., NHL Network will provide live coverage from field level in the lead-up to puck drop as the ultimate pre-game show. The 2012 NHL Winter Classic Post-Game Show will air immediately following the game’s conclusion.
Digital customers in participating systems of Dish Network, Verizon FiOS, and Charter Communications will be offered a free preview of NHL Network beginning Dec. 29 through Jan. 2. (Not available in all areas.) The complete schedule is as follows (all times Eastern):
Thursday, December 29
5:00-7:00 p.m. — NHL LIVE
7:00-8:00 p.m. — NHL Network at the 2012 NHL Winter Classic
8:00-10:00 p.m. — 2012 World Junior Championship – Canada vs. Denmark (U.S. only) (w/ Intermission reports from Philadelphia)
10:00 p.m. — NHL TonightFriday, December 30
2:00-3:30 p.m. – NHL LIVE
3:30-6:30 p.m. – 2012 World Junior Championship – Czech Republic vs. U.S. (U.S. only) (w/ Intermission reports from Philadelphia)
6:30-7:00 p.m. – NHL LIVE
7:00-8:00 p.m. – NHL Network at the 2012 NHL Winter Classic
8:00-10:00 p.m. – 2012 World Junior Championship – Finland vs. Denmark (U.S. only) (w/ Intermission reports from Philadelphia)
10:00 p.m. – NHL TonightSaturday, December 31
3:30-5:00 p.m. – 2012 NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game Recap
5:00-5:30 p.m. – NHL Plays of the Year Special
5:30-8:00 p.m. – NHL Network at the 2012 NHL Winter Classic
8:00-10:00 p.m. – 2012 World Junior Championship – U.S. vs. Canada (U.S.only) (w/ Intermission reports from Philadelphia)
10:00 p.m. – NHL TonightSunday, January 1
11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. – 2012 NHL Winter Classic Practice Day
5:00-6:00 p.m. – 2012 NHL Winter Classic Practice Day Recap
6:00-9:00 p.m. – Calgary Flames @ Nashville Predators (w/ Intermission reports from Philadelphia)
9:00-10:00 p.m. – NHL Tonight from the 2012 NHL Winter ClassicMonday, January 2
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – 2012 NHL Winter Classic Pre-Game Show
4:00-5:00 p.m. – 2012 NHL Winter Classic Post Game Show
5:00-8:00 p.m. – 2012 World Junior Championship – Quarterfinal #1 (w/ Intermission reports from Philadelphia)
8:00-9:00 p.m. – NHL On The Fly
9:00-11:00 p.m. – 2012 World Junior Championship – Quarterfinal #2
11:00 p.m. – NHL Tonight
That will do it.
Dec
21
NHL Network Signs Long-Term Contract For IIHF Junior Championships
Coming later this month, NHL Network will air the annual IIHF Junior Championships from Edmonton and Calgary. This is an event I have grown to enjoy very much over the last few years. NHL Network has gone from simulcasting TSN to producing its own coverage with its own announcers. Two years ago, JP Dellacamera was the lead announcer. Last year, NHL Network utilized Gary Thorne. This year, it’ll be Matt Rosen calling the games for NHL Network.
In addition, NHL Network has signed a new agreement with IIHF to air the event in the United States for 7 years and allows for streaming on NHL.com of the games involving the US National team.
We have the press release from NHL Network.
NHL NETWORK REMAINS EXCLUSIVE HOME OF IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP IN U.S. FOR SEVEN YEARS
Live Game Coverage of 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship Begins December 26 on NHL Network and NHL.com
NEW YORK, NY / COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 20, 2011) – NHL Network U.S. and USA Hockey have agreed to a long-term extension of their media contract that will keep the Network as the exclusive television and streaming home for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in the United States through the 2018 event.
NHL Network U.S. will provide live broadcasts and NHL.com will provide live streams of the U.S. National Junior Team games at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. NHL Network also will televise all medal-round games and five additional preliminary-round match-ups, airing a total of 15 games in high-definition from the tournament. All USA games will be NHL Network original broadcasts.
This year’s event will take place in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, and the U.S. will look to medal in the tournament for the third straight year. The last time the event was staged in Canada (2010), the United States beat Canada in overtime to capture gold.
NHL.com writers Mike Morreale and Aaron Vickers will cover all angles of the 2012 World Junior Championship, ranging from country-by-country tournament previews to daily live blogs to covering every game from Edmonton and Calgary starting Dec. 26. NHL.com will provide customized coverage in seven additional languages including Czech, Finnish, French, German, Russian, Slovak and Swedish, for fans to follow favorite players from their countries. Game highlights and full coverage of the 2012 World Junior Championship will be available at NHL.com and NHL.com/Draft.
“The IIHF World Junior Championship is not only a preeminent international hockey tournament, it has become known as the place to view future NHL stars,” said Bob Chesterman, NHL Network vice president of programming. “Viewers will see a high level of skill and talent and intense match-ups between rival countries. The World Junior Championship is an excellent complement to our NHL programming.”
“We’re extremely pleased to extend our partnership with the NHL Network,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “They’re passionate about televising the World Junior Championship and I think fans will notice continued enhancements in their coverage of Team USA and the tournament overall as time moves forward.”
The tournament’s popularity stems from its reputation as a showcase for the game’s best up-and-coming young players from around the world. Many current NHL stars have played in the tournament; an abbreviated list includes Patrick Kane (Blackhawks), Zach Parise (Devils) and Bobby Ryan (Ducks) for the United States; Sidney Crosby (Penguins), Steven Stamkos (Lightning) and P.K. Subban (Canadiens) for Canada; Alex Ovechkin (Capitals), Evgeni Malkin (Penguins) and Ilya Kovalchuk (Devils) for Russia; Nicklas Lidstrom (Red Wings), Henrik Zetterberg (Red Wings) and the
Sedin twins (Canucks) for Sweden; Martin Havlat (Sharks), Jaromir Jagr (Flyers) and Tomas Kaberle (Canadiens) for the Czech Republic; Teemu Selanne (Ducks) and the Koivu brothers (Saku – Ducks, Mikko – Wild) for Finland and Marian Hossa (Blackhawks), Marian Gaborik (Rangers) and Jaroslav Halak (Blues) for Slovakia.Many players who will take to the ice in this year’s tournament are very close to realizing their dream of an NHL career. No fewer than 57 players who played in the 2010 and 2011 competitions already have made their League debut.
Broadcast Team
Matt Rosen, Dave Starman and Rob Simpson will make up the broadcast team for the NHL Network’s coverage of Team USA’s games.Rosen, who will handle play-by-play duties, has called hockey and football for the Big 10 Network in addition to his extensive broadcast and hosting experience with the Phoenix Coyotes. Rosen has served as the host for all Coyotes Radio Broadcasts as well as the team’s post-game call-in show, “Coyotes Wrap-Up,” and the weekly magazine show “Coyotes Weekly.”
Starman, who will serve as analyst, is currently in his ninth season as lead analyst for CBS College Sports coverage of NCAA hockey. He served as the analyst for the NHL Network’s coverage of Team USA’s games at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well.
Simpson, who will serve as rinkside reporter for all U.S. games, has contributed to the popular NHL LIVE show on NHL Network, MSG Network in New York, SIRIUS XM Radio and NHL.com broadband original programming.
2012 IIHF World Junior Championship – NHL Network-U.S. Broadcast Schedule
December 26 — January 5Monday, December 26
Canada vs. Finland — 3:30 p.m.
USA vs. Denmark — 8 p.m.Tuesday, December 27
Denmark vs. Czech Republic — 8 p.m.Wednesday, December 28
Finland vs. USA — 3:30 p.m.
Czech Republic vs. Canada — 8 p.m.Thursday, December 29
Canada vs. Denmark — 8 p.m.Friday, December 30
Czech Republic vs. USA — 3:30 p.m.
Finland vs. Denmark — 8 p.m.Saturday, December 31
USA vs. Canada — 8 p.m.Monday, January 2
Quarterfinal #1 — 5:00 p.m.
Quarterfinal #2 — 9:00 p.m.Tuesday, January 3
Semifinal #1 — 5:00 p.m.
Semifinal #2* — 9:00 p.m.Thursday, January 5
Bronze-Medal Game — 3:30 p.m.
Gold-Medal Game — 8:00 p.m.
That will do it.
Dec
16
Providing The Friday Megalinks
Let’s get to the megalinks today. Lots to get to including some interesting news that is breaking today.
First, the Weekend Viewing Picks are back after a week’s absence. Check out what sports and entertainment viewing recommendations I’ve made.
Now to the links.
National
Developing today is a story out of Boston that CBC and NBC NHL analyst Mike Milbury allegedly assaulted a 12 year old boy during a youth hockey game last week. WCVB in Boston has broken the story and we’ll what develops. Milbury has been charged by police, but still worked on Versus this week.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today says expect more reality TV like HBO’s 24/7 in sports.
Jen Floyd Engel from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes for Fox Sports that Craig James’ US Senate run should be music to college football fans who have had to endure his analysis on ESPN.
In a related note, Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid notes that James is taking leave from ESPN due to his run.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch says the NFL, the TV networks and the fans are all winners in the latest 9 year rights deal.
Richard says as he becomes more popular, it’s only natural to see more media coverage of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
Tim Baysinger of Broadcasting & Cable writes that Pac-12 Networks about to take operation next year, has secured headquarters in San Francisco.
John Eggerton of B&C says the American Cable Association is sounding the alarm bell on the new NFL TV deals.
Todd Spangler from Multichannel News writes that AT&T U-Verse customers in Connecticut will see MSG Network and its companion networks in HD starting in January just after Verizon Fios picked them up as well.
Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times writing in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center looks at some of the negatives of the new NFL TV deals.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell tells us to prepare for DirecTV and NFL Sunday Ticket in cars. Yes, cars.
Leave it to Deadspin. Tommy Craggs has video of a young Seth Davis of Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports appearing in an edition of HBO’s Real Sex from the 1990′s. Hilarious.
Matt Yoder from Awful Announcing breaks down the new NFL TV deals.
In the wee hours of this morning, I wrote some thoughts on the NFL TV deals and HBO’s 24/7 season premiere among other things.
Sports Media Watch says new NBA on TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal will not join Turner Sports’ coverage of the NCAA Tournament in March.
At Puck The Media, Steve Lepore wonders what’s up with a new program listing for NHL Network.
East and Mid-Atlantic
Chad Finn of the Boston Globe feels five NBA games on Christmas Day are too many.
Richard Sandomir of the New York Times mulls over the numbers in the new NFL TV deals.
Richard reviews the upcoming Army-Navy documentary produced by CBS Sports/Showtime.
George Vescey has written his last “Sports of the Times” column for the New York Times.
Newsday’s Neil Best says New Yorkers will not see New England-Denver on CBS this Sunday.
Neil notes that TNT’s Charles Barkley now endorses Weight Watchers.
Neil looks at Jeff Van Gundy’s frequent flyer mileage as he works two NBA games on Christmas Day.
New York Post curmudgeon Phil Mushnick says NFL TV analysts give Tim Tebow way too much credit.
Justin Terranova of the Post has ESPN/ABC announcer Sean McDonough complaining about too many bowl games.
Terranova has five questions for NFL Today analyst Shannon Sharpe.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union looks at one local radio station’s move to dump the New York Mets in favor of the Boston Red Sox.
Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette likes the new edition of HBO’s 24/7 Flyers/Rangers.
Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says there’s nothing like the NFL as a ratings draw.
In Press Box, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com has the latest sports media news from the Baltimore-Washington, DC area.
At the DC Sports Bog, the Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg notes that John Riggins has ended his daily sports talk show in favor of a new outdoors career.
Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says the Nationals could see a hefty increase in their rights fee from MASN.
South
Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times talks with NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock who will call Saturday’s Dallas-Tampa Bay game with Brad Nessler.
David Barron from the Houston Chronicle has some quotes from Fox NFL Sunday analyst Jimmy Johnson.
Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman has quotes from TNT’s Charles Barkley on the two Los Angeles NBA teams.
Mel has TNT’s NBA analysts discussing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s chances this season.
Mel notes that ESPN/ABC’s Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy will be quite busy on Christmas Day.
Midwest
John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks into the sudden quitting of one local sports talk show host this week.
Michael Zuidema from the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with Fox Sports Detroit NBA analyst Greg Kelser about the Pistons.
Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers in sports business and media.
Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that CBS’ Dan Dierdorf gets to call a rare “home” game on Sunday.
West
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the Chargers have avoided a blackout for Sunday night’s game against the Ravens.
John Maffei of the North County Times says Louisiana Tech is happy to finally to have some exposure on the ESPN mothership after being relegated to ESPNU 9 times this season.
Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star writes that the Los Angeles Clippers are no longer a media laughingstock.
Jim looks into the new NFL TV deals.
Jim has his weekend viewing picks.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks with former DC NFL team QB Mark Rypien and his daughter Angela, who’s now one in the Lingerie Football League.
Tom talks with TNT’s Charles Barkley.
Tom has a few more hits that didn’t make his Barkley column.
Canada
Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail reviews the season premiere of HBO’s 24/7.
And that’s going to do it.
Nov
21
NHL Network & NHL.com All Over Sidney Crosby’s Return
As you may be aware, Sidney Crosby is making his return to the NHL tonight for the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing 61 regular season due to a concussion. Versus is picking up his season debut against the New York Islanders in the US while CBC carries it in Canada.
The NHL Network will have extensive pregame coverage offering up a good guest list for NHL Live at 5 p.m. ET. And of course, NHL.com is all over Sid the Kid’s return as well with live streaming coverage of his skatearound plus much, much more.
We have a quick blurb on what’s being offered. Take a look at the press release directly from the National Hockey League.
NHL NETWORK:
- Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero will be on NHL Live at 5:30 p.m. NHL.com will also post the interview.
- Dave Strader, who is calling the game on VERUS, will call into NHL Live
- NHL Insider Bob McKenzie will call into NHL Live
- NHL Network analysts and commentators Barry Melrose, Darren Dreger and Marc Crawford along with NHL.com Senior Writer Dan Rosen will be reporting live from Pittsburgh for NHL Live (5-7pm ET) and NHL On the Fly (7pm ET – end of last game).</ul>
Current NHL.COM coverage:
- The wait is over: Crosby returns Monday
- Sidney Crosby returns live blog: All-day coverage
- NHL Network Analyst Barry Melrose discusses Crosby’s return
- The fantasy spin for Crosby’s return
- NHL.com correspondent Alan Robinson video hit Sunday night on On the Fly
Go to NHL.TV, choose the “Press Room” channel for the following videos:
- The NHL Arena Cam streamed the Penguins morning skate live on NHL.com
- Crosby media scrum stream, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Stories/Features to come on NHL.COM:
- Pre-game Crosby reaction story
- Penguins teammates’ reaction story
- Islanders react to being Sid’s first opponent
- Photo gallery documenting Crosby’s first game back in photos
- NHL.com videographer will be filing video reports both pre and post-game, including an iso-cam feature on Crosby’s first shift
- Running blog of each Crosby shift
- Game story
- Post-game reaction story
That will do it.
Oct
25
NBC Sports Officially Announces Move To Connecticut
Just made official this morning, NBC Sports and the State of Connecticut have announced the network division’s move to the Nutmeg State. Some 450 jobs will be moved from NBC’s headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan to Stamford, CT. This affects most of NBC Sports’ operations including the main network, Versus/NBC Sports Network, NBCOlympics.com and NHL Network (US) which will share facilities with Versus/NBC Sports Network.
You will notice that ESPN has already signed up for Connecticut’s jobs initiative that NBC has just agreed to.
I’ll post artist renderings of the new NBC Sports headquarters later. The announcement is below.
a href=”http://fangsbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/20111025-122858.jpg”>
GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES NBC SPORTS GROUP IS FOURTH “FIRST FIVE”
Move Will Consolidate CT Workforce and Create 450 Jobs
Stamford, Conn. – October 25, 2011 – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the NBC Sports Group will be the fourth company to take advantage of the “First Five” economic development program. NBCUniversal’s NBC Sports Group will consolidate much of its northeast operations, including its existing Connecticut workforce, at new studios and offices in the former Clairol factory in Stamford. The project, slated to start in September 2012, will create 450 jobs and allow room for the company to grow in the future.
“This is a terrific project for the city and state, and one that I am proud to support as the fourth ‘First Five.’ The companies that are participating in this economic development program are job producers, and NBCUniversal has been doing that since it first arrived in Connecticut,” said Governor Malloy. “Stamford has been home to NBCUniversal television production since 2008 when it retrofitted the Rich Forum Theatre in downtown to create the Stamford Media Center. As Mayor of Stamford at the time, I was supportive of the city and state assistance for the project because I understood its potential. I am strongly supportive of this expansion in Stamford because we continue to see the positive impact in the local economy and on the workforce.”
The 32-acre site will house office space for NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBC Sports Digital, VERSUS (to be renamed the NBC Sports Network on January 2), and the Comcast Sports Management Group, which oversees the NBC Sports Group’s 14 regional networks. The NBC Sports Group will also use the site to construct numerous state-of-the-art studios to house the company’s growing need for studio content.
“This new campus is about bringing people together to maximize production, creativity and efficient teamwork. We are creating one 32-acre unique location that allows us to build numerous state-of-the-art studios, house more than 450 employees, and prepare for anticipated future growth,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “However, this initiative would not have been possible without the financial support of Governor Malloy’s ‘First Five’ program and the local support provided by Mayor Pavia, who we look forward to working with for many years to come.”
Also, as part of its 10-year partnership with the NHL, the NBC Sports Group will build a state-of-the-art studio for NHL Network that will house most of the network’s personnel and will create additional jobs in Connecticut that are not included in the 450.
“This collaboration with the NBC Sports Group, including the construction of our new NHL Network studio in Stamford, will give our fans unprecedented year-round access to the game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “NBC has been a great partner and has played a significant role in our strong growth over the past five years. We look forward to building on our relationship.”
In support of the NBC Sports Group’s capital investment and the commitment to retain and create full-time jobs in Connecticut, the state will provide a $20 million loan through the Department of Economic and Community Development, which administers “First Five.”
The “First Five” program is designed to attract large-scale business development projects by augmenting and combining the state’s best incentive and tax credit programs for the first five companies that create 200 new jobs within two years, or invest $25 million and create 200 new jobs within five years.
The first three companies to take part in the “First Five” program — CIGNA, TicketNetwork, and ESPN — were announced over the summer.
“The new NBC Sports Group presents a tremendous opportunity to build and develop this sector of Connecticut’s economy,” said Catherine Smith, commissioner of DECD. “The state is increasingly seen as a great home to television, film and digital media and this project – in terms of jobs and infrastructure – will help us create the needed critical mass that can successfully attract new industry players to Connecticut and the greater Stamford area. We thank NBC for making this large investment here in Connecticut.”
Back later.<
Oct
06
Some Thursday Links
I was hoping today would be quiet, but instead, the Hank Williams, Jr. story is released and all hell breaks loose. What can you do?
Anyway, let’s do some links while I can. With Hank Williams, Jr. being the stop story, I’ll start with those links first.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch.
Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter
Andrea Morabito in Broadcasting & Cable/Multichannel News
Leah Goldman with the Business Insider’s Sports Page
The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir
The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth
I think those are enough links on Hank Williams, Jr.
Now to the other sports media stories of the day.
Glenn Davis of SportsGrid says ESPN had Bobby Valentine and Herman Edwards get into an argument that made no sense.
Andrew Gauthier from Media Bistro’s TV Newser gets a video tour of the MLB Network studios. They’re nice.
Sports Video Group’s Ken Kerschbaumer remembers a legendary ABC Sports and Fox Sports director who passed away yesterday.
Jason Dachman of Sports Video Group writes about NHL Network getting a new master control area.
Bill Pennington of the New York Times profiles long-time Yankees radio voice John Sterling.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says Syracuse’s game against Tulane will be seen in the New York area this Saturday.
The St. Petersburg Times’ Eric Deggans notes the changes that Apple’s Steve Jobs made in TV viewing.
Chip Brown of OrangeBloods notes that the Longhorn Network will not air any high school highlights as part of a new agreement between Texas and the Big 12.
The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Kiesewetter remembers a local sportscaster who passed away today.
Craig Lyndall of Waiting For Next Year looks at the new Cleveland Cavs radio announcing team that will begin announcing the new season whenever the new season gets here.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that NBC’s Rodney Harrison is picking Green Bay to beat Atlanta on Sunday Night Football.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News takes a gander at the NFL TV ratings by market.
Tom has the college and pro football TV schedules for SoCal this weekend.
The Canadian Sports Media Blog has the Hockey Night in Canada regional splits for October.
The Canadian Sports Media Blog recaps some of the NHL TV partners offseason moves.
Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the viewership numbers for the NHL Opening Night numbers on US TV dating back to 2003.
Tony Manfred of the Business Insider Sports Page has the video of the Busch Stadium squirrel that wreaked havoc on yesterday’s Game 4 of the Phillies-Cardinals series. Of course, the squirrel now has its own Twitter account.
Joe Favorito says the lesson from Steve Jobs is never squash creativity.
And that’s where we’ll end it today.
Oct
02
Doing Sunday Links
Well, the blog is blowing up thanks to my latest edition of the Five Women Who Can Make Me Stop The Remote. CNBC’s Darren Rovell linked to the post as Erin Sharoni of his show “CNBC SportsBiz: Game On” is on the list. That’s as good as when Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated puts a link in his “Hot Clicks”. The site will be busy for the rest of the day and that’s a very good thing.
Let’s do some links on this NFL Sunday.
Tim Malloy of Reuters reports that NHL Network has been taken off AT&T U-Verse systems.
Bill Gorman at TV by the Numbers writes that CBS won the Saturday primetime ratings over ABC in a battle of college football games.
Timothy Burke at SportsGrid says a week after Fox apologized for making up newspaper headlines, TBS was apparently guilty of the same thing yesterday in its MLB Postseason coverage.
Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has the video of the son of the Texas Rangers fan who died going for a foul ball earlier this year throwing out the first pitch of Friday’s Rays-Rangers ALDS game.
In the National Football Post, NFL superagent Leigh Steinberg notes that the NFL’s TV ratings are as healthy as they’ve ever been.
Phil Mushnick of the New York Post isn’t a fan of seeing Jay-Z having a role in the Brooklyn Nets.
Phil claims pornography has taken over CBS. Go home, Phil.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says TBS messed up not once, but twice during last night’s Tigers-Yankees ALDS game.
Pete says MSG Network has gone to Canada to tap a new host/reporter for its Islanders coverage.
David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun writes that the Charm City is ready for its closeup tonight on Sunday Night Football.
David says an interview of former Maryland coach Ralph Friedgent exposed him as a fraud.
Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that watching the NFL and tweeting is America’s newest obsession.
Stephen F. Holder of the St. Petersburg Times says Colts-Bucs game will be aired locally on Monday night as the team avoided a blackout.
Stephen teams up with Rick Stroud for a story on an emotional Jon Gruden returning to Raymond James Stadium for Monday night’s game.
Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune also writes about Gruden’s return to RayJay for the first time since joining ESPN.
The Orlando Sentinel has the Week 6 college football national TV schedule.
Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham (AL) News has a sneak preview of a new ESPN special on Auburn selecting its new starting quarterback.
David Knox of the News writes that Texas A&M won’t add much to the SEC as far as TV is concerned.
One more from the News, Jon Solomon wonders if the SEC is reconsidering establishing its own TV network.
Jason Munz and Alan Hinton of the Hattiesburg (MS) review Brett Favre’s TV debut on CSS last night.
Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks with TBS MLB analyst Cal Ripken about former teammate and current Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington.
Barry says Joe Buck’s voice is coming back slowly, but surely.
Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman liked the FSN pay per view crew working the Ball State-Oklahoma game.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the average ratings for the Brewers for the regular season set a new record for the team.
Bob likes TBS analyst Joe Simpson on the Diamondbacks-Brewers LDS.
In the Capital Times (WI), Rob Hernandez talks with ESPN/ABC’s Brent Musburger.
The Idaho Statesman interviews Versus college football analyst Shaun King.
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times says Fox Sports is suing the Dodgers in an attempt to force an auction on the team’s media rights.
Tom Huddleston, Jr. of The American Lawyer Daily also looks at the Fox Sports lawsuit against the Dodgers.
The San Francisco Business Times notes that the Giants had their highest ratings ever on cable.
Sports Media Watch says the Fox NFL Week 3 doubleheader did well in the ratings.
SMW says the NFL on CBS is down this season to date.
SMW notes that the MLB on Fox averaged a record ratings low for the 3rd straight year.
And we’ll end it there for today. The Sunday NFL pregame quotage is next.
Sep
27
Quick Tuesday Linkage
I’ll provide a few links now, then as I’m watching Catching Hell on ESPN, I’ll attempt a few more links to complete the set.
Earlier today, I wrote a recap of Blogs with Balls 4. Check it out.
One of the stars of BWB4 was Bomani Jones of BomaniJones.com. He wrote why he feels there’s a lack of black representation in the sports blogosphere.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that Turner Sports’ Ernie Johnson, Jr. will miss the MLB Postseason due to a pressing medical emergency with his son.
To Sports Business Journal and Fred Dreier who speaks with a few NHL players to get their takes on the league’s marketing and new TV contract.
John Lombardo of SBJ writes that the Phoenix Suns will hire a social media sideline reporter to track what’s trending among fans during the game.
Daniel Kaplan from SBJ reports that the NFL plans to keep its London regular season game on its schedule for the next few years.
Ben Koo of Awful Announcing says that the concept for DirecTV’s Red Zone Channel and NFL RedZone was based on a soccer channel in Italy.
Midwest Sports Fans has the video of NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes practically sexually harassing host Lindsay Soto live on NFL Total Access.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that MillerCoors is suing the New England Patriots alleging the team reneged on an exclusive deal.
John Eggerton of Multichannel News says an FCC judge has thrown out a supplemental filing by Comcast in response to Tennis Channel’s complaint against the cable provider.
John writes that Time Warner Cable wants the FCC to allow a rule to lapse that calls for regional sports network programming as “must-carry” on cable systems.
Newsday’s Neil Best has the local Super Bowl logo for when the Big Game is played at the New Meadowlands in 2014.
Neil reviews the ESPN Films documentary on Steve Bartman that airs tonight.
Jerry Barmash of Fishbowl NY talks with the new New Jersey Devils voice Steve Cangialosi.
Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette writes that Barry Melrose will be joining NHL Network.
Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record looks at TBS’ MLB Postseason announcing teams that won’t include Ernie Johnson, Jr.
Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt and CBS’ Boomer Esiason are on Maryland football’s placards. Both are Maryland alums. How about Tina Cervasio and Bonnie Bernstein too?
This will disappoint many fanboys. Busted Coverage has discovered that ESPN’s Jenn Brown is engaged.
I’ll leave it there for now. More linkage tonight.
Sep
19
NHL Network Preseason Schedule
NHL Network already debuted live hockey tonight with Ottawa at Toronto courtesy of Leafs TV. It’ll continue to air preseason NHL games throughout the rest of the month and into October. Let’s take a look at its schedule through October 3.
Sept. 20 — Philadelphia Flyers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 — Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.
Sept. 21 — Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 — Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 — Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 — Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins, 3 p.m.
Sept. 24 — Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 — Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.
Sept. 25 — Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings, 5 p.m.
Sept. 25 — San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks, 9 p.m.
Sept. 27 — New York Islanders at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m.
Sept. 28 — Vancouver Canucks at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m.
Sept. 29 — Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 — Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 — Pittsburgh Penguins at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 — Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 — Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks, 10:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 — Chicago Blackhawks at Washington Capitals, 5 p.m.
That will do it.
Sep
16
A Sneak Peek at the New “NHL Live” Studio
One thing about the weather getting colder, it means that hockey can’t be far away. With NHL Network turning away from summer reruns of the 2011 Playoffs, it signifies that we’ll see live preseason action starting next week and also, the return of NHL Live. The show will air at a new time, 5 — 7 p.m. Eastern time on NHL Network.
NHL Live co-host E.J. Hradek gives us a tour of the new studio which certainly looks better than the old broom closet radio studio.
I like it. And it’ll be in high definition. NHL Live returns Monday on NHL Network at 5 p.m.
Sep
16
Friday Megalinks Just For You
Let’s do some linkage.
The Weekend Viewing Picks give you everything to you need for your viewing pleasure.
Let’s do this.
National
Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes that primetime is the right time for college football.
Tripp Mickle of Sports Business Daily reports that ESPN has sold out its ad inventory for its new NASCAR non-stop initiative which will allow fans to see continuous race action while commercials run.
Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says NFL Network used some creative methods in Boston to promote its Bill Belichick documentary.
If you watched the Belichick documentary, then you probably know about the best scene which was the coach yelling at the Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Mason who was trash talking. Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has the video.
Brandon Costa from Sports Video Group notes that Sports Illustrated has released a new Football Rivals mobile app.
Sports Media Watch says ABC is doing well with college football in its first two weeks of the season.
SMW notes that last Saturday’s Notre Dame-Michigan game on ESPN in primetime did better than the previous week’s Fighting Irish game on NBC.
SMW says last week’s NASCAR race in Richmond garnered a four year ratings high for ABC.
Tony Manfred of the Business Insider Sports Page says sports bars got hit the hardest by DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket technical difficulties last week.
Steve Lepore from Puck The Media has NHL Network’s preseason schedule that begins next week.
Joe Favorito says sports brands are now jumping into the corn field maze craze.
Awful Announcing has this week’s network TV on-screen typos.
Parade talks with ESPN’s Erin Andrews.
East and Mid-Atlantic
Chad Finn from the Boston Globe writes about some ex-Patriots players who have made the transition to TV.
Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald talks about 98.5 The Sports Hub winning the prestigious Marconi for Best Sports Station in the country over a former winner, WEEI.
Bill Doyle at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette praises the NFL Films documentary on Bill Belichick.
The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir looks at a rare film that followed the late Yankees announcer Phil Rizzuto and other ex-Pinstripers to Austria for an exhibition game in 1994.
Daniel E. Slotnick of the Times writes that former New York Jet and broadcaster Sam DeLuca has passed away.
Newsday’s Neil Best talks with statistician Steve Hirdt about his career and getting to work a “home” game for this week’s edition of Monday Night Football.
Neil says SNY is fortunate to have the Jets as a partner to help viewers forget about the Mets.
Phil Mushnick of the New York Post is angry at everyone.
The Post’s Justin Terranova has five questions for YES analyst Ken Singleton.
Jerry Barmash in Fishbowl NY writes that MSG Network brings back its signature hockey studio show for another season.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union notes that local sports anchor Andrew Catalon gets a call-up to the NFL on CBS in October.
Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record talks with MLB Network’s Brian Kenny about why he left ESPN after almost a decade and a half.
Ken has more with Brian Kenny in his column.
Ken is tired of NHL Network rerunning last season’s playoffs.
South
Serena Moyle of the Tallahassee (FL) Democrat profiles ESPN’s Erin Andrews as she’s in town for the Oklahoma-Florida State game.
David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says you watched the NFL in droves last week.
David says ESPN is treating Longhorn Network differently than its other entities.
Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman writes that Longhorn Network will pick up one Oklahoma State basketball game.
Mel has some news and notes.
Gina Mizell of the Oklahoman says ESPN is keeping a close eye on Oklahoma State and Texas A&M for a potential College GameDay visit.
Midwest
John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that Fox Sports Ohio expands its pregame show tomorrow to air highlights of Johnny Bench Night.
John says a local radio station has fired a long-time sports reporter and other parts of its staff.
Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with a long-time Division II college football radio voice.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says some local Time Warner Cable subscribers will have access to this Saturday’s Wisconsin game.
Bob explains why the Wisconsin game isn’t on TV.
Bob says the Brewers’ Prince Fielder will be seen in a profile on TBS Sunday.
Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers in sports business and media.
Dan Caesar in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says all of the Blues games will be televised for the first time ever.
West
Jay Drew of the Salt Lake Tribune writes that ESPN’s deal with BYU has now become a recruiting tool for the school.
Matt Solinsky of the Desert (CA) Sun says the NFL Network documentary on Patriots coach Bill Belichick is definitely “must see TV”.
John Maffei from the North County Times tries to discover what the holdup is for the San Diego Padres’ TV and radio rights.
Jim Carlisle at the Ventura County Star says Time Warner Cable has signed a long-term deal for California’s high school championships.
Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times talks with the Fox NFL Sunday crew.
T.J. Simers of the Times writes that Vin Scully can cause trouble at home.
Also from the Times, Eric Sondheimer has details of the Time Warner deal with the California Interscholastic Federation.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says Jay “The Rat” Mariotti is determined to get the last word on his tumultuous year.
Tom has some media moves that didn’t make his column.
Tom says MLB Network will air a special on statistics.
Canada
Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says an 8 year delay will help Steve Moore in his lawsuit against Todd Bertuzzi and the NHL stemming from an incident in Vancouver.
The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes that CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada has finally made some moves to fill some personnel holes.
And that’s going to conclude the links for this Friday.
Sep
15
A Quickie Thursday Linkage
I’m going to post as many links as I can. It’s part of the day where I could be leaving at any time. Let’s do this.
From USA Today, Tom Weir writes that the National Hockey League has issued a new social media policy to take effect immediately.
Michael Malone of Broadcasting & Cable looks at Universal Sports moving from an over-the-air/cable multichannel to an all-cable network.
Multichannel News reports that Univision has renewed its rights with the NFL as the official Hispanic broadcaster of the league.
Self Magazine had ESPN’s Erin Andrews do a CrossFit photo shoot. As usual, she looks great.
Karen Hogan at Sports Video Group notes that the New York Football Giants have developed their own mobile app.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell says student road trips are going to be big losers if the college sports conference super shuffle continues.
Darren writes that the Interactive Fan Cam can become a big revenue stream for college sports.
At the Poynter Institute, Jason Fry says the rules for sports journalism in covering teams have changed dramatically in the last few years.
Newsday’s Neil Best talks with the head of programming for NBC Sports/Versus about upgrading the cable channel’s programming.
Neil says the New York Giants return to hosting Monday Night Football for the first time since ABC had the package.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has the Week 3 college football TV schedule.
Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says Turner Sports has grabbed the Coaches vs. Cancer college basketball tournament for truTV.
Ken says NHL Network will air 32 preseason games starting next week. Hockey’s back!
Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with an ESPN programming executive about how the WNBA is doing on the network.
Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times spends a couple of minutes with ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.
Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman writes that ESPN college football analyst David Pollack might be on the fast track to getting more work with the network.
Mel asks David to preview Saturday’s Oklahoma-Florida State game which will be aired on ABC.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel previews a new ESPN college football studio show.
Bob has Kirk Herbstreit talking about Wisconsin’s quarterback.
Bob notes that the Green Bay Packers will get the attention of the Sunday NFL pregame shows this week.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has this week’s NFL TV schedule for SoCal.
Tom previews tonight’s NFL Films doc on Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
And I’m told we’re shutting down for the day. I’ll be back later with more stuff.
Aug
18
2011-12 NHL Network (US) Schedule
We have the NHL Network schedule. Not as many Hockey Night in Canada games as in the past and I’m not happy about that. Anyway, the games that will be seen live in the US are listed below.
DAY DATE VISITOR HOME EASTERN TIME LOCAL TIME Sat. 10/8 Tampa Bay Boston 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sun. 10/9 Montreal Winnipeg 5:00 PM 4:00 PM Thu. 10/13 Washington Pittsburgh 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 10/15 Boston Chicago 8:30 PM 7:30 PM Thu. 10/20 Washington Philadelphia 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 10/22 Minnesota Vancouver 4:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 10/22 Detroit Washington 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 10/27 Montreal Boston 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 10/28 San Jose Detroit 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 10/29 Ottawa N.Y. Rangers 3:00 PM 3:00 PM Sat. 10/29 Boston Montreal 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 11/3 Anaheim N.Y. Rangers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 11/4 Chicago Tampa Bay 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 11/5 Montreal N.Y. Rangers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 11/11 Washington New Jersey 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 11/12 New Jersey Washington 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 11/17 Pittsburgh Tampa Bay 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 11/19 Detroit Los Angeles 4:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 11/19 N.Y. Rangers Montreal 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 11/25 N.Y. Rangers Washington 4:00 PM 4:00 PM Sat. 11/26 Philadelphia N.Y. Rangers 2:00 PM 2:00 PM Sat. 11/26 Pittsburgh Montreal 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 12/1 Pittsburgh Washington 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 12/2 Detroit Buffalo 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 12/3 Montreal Los Angeles 3:30 PM 12:30 PM Sat. 12/3 Toronto Boston 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 12/8 Pittsburgh Philadelphia 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 12/10 Montreal New Jersey 3:00 PM 3:00 PM Sat. 12/10 Tampa Bay Philadelphia 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 12/15 Philadelphia Montreal 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 12/17 Boston Philadelphia 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 12/17 Los Angeles Detroit 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 12/23 Philadelphia N.Y. Rangers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sun. 1/1 Calgary Nashville 6:00 PM 5:00 PM Fri. 1/6 N.Y. Rangers Pittsburgh 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 1/7 Vancouver Boston 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 1/7 Detroit Toronto 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 1/12 Montreal Boston 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 1/13 Tampa Bay Washington 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 1/14 Colorado Dallas 3:00 PM 2:00 PM Sat. 1/14 N.Y. Rangers Toronto 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 1/19 Pittsburgh N.Y. Rangers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 1/20 Montreal Pittsburgh 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 1/21 N.Y. Rangers Boston 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 1/21 San Jose Vancouver 4:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 1/21 Montreal Toronto 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 2/2 Carolina Boston 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 2/4 Pittsburgh Boston 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 2/4 Los Angeles Carolina 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 2/9 Toronto Philadelphia 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 2/10 Anaheim Detroit 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 2/11 Winnipeg Pittsburgh 2:00 PM 2:00 PM Sat. 2/11 Montreal Toronto 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 2/16 Chicago N.Y. Rangers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 2/18 Pittsburgh Philadelphia 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 2/18 Washington Tampa Bay 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 2/23 Vancouver Detroit 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 2/25 Tampa Bay Pittsburgh 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 2/25 Chicago Los Angeles 8:00 PM 5:00 PM Sat. 2/25 Washington Toronto 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 3/2 N.Y. Rangers Tampa Bay 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 3/3 Toronto Montreal 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sun. 3/4 Chicago Detroit 4:00 PM 4:00 PM Thu. 3/8 Tampa Bay Washington 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 3/9 N.Y. Rangers Chicago 8:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 3/10 Washington Boston 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 3/10 Philadelphia Toronto 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 3/15 Pittsburgh N.Y. Rangers 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 3/17 Philadelphia Boston 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 3/17 St. Louis Tampa Bay 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 3/22 Washington Philadelphia 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 3/24 Boston Los Angeles 9:00 PM 6:00 PM Sat. 3/24 Montreal Philadelphia 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Thu. 3/29 Washington Boston 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Fri. 3/30 Montreal N.Y. Rangers 7:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat. 3/31 Boston N.Y. Islanders 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Sat. 3/31 Montreal Washington 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Sat. 4/7 Los Angeles San Jose 10:30 PM 7:30 PM
The Canadian TV schedules are next.
Jul
18
Some Quick Monday Links
Don’t know how work turned out to be so busy, but it’s cutting into blogging which I hope hasn’t discouraged you from visiting. The weekend also turned out to be unnecessarily busy as well. Anyway, this won’t be a whole set of linkage. I’ll do what I can.
Sports Business Daily looks at the 8.6 overnight rating the Women’s World Cup Final received on ESPN.
Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand and John Lombardo break news that the Boston Celtics will purchase a 20% stake in Comcast SportsNet New England and keep its rights on the regional sports network for many years to come.
While Peter King is on vacation, NBC’s Al Michaels guest writes the Monday Morning Quarterback column in Sports Illustrated and raises some tremendous points. Someone should give Al a weekly or monthly column. I love this.
SI’s Richard Deitsch evaluates ESPN’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today praises ESPN for not cheerleading during yesterday’s Women’s World Cup Final.
The Hollywood Reporter looks at one of the big sports media stories to break over the weekend, that HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg is out.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports analyzes what led to Greenburg’s ouster from HBO after 33 years.
Glenn Davis at SportsGrid is amazed at the Women’s World Cup ratings.
Cam Martin of SportsNewser says the Women’s World Cup set a record on Twitter.
Advertising Age says yesterday’s loss in the Women’s World Cup cost the US Women’s Soccer Team millions in endorsements.
SportsbyBrooks says ESPN irrevocably harmed Bruce Feldman’s reputation.
At SBNation, Rob Neyer explains how he was suspended from ESPN.
The Sportscasters Talent Agency of America notes that Kathryn Tappen has left NESN for the NHL Network. She will be missed on NESN. Very good host.
Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing has the interesting audio of a minor league baseball announcer quitting his job on the air noting the bad ownership of the team.
Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks at how the #freebruce story snowballed on Twitter and forced ESPN to respond.
Bobby Cassidy at Newsday has HBO’s official statement on the Ross Greenburg departure.
Newsday’s Neil Best talks about the Women’s World Cup ratings.
I will have to end it there for now. I hope to have more links later.
Jun
29
NHL Network Airs “Free Agent Frenzy” On Friday
The first day of NHL free agent signings will take place on Friday and through TSN in Canada, NHL Network will be all over the first contract offers and subsequent moves by said free agents. It all begins at noon ET. Following “Free Agent Frenzy”, NHL Network will air the last “NHL Live” program until October. Then NHL Network will finish everything up with a special edition of NHL on the Fly. We have your particulars of the entire day right here.
NHL Live and NHL On The Fly Cover Deadline With Special Shows
NEW YORK (June 29, 2011) – With the 2010-11 NHL season complete, it’s time to focus on the upcoming campaign as Clubs begin to build their teams and solidify their rosters with the official start of the NHL’s Free Agency period on Friday, July 1.
Hockey fans can watch TSN’s Free Agent Frenzy show on NHL Network U.S. beginning at noon ET to follow all the signings and rumors during one of the most exciting days on the League’s calendar. Hosted by James Duthie, FREE AGENT FRENZY features two panels comprised of TSN’s team of hockey experts as well as correspondents filing reports on the day’s activities from each Canadian NHL city.
TSN Hockey Insiders Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger are joined by Gord Miller at the ‘Free Agent Signing Desk’ to bring viewers breaking news on NHL deals. Duthie is joined by TSN hockey analysts Pierre McGuire, Darren Pang and Mike Johnson on the ‘Instant Analysis Panel’ while Steve Kouleas hosts a panel with former NHL GM Craig Button and ex-NHLer Michael Peca delivering opinions on all the day’s developments. Duthie will also conduct live interviews with players and GMs from around the league, providing viewers with instant reaction from the deal-makers and players involved.
NHL Network’s daily signature show NHL Live™, streamed on NHL.com and broadcast live from the NHL Powered by Reebok store in Manhattan, will begin their broadcast to both U.S. and Canadian audiences at 5:00 p.m. ET with hosts Bill Pidto and EJ Hradek. NHL Live will bring viewers up-to-speed on the language of the day as it relates to player free agency and Club draft-choice compensation and right to match.
A special edition of NHL On the Fly will follow at 6:00 p.m. with host Brian Duff and analysts Craig Button and Mike Johnson. The panel will review the day’s news and notes and provide some predictions on what assets each team might require to build their Stanley Cup champion teams. As well as streaming NHL On The Fly, NHL.com will have the latest news and information from around the League.
As well, all summer long NHL Network U.S. will be re-airing all 2011 Playoff match-ups with “Relive The 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs” programming nightly at 8:00 p.m. ET. Viewers will have the chance to watch every game from each round of the playoffs concluded with the thrilling Stanley Cup Final between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins. Fans are encouraged to check www.nhlnetwork.com for a complete listing of when their favorite teams are playing as well comprehensive program schedules.
NHL Network Schedule for Friday, July 1 (all times ET)
Free Agency Frenzy (broadcast from TSN2; US only) — noon
NHL Live – 5:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly — 6:00 p.m.
That’s all.
Jun
27
A Monday Link Thing
Let’s do the Monday linkage. Some interesting stories out there already.
I’ll start with some housekeeping from the weekend in regards to Saturday’s passing of Nick Charles.
Sports Illustrated’s Joe Posnanski who wrote a wonderful and poignant article in March on Nick’s coming to peace with his cancer and how he attempted to make every day count, has another wonderful and poignant article on Nick’s passing.
David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun remembers Nick’s time in Baltimore.
Matt Schudel of the Washington Post has an obituary for Nick from another market where he worked before hitting it big with CNN.
Michael Marley at Examiner.com notes how boxer Mike Tyson made up with Nick before Charles’ passing.
Jason Levine of the Delaware News-Journal mourns Nick’s passing as well as USA Today baseball writer Rod Beaton.
Becky Schlikerman of the Chicago Tribune writes about Charles never forgetting his Windy City roots.
Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News also has a remembrance of Charles and calling his last fight earlier this year for HBO.
At Fight News, Nick’s Showtime partner, Steve Farhood, also gives his thoughts on Charles’ passing.
Now to other sports media and business news of the day and there’s quite a bit on this Monday.
One big story surfacing today is the potential bidding for the first half of a Thursday Night Football package that would begin in 2012. John Ourand and Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Journal write about it. I add some thoughts as well.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have filed for bankruptcy after MLB Commissioner Bud Selig rejected the team’s 17 year deal with Fox for media rights. Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports on owner Frank McCourt’s filing in bankruptcy court.
The Times has the Dodgers’ statement on the bankruptcy filing.
Chris Dufrense of the Times has a good story on how the Dodgers lost their toehold on Los Angeles to the Lakers.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell reports on some of the biggest Dodgers creditors.
Matthew Futterman of the Wall Street Journal writes that McCourt’s filing sets up a battle with Selig.
David McLaughlin of Bloomberg News also has a story on this latest Dodgers development.
Craig Calcaterra of NBC’s Pro Hardball Talk tells us what bankruptcy means for the Dodgers.
From Sports Business Journal, we have a couple of stories from this week’s issue.
First, Terry Lefton breaks news that the new Meadowlands Stadium, home to the Giants and Jets, is close to having a new sponsor for naming rights.
Tripp Mickle reports that Sprint is about to roll out a new promotion with NASCAR that will benefit both fans and drivers.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today explains how NBC’s tape delayed shenanigans at Wimbledon will work this week. This is the last year of NBC’s contract with Wimbledon. Let’s hope the shenanigans end in 2011.
Mike writes that ESPN college football analyst Craig James could be starting a political career.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch reviews ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage.
Mick Mulvenney from Reuters says the International Olympic Committee says athletes can go on Twitter during competition during the 2012 Olympics so long as they don’t do it for commercial purposes.
Jason Fry writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center discusses some of the comparisons Grantland faces with the late, great The National.
SportsGrid notes some nutty behavior by some baseball announcers over the weekend.
SportsGrid has video from Wendi Nix’s subbing for Karl Ravech on Baseball Tonight from Sunday and it apparently didn’t go over well.
Fox Sports in Australia has announced that tennis analyst John McEnroe will be part of its Australian Open coverage in 2012. He had previously called matches for 7 Network, but had not been in Australia since 2004.
Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels WFAN’s Craig Carton can be a good listen when he wants to be.
Jerry Barmash at Fishbowl NY has ESPN Radio New York’s Jared Max reaction to the New York State Senate passing the same sex marriage bill last Friday.
At the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg notes that the Nationals’ TV ratings are beginning to surpass other teams in the market.
Dan has some observations from the news conference involving Wizards top draft pick Jan Vesely who made a big splash last week with a kiss from her girlfriend at the NBA Draft.
Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times shares his thoughts on the sports weekend on TV.
Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel says the local NBC station won’t be airing Wimbledon this week due to its wall-to-wall coverage of the Casey Anthony trial.
Jeff Korbelik of the Lincoln (NE) Journal-Star says a new local sports radio station will pick up programming from Fox Sports and Premiere Radio Networks in addition to having some local shows.
Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post says soccer’s popularity is rising.
Tom Hoffarth from the Los Angeles Daily News has your Southern California sports calendar for the week.
Jon Wilner at the San Jose Mercury News writes that the Pac-12 Conference is consideration all distribution options on both TV and the internet for its in-house channel.
Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail writes about the NHL delaying a decision about participating in the Olympics and the media rights for the new Winnipeg Jets.
The Toronto Sports Media blog says expect to hear some changes at the local Rogers Sportsnet’s radio station.
With some upheaval expected for next season, Paulsen at Sports Media Watch has some announcing suggestions for the NBA’s TV partners.
At Puck The Media, Steve Lepore notes that the NHL Awards saw increased ratings on both Versus and CBC last week.
And Steve says NHL Network will pick up TSN’s coverage of the first day of the league’s free agent signing period.
Doug Farrar at Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner wonders if NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens injured himself during the taping of a VH1 reality show.
EPL Talk looks at ESPN’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.
The Big Lead notes that Dallas Mavs owner Mark Cuban shot a new Transformers 3 movie ad.
Jack Dickey at Deadspin says it seems Marv Albert’s conviction on sexual assault charges has been long forgotten.
And that’s where we’re going to leave it.
May
31
NHL Network & NHL.com All Over Stanley Cup Final
NHL Network has been in Stanley Cup Final mode for the last few days, but it will really ramp up coverage starting today with NHL Live and NHL on the Fly. Throughout the series, NHL on the Fly will have pregame and postgame editions from the game sites in Vancouver and Boston. Deb Placey will host and will be accompanied by Kevin Weekes and Marty Turco. On off days, NHL on the Fly will originate from the NHL Network studios in Toronto.
NHL Live will be seen live from its usual studios in New York. Bill Pidto and EJ Hradek will co-host the show. NHL.com will stream the show in addition to it be being seen live on NHL Network.
We have details of the coverage plans for the NHL’s official media providers.
Current and Former Players and Special Guests Join NHL On The Fly Daily CoverageNEW YORK (May 30, 2011) - The stage is set for the NHL®’s most exciting time of the year and NHL Network™ and NHL.com will have all angles covered throughout the 2011 Stanley Cup® Final between the Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks and Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins.
NHL Network – NHL On The Fly
For both U.S. and Canadian audiences, NHL Network will begin its Stanley Cup Final coverage on Tuesday, May 31, at 4 p.m. ET with four-hours of programming from Vancouver, NHL On The Fly™ at the Stanley Cup Final: Media Day. Live from the concourse of Rogers Arena, NHL Media Day will give fans a first taste of the playoff excitement as reporters talk with players, coaches and team management from the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins. Together with players, special guests – including the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy — will also join the set for Media Day festivities.NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Pre-Game will be on the air each game day at 6 p.m. NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Post Game will hit the airwaves immediately following the conclusion of every game to bring viewers instant analysis, coverage of post-game news conferences and all the news and notes. Both pre- and post-game shows will broadcast live from fan plaza and concourse areas in Vancouver and Boston.
NHL Live™ host Deb Placey will anchor the on-site shows with an impressive line-up of guest analysts and show regulars who bring an on-site view of the NHL’s biggest event and up-to-the-minute analysis of game-day preparations. A pair of 11-season NHL goaltenders, Kevin Weekes and Marty Turco, will have all of the angles from the crease covered. Both Weekes and Turco have played deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and can speak from experience about all the pressures that come with playing on the NHL’s main stage. Newly-retired forward Doug Weight, long-time NHL On The Fly analyst Mike Johnson and Stanley Cup-winning coach Marc Crawford, who was drafted by the Canucks in 1980 and played and coached the team throughout his 13-year stay with the Club, also will provide their insight and predictions.
Throughout the series, NHL reporters Billy Jaffe, with the Bruins, and Bob Harwood, covering the Canucks, will interact with fans and players and check out the atmosphere surrounding the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
On all off days, NHL Network’s flagship show, NHL On The Fly: Stanley Cup Final Edition will broadcast an hour-long show beginning at 6 p.m. ET. On travel days, NHL On The Fly: Stanley Cup Final Edition will originate from the Network’s Toronto studio with hosts David Amber and Brian Duff and a panel of hockey experts. Show analysts include Kelly Chase, former NHL enforcer and current color commentator for St. Louis Blues games; Bob Errey, two-time Stanley Cup winner and TV analyst for the Pittsburgh Penguins; Brad May, a veteran of more than 1,000 NHL games over 22 seasons; and Craig Button, frequent NHL On The Fly guest and former NHL general manager.
NHL Live on NHL Network
NHL Network’s daily signature show, NHL Live™ will also broadcast Monday through Friday from 4 – 6 p.m. during the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. The show, streamed live on NHL.com will broadcast from its Manhattan studio with NHL Insider EJ Hradek and Bill Pidto, host of NHL Overtime on Versus.NHL Live will have all the latest series information and reports from Vancouver and Boston. The interactive show, which incorporates fans voices from a social media and phone call perspective, takes viewers beyond the ice with access to players, coaches and management while preparing for upcoming matches.
All NHL Network programming will be carried in high definition to U.S. audiences. NHL Network is available in the U.S. and Canada by contacting digital cable, satellite, or telco providers. For more information or an updated program schedule, please log on to www.nhlnetwork.com.
NHL .com
On the web, NHL.com will have a team of reporters, writers and videographers on-site for every media availability, practice and game as well as everything in between. NHL.com’s 24/7 coverage will take fans into the heart of the action and hockey enthusiasts can follow Twitter posts, shot charts, the interactive Q & A’s and instant analysis after all games with EJ Hradek. Each game, NHL.com will also continue to monitor the NHL Situation Room with entries and detailed explanations from NHL Hockey Operations posted to the home page immediately following goal reviews.Special segments for the NHL’s daily digital newscast, The Blackberry All-Access Pregame Show, will also be produced each day with player and team management interviews, fan reports from the streets of the host city and special coverage from dueling guest bloggers.
NHL Network Schedule (May 30 – June 5) all times ET
Tuesday, May 31
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Media Day 4 – 7:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly: Media Day Recap 7 – 8:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Media Day (encore) 8 – 11:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly: Media Day Recap (encore) 11 p.m. – midnightWednesday, June 1
NHL Live 4 – 6:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Pre-Game – 8:00 p.m.
Game #1 – Boston at Vancouver (NBC, CBC, RDS) 8:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Post Game following gameThursday, June 2
NHL Live 4 – 6:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final 6 – 7:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final (encore) 7 – 8:00 p.m.
Encore Presentation: CBC: Boston at Vancouver, Game #1 (US only) 8:00 p.m.Friday, June 3
NHL Live 4 – 6:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final 6 – 7:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final (encore) 7 – 11:00 p.m.
Encore Presentation: CBC: Boston at Vancouver, Game #1 (US Only) 11:00 p.m.Saturday, June 4
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Pre-Game – 8:00 p.m.
Game #2 – Boston at Vancouver (NBC, CBC, RDS) 8:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final: Post Game following gameSunday, June 5
Encore Presentation: NBC: Boston at Vancouver, Game #2 (US only) 4:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final Edition 6 – 7:00 p.m.
NHL On The Fly at the Stanley Cup Final Edition (encore) 7 – 8:00 p.m.
That is all.
May
31
NHL Network, NHL.com & TSN To Carry Announcement
The prospective new owners of the Atlanta Trashers have called a news conference for noon ET to announce that the team will be moving to Winnipeg, the former home of the Phoenix Coyotes. NHL Network and NHL.com will carry the announcement across North America. TSN will have the newser in Canada.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will be on hand for the press conference and will announce that True North will be the new owners of the team and MTS Centre will be the home. It’s not known what the team will be called, but I do like the old name of the Jets. We’ll see if the NHL allows this.
Again, the press conference announcing the Atlanta Thrashers move to Winnipeg will be carried live at noon Eastern time on NHL Network, NHL.com and TSN.
May
13
Doing Some Friday Megalinkage
Now that I’ve learned that I don’t have to travel in between two offices today, I’ll do some megalinks for you.
You can check out the Weekend Sports and Primetime Viewing Picks here. Now to your links.
National
Michael Hiestand of USA Today talks with TNT’s Steve Kerr on the similarities he sees between the Chicago Bulls teams he played on with Michael Jordan and the Miami Heat of today.
Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News breaks news that TNT’s Marv Albert is in talks with CBS to possibly replace Gus Johnson for the NCAA Tournament. Bob isn’t national, but it’s big enough news to be placed here.
In Sports Business Journal, John Ourand and Michael Smith report on how ESPN and Fox came together for the Pac-12 TV contract.
Kimberly Nordyke of the Hollywood Reporter says Oprah Winfrey’s booking of the United Center for her overblown farewell shows has forced the NBA to juggle the schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals.
To Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News who writes that TNT is on a fast track to have its highest-rated NBA postseason in its history.
Mike has a story on the NBC Sports Group signing Saratoga Race Course for horse racing programming in the summer.
Noted FoxSports.com basketball writer Jeff Goodman announces that he’s leaving for CBSSports.com.
Also writing his farewell column is noted hockey reporter E.J. Hradek who’s leaving ESPN.com for the NHL Network.
At the Business of College Sports, Kristi Dosh says despite what rivals’ complaints, there’s nothing unfair about the new Longhorn Network.
Matt Hinton at Yahoo’s Dr. Saturday college football blog notes that ESPN.com really messed up in reporting the death of Alabama offensive lineman Aaron Davis.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem about a faltering Tiger Woods and what it means to the Tour.
Darren explores the new magazine put forth by energy drink distributor Red Bull.
Darren notes that Nike is coming under fire again for factory conditions in Asia.
Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the ratings for nights 25-28 of the NHL Playoffs.
Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has audio of a Captain Blowhard call into the Tony Korneheiser show this week.
Dan also has video of a deeply subdued Gus Johnson talking to Dan Patrick about his move to Fox.
Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy notes that Versus’ Jeremy Roenick gave praise to Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks, two games after calling him “gutless”.
In Publiside, the lovely Gail Sideman advises athletes to keep using social media despite some recent incidents where some did not think before tweeting.
In Major League Programs, Dave Kohl reviews the sports media news of the week.
East and Mid-Atlantic
Chad Finn of the Boston Globe quotes a WCVB-TV interview with NESN’s Jerry Remy in which he states he expects to return to analyzing Red Sox games on Monday. Remy has been out with pneumonia. Chad also breaks news that NESN’s Kathryn Tappen is being targeted by NHL Network as a possible studio host.
At SB Nation Boston, Bruce Allen says the Bruins now have the Hub’s attention all to themselves.
NESN has Heidi Watney visiting the MLB Fan Cave.
Newsday’s Neil Best notes that Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee actually saw Tiger Woods’ implosion at the Players Championship coming before it happened.
Melissa Hoppert of the New York Times discusses NBC Sports Group bringing Saratoga horse racing into the fold.
The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick hates everything and everybody today, but when is that different from any other day?
Justin Terranova at the Post has five questions for NBA TV’s Kevin McHale.
Ken Belson from the New York Times writes that the famed Melrose Games may leave its Madison Square Garden home where it’s been held for almost a century.
Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says Siena lacrosse fans have a few ways to monitor their team’s NCAA Tournament game against Syracuse this weekend.
Ken says an NCAA Division III Lacrosse Tournament game will be online for fans to listen.
Patrick Berkery from the Philly Burbs papers talks with Comcast SportsNet Phillies analyst Chris Coste.
Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says the Nationals’ ratings on MASN are way up from this same time last year.
Dan says the DC sports media is firing shots at each other over whether DC NFL Team quarterback Donovan McNabb refused to wear a wristband to help him calls plays because it didn’t look good.
Dan says one DC radio show is sending barbs at Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic over its reporting on the McNabb wristband.
Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says NBC will be all over The Players Championship this weekend.
Jim notes that NASCAR is coming to the Mid-Atlantic region this weekend.
And Jim says the NBA is heating up on both ESPN and TNT.
South
Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times looks at the latest sports media news.
David Barron from the Houston Chronicle talks with the man who’s spearheading ESPN’s Longhorn Network and getting it ready for launch this summer.
Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman has a chat with NBA TV’s Kevin McHale over Oklahoma City’s win over Memphis the other night.
Mel says the Thunder are setting local ratings records.
Mel also has his media notebook.
Midwest
Jeff Bell of Columbus Business First writes that Fox Sports Ohio will be a corporate sponsor of the local sports commission.
The Detroit News says last night’s wild Game 7 between the Red Wings and San Jose Sharks set a ratings record for Fox Sports Detroit.
Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about ESPN getting all hands on deck for a special college basketball game on Veterans Day.
In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman lists his weekly winners and losers.
Erin Meyer of the Chicago Tribune says the staff of WMAQ-TV is shocked over the death of sports anchor Daryl Hawks who was found in a hotel room as he was to cover last night’s Bulls-Hawks game.
Maudlyne Ihezjerika of the Chicago Sun-Times says another WMAQ-TV sportscaster died under similar circumstances almost a decade ago.
NBC Chicago has a slideshow of Daryl’s career not only at the station, but before he came to the Windy City.
Dan Caesar from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a local sports radio executive’s tumultuous tenure is coming to an end.
West
The Phoenix Business Journal reports that the Arena Football League’s Arizona Rattlers now have a local TV deal.
John Maffei of the North County Times talks about announcers shuffling back and forth between networks.
Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says TNT’s Charles Barkley’s premonition about the Lakers ended up coming true.
Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News answers real sports media questions from fake readers.
Tom looks at an organization that aids reporters and writers in need of assistance.
Canada
Bruce Dowbiggin says golf viewership is getting out of red numbers.
We’re going to end it there. Enjoy your sports weekend
Apr
27
NHL Network Airs Game 7 of Tampa Bay-Pittsburgh Tonight
Last night, NHL Network aired CBC’s feed of Boston-Montreal as Versus was unable to pick the game up. Very good move. In a repeat, NHL Network will take Root Sports feed of tonight’s Game 7 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins. It will start at 8 p.m.
NHL NETWORK U.S. TO BROADCAST TAMPA BAY AT PITTSBURGH EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS GAME 7 TONIGHT
Deciding Game Will Send Lightning or Penguins to Conference SemisNEW YORK (April 27, 2011) – NHL Network U.S. will telecast the decisive Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8:00 p.m. ET tonight from the CONSOL Energy Center.*
The Lightning are attempting to complete a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit and advance to the Conference Semifinals for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2004. The Penguins, Finalists in 2008 and Cup-winners in 2009, seek their fourth straight berth in the Eastern Conference Semis.
For both U.S. and Canadian audiences, live programming on the NHL Network each weekday begins with the new NHL® Live™, now at 4 p.m. ET, followed by NHL On The Fly Pre-Game at 6 p.m. ET and NHL On the Fly immediately following. With more content that fans crave, this schedule of daily live programming will feature the use of current and former NHL players as guest analysts and provide on-site coverage from arena via webcams, team cameras and content from local television rightsholders.
*Local blackout restrictions apply. Locally in Pittsburgh, viewers will be able to see the game on ROOT Sports. Locally in Tampa, viewers will be able to see the game on SUN Sports. The game is available in Canada on TSN. The game also will be joined in progress in the United States by VERSUS at the conclusion of its broadcast of Game 7 of the Montreal-Boston series. All broadcasts are available in HD.
That is all.
Apr
25
Bringing Out The Monday Links
Time for the Monday linkage. I hope you had a good Easter if you observed the holiday. If not, I hope the weekend was relaxing for you. Let’s go over the linkage for today.
USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball analysts like the idea of expanded MLB playoffs.
Mike McCarthy of USA Today reviews ESPN’s upcoming documentary on Steve Bartman and what he’s had to endure since becoming the scapegoat for the Chicago Cubs failure in 2003.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch says NFL Network is going all out for the NFL Draft.
Jason Fry at the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says like it or not, ESPN isthe standard bearer for most things sports media.
Anthony Crupi of Adweek notes that NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebserol could very well pull a successful Olympics bid out of his hat.
David Goetzl at MediaPost says ESPN should be given credit for admitting it’s wrong.
At ESPN Front Row, Dan Quinn looks at how the Alleged Worldwide Leader keeps the ABC’s Wide World of Sports flame.
The always lovely Kristi Dosh of The Business of College Sports tells us why an antitrust suit against the BCS won’t necessarily bring a playoff to college football.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell says a year supply of 7Up is not a worthy prize for hitting a half court shot.
The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick was apparently in a bad mood when he wrote today’s mishmash of a column.
Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with executives from NBA TV and the NHL Network about their postseason coverage.
Tom Jones at the St. Petersburg Times looks at the weekend that was in sports television.
Steve Svekis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel has Bill Parcells discussing his Miami Dolphins drafts in anticipation of his ESPN special on Tuesday.
Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman reviews ESPN’s broadcast of the Thunder-Spurs game over the weekend.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says TNT’s Charles Barkley is apologizing again.
Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says Game 6 of Vancouver-Blackhawks on Sunday set yet another ratings record for Comcast SportsNet.
Ed tells Bulls and Blackhawks fans to get their remotes ready for Tuesday.
Derrick Goold from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at ESPN’s Baseball Tonight paying a visit to the Gateway City.
Dan Caesar of the Post-Dispatch says ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball announcers had trouble getting to the city due to the violent storms in St. Louis over the weekend.
At the Denver Post, Dusty Saunders explores the humble beginnings of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage with Bob Ley.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News goes over this week’s sports calendar for Southern California.
Raju Mudhar from the Toronto Star says this month’s crackdown on online sites is forcing ESPN, TSN, Rogers Sportsnet and The Score to rethink their poker programming.
Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says 2012′s NHL Playoff starting times could be staggered like the NCAA Tournament to gain more US TV viewership.
The Sports Media Watch has the weekend overnight ratings for the NBA Playoffs on TNT.
At Puck The Media, Steve Lepore wonders if the Winter Classic saved the NHL on network TV.
Jim Weber at the Lost Letterman site says if you think the NFL likes seeing the Draft in primetime, then we may be in store for a lot more in the future.
Joe Favorito says the team concept does not work for every sport.
Emmett Jones of the Sports Business Digest says the NFL stands to lose $2 BILLION in revenue if it lost the entire 2011 season.
Ryan Yoder of Awful Announcing has the video of the usually solid Versus’ Dave Strader calling the wrong winner during Saturday’s Canadiens-Bruins game.
At Tribal Football, Andrew Slevison talks about ESPN2′s MLS ratings from last week.
Bob’s Blitz correctly calls for Colin Cowherd’s resignation from ESPN based on his sitcom deal working for CBS that is now in violation of the Alleged Worldwide Leader’s endorsement guidelines.
And that will do it for now.
Apr
19
NBC/Versus To Air NHL Games For The Next Ten Years
John Ourand of Sports Business Journal was all over this story starting from Monday when he reported that Fox and Turner had dropped out of the bidding. Then this morning, he broke the story that NBC/Versus had won the the US rights for the National Hockey League. This will be a ten year/$2 billion deal. Under this new contract, the NHL will get the following from NBC:
- A rights fee.
- An annual Thanksgiving Weekend game that will be aired on the Black Friday Shopping day.
- The NHL Winter Classic remains on NBC on New Year’s Day.
- A national Game of the Week.
- The annual Hockey Day in America.
- Build new studios for the NHL Network at Versus’ complex in Connecticut.
- Increased Stanley Cup Playoff games and continued sharing of the Stanley Cup Final with Versus.
For Versus, the NHL will receive the following:
- Increased games from 50 to 90.
- Exclusivity of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning with the Conference Semifinals (2nd round), meaning no local broadcasts after the first round.
- Exclusive US broadcast of the Heritage Classic in Canada.
- All playoff games will be nationally broadcast on Versus (which will be rebranded to reflect NBC’s ownership), another soon-to-be named NBC cable channel (USA Network? MSNBC? CNBC? Bravo? E!?) and NBC.
It’s all works out very well for the NHL. It gives the league its highest rights fee ever from a US network surpassing the record $120 million a year paid by ESPN from 2000-2005.
Here’s the announcement.
NHL & NBC SPORTS GROUP ANNOUNCE NEW 10-YEAR PARTNERSHIP
Agreement Calls for All Stanley Cup Playoff Games to be Televised Nationally; Introduces National Thanksgiving Friday Telecast on NBC
NBC & VERSUS to Televise 100 Regular Season Games Per SeasonNEW YORK (April 19, 2011) – The National Hockey League and the NBC Sports Group have reached agreement on a landmark 10-year television and media rights deal, taking the partnership through the 2020-21 season. The expanded partnership, under which NBC remains the exclusive network home and VERSUS the exclusive cable home of the NHL® in the U.S., is highlighted by the first-ever national distribution of all Stanley Cup® Playoffs contests, including, for the first time, exclusive coverage starting with the Conference Semifinals. The agreement also calls for the NBC Sports Group to televise 100 regular season games per year and introduces a national NBC broadcast on Thanksgiving Friday. The announcement was made today by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Sports Group.
According to the agreement, the NBC Sports Group obtains digital rights across all platforms and devices for the games it televises.. In the regular season, NBC will continue to broadcast a national “Game of the Week,” along with its coverage of the NHL Winter Classic® and “Hockey Day in America.” VERSUS also will telecast an exclusive national “Game of the Week,” as well as NHL Premiere™ Games, NHL Faceoff™, the NHL All-Star Game and any future NHL Heritage Classic™ outdoor games in Canada. NBC and VERSUS remain the exclusive home of the Stanley Cup Final. The NBC Sports Group’s commitment includes building a new studio for NHL Network™ at its existing facility Stamford, Conn. “This is the most significant U.S. media rights partnership in the League’s history,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “NBC Universal/Comcast is one of the most important, connected and ‘wired’ media companies in the U.S., and as the potential of the NBC Sports Group is realized, the importance of our relationship will become more apparent to hockey fans and our business partners.
“NBC Sports and Comcast have been fantastic partners. They have provided incredible coverage of our sport and have teamed with us to deliver the best TV viewership figures in three decades. It is a credit to our players, our great game and our outstanding fans that Brian Roberts, Steve Burke, Dick Ebersol and their teams would make a commitment of this scale. We also know the best is yet to come.”
“We have significantly increased the value of the NBC Sports Group with this unprecedented, 10-year agreement with the National Hockey League,” said Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “What’s particularly exciting for us is not only the significant increase in regular season games, but the reality of a dream that every single playoff game will air on an NBC Sports Group platform. For the first time, the Conference Semifinal round will be exclusive on VERSUS with a 200 percent increase in games. In the regular season, we’re increasing VERSUS’ coverage from roughly 50 to 90 games.
“I cannot understate the importance of Gary Bettman’s leadership. He understands the scope and the promotional ability of not only our new NBC Sports Group, but of the new NBC Universal under Comcast’s ownership. The NHL has been and will continue to be one of our cornerstone properties.”
The NHL’s partnerships with both NBC Sports and VERSUS launched for the 2005-06 season and the six-year relationship has produced many ratings milestones. Among them:
- Overall NHL television ratings in the United States have increased by 84 percent over the last four years
- The 2011 NHL Winter Classic on NBC was the most-watched regular season game in the U.S. in 36 years
- VERSUS’ 2011 regular season viewership was the network’s best ever, up 17 percent over last season
- The 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs saw the largest audience in the history of the sport, with Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on NBC the most-watched NHL game in the U.S. in 36 years
- The 2010 Playoffs on VERSUS were the most watched on U.S. cable in eight years, while the first two rounds were the most watched on cable on record.
- Just last week, VERSUS achieved its best opening night viewership in its six years of Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage.
The agreement between the NHL and the NBC Sports Group includes targeted promotion across the combined Comcast/NBC Universal company which, since the merger, consists of 20 television networks and more than 40 digital platforms. VERSUS, which was in 64 million homes in 2005, is now in more than 79 million homes and is on course for further expansion of its distribution. The combined promotional muscle has already led to increased ratings for events such as the NHL Winter Classic, NHL Heritage Classic and Hockey Day in America.
Over the last five years, the NHL has grown TV ratings, substantially increased sponsorship and advertising revenue through partnerships with blue chip companies, built a robust digital business and created a year-round calendar of big events including the NHL Winter Classic, all while receiving numerous industry awards and media accolades. The League for the 2010-11 season is on pace to once again set a record for total revenue despite the challenging economy, surpassing $2.9 billion overall.
That is it
Apr
15
Let’s Do Some Friday Megalinkage
Last week, I could not do the megalinks as I was traveling in between two offices. Yesterday, I seemed to get that out of the way so it appears that I’m free to do the megalinks today. I hope I can give you a full set.
As usual, there’s a full set of Weekend Viewing Picks for sports and primetime programming. You can take them or leave them. Choose wisely.
Now to the linkage.
National
At USA Today, Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy debate ESPN’s new endorsement policy. New guidelines on ESPN reporters and anchors endorsing products were issued this week.
The St. Petersburg Times’ Eric Deggans writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center applauds the new ESPN policy.
Jessica E. Vascellaro and Matthew Futterman of the Wall Street Journal report that Comcast wants to become a bigger player in cable sports through its NBC division.
Emma Bazilian of Adweek says NBC Universal’s new CEO wants to make Versus a true challenger to ESPN.
Austin Karp of the Sports Business Journal notes that the NHL’s ratings on Versus are making gains as the playoffs begin.
A story from Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated grabbed a lot of buzz yesterday. Richard reports that NFL Network’s Draft guru Mike Mayock would replace analysts Joe Theismann and Matt Millen in the Thursday Night Football booth and Gus Johnson might replace play-by-play man Bob Papa.
Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says having both the Knicks and Rangers in the postseason should raise the profile of MSG Network this Spring.
ESPN’s Front Row blog looks at the network’s preparation for the NBA Playoffs.
Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser notes that ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose returns from his suspension this Saturday.
CNBC’s Tom Rotunno says interest in the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs is driving the secondary ticket market.
All Access notes that a San Francisco country station has flipped to FM sports talk.
Alan Bastable of Golf Magazine talks with CBS’ Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo about last Sunday’s exciting final round of The Masters®.
To the Biz of Baseball where the great Maury Brown says MLB’s revenues have grown significantly from 1995 through 2010.
Bob’s Blitz has the video of Comcast SportsNet New England’s Joe Haggerty pushing a Canadiens fan out of camera range during a live shot after last night’s Habs-Bruins game.
The Crossing Broad blog isn’t a fan of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia superimposing ads behind the goal during the Sabres-Flyers series. I noticed Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic doing this too during the Rangers-Caps game on Wednesday.
The great Steve Lepore from Puck The Media likes NHL Network’s pregame efforts for the playoffs, but notes they could do better.
Sports Media Watch says Versus had good ratings for the opening night of the NHL Playoffs.
SMW tells us that Versus hit an all-time viewing high for the 2010-11 NHL regular season.
SMW says NBC had a mixed bag for its NHL regular season viewership.
SMW writes that ESPN will update its graphics and opening theme for the NBA playoffs.
Elie Mystal from Above the Law rips ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson for his thoughts of the Barry Bonds trial. Thanks to The Big Lead for the link.
Joe Favorito explains why he’s no longer writing for The Huffington Post. I’ve been hearing strange dealings going on there since it started a relationship with AOL earlier this year.
Brian Packey at Awful Announcing says the voices of the Sacramento Kings gave a tearful goodbye as they signed off following what could be their last game in California’s capital.
Dave Kohl at Major League Programs talks about MLB celebrating Jackie Robinson Day today.
East and Mid-Atlantic
Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes on how 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich scored a big coup by getting Charlie Sheen on their station after his Boston show earlier this week.
Bill Doyle from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Boston Bruins radio voice Dave Goucher.
Richard Sandomir from the New York Times discusses the new endorsement guidelines for ESPN personalities.
Stuart Elliot from the Times says ESPN and MasterCard are teaming up to produce a series on soccer that will be show in Latin America.
Phil Mushnick of the New York Post continues his vitriol against everybody and everything in sports television.
The Post’s Justin Terranova has five questions for MSG New York Rangers analyst Joe Micheletti.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with MSG Rangers voice Sam Rosen.
Pete says the Rangers’ playoff opener on Wednesday scored well for MSG Plus.
Ken McMillan from the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record notes that Versus and NHL Network will air the IIHF World Hockey Championships.
Laura Nachman notes that a local sports radio personality will jumping on board with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia for a midday gig.
Peter Van Allen of the Philadelphia Business Journal writes that Saturday is going to be a big day for the Delaware Valley sports fan.
Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that the Capitals got big ratings in their playoff opener.
Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner also talks about the record ratings for the Caps.
Jim says with higher expectations for the Nationals, MASN’s ratings for the DC MLB team should rise with them.
South
Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times rightfully criticizes Pittsburgh personality John Steigerwald for his horrific column on Bryan Stow, the San Francisco Giants fan who was beaten into a coma by two Los Angeles Dodgers fans earlier this month.
Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald says by ESPN/ABC choosing the 76ers-Heat series over Knicks-Celtics proves the drawing power of LeBron James & Co.
In the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, ESPN’s Rachel Nichols pays tribute to a former boss.
Steve Gorten from the Sun-Sentinel says ESPNU will air three videos produced by the Miami Hurricanes’ website.
Nate Allen from the Helena (AR) Daily World says ESPN is in town for the Arkansas spring football game.
David Barron of the Houston Chronicle writes that Hall of Fame Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton will be speaking about his colorful career at Texas A&M.
Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says a new era in Oklahoma Sooners broadcasting begins on Saturday.
Midwest
Nice to have George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal in the megalinks again. He says fans without a rooting interest will have plenty of choices to watch in the NBA Playoffs starting tomorrow.
John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer discusses a new book on the 1961 pennant-winning Cincinnati Reds.
John says several well-known Cincinnati and national personalities were on hand last night to roast a local restaurant legend.
And John writes that from here on end, the Reds will be seen in high definition on Fox Sports Ohio.
Michael Zuidema from the Grand Rapids (MI) Press notes that a local lawyer by day also serves as minor league baseball team’s radio analyst by night.
The Indianapolis Star notes that last Sunday’s IndyCar race on Versus barely registered in the ratings opposite The Masters®.
Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business has some Windy City broadcast news and notes.
Ed says Notre Dame and Northwestern plan to meet on the gridiron again.
And Ed has this week’s winners and losers in sports business and media.
Will Buss of the Belleville (IL) News-Democrat says Fox Sports Midwest and AT&T U-Verse are haggling over 17 St. Louis Cardinals games.
Dan Caesar from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says despite not making the playoffs, the St. Louis Blues still set a ratings record for Fox Sports Midwest.
Sam Mellinger at the Kansas City Star says with a new rights deal in hand, the Big 12 became a big money player.
West
John Maffei of the North County Times writes that San Diego State University is concerned that the Mountain West Conference is falling behind in national TV exposure.
Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says the national NBA television analysts like the Lakers’ chances to repeat as champs this year.
In his notebook, Jim says The Masters® drew in the viewers.
Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News looks at how quickly Kobe Bryant’s homophobic slur transcended sports.
Jon Wilner from the San Jose Mercury News looks at the bidders for the Pac 12 TV rights.
George Schroeder with the Eugene (OR) Register-Guard says the Pac 12 is going to get rich very quickly thanks to some TV network.
Canada
Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says a throwaway radio comment had Winnipeg laying down the welcome mat for the Phoenix Coyotes.
And we will end the megalinks there.
Apr
13
To The Wednesday Links!
Doing the linkage now after being all over the place this morning and tomorrow will be much worse as I’ll be out of the office for most of the day so don’t expect too many posts on Thursday. But before that, I can provide the linkage for today.
We’ll begin with Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand who tweets that Fox and the Big 12 Conference are expected to officially announce a long term rights deal today.
There’s plenty of outrage over a column written by Pittsburgh sports personality John Steigerwald in the Washington (PA) Observer Reporter, about the San Francisco Giants fan who was beaten into a coma by two Los Angeles gang members outside Dodger Stadium. Steigerwald said by wearing a Giants uniform into an opposing team’s stadium, 42 year old fan Bryan Stow was basically asking to get beaten up. I can link you to plenty of blogs and articles calling out Steigerwald from here to eternity. I was also outraged on Twitter yesterday. Yeah, the guy feels it’s not smart for a fan of a visiting team and a grown man to wear a baseball uniform, o.k., that’s understandable, but to say that Stow was asking for a beating is horrific.
To begin with, Steigerwald originally spelled the victim’s name wrong as Snow, not Stow and the headline originally had “Outgrow” instead of “Outgrown”, but that was not Steigerwald’s fault, but it only compounded the error and hate-filled column. And as outrage grew, the Again, I can link you to plenty of articles, but I’ll just do a couple here.
First, Art Spander at Real Clear Sports, a former San Francisco newspaperman and an outstanding one at that, has his response to Steigerwald.
Jerrod Morris of Midwest Sports Fans has a very good post on Steigerwald’s column.
At his own blog, Steigerwald attempts to defend his writing.
Again, plenty of reaction to Steigerwald. I don’t think the uproar is going to be dying down anytime soon.
The Big Lead breaks news on Josh Elliot’s replacement at ESPN’s SportsCenter.
Deadspin has apparently found the reason why former 49ers radio analyst Gary Plummer was fired from his job. Over a sexually charged podcast that had nothing to do with football, no less.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today says a group of sports television analysts have formed their own business group and will take part in an online webcast previewing the NFL Draft.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch notes that ESPN is simplifying its NFL Draft coverage.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says some insurance salesmen are angry at New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s throwaway line in ESPN’s “The Brady 6″ documentary.
Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says golf and the NBA are particularly awash in foreign players.
Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News discusses ESPN’s big ratings for Sunday Night Baseball.
Mike Shields at Adweek says MSG Network will unveil a companion website for the New York Knicks run through the NBA Playoffs.
Louisa Ada Seltzer of Media Life says while the NHL Playoffs begin tonight, media watchers are keeping a close eye on who wins the league’s US TV contract.
Alex Weprin of SportsNewser notes that during its upfront presentation, truTV announced that it will keep up with its sports programming in the fall.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue model Kate Upton.
Tom Rotunno of CNBC notes that LeBron James has reclaimed the top spot in NBA jersey sales.
The Business Insider’s Sports Page notes that the new Editor-in-Chief of ESPN The Magazine might have been recruiting some new staffers via Twitter.
The always lovely Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald says sports topped the ratings in the Hub on Sunday.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union advises ESPN to put Baseball Tonight back in the studio on Sunday nights.
Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record talks with the radio host of Army football about the late football coach Homer Smith.
Dan Steinberg at the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says it appears Capitals/Wizards owner Ted Leonsis is at war with the local ESPN Radio affiliate, owned by DC NFL Team owner Dan Snyder.
Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that it will be technical city galore at the Phone Booth in DC as four different networks will be at Verizon Center for the Capitals-New York Rangers NHL series.
Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News talks about the Big 12 TV deal.
Rich Heldenfels of the Akron Beacon Journal writes about tonight being Joe Tait’s last game as Voice of the Cleveland Cavs.
Mike Popovich of the Canton Repository speaks with several broadcasters on their memories of Joe Tait.
The Ohio Media Watch also looks at Tait’s last call as Cavs voice tonight.
Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says one Packers preseason game has been selected for national viewing in August.
Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says the Blackhawks need to some playoff success this season to build on last year’s championship.
Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune notes the new Editor-in-Chief of ESPN The Magazine is a Chicagoland native.
Blair Kerkhoff from the Kansas City Star says details have begun to leak out about the Fox/Big 12 TV deal.
Greg Braxton of the Los Angeles Times says CBS did not announce any alternative plans for two NFL preseason games in case of a lockout. It should be noted that ESPN and NBC did not either.
Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News says USC and Fox are trying to work out a deal on the school’s multimedia rights.
Daniel Brown from the San Jose Mercury News talks with former 49ers radio analyst Gary Plummer on why he thinks he lost his job.
Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail wants CBC’s Don Cherry to stick to the basics during the NHL Playoffs. Whatever, Bruce.
The Toronto Sports Media Blog says TSN Radio launched today.
Sports Media Watch notes that the NBA on TNT’s ratings remain strong.
The always hustling Steve Lepore at Puck The Media speaks with NHL Network Executive Producer Mark Preisler about the channel’s presentation of the game.
The Big Lead talks with ESPN’s NHL analyst Matthew Baranaby. That lucky dog, Barnaby.
Awful Announcing has part two of its interview with the great Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated. In case you missed it, part one has plenty of good stuff too.
And that’s where we’ll leave things today.
Apr
12
NHL Network Ramps Up Postseason Coverage
With the NHL Playoffs starting on Wednesday, NHL Network will have special pregame and postgame programming. In addition, NHL Network’s signature NHL on the Fly will have live cut-ins to games and highlights throughout the night. And there will be special editions of NHL Live at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. So lots of stuff from NHL Network for the postseason. That’s it in a nutshell. For all of the details, let’s check out the NHL press release.
Pre-Game Show and Live Updates Throughout the Night Among Multiple Enhancements Designed To Make NHL Network The Definitive Destination For Fans Following the Stanley Cup Playoffs
NEW YORK (April 12, 2011) – The pucks drops tomorrow night on the 2011 Stanley Cup® Playoffs and the NHL Network™ today is unveiling multiple enhancements and programs, with a particular emphasis on live coverage before, during and after every game.
“The NHL Network is growing and evolving to meet the demands of our fans, and provide the unique access and perspective that only a League-run network can,” said Charles Coplin, executive vice president of content for the NHL. “The enhancements we’re unveiling today put the NHL Network at the epicenter of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with coverage and analysis live as storylines and games unfold.”
This emphasis on live programming each weekday begins with the new NHL® Live™, now at 4 p.m. ET, followed by NHL On The Fly Pre-Game at 6 p.m. ET and NHL On the Fly immediately following. With more content that fans crave, this schedule of daily live programming will feature the use of current and former NHL players as guest analysts, and provide on-the-ground coverage from arena via webcams, team cameras and content from local television rightsholders.
NHL Network also will incorporate a number of technological enhancements including a new graphics display and also updates from arena and a ticker that will provide the latest news from around the League. NHL Network also will tightly integrate with NHL.com to become a cohesive media unit that shares talent, analysis, storylines and video packages across the two platforms.
NHL Network live programming for the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
NHL LIVE: 4-6 p.m. ET (Monday – Friday only)
The popular NHL Network program, which broadcasts live from the NHL Store in New York City, moves to its new time of 4-6 p.m. ET. The show will take viewers beyond the ice with access to players, coaches and management of all 30 NHL Clubs, while taking a whip around the League preparing for games ahead that evening. Fans also can have their voices heard as NHL Live will incorporate social media and take phone calls live on the air.NHL On The Fly Pre-Game Show: 6 p.m. – until puck drop for first game of the night
As the ultimate lead-in for live games, NHL On the Fly Pre-Game will provide a comprehensive preview to the night’s action complete with live reports from the arena for the most up-to-date information before puck drop.NHL On The Fly™: Immediately following NHL On the Fly Pre-Game show*
The network’s signature show – NHL On The Fly – offers fans look-ins to all NHL games, including every goal from every game, extended highlights, stellar saves, team press conferences, features, interviews and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders including current and former players.For the latest NHL Network program schedule, check NHL.com or your local listings.
*In the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final, NHL On The Fly will provide pre- and post-game coverage.
And that’s it.
Apr
10
Coming Back For Sunday Links
After not being able to bring you the Friday megalinks or even Saturday linkage, I have some time to provide the Sunday linkage. Some good stuff here and don’t forget to read my Sunday thoughts.
USA Today’s Mike McCarthy breaks news that former co-host of Versus’ The Daily Line, Jenn Sterger will give her first interview on the Brett Favre scandal to Good Morning America this week.
Mike notes that Jim Gray is not part of Golf Channel’s coverage of The Masters® this year.
Rachel Cohen from the Associated Press says TV networks are trying to work out the kinks of shooting sports in 3-D.
From Yahoo’s The PostGame, Eric Adelson talks to former CBS golf announcer Ben Wright whose “Yes Sir!” call of Jack Nicklaus win in the 1986 Masters has been overshadowed and ignored by Verne Lundquist’s.
Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News notes that ESPN’s ratings for its opening round coverage of The Masters® were down from the year before.
Mike says the ratings for The Masters® did go up Friday when Tiger Woods got back into contention.
R. Thomas Umstead at Multichannel says UFC has signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with Bud Light.
Anthony Crupi of Adweek says when you take bar and hotel viewing into account, the ratings for the NCAA Tournament goes up 20%.
Dan Fogarty from SportsGrid writes that the Joe Buck hate reached a fever pitch on Twitter during yesterday’s Yankees-Red Sox game on Fox.
Mohammed Rahman of SportsGrid says ESPN’s Jon Gruden hasn’t met a player he hasn’t liked.
The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick goes after EA Sports for not toning down the violence in the Madden NFL 12 video game.
Annie Karni of the Post talks with Jenn Sterger’s ex-manager (not Jenn herself?) about how it’s all Brett Favre’s fault that she can’t get her career off the ground. If you read the story in full, you’ll see that apparently Sterger’s interview with Good Morning America could lead into her working for ABC. In what capacity, I have no idea.
Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says ESPN’s ratings for the 2nd round of The Masters® were down from last year.
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has former Nationals President Stan Kasten denying that former MASN TV analyst Rob Dibble was let go following an e-mail from the father of pitcher Stephen Strasburg.
At the WaPo’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg has Dibble responding to Kasten.
Mike Frandsen of the Washington Examiner says Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra DC radio station is defending its policy to pick up Baltimore Orioles games.
Greg Hardwig of the Naples (FL) Daily News talks with former CBS golf analyst Ken Venturi about watching The Masters without his good friend, the late golf producer Frank Chirkinian.
Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman says 60 Minutes will profile St. Louis Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols today.
Evan Binns from the St. Louis Business Journal says Fox Sports Midwest has added some familiar names to its Cardinals games.
The Kirksville (MO) Daily Express reports that a local cable provider won’t be airing 20 Cardinals games this season over a rights fee dispute with Fox Sports Midwest.
David Southorn of the Idaho Press-Tribune has the complete 2011 Mountain West football TV schedule.
Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that NHL Network will reveal all of the playoff matchups tonight.
Awful Announcing says St. John’s basketball coach and former ESPN analyst Steve Lavin has prostate cancer. Our best wishes to Steve.
That’s going to do it for today.
Mar
28
The Fourth Fang’s Bites Mailbag
It’s been quite a while since the last mailbag, October of last year to be precise and I’ve been meaning to do one. Let’s do one now since we have a few questions stockpiled. Thanks to you for sending questions and if you want to have one answered for the next mailbag later in the spring, send it to me at kzf1@fangsbites.com.
Hi Ken,
I want to know what you think of Kirk Herbstreit having to move his family from Columbus, Ohio to Nashville to get away from sicky Buckeye fans who don’t appreciate him speaking negatively on their team.
Link below:
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2011/03/11/rumblings-3-11-art-gl0bu32m-1.html
Jimmy D.
Hi Jimmy,
That was very sad. That Kirk Herbstreit felt the need to move from his home to Columbus to escape the wrath of some crazy Ohio State fans who did not understand that he can’t lean one way or the other on ESPN/ABC is quite sad. Yes, he’s paid to give his opinions, but they have to be down the middle. Kirk is an Ohio State grad, but the fact that he didn’t “love” them on College GameDay or during college football games wasn’t enough for some Buckeyes fans who don’t understand. It’s too bad that he has to move away from the area where he grew up for the sake of his wife and children.
With the success of the NCAA across multiple-media platforms. Do you see other sports going the same way with live broadcasts across a variety of networks, websites, and portable visual displays? thank you.
Dr. Jeff
Thanks, Dr. Jeff. I do. The success of the NCAA Tournament on March Madness on Demand shows how an online platform should be run. All of the games were available to watch in conjunction with the live broadcasts. Unfortunately, MLB NBA, NFL and the NHL have not put their postseason online and if they do, will probably charge a fee. I would like to see a portion of their playoffs be put online and for free as the NCAA has done with the men’s basketball tournament. I believe the interest in the tournament has increased this year thanks to access to the multiple platforms both online and on TV.
How do you think the ratio of online to televised coverage will change as the tourney advances round by round?
Russell S.
Thanks, Russell. Well, as the tournament advanced round-by-round, there’s no doubt that the number of online views went down, after a stunning first day of visits to the digital platforms. Turner Sports says the first three rounds also saw record numbers as people wanted to see all of the games.
We did see increased TV ratings for the Sweet Sixteen, but they were even for Saturday’s Elite 8 games. I would think online viewing went down by at least 30% from the week before. I hope to get the online viewing numbers sometime today or tomorrow.
With the NFL and NBA probably going into a lockout, do you think that the NHL will get more money for their new TV deal, and where do you think it will end up? As I’ve heard CBS/Turner, Fox, ESPN, and NBCSG all in the running for it. Thanks, love the blog!
Peter W.
Much appreciated, Peter. The NHL definitely has more suitors than the last TV negotiation when Versus and NBC pretty much had the table to themselves. Yes, Fox would be interested and could place the games on FX to ensure a national platform for the NHL. ESPN says it’s interested, but I really don’t know how much. To me, ESPN has decided to lie in bed with the NBA and I have a feeling it will show tepid interest in bidding for the NHL. CBS/Turner has a commitment to March Madness, so I don’t know how serious this interest is, but with more bidders at the table, this will drive the rights fee up and that’s encouraging to the NHL. I still think NBC and Versus will remain the main rightsholders. I now think that a second cable partner will be signed, but I don’t think it will be ESPN.
Worst national sports network package announcer combos, in your opinion?
Chris K.
That’s a tough one, Chris, but I’ll go with MLB on Fox. Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Chris Rose, Eric Karros, sometimes Thom Brennaman, sometimes Josh Lewin, not the best lineup in my opinion.
Each of the major pro sports leagues in US/Canada now has a channel devoted to covering that league (i.e. MLB Network, NHL Network, etc.), as well as some of the major individual sports (i.e. Golf Channel, Tennis Channel, etc.). Some are affiliated with one of the league’s broadcast partners (like NBATV is now run by Turner Sports where TNT is a TV partner of the league and Golf Channel is now part of the NBC family where NBC is one of the many TV partners) while others are independent (like Tennis Channel is independent and MLB Network isn’t directly affiliated with any of MLB’s TV partners). So my question is this…
- Is it better for the league, viewers, ratings, content, etc. for the league/sport TV channel to be completely independent, or is it better in some or all of those areas to for it to be affiliated? Like are viewers of the Golf Channel better off now that it’s part of the NBC Sports Group? And would the NHL Network be better in the U.S. if it were affiliated with NBC/Versus or in Canada if it weren’t part of the TSN family?
Do you see ESPN creating a College Football Bowl game to be named after themselves (i.e. the “ESPN Bowl”)?
Programming sports in a vacuum, which broadcast or cable network do you trust broadcasting (as the best to present a broadcast to be watched) each of the major sports, given their current resources, history, production values, and ability to bring in the right on-air talent?
DyHrdMet
Quite a few questions from regular reader, DyHrd. All good ones too. Let’s tackle the first one.
I don’t have a problem with the league-owned networks. Both MLB and NFL Networks have shown they can cover a story and not get shackled by being a league mouthpiece. NBA and NHL Networks are highlight factories and there’s nothing wrong with that either. There’s no one particular formula for these networks. Yes, Turner is now running NBA TV and it’s 100 times better than when it was run by the league itself. NHL Network continues to be run by TSN in Canada and while the production values have improved, there’s still room for improvement. MLB and NBA are the best-run and they have people who have led network sports divisions running the channels. I think each of the four networks have merit, but whether they’re affiliated with NBC, ESPN, CBS doesn’t matter. It’s all part of how the league wants to be presented.
Second, I think ESPN sells bowls based on sponsorship and ad revenue. If it named a bowl ESPN, there won’t be much money to make from sponsoring it itself. For example, The Capital One Bowl not only gets bowl sponsorship, but ESPN can also sell ads to Capital One. It’s a win-win for both parties. While ESPN executives may joke privately about naming a bowl after itself, I don’t think it’s gotten to the activation stage.
And last, the sports network I trust the most. It’s easy for many to say ESPN because of its inventory, but not so for me. I like CBS because of their history with college basketball, NFL and the PGA. I know what I’m going to get. In addition, Jim Nantz is a good fit on all three. Gus Johnson has become popular thanks to his NFL and NCAA calls. And CBS has a very good bench. After that, I like NBC’s coverage of the NFL due to the signing of the old Monday Night Football crew from ESPN/ABC. ESPN as far as MLB and college sports are concerned are very solid and there’s a good track record. And I also like Turner’s coverage as well.
And there you have it, our mailbag for March. I hope to do another mailbag either in April or May. Thanks for sending the questions.
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