Fang's Bites

Your Tuesday Linkage

Let’s do some Tuesday links.

We’ll start with Matt Hayes of AOL Sporting News and he writes that the BCS is looking for a $5 billion TV deal over a decade for its new college football playoff.

In the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Michael Bradley says the new college football playoff still can be improved.

Eric Fisher and John Ourand of Sports Business Journal write that the Washington Nationals and MASN continue to be at odds over what the team’s TV rights are worth.

Maury Brown in Baseball Prospectus goes inside the Nats/MASN TV rights dispute.

Mark Buteau and Alex Duff of Bloomberg report that NBC has signed a long-term extension to lock in the Tour de France.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter says CBC and CTV are dropping their joint bidfor the 2014/2016 Olympic Games.

Charlie Warzel of Adweek says the PGA and Turner Sports are parting ways as the golf association will handle its digital rights in-house and no longer outsource it to Turner.

Tim Baysinger from Broadcasting & Cable writes that Ion will provide the WWE with a third night of programming.

In Multichannel News, Tim has an article about NFL Network’s NFL AM show.

Media Life Magazine notes that a Spanish language ad ran during ABC’s NBA Finals broadcasts.

Ty Duffy at The Big Lead says CBS’ Jim Nantz is now pimping his own wine label. Surprised it’s not called “Hello, Friends.”

Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing has the amazing video of Mike Tyson on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption giving a preview of his new one-man Broadway play.

Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy notes that the KHL has officially announced plans to play in the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn while trashing New York’s Madison Square Garden in the process.

The ESPN Front Row blog fires a shot at the new upstarts CBS Sports Radio and NBC Sports Radio Network on behalf of ESPN Radio.

Ben Lee at Digital Spy UK says Wimbledon’s primetime coverage on BBC2 drew over a million viewers.

Tara Pringle Jefferson at Loop 21 has six questions for ESPN’s Sage Steele.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says NBA Draft prospect Anthony Davis has trademarked his unibrow.

Darren wonders if US Olympic 100 meter sprinter Justin Gatlin can be marketable once again after sitting out a four year ban for steroids.

Sports Video Group notes that NESN has signedanother content sharing agreement with a third New England TV station, this time in Vermont.

All Access interviews a radio industry analyst who feels the new CBS Sports Radio will do well for the parent company.

Ian Bethune at Sox & Dawgs has the funny video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy entertaining the viewers during a Red Sox rain delay last night.

Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston writes about the Red Sox being in no rush to replace their late public address announcer Carl Beane.

Claire Atkinson of the New York Post reports that a positive FCC ruling for Tennis Channel in its carriage dispute against Comcast could lead to more viewers for the network and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Bob’s Blitz has WFAN’s schedule for Sunday when it celebrates 25 years as the Nation’s first sports radio station.

Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday notes that E! will air a special on New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow.

Neil Best of Newsday looks at ESPN’s start-to-finish coverage of Wimbledon.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has MLB Network’s live game schedule through the end of July.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call profiles a former local sports anchor who’s making his mark in Detroit.

Laura Nachman says a part-timer at Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia is now part of the regional sports network’s starting team.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that Washingtonian magazine readers aren’t enamored with the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin.

Tom Jones of the Tampa Bay Times chastises readers who complained about weather alerts about Tropical Storm Debby that cut into sports action.

At the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson looks at anti-Heat media comments almost a week after the team won the NBA Championship.

Marc Weiszer of the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald writes that ESPN is producing a documentary on the 2008 SEC Tournament game between Alabama and Mississippi State that was interrupted by a tornado that ripped through Atlanta.

Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times Picayune reports that the Hornets will have the soon-to-be Fox Sports New Orleans to call their home. Fox Sports NO will replace Cox Sports which is getting out of the pro sports business.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says NFL Network will air clips of a Brett Favre interview all week long.

Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business says the local Comcast SportsNet affiliate will launch a new trivia game show.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has a clip of Frank Deford’s appearance on last night’s Colbert Report.

Simon Houpt and Steve Ladurantaye of the Toronto Globe and Mail look at CBC and CTV ending their joint bid for the 2014/16 Olympics after two prices were rejected.

Ann Dempsey from the Toronto Star also has a story on the CBC/CTV disbanding.

Bill Harris in the Toronto Sun says Olympic viewing in Canada after this year is up in the air.

Monika Warzecha of Toronto Life wonders if Canadians will be stuck watching NBC for the 2014/16 Olympics.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes TSN did well in showing the NHL Draft and EURO 2012.

Sports Media Watch has some various ratings news and notes.

Emmett Jones at Sports Business Digest says NBC and Shazam have teamed up to provide interactive coverage of the London Olympics.

And that’s going do it for our linkage.

NESN Announces Replacements For Jerry Remy Through 5/9

Red Sox fans have had to make due without popular NESN analyst Jerry Remy for the past few days. He’s been suffering from a sinus infection that forced him to miss the Chicago White Sox series. He started missing games last week in Minnesota and while he did work the rest of the Twins series, when he reached Chicago, NESN sent him home to recover.

Now, NESN has decided to give Jerry the rest of this week off and most of next week to recover. So over the next six games, Dennis Eckersley and Peter Gammons will fill in for the Remdawg. Last week, NESN has had to tap Roy Smalley from Fox Sports North, Peter Abraham and Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Gammons and various other guest analysts.

This is similar to what happened two years ago when Remy had cancer and NESN filled his slot with other analysts, mostly Eckersley. Here’s the NESN blurb on the replacement schedule.

NESN and their Red Sox color analyst Jerry Remy have decided to have him take the next week off to give him the best chance to fully recover from a sinus infection that has caused him to miss several games recently.  Remy expects to return to the NESN booth on Thursday, May 10^th when the Red Sox return from a quick three-day road trip to Kansas City to begin a four-game series against Cleveland.

During Remy’s absence, Dennis Eckersley and Peter Gammons will split the color analyst duties according to the following schedule:

Friday, May 4 – 7:00 PM vs. Baltimore – Dennis Eckersley
Saturday, May 5 – 1:00 PM vs. Baltimore – Peter Gammons
Sunday, May 6 – 1:30 PM vs. Baltimore – Peter Gammons
Monday, May 7 – 8:00 PM at Kansas City – Dennis Eckersley
Tuesday, May 8 – 8:00 PM at Kansas City – Dennis Eckersley
Wednesday, May 9 – 8:00 PM at Kansas City – Dennis Eckersley

That will do it. And I hope Jerry gets well soon.

NESN’s Heidi Watney Catches Don Orsillo & Jerry Remy Sleeping On the Job

In the latest edition of her video diary, NESN Red Sox field reporter Heidi Watney took her camera and shot a behind-the-scenes look at Fenway Park while Hurricane Irene was bearing down on New England. It was during the August 27 day-night doubleheader between the Oakland A’s and Boston Red Sox. First, Heidi is looking very fashionable in her rain hat and galoshes.

In this video diary, Heidi shows Peter Gammons getting ready for a NESN spot and tours the press box speaking to a couple of beat writers. Then Heidi is shown doing a NESN hit with the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo. But the best part comes at 3:10 when Heidi reveals Red Sox announcers Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy sleeping during the delay. Now you know what announcers do when rain is falling.

Great stuff. I think Heidi has now topped the choking on chicken waffles viral video with this diary.

The Friday Night Megalinks

I’ve been to Newton, MA and back, South Kingstown, RI and back and all over my hometown of North Kingstown, RI and all of this today. It’s time to do the megalinks and get them all done in one sitting.

There’s the Weekend Viewing Picks for your sports and entertainment programming.

National

Sports Business Daily goes over the UFC/Fox agreement that will put four live MMA events on network TV and plenty of ancillary programming on Fox’s cable networks.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that Fox Sports Media Group El Presidente Por Vida David Hill has done an about face on airing Mixed Martial Arts.

Sergio Non of USA Today writes that UFC will revamp its shows when they move from Spike and Versus to Fox’s networks.

Sergio has those who will take part in the first UFC on Fox card in November.

Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center that the success of the UFC on Fox all depends on whether the sport can have a breakout star.

Dave Meltzer at Yahoo! says UFC President Dana White couldn’t be happier in making this deal with Fox.

Also from Yahoo!, Kevin Iole says it will be the fighters who will benefit the most from the new UFC on Fox contract.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser has Spike announcing that the new season of UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter will be the last on its airwaves, naturally.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek looks into the particulars of the UFC on Fox deal.

Bill Cromwell of Media Life Magazine writes that the Fox contract gives UFC some instant mainstream credibility.

There will be more UFC on Fox stories sprinkled throughout the megalinks. Let’s move on to other stories now.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Tim Goodman wonders if Showtime’s “The Franchise” is bringing down the San Francisco Giants this season.

Georg Szalai of the Reporter reports that Comcast has withdrawn a lawsuit against DirecTV over an ad campaign for NFL Sunday Ticket.

David Goetzl of MediaPost notes that DirecTV plans to expand its fantasy offerings for NFL Sunday Ticket.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News looks at Versus/NBC Sports Network’s new exclusive NHL night in the first year of its new 10 year contract with the league.

Andrew McMains of Adweek looks at a new inspiring web video produced for the US Olympic Committee.

All Access says the ESPN Radio affiliate in Minnesota’s Twin Cities has chosen the hosts for its midday show.

Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy explores which teams won and lost in the new NHL TV schedules.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser writes that former voice of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Woody Durham, will be honored for his contributions to college football.

The Big Lead wonders if Jay Bilas is the most respected voice at ESPN.

Timothy Burke of SportsGrid investigates how former 2 Live Crew leader Luther Campbell managed to appear to appear on the Dan Patrick Show and the Colin Cowherd Show at the same time.

And Tim presents the Atlanta Braves’ Shake Cam and how it can make fans a bit too excited.

Sports Media Watch says the U-20 World Cup is scoring for Galavision.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing has a look at some interesting sports media typos.

Matt shows us how the Baseball Tonight crew had trouble demonstrating its new touchscreen.

Joe Favorito looks at what’s new with professional lacrosse.

Patrick Stafford of Smart Company in Australia speaks with the owner of Footytips.com about how he sold his site to ESPN.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the limited classic programming on NBA TV during the current league lockout can only take the channel so far.

Sox & Dawgs has the video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy wearing chicken hats in the booth.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes on how regional sports networks have increasing power and money to be a game changer for some professional teams.

Richard looks at the UFC on Fox deal that puts Mixed Martial Arts into the mainstream.

Dan Levin from the Times has a good story on how some athletes in Communist China are trying to buck their archaic system.

Mark DeCambre of the New York Post notes that the new Meadowlands Stadium now will have a sponsor when the new NFL season begins.

Justin Terranova in the Post looks at how Fordham University was a training ground for several NYC announcers.

Justin has five questions for SNY Jets analyst Anthony Becht.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes about Fox signing UFC for seven years.

Pete says local sports anchor Andrew Catalon’s call of tonight’s Browns-Lions game will be seen on NFL Network this weekend.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says a local radio station will air a full high school football schedule.

Ken says the NBC Sports Group is increasing its commitment to horse racing this fall.

And Ken writes that a new local sports radio talk show will be debuting soon.

To Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record who says the New York Rangers will be featured extensively on the national NHL TV schedules.

Crossing Broad has the audio of Philadelphia’s sports radio station WIP announcement that it’s taking over WYSP’s FM frequency killing off a heritage rock station.

Dan Gross of the Philadelphia Daily News says ‘YSP staffers were melancholy about CBS Radio’s announcement killing off the station.

Jeff Wolfe of the Delaware County Times writes about WIP’s displacement of WYSP just as the rocker’s ratings were increasing.

Mike White in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says two local high school games hit the ESPN family of networks this fall.

Shelly Anderson of the Post-Gazette says the Penguins TV announcing crew will return for another season.

In the Baltimore Sun, David Zurawik explains where Ravens fans can find the team on TV and radio.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that the Ravens did extremely well in the ratings in both Baltimore and Washington, DC in their NFL preseason opener.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with DC NFL Team radio voice Larry Michael.

And Jim writes that the Washington Capitals will have plenty of appearances on NBC/Versus (NBC Sports Network).

Mike Madden in the Washington City Paper says the local sports anchor is becoming a thing of the past.

Keith Loria of the Fairfax (VA) Times says native Lindsay Czarniak is about to make her debut on ESPN.

South

The Charleston (WV) Gazette notes that Root Sports Pittsburgh will carry some West Virginia and Marshall programming.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Bob Griese will be joining the Miami Dolphins radio broadcast team replacing the late Jim Mandich.

Andy Kent of the Miami Dolphins website has Griese’s thoughts about joining the broadcast team and also sharing thoughts about Mandich.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times has some thoughts on the UFC/Fox deal, the Little League World Series on TV and CBS’ production of the PGA Championship.

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel says Yahoo! Sports does a better job of investigating college sports than the NCAA.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle notes that Saturday’s US National Gymnastics championships get a network primetime slot.

Mike Finger and Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News says the Longhorn Network hasn’t given up on airing high school football games in one form or another.

The Daily Oklahoman’s Mel Bracht looks at UFC getting a big payday from Fox.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter in the Cincinnati Enquirer talks with NBC’s Cris Collinsworth who’s going into his third season as Sunday Night Football analyst.

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal now knows why DirecTV was so willing to give him a free subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket after learning that the service will be offered to Sony Playstation 3 owners.

The Grand Rapids (MI) Press’ Michael Zuidema notes that a Big Ten Network analyst feels Nebraska is a perfect fit for the conference.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is amazed at ESPN’s ever-expanding army of NFL analysts and mountain of NFL programming.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers in sports business and media.

Scott Dochterman in the Iowa City Gazette says NFL Network has picked up Mediacom for cable subscribers in the Hawkeye State.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Salt Lake Tribune says it’s not known which network will air the October 15th contest between BYU and Oregon State.

Dick Harmon of the Deseret (UT) News speaks with BYUtv’s Executive Director in a lengthy interview. Part I of which is here. Read Part II here.

Larry Bohannan at the Desert (CA) Sun says there’s evidence of not much live golf shown in a PGA Tour telecast.

John Maffei of the North County Times weighs the pros and cons of airing the Little League World Series.

In the Ventura County Star, Jim Carlisle looks at the contrasting opinions that John and Patrick McEnroe had on the state of American tennis on HBO’s Real Sports this week.

Jim explores the UFC on Fox deal.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times says Fox paid a pretty penny to get UFC into the fold.

Meg James of the Times also writes about the UFC on Fox deal.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says when it came down to it, Fox didn’t have much of a choice but to sign UFC.

Tom says one sidebar to the UFC on Fox deal is the fact that Fox Sports Radio will also air MMA events.

Tom writes that former Dodgers radio voice Ross Porter has found his latest gig, calling high school sports online.

Canada

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin feels TSN Radio isn’t getting the job done.

The Winnipeg Free Press notes that the Jets will get 22 games aired on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.

And the number of links today are hearken back to the first two years of this blog. Lots of links. That’s it.

Cranking Out The Sunday Links

Let’s give you some linkage on this Sunday morning. I’m at work again. No rest for the weary here.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser writes that Sports Illustrated’s Peter King broke news this weekend about HBO’s Hard Knocks.

David Whitley of the Sporting News says there’s some hypocrisy in the Big 12′s criticism of the Longhorn Network.

John Taylor at College Football Talk says ESPN.com’s Joe Schad reported a story on a potential LSU violation without giving credit to its original source.

Timothy Burke at SportsGrid has video of NESN’s Jerry Remy trashing Mike Lowell during a commercial break, but knowing Remy during commercial breaks and him knowing that the monitors at Fenway Park can be heard, I’m 100% positive he was joking.

Awful Announcing gathered tweets from people watching Fox Saturday Baseball as Dick Stockton and Thom Brennaman were calling separate games. Let’s just say the reaction wasn’t pretty.

Joe Favorito has some tips for anyone using social media.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe says the Celtics will have a lot of green thanks to its deal with Comcast SportsNet New England.

I’ll break my boycott of Dr. Gloom & Doom, Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News for a week. Today, Gloom & Doom has a story filled with backhanded compliments and vitriol on the successful return of Stephen A. “A is for Angry” Smith to ESPN Radio New York. No quotes from Smith though.

Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record writes about college hockey games possibly being aired on Versus.

On this Baseball Hall of Fame Day, Evan Weiner in the New Jersey Newsroom states that the HOF is barren without two people who made a huge impact on the game.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner notes that ESPN’s Nicole Briscoe gets a bigger role in the network’s NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage starting next weekend.

Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun Sentinel writes about Florida Marlins broadcaster Dave Van Horne being inducted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend.

Andrew Carter of the Sun Sentinel says the director of the ESPN Films 30 for 30 documentary on Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams plans to film a follow-up.

Berry Tremel of the Daily Oklahoman has former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer weighing in on the Fox Sports/Big 12 alliance.

John Klein of the Tulsa World feels the Longhorn Network controversy is much ado about nothing.

Jeff Korbelik of the Lincoln (NE) Journal-Star writes that the sports radio format is finding its niche in town with a second station launching this week.

Warren Gerds of the Green Bay (WI) Gazette talks about a local reading of “Lombardi” which recently finished its Broadway run, featuring most of the original actors who performed in the play.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the sports calendar for Southern California for the upcoming week.

In the Los Angeles Times, college football writer Chris Dufrense looks at the SEC Media Days event that has become larger-than-life.

Sports Media Watch notes the end of ESPN The Weekend at Walt Disney World.

And that will end the linkage for today.

Grope At Fenway

I don’t know how long this will stay up at YouTube. If it’s removed, I still have it so I could find other ways to show it to you. As NESN was coming out of break before the third inning of the Baltimore Orioles-Boston Red Sox game on Thursday night, Don Orsillo was reading a promo and two attractive couples sitting in the crowd at Fenway Park were shown just seemingly minding their own business. Then one of guys got a little horny. Jerry Remy’s reaction was priceless. Then Don and Jerry went into hysterics. Unfortunately, I can’t show that part because it’s over MLB action, but you get the idea. Here’s a funny 22 second clip.

You just never know what you’ll see during a game on any given night. Sox & Dawgs has a longer clip.

Digging Out Some Tuesday Linkage

Time for the links on this Tuesday. Lots of good stuff to get to.

Matthew Futterman of the Wall Street Journal looks at MLB Commissioner Bud Selig rejecting the Los Angeles Dodgers’ deal with Fox which now throws Frank McCourt’s ownership of the team into jeopardy.

In Sports Business Journal, Broadcasting & Cable Editor-in-Chief Ben Grossman has some suggestions for Major League Soccer on how to grow the sport in the U.S.

From the ESPN Ombudsman, Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute says Bill Simmons’ Grantland site shows potential, but needs to do more.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch has his June Media Power List.

Richard also talks with the CEO of the polarizing Bleacher Report.

Had to catch up with those last three links from last week. I was so far behind after not doing linkage Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Curtis Eichelberger of Bloomberg writes that NFL quarterback Chad Pennington is taking a year off and will work for Fox Sports when the league comes back from lockout.

Lesley Goldberg of the Hollywood Reporter writes that Comedy Central has canceled two sports-themed shows after just one season.

Marisa Guthrie of the Reporter notes that the U.S. Open’s final round ratings improved from Saturday’s numbers, but were still far below last year’s.

John Eggerton from Broadcasting & Cable has NBC being very apologetic about cutting “Under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance during Sunday’s coverage of the U.S. Open.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says NBA’s digital platforms are all over this week’s NBA Draft.

Toni Fitzgerald from Media Life Magazine says Rory McIlroy has yet to prove he’s a ratings draw.

Brett McMurphy of CBS Sports.com says the Big East turned down a big payday from ESPN to risk checking the free agent market.

Sam Mamudi of Marketwatch.com notes that you may not know that Turner Sports has a rather large online presence in golf.

Alex Weprin of SportsNewser recaps Comcast CEO Brian Roberts’ comments on NBC’s successful Olympics bid.

At SportsGrid, Dave Levy writes that Grantland failed to live up to the hype.

Dave says Bill Simmons could have left ESPN to create Grantland somewhere else.

And Dave has thoughts on Grantland here, here and here.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid says the Dan Patrick Show has an unusual proposal on how to end the NFL lockout.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that flamboyant tennis fashionista Bethanie Mattek-Sands (who came to Fang’s Bites’ attention in 2007) has signed a new endorsement contract for an nontraditional tennis product.

Jay Busbee of Yahoo’s From the Marbles blog looks at Fox’s proposal to move some of its NASCAR races to cable in its next contract.

At the Daly Planet, John Daly has some thoughts on what this potential move means for the future of Speed.

Diane Mermigas of the Business Insider says innovation could help NBCUniversal pay for its $4.38 billion pricetag for the Olympics.

Olympic sports beat writer John Powers of the Boston Globe finally gets to write about NBC winning the rights to four Olympic Games.

Tom Rock of Newsday has some quotes of tonight’s HBO Real Sports profile of former New York Giants running back and NBC analyst Tiki Barber.

Richard Sandomir from the New York Times looks at MLB rejecting the Los Angeles Dodgers’ deal with Fox.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union notes that Rory McIlroy doesn’t move the TV ratings meter like Tiger Woods did.

Nate Mink writing for the Philadelphia Daily News recaps an ESPN taping of a program involving legendary coaches Joe Paterno of Penn State and Mike Krzyzewski of Duke.

Joseph Santoliquito of the Marple Newtown Patch has a profile of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia anchor Ron Burke.

Greg Augman of the St. Petersburg Times notes that Jon Gruden is taping a session of his ESPN “QB Camp” series with former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an interview with Georgia Tech’s Athletic Director on a few subjects including the impact of the ESPN/SEC contract on the school.

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes that Golf Channel is giving David Feherty a platform for his humor.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob Wolfley has Keith Olbermann not impressed with the tome on ESPN.

Justin Albers at the Chicago Sun-Times chronicles ESPN’s Baseball Tonight’s visit to the Windy City on Sunday.

Robert Feder of Time Out Chicago says the local ESPN Radio affiliate is about to move to new streetside studios.

Chad Purcell of the Omaha World-Journal goes behind-the-scenes with ESPN’s crew at the College World Series.

Bill Shaikin and David Wharton of the Los Angeles Times have a story on MLB rejecting the Fox offer to Dodgers’ owner Frank McCourt and putting the team into limbo.

The Spokane (WA) Spokesman-Review has a profile of Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis who used to work in the area.

Kenyon Wallace of the Toronto Star responds to ESPN the Magazine ranking the Canadian city as the worst in all of pro sports.

Cathal Kelly of the Star says there are cities worse off than Toronto.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has its version of the NHL TV Awards.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing feels it’s time for Joe Buck to leave Fox Saturday Baseball. I called for this two years ago.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball writes that Frank McCourt is threatening legal action to hold onto the Dodgers.

Barry Petchesky of Deadspin has video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy being amused by a Red Sox fan wearing a chicken hat. I found out later that she’s the sister of writer Joe Meloni who covers the Hockey East conference for College Hockey News.

And that’s where I’ll leave it for now. Lots of links today.

Mixing Up Some Sunday Links

Let’s do some linkage on this lazy Sunday.

Kari Lipschutz of Adweek writes that it’s a photo finish in the race to the US rights to the 2014/16 Olympics.

Rachel Cohen of the Associated Press looks into the Olympic bidding.

David Lieberman and Patrick Hipes at Deadline wonder what losing the Olympics could mean to NBC.

Jaqueline Magnay of the London (UK) Telegraph says the longtime Olympics rightsholder BBC is watching the US TV bidding with more than casual interest.

Glenda Korporaal of The Australian notes that current Australian Olympics rightsholder 9 Network is hoping it will keep the Games after taking them away from 7 Network for 2010/12.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News handicaps the Olympics bidding among the US networks.

Mike says viewership for the first two games of this year’s NBA Finals are outpacing the ratings from last year.

Mike writes that the NBC Sports Group is all over collegiate rugby this weekend.

Jackie Finlan of Rugby Magazine says NBC has put its full support behind airing rugby.

Pat Yasinkas at ESPN.com mourns the passing of Tampa Tribune sports editor Tom McEwen.

Phil Swann at TV Predictions asks if sports can save 3-D TV. I doubt it.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times reviews the new book on Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post decides that ESPN is to blame for the world coming to an end.

Mike Harrington at the Buffalo News writes that MLB Network is trying to generate excitement over the MLB Draft.

Bob Fernandez of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that it’s time for Comcast to step up to the plate for the Olympics bidding.

Tim Whitaker at Philadelphia Magazine has this profile of Comcast SportsNet host Michael Barkann.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner notes that sports on television continues to gain traction with viewers.

Joey Johnston of the Tampa Tribune has the obituary for former sports editor and columnist Tom McEwen.

Mike Baldwin of the Daily Oklahoman speaks with ESPN softball analyst Michele Smith.

Kent Sterling reacts to Fox Sports Indiana dropping Pacers pregame host and sideline reporter Stacy Paetz.

Blair Kerkhoff at the Kansas City Star looks at the Big 12 distributing its TV revenue more evenly to member schools.

Woody Paige of the Denver Post has his look at “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside The World at ESPN.”

Kyle Ringo of the Boulder (CO) Daily Camera writes that Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott will hold some marquee events and games for the Conference’s in-house TV network.

Jill Painter of the Los Angeles Daily News says former Dodger Steve Garvey would join fellow ex-Dodger and current ESPN’er Orel Hershiser in a potential bid to buy the team from Frank McCourt.

Ferd Lewis of the Honolulu Advertiser notes that the Mountain West Conference now has to play catch up with the Pac-12 after it signed a megabucks TV deal last month.

Gayle MacDonald of the Toronto Globe and Mail says the Canadian TV landscape is getting crowded with the increased amount of players for sports TV rights.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing says ESPN’s Marty Reid wrongly called last night’s finish of the NASCAR Nationwide Race wrong. Oops.

Brandon Stroud at With Leather gets on UFC’s brainless analyst Joe Rogan for calling MMA writer Maggie Hendricks “a cunt”. Joe is an ass.

Sports Media Watch looks at NBC’s ratings for the first weekend of the French Open.

SMW notes that the PGA Tour’s ratings continue to rise this year.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that after getting off to a good start, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals hit a big ratings brick wall on Saturday.

Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski also looks at the NHL’s mediocre ratings on Saturday.

Joe Favorito takes a look at two MLB teams which are trying to reach fans beyond their local areas.

SportsbyBrooks is looking into ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s relationship with 7-on-7 summer football camps which have come under scrutiny of the NCAA and the SEC.

Corey Nachman of the Business Insider Sports Page looks at the 20 Worst Sports Ads of All Time.

Sox & Dawgs has the video of NESN’s Jerry Remy making fun of on his on-air partner Don Orsillo’s capsizing of a paddle boat on Friday.

And I worked extra hard to squeeze as many links as I did today. I hope you enjoy them.

Quick Sunday Linkage

The last couple of days have killed me going to New York on Friday for business then having to go to work on Saturday preventing me from really reacting to the Dick Ebersol resignation. I will do a Sunday thoughts column today and also start answering the mailbag. Good questions from all of you. If you want to squeeze question in, you can send it to kzf1@fangsbites.com and I do have some swag for you.

But let’s do some linkage first.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News talks about Tennis Channel and ESPN2 beginning their two weeks of French Open coverage today.

Mike says thanks to free previews, Tennis Channel’s audience will expand for the French Open.

Jessica E. Vascellero and Sam Schechner of the Wall Street Journal write that NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol clashed with Comcast corporate officials over money.

Marisa Guthrie at the Hollywood Reporter explains why Dick Ebersol chose to resign.

Brent Lang at The Wrap wonders what Ebersol’s next move will be.

Michael Malone of Broadcasting & Cable says NBC local affiliates really appreciated Dick Ebersol’s support of the broadcast stations.

Jon Lafayette of B&C notes that upfront ads have been selling fast and furious for the NFL despite the uncertainty over its season.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek writes that automakers are buying up the available Super Bowl XLVI spots making NBC quite happy.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy reports that ESPN has reupped analyst Cris Carter for Sunday NFL Countdown.

Steve Jones of USA Today reviews the 2nd volume of the ESPN Films 30 for 30 DVD gift set.

Rick Chandler of NBCSports.com reviews the whole Chris Berman “You’re with me, Leather” incident that the Swami tried to deny in the new ESPN book.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at the new ESPN book and recounts some of his experiences at the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

Chris Ariens of SportsNewser notes that CNN’s John King (a URI alumnus and a guy with whom I attended journalism classes) caught David Ortiz’s 300th career home run at Fenway Park.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe previews tonight’s MLB Network airing of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series.

William S. Paxton of the Stamford (CT) Advocate catches up with Chris Berman to talk about the NFL.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says Dick Ebersol won’t have a chance to redeem himself from the heavy financial losses from the 2010 Olympics.

At the New York Post, Phil Mushnick says taped Olympics and XFL brought down Ebersol’s legacy. Leave it to the Gloomster to find something negative.

Newsday’s Neil Best notes that the new book on ESPN has definitely struck a chord.

Greg Connors at the Buffalo News talks with Tennis Channel’s Mary Carillo.

In the Philadelphia Inquirer, John Gonzalez speaks with ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi about replacing Josh Elliot on the daily morning SportsCenters. You’ll have to mute the autoplay video that starts as soon as the page loads. Just a warning.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com talks about the spike in TV ratings for the Baltimore Orioles.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with Mary Carillo about her move to Tennis Channel.

Jodi Belgard at the Alexandria (LA) Town Talk profiles a local student who got an internship with ESPN.

Mel Bracht at the Daily Oklahoman notes that ESPN’s NBA analysts were critical of the Oklahoma City Thunder last night.

Philip Hersh of the Chicago Tribune has Dick Ebersol saying that he expects NBC/Comcast to put forth a very strong bid for the 2014/16 Olympics.

Bryce Miller in the Des Moines (IA) Register talks with ESPN/ABC NASCAR analyst Brad Daugherty.

Bryce also profiles the technician from Iowa who’s working ESPN on ABC’s production of today’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

Trevor Hughes of The Coloradoan recaps Denver News columnist Woody Paige’s honoring by Colorado State University about his piece last year about the suicide of a Broncos player and his brush with killing himself.

Dick Harmon from the Deseret (UT) News writes about BYUtv preparing to add more sports coverage to its agenda.

John Maffei at the North County Times reports that the San Diego Padres and Fox Sports are about to come together on a two decade, nine figure deal.

Michael Oliveira of the Toronto Globe and Mail says CBC is no longer bullish on 3-D TV.

EPL Talk says ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel have improved their English Premier League coverage, but still have a ways to go.

Sports Media Watch says the ratings Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on ESPN were up from last year.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the ratings for Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference Final on Versus.

Ian Bethune of Sox & Dawgs has the video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy cracking up on the air again.

And that will do it.

A Very Busy Set of Monday Links

I spent the morning away from the office and after lunch, I’ve been dealing with crazy shit so I’m just getting to the links late this afternoon. I’ll put in as many as I can. This week is shaping up to be very busy so just bear with me as you may not see links for a couple of days. I will post press releases when I can.

The sports blogosphere has been abuzz with the release of the first excerpt from the new book on the Alleged Worldwide Leader, “Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside The World of ESPN” co-written by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales. I am working on getting James as a guest for the Sports Media Weekly podcast for either next week or the week following.

In any event, the excerpt published in this week’s GQ Magazine looks at the tidal wave known as Keith Olbermann and his time co-anchoring SportsCenter with Dan Patrick.

Of course, Keith already has an opinion on the excerpt and has responded on Twitter. Dashiell Bennett of the Business Insider’s Sports Page recaps so I don’t have to.

At Sports Business Journal, John Ourand and Tripp Mickle report that ESPN parent company, Disney, is looking to sweeten the pot for its bid for the 2014/16 Olympic TV rights.

Also from the SBJ, John and Terry Lefton look at the impact of the old XFL on both the NFL and on the league’s TV partners.

Terry also writes about one particular XFL technical innovation that is gone, but not forgotten.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch has his Media Power List for April.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says the arrest of ESPN’s Matthew Barnaby over the weekend is another example in a long line of bad behavior among the network’s personalities.

Brian Clapp at Sports TV Jobs has some of the funniest typographical errors on sports TV.

Marcus Vanderberg at SportsNewser notes that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have turned down an invitation to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks this summer, and say it with me, provided there is an NFL season.

Speaking of which, Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk says the NFL has confirmed that there is an option to shutdown the league if the lockout is lifted by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell reports that several NFL players have been told by their agents not to work out as they won’t be covered by the team if they get hurt.

Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe confirms that NESN’s Jerry Remy is back in the booth tonight.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says there’s a high anticipation to read the new ESPN tome by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels YES’ Michael Kay is embellishing the truth when it comes to Yankee Stadium’s attendance.

Newsday’s Neil Best notes that the NBA’ Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 outrated Red Sox-Yankees in New York.

Evan Weiner in the New Jersey Newsroom says fans are getting the short stick.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times looks at the weekend that was in sports TV.

Doug Demmons of the Birmingham (AL) News was surprised to see Fox go split screen during yesterday’s NASCAR coverage.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says the ESPN/ABC crew gave praise to the Oklahoma City crowd during Game 7 of the Thunder-Memphis Grizzlies series.

Bob Wolfley looks forward to the new ESPN book.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says a new charity event will carry the legacy of the late Cubs legend Ron Santo.

In the Kansas City Star, Bruce Dancis reviews the 2nd DVD box set of the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary series.

Dusty Saunders from the Denver Post says April 18, 2011 will live forever in the annals of the National Hockey League.

Scott Terrell of the Tucson Citizen talks about the Pac-12 TV contract and what it means for fans.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News has the sports calendar for this week.

Tom looks at the first excerpt of the new ESPN book.

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail feels CBC did not do enough reporting on Derek Boogaard’s death.

Raju Mudhar of the Toronto Star tells aspiring sportscasters to be careful what they wish for if they want to enter a new Canadian TV contest.

Sports Media Watch talks about the record NBA ratings for TNT.

In the Huffington Post, Colorado University journalism student Weston Gentry responds to Rick Reilly’s speech to his alma mater.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the ratings for Versus throughout the NHL Conference Semifinals.

EPL Talk says with it being Survival Sunday, fans should tell both ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel what games they want to see.

I’m going to end it there.

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

Doing Some Monday Links

Been shuffling in between two offices and haven’t been able to provide you with the latest information, but luckily, it hasn’t been sports media news that’s been breaking, it’s been the Osama bin Laden news that’s been dominating our news cycles since 10 last night. You can go to the news sites to get the latest information on how the commando raid was conducted and how the President approved the mission. It’s all quite compelling reading, but my suggestions are to go to the New York Times, Politico, CNN and Mashable (it has how Twitter blew up during the announcement). It’s all amazing and stuff you should read when you have a chance.

I’ll do the links now.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that this year’s ratings for the NFL Draft showed that viewers were wary of lockout news.

Hiestand talks with Sunday Night Baseball announcer Dan Shulman who broke the news of Osama bin Laden’s killing to some viewers.

And Michael says Game 1 of the NBA’s Miami Heat-Boston Celtics 2nd round playoff series was a ratings blockbuster for ESPN on ABC.

Spencer E. Ante and Nat Worden of the Wall Street Journal report that the NFL is negotiating with several cable and satellite providers to put NFL Network programming on tablets.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated says NFL Network had the big scoop of NFL Draft weekend.

Michael David Smith at Pro Football Talk writes that ESPN and Suzy Kolber are hearing criticism for her manipulative interview at the NFL Draft with Mark Ingram.

Barry Pachesky of Deadspin goes inside the moment when Suzy Kolber made Mark Ingram cry on national television.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News says there are three California sports teams whose media rights are in a state of flux currently.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry has five reasons as to why it’s still a good time to become a sportswriter.

Sean Deveney at the Sporting News says the NBA’s TV ratings continue their upward trend.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter says hockey has helped UFC become extremely popular in Canada.

Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has the audio of WFAN’s Mets voice Howie Rose explaining why there were chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” during last night’s Mets-Phillies game.

Over to Sean Leahy of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy who says NBC has made contingency plans in case Saturday’s Game 5 of Tampa Bay-Washington runs into the network’s Kentucky Derby coverage.

Kelly Dwyer at Yahoo’s Ball Don’t Lie blog notes the super ratings for TNT’s NBA playoff coverage.

At the Biz of Baseball, Maury Brown goes inside MLB’s social media policy.

The Nielsen Wire blog notes that Super Bowl ads take most of the spots in the 10 Most Liked Ads of 2011 to date.

The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham notes that NESN’s Jerry Remy will miss his 6th consecutive Red Sox game behind the mic due to health problems, but this one is not as serious as his cancer scare in 2009.

Jim Gerweck of The Daily New Canaan (CT) has ESPN Dictator George Bodenheimer waxing poetic on the early days of the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

Mike Cardillo of the Stamford (CT) Advocate prefers the way Versus presents the NHL over ESPN’s old approach.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with ESPN’s Bobby Valentine who was shaken over the news that Osama bin Laden was killed.

Neil says ESPN proceeded with caution as to when to break the bin Laden killing to the Sunday Night Baseball audience.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post finds it hard to listen to Yankees radio voice John Sterling.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette writes that the local Fox affiliate will air its Sunday NASCAR show tonight following a pre-emption last night.

Ken says his Phillies fans came through last night as the Osama bin Laden story broke.

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette defends the work of blatant Penguins homer announcer Paul Steigerwald.

Cindy Boren at the Washington Post’s Early Lead blog says Giants coach Tom Coughlin and former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling both weighed in on the bin Laden killing.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner notes that the NBA Playoff’s TV ratings are setting records again.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times goes over the weekend in sports television. I totally disagree with his thoughts on hockey charlatan Pierre McGuire.

In the Louisville Courier-Journal, ESPN’s Pat Forde recounts the time he substituted for Erin Andrews and disappointed a lot of fans.

Mac Engel at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram asks ESPN and other sideline reporters to stop using “told me” in a sentence.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post says playoff thrillers are helping the NBA’s popularity and ratings.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has a look at the Southern California sports calendar for this week.

Marty James from the Napa Valley (CA) Register has NBC’s Johnny Miller hoping to attract a pro golf event to a local resort he co-owns.

Raju Mudhar of the Toronto Star says Twitter and social media are giving sports teams plenty of agita.

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that UFC helped Torontonians forget about their troubles for one night.

Sports Media Watch has some various ratings news and notes.

SMW says NBA TV averaged just over half a million viewers for the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says NBC had a mixed bag for its pair of NHL playoff games over the weekend.

Steve also has the local ratings for NBC’s NHL games.

Joe Favorito says sports marketers should be tapping New York’s Times Square for more events.

Stephen Douglas of The Big Lead talks with former ESPN.com golf writer Jason Sobel about why he’s moving to Golf Channel.

That’s going to do it for today. I hope to get back onto a regular schedule for blogging tomorrow.

NESN Announces Red Sox Coverage Plans For 2011

This from NESN, a.k.a. The New England Sports Network, we have their coverage plans for the Boston Red Sox. Overall, NESN will carry 150 regular season games plus plenty of pregame and postgame programming. In addition, there will be weekly programming involved. Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy return to call the games in their 11th season together. Heidi Watney will be the on-field reporter to cover breaking stories and conduct interviews. Tom Caron is back as studio host and he’ll be joined by a host of analysts including Peter Gammons, Dennis Eckersley and Jim Rice. We have the particulars from NESN.

NESN ANNOUNCES 2011 RED SOX SEASON PLAN

Spring Training Game Ratings on NESN Up 108%

BOSTON, MA – Charging into the 2011 regular season with impressive spring training ratings, NESN will launch its 28^th season of Red Sox coverage on Friday, April 1 from Arlington, Texas when the team will face the defending American League Champion Texas Rangers. NESN’s opening day coverage will begin at 3:00 PM with the premiere of the network’s new half-hour pre-game show Red Sox First Pitch. Red Sox GameDay LIVE will begin at 3:30 PM with live game coverage at 4pm.

Don Orsillo, Jerry Remy and Heidi Watney will lead NESN’s broadcast of 150 exclusive, high definition Red Sox games. The network’s 2011 Red Sox programming will offer unprecedented team access including micing of players, in-game interviews and post game appearances by Red Sox players. The game telecasts will introduce new robotic cameras in both dugouts at Fenway Park. The programming will also include an enhanced production package with new show openings, music and graphics.

“While the Red Sox were making plenty of exciting news this off-season, our NESN team has been creating new and enhanced production elements which will bring the ballpark experience directly to our fans,” said Joel Feld, NESN’s executive vice president of programming and executive producer. “We will have a lot of fun this year micing the players, using innovative camera angles and telling more in-depth stories about the players.”

NESN’s pre and post-game studio programming will be led by host Tom Caron. Caron will be joined by NESN’s lineup of analysts Dennis Eckersley, Peter Gammons and Jim Rice, all members of Baseball’s Hall of Fame. The network will again originate its home pre-game coverage from Yawkey Way, the most unique outdoor setting in baseball. This year many post-game shows will also be produced from NESN’s Yawkey Way stage and feature live appearances by Red Sox players, questions from fans, in-depth game analysis and clubhouse interviews.

NESN’s 2011 Red Sox Programs and Talent

Game Coverage

• Play-by-Play  – Don Orsillo (11^th year)
• Analyst – Jerry Remy (24^th year)
• Reporter – Heidi Watney (4^th year)

Pre-Game Coverage

• Red Sox First Pitch – half-hour show that airs one-hour before the start of every game
• Red Sox GameDay LIVE – half-hour before every game
• Red Sox Monster Monday – Half hour special, Starts 90 minutes before every Monday night game
• Friday Night Fenway – Half hour special, Starts 90 minutes before every Friday night home game
• Host – Tom Caron (8^th year)
• Analysts – Dennis Eckersley (9^th year), Jim Rice (9^th year), Peter Gammons (2^nd year)

Post-Game Coverage

• Extra Innings LIVE – half-hour show that airs immediately following the game
• Red Sox Final – a second half-hour of post-game coverage that airs immediately after Extra Innings LIVE
• Same talent team as pre-game shows

Weekly Programs

• The Ultimate Red Sox Show with Heidi Watney – Every Sunday at Noon featuring in-depth interviews with players and other team personnel. Season premiere: Sunday. April 10.
• Red Sox Report – Weekly look at the team’s off-the-field work

NESN is in its 28th season of covering the Red Sox dating back to 1984. Time Warner Cable and Bright House subscribers receiving NESN National will receive the pre and postgame shows, but not the actual games unless they subscribe to the MLB Extra Innings out-of-market pay per view package.

NESN Celebrates Jerry Remy’s 3,000th Game As Broadcaster

It hard to believe that Jerry Remy has been the Red Sox analyst on NESN dating back to 1988. At first, he was cable-only, teamed with Ned Martin, then eventually doing both broadcast and cable when WABU-TV purchased the over the air rights from WSBK in 1995. Since then, he’s been the every day analyst during the regular season and on Sunday, he reached his 3,000th game.

NESN decided to celebrate Remy’s milestone by looking back at three of his funnier moments.

Since you can’t see those videos due to MLB restrictions, I’ll post two of them for you here. First, the air guitar incident where Jerry fell off the desk. 

Next, here’s my all-time favorite, the pizza throw! Here it comes!

Unfortunately, I can’t find the third clip of Raymond the Tampa Bay Rays mascot going after Jerry, but trust me, it’s pretty funny. That will do it. Congratulations, Jerry on 3,000 games as a Red Sox broadcaster.

Some Sunday Links

I’ll do a few links on this Sunday before I head out to check out Baltimore today. Nice to see the Red Sox fans whom I had exchanged tweets on Twitter over the last year in person last night. Certainly a fun time.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News talks with Gavin Harvey, the new CEO of the Sportsman Channel.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times has a brief look at Marv Albert’s departure from Westwood One Radio and Monday Night Football.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says New York Knicks owner James Dolan got an unlikely assist from former adversary Mayor Michael Bloomberg in courting free agent LeBron James.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post decides to handicap the US-England World Cup match.

From the Buffalo News, Greg Connors profiles a local sports talk show host.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says the NBA Finals Game 1 got good ratings.

Friend of Fang’s Bites Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner looks at TNT taking over for Fox on the NASCAR beat.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News has your World Cup primer.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel lobbies for Kevin Harlan to take over for Marv Albert on Monday Night Football.

Artie Gigantino from the San Francisco Examiner calls Larry King’s interview of LeBron James, “a gem”

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the video of how many Los Angelenos found out about former UCLA coach John Wooden’s passing.

The Sports Media Watch says Fox had its lowest ratings ever for NASCAR. Again.

SMW also has its Weekend Ratings Predictions.

To Puck The Media and Steve Lepore who has the preliminary Versus college football schedule.

Ian Bethune of Sox & Dawgs has the hilarious video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy reacting to two women at Friday’s Red Sox-Orioles game asking them out on a date.

I’m going to end it there as it’s checkout time here at the Mt. Washington Conference Center. Had a great time with the Red Sox tweeps. I hope to do it again soon.

Busy Sports Monday Linkage

We have a lot of stuff going on today. You have the NCAA men’s basketball National Championship game between Butler and Duke. There’s MLB Opening Day in earnest with a whole host of games. And of course, the Tiger Woods press conference at The Masters. Let’s get to the linkage.

Starting with the great Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated looks at the media covering the Tiger Woods press conference today.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand talks with CBS’ Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg about Butler’s impact on the NCAA Tournament.

Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk notices that someone at ESPN screwed up royally today.

John Consoli of Mediaweek says advertising for the first two months of the MLB regular season is almost sold out for the sport’s TV partners.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says Universal Sports has tapped a former Fox Cable executive to lead the network.

Mike says SNY plans all-access coverage for the New York Mets season opener today.

Louisa Ada Seltzer of Media Life Magazine says CBS is hoping for a close game and excellent ratings for the NCAA Championship Game tonight.

The Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center has dispatched its students to the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis over the last week and they’ve cranked out some very good stories. I’ll link you to one right now. John Patischnock talks with St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist and frequent ESPN guest Bryan Burwell about the diversity of college basketball announcers and analysts on TV and radio.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Butler merchandising has blown up the last two years.

In the Sporting News, Dan Levy of On The DL discusses a whole bunch of issues including the NCAA Championship, ESPN’s MLB analysts, Erin Andrews and other stuff. 

Very good article in the New York Times by Big Ten Network host Dave Revsine passing his love of the Chicago White Sox to his oldest daughter just like his dad with him.

Katherine Q. Seelye of the Times went to Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill in Boston to find out who would pay $500 for the season to watch Red Sox games on TV.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times-Union has the tip time for tonight’s NCAA Championship game.

Pete says MLB Extra Innings out of market pay per view package is free on digital cable and DirecTV this week.

Tim Wilkin of the Times-Union speaks with ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose. 

Ken Schott at the Schenectady Gazette notes the first bad home run call of the season by New York Yankees voice John Sterling.

Ken McMillan at the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says it’s time for baseball on TV. 

Earl Holland at the Delmarva (MD) Daily Times says FM sports talk comes to the local area as of today. 

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says MASN will be all over today’s Nationals season opener.

Jim says ESPN and ESPN2 have a full slate of MLB games on Opening Day.

Jim says John Riggins’ new radio show premieres on an HD channel this week.

Jim previews tonight’s NCAA Championship game.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times anticipates today’s Tiger Woods press conference.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says watching baseball on TV hasn’t been any better than today.

Mel looks at the MLB teams available on radio in Oklahoma.

Mel also has the MLB teams available on TV.

Mel has the MLB TV schedule for Fox Sports Oklahoma. 

Mel explores the MLB ratings for the Oklahoma City Fox TV affiliate.

Mel has the national MLB TV schedule for the next two months.

Mel looks at the offseason announcer moves in MLB.

In the Cincinnati Enquirer, John Kiesewetter talks with Reds announcer Thom Brennaman who looks forward to spending more time with the kids.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is not a fan of the NCAA Tournament expanding from 65 teams.

Duane Dudek of the Journal Sentinel writes that Brewers flagship radio station WTMJ will go all out for Opening Day. 

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says Frank Thomas will have a role on White Sox games on Comcast SportsNet this season.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune waxes poetic on the late Jack Brickhouse.

Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Sun-Times discusses Comcast SportsNet using an ad agency to help promote its on-air talent. 

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post writes that Tiger at The Masters is the big sports story of the week.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News had the privilege of speaking with legendary Dodgers voice Vin Scully.

Tom has more with Vin in his blog. I got so engrossed with the interview that I forgot I was doing links.

From the Toronto Star, Chris Zelkovich notes that Blue Jays voice Jerry Howarth is still going strong after 30 years with the club.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that it’s a big day at Augusta National Country Club as Tiger Woods takes the podium.

Bailey Stephens at MLB.com looks at how MLB Network is gearing up for its 2nd full season of coverage.

The Sports Media Watch has its Weekend Ratings Predictions. 

Comcast demonstrates what’s in store for those who can watch The Masters in 3-D.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media looks at the playoff TV situation in both the US and Canada if the postseason began today.

There you have it. Plenty of linkage for today.

A Few Saturday Links

As Championship Weekend continues in college basketball, time to do some linkage while I can.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says while the eyes of March will be focused on CBS and CBS College Sports for the NCAA Tournament, several networks are looking towards the summer when negotiations on a new TV contract could begin.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says if Tiger Woods makes his return to the Tavistock Cup, you and I won’t be able to get tickets.  

David Goetzl of Mediapost looks at ESPN producing a two hour sports block for ABC. 

Alistair Barr of Marketwatch.com says ESPN may have ticked off American soccer fans by hiring an all-British announcing crew for the World Cup.

Ron Chemelis of the Springfield (MA) Republican notes that NESN’s Jerry Remy is back doing Red Sox Spring Training games, although today’s game was barely seen due to technical difficulties.

Dan Lamothe of the Republican’s Red Sox Monster blog says Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz appeared on a Comedy Central show this week.

Pete Thamel and Richard Sandomir of the New York Times look at the possible expansion of the NCAA Tournament and what it could mean for CBS or any network that becomes the official TV partner.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News gets an update from Sabres TV analyst Mike Robitaille who’s been recuperating from a car accident earlier this year.

Laura Nachman says actor Corbin Bernsen will be talking to a Philadelphia sports radio show about his movie, Major League.

In the Washington Examiner, Jim Williams says college basketball dominates the docket today.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks at how pay per view has become the big player in boxing.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says Tulsa native and former New York Knick John Starks  plays a prominent role in ESPN’s documentary on Reggie Miller.

In his media notebook, Mel has some various news and notes.

Suzanne Hoholik of the Columbus Dispatch goes behind the scenes with the Fox Sports Ohio production crew during a Blue Jackets game. 

Sandy Gholston at Michigan Live says CBS College Sports is attempting to bring NCAA Division II sports to the forefront.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News posts his Friday column which was missing for some reason at the paper’s website.

Leighton Ginn from the Desert Sun in Palm Springs, CA says the BNP Paribas tennis Open will be on TV more than ever this year. 

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says the Olympics were very good to the radio partner of the Canadian Olympics Broadcast Media Consortium.

The Sports Media Watch notes that last week’s Honda Classic did decently on NBC.

Amanda Bruno at Batter-up with Bruno was none too pleased over NESN’s technical difficulties today.

Neither was Ian Bethune at Sox & Dawgs.

Chris Byrne at the Eye on Sports Media is puzzled over the confusion over one particular English Premier League game today that Fox Soccer Channel said it carried live, but ESPN “spoiled”.

The Big Lead says that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco is telling ESPN, “Child, please.”

The Big Lead also ranks ESPN’s college basketball analysts. 

And we’re done.

Is Paying $500 To Sit In A Bar For Red Sox Games Worth It?

Earlier today, I linked to a couple of stories that were critical of the idea of Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill charging $500 for fans to sit inside the establishment to watch Red Sox games. The whole idea is for patrons to pay the fee, then the customers get a $25 food credit and theoretically, if you go 20 times, you get your money back. But is it worth it to go to a bar to pay that fee to watch a game on TV?

Well, leave it to CNBC’s Darren Rovell to explore the possibilities and to see whether an individual should pay the price. And we have this video of Darren explaining the worth to CNBC anchor Erin Burnett.

Always great to have Darren who’s much smarter than I explain this. As he says in the report, the program is more geared towards businesses rather than individual customers and it would be worth for corporations to pay the price and give the tickets to their employees or clients. We’ll see if the season ticket program spreads to other establishments.

Doing Some Thursday Link Action

Let’s give you some links on this Thursday.

ESPN Ombudsman Don Ohlmeyer discusses the suspension of Tony Kornheiser and the coverage of the Tiger Woods story.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News says Turner Sports has launched a new iPhone app. 

Katy Bachman of Mediaweek says the Chicago Bears had the biggest radio audience of all NFL teams.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell gets reaction from “One Shining Moment” composer David Barrett about CBS using Jennifer Hudson to sing a new rendition of his song for the NCAA Tournament.

Eric Wilbur of the Boston Globe isn’t too thrilled about the business practices at the new restaurant owned by NESN Red Sox analyst Jerry Remy.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks at the demolition of the old Yankee Stadium.

Richard Goldstein of the Times has an obituary of former LA Rams defensive lineman Merlin Olsen who became an actor and an NFL analyst for NBC and later CBS. Olsen died at the age of 69 of Mesothelioma. In 1979, Olsen was teamed with Dick Enberg forming one of the best NFL announcing teams in TV history lasting until 1989. Olsen also acted appearing in “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy”. Olsen was known as a gentle giant, but also formed one of the best defensive front lines in NFL history as part of the “Fearsome Foursome” with the Rams in the 1960′s.

Also from the Times, Stuart Elliot says computer chip manufacturer Intel is buying ads all over the place including during the NCAA Tournament on CBS.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with CBS’ Dick Enberg who has 50 years of NCAA Tournament memories.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes about a cooking segment that the Miami Heat is producing along with cable TV partner Sun Sports.

The Orlando Business Journal talks about ESPN signing an 8 year rights deal with the Citrus Bowl. 

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer has Fox Sports Ohio’s alternate channels for today’s college basketball action.

Writing for the Muncie (IN) Star-Press, Dom Christi of Ball State University says CBS has reason to believe that it will have decent ratings for the NCAA Tournament. 

Jim O’Donnell in the Chicago Sun-Times talks with ESPN college basketball analyst Steve Lavin about the rumors of him going to DePaul.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gives praise to ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb (scroll down).

Bob Mayhall of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat says Fox Sports Midwest’s Dan McLaughlin may not be calling the Blues this season, but he’s busier than ever.

Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star writes that Big 12 fans are not enthralled with ESPN’s Brent Musburger and Bob Knight. 

Keith Thursby of the Los Angeles Times has an extensive obit of Merlin Olsen.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News also remembers Olsen.

Here’s a very nice tribute to Olsen by NFL Films President Steve Sabol.

Pat Hickey in the Montreal Gazette feels the boost hockey received during the 2010 Olympics will be very shortlived.

Friend of Fang’s Bites Cameron Frye at the Beantown Athletic Supporters properly gets on Jerry Remy for one particular charge at his new restaurant.

I’ll finish it there.

An Actual Post with Links!

After spending most of yesterday and this morning at the home office, I’m now at my regular place of work and can give you some links. It always throws me off when I’m at the home office and have to behave.

A couple to tell you in the interim. I almost was a guest on Fox News yesterday as Shepard Smith was covering the whole Rick Pitino abortion mess that finally broke on Tuesday. FNC was looking for New England reaction. Unfortunately, just as I about to accept their invitation, Fox News booked another guest. Perhaps down the road, I’ll have another chance to go on. If I do, you’ll be the first to know.

I’m also trying to listen to the on-air stream for Boston’s new sports radio station, WBZ-FM, 98.5 The Sports Hub. As scheduled, the stream went on just before 1 p.m. today, but because so many people are trying to listen to the debut, the server crashed and I missed the first minutes of Michael Felger & Tony Massarotti’s debut. Around ten minutes in, the stream came back, but it cut in and out. I’m not a fan of Michael Felger, but perhaps this can be a good alternative to the 800 lb. sports radio gorilla, WEEI. We shall soon see.

Now, let’s give you some links.

Tripp Mickle of the Sports Business Daily talks about NBC extending its rights deal with USA Gymnastics.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says LeBron James has not been worth the money Nike paid him.

Darren points out that the backboard at which Michael Jordan shot his last shot with the Chicago Bulls is now up for auction.

Darren looks at the creative way the New Jersey Nets are marketing opposing players.

Last thing from Darren. In this video, Darren looks at the sign of the economic times, a local NFL game blackout in San Diego due to slow ticket sales.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks about YES expanding its in-market streaming of live games to Verizon Fios. Yankees games were first streamed on Cablevision systems.

Neil says Mike Francesa and Chris Russo have completed one full year without the other.

Thomas Grillo of the Boston Herald looks at the beginning of WBZ-FM.

Johnny Diaz of the Boston Globe writes about today’s debut of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Ben Collins of the Globe talks about one of the bigger stories in New England to happen last night, the return of Jerry Remy, albeit a short one, to Fenway Park and the NESN booth.

Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald says one of the battles for Remy this season has been with depression following his cancer surgery.

Ian Browne of MLB.com says Jerry still plans on returning to NESN this season, but is not sure exactly when.

The Sports Media Journal’s Keith Thibeault has another interview in his series of talks with NFL play-by-play men. The latest installment is with Buffalo Bills playcaller John Murphy.

Laura Nachman gives us the Eagles Television Network announcing crew.

A few articles from new Friend of Fang’s Bites, Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner.

He says the TNT and PGA.com will be all over the PGA Championship this week.

Jim says Ravens fans will be able to watch tonight’s game against the Redskins on MASN2 and WBAL.

And Jim writes that Redskins fans will also have two outlets to watch the game tonight.

Joey Johnston of the Tampa Tribune talks about former Buccaneers coach Jon Grudin making his ESPN debut tonight.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer enjoyed watching Hard Knocks.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business explores the consolidation of the Tribune Company’s sports departments in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Ed says Chicago Comcast subscribers now have access to ESPN360 online.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News writes that the USFL is actually attempting a comeback.

Chris Dufrense of the Los Angeles Times says the Pac 10 Conference is close to an agreement with the Alamo Bowl.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star tells Canadians that English Premier League games can still be seen on Setanta Sports Canada.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media talks with an associate commissioner at the SEC about its new media and ticket holder policy.

Christy Hammond of the Sports PR Blog says it appears the SEC will tweak the media policy after some backlash.

The Sports Media Watch notes that the T.O. Show saw another increase in viewing last week.

SMW says Tiger Woods helped the Bridgestone Invitational’s ratings on Sunday.

And the SMW has some idle news and notes.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball says now that baseball won’t be in the Olympics in 2016, MLB is now focusing on the World Baseball Classic.

The lovely Kristine Leahy has The Five on WEEI.com.

Ok, you’ve missed the links long enough. I’m done for now.

A Friday Megalink Post

Time to give you the megalinks. Let’s get to them, but as usual, we have the Weekend Viewing Picks.

This weekend, there’s quite a bit of action.

For baseball, Fox gives us St. Louis at Phildelphia among its regional coverage, Saturday at 4. MLB Network will air San Francisco at Colorado, Saturday night at 8. TBS shows Cards-Phils, Sunday at 1:30 and ESPN’s Sunday Night game will the White Sox at Detroit. The full regional split for Fox plus the TBS preview is here.

Also, the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown, NY take place on Sunday as Ricky Henderson, mostly known from his career with the Oakland A’s and Yankees, and Jim Rice of the Red Sox go into the Hall. MLB Network has full coverage starting at 12:30 p.m.

NASCAR heads to Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400 and it marks ESPN’s first race of the Sprint Cup season. That race starts at 2 on Sunday.

Tennis fans have the start of the hard court season and the U.S. Open Series which kicks off in Indianapolis. ESPN2 and Tennis Channel split coverage throughout the weekend.

The PGA Tour is in Canada for the Canadian Open. CBS has weekend coverage.

NBC actually shows live swimming this weekend as the World Aquatics Championships kick off in Rome on Sunday.

A big test for the United States mens’ soccer team takes place on Sunday as the US takes on Mexico in the finals of the Gold Cup from Giants Stadium. Fox Soccer Channel airs the match at 2 p.m.

And there’s the WNBA which ABC carries on Saturday afternoon at 3;30.

The full schedule of viewing along with your primetime picks are here.

Ok, let’s get to your links.

National

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he writes that ESPN is denying that it judges news coverage on its relationships with sports leagues.

Michael also writes about the NFL Draft expanding to three days and two nights.

Sports Illustrated’s Jeff Pearlman talks with CBS Sports reporter Lesley Visser.

SI’s Stewart Mandel says the SEC’s new TV deal puts it light years ahead of other college conferences.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders if more teams will simulcast their TV game broadcasts on radio.

Darren breaks down Lance Armstrong’s new deal with Radio Shack for next year’s Tour de France.

Darren writes some current and past Yankees have bought memorabilia from the old Stadium.

Darren tells us that despite his legal troubles, Ben Roethlisberger’s new Dick’s Sporting Goods will still run on TV.

Joe Favorito says Army is looking to become New York’s football team.

Alex Weprin of Broadcasting & Cable looks at the NFL’s expansion of the Draft for next year.

John Eggerton of B&C writes about Comcast and Golf Channel’s new documentary on the challenges of those who tried to break professional golf’s color barrier.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says the Big Ten Network’s signature studio show will go on the road in August.

The Sports Media Watch feels ESPN’s explanation on its coverage of the Ben Roethlisberger civil lawsuit is not good enough.

However, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban felt ESPN used the proper restraint.

Michael David Smith of Fanhouse writes that ESPN had to pull a report about Michael Vick after the NFL debunked original reports on Twitter.

In the Sporting News, Dan Levy of On the DL feels columnist Jason Whitlock went overboard in his criticisms of the Erin Andrews situation.

Steve Lepore from Puck The Media may have figured out the TSN Wednesday Night Hockey schedule.

Maury Brown from the Biz of Baseball has the new logo for next year’s MLB All-Star Game in Anaheim.

I put this in Follow Friday, but I’ll put here as well. You have got to check out the 24 Hours of StarburyMarbury marathon on Ustream. It’s so funny and compelling to watch.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn from the Boston Globe writes that ESPN executives are hiding under their desks in regards to the Erin Andrews and Ben Roethlisberger stories.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram notices NESN’s silence in regards to Jerry Remy’s return to the booth.

But then today, Barstool Sports caused an uproar by citing “sources” that Remy was going to return tonight.

I e-mailed Gary Roy, a NESN spokesman and he replied, “I was just told about this rumor by three different people in about a 5 minute span.

“The answer is no, Jerry is not returning to the booth tonight. At this point, Jerry has not yet set a date for his return.”

So there you have it officially from NESN. No timetable for Jerry’s return.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes about ESPN banning New York Post’s reporters from TV and radio after the paper published pictures from the Erin Andrews peephole video.

Neil writes that the Mets are slowly fading into oblivion.

In his blog, Neil says ESPN is paying for its too cautious approach to the Ben Roethisberger story. Neil explains why the Erin Andrews story remains in the forefront of many newspapers and newscasts. And Neil points out that the move by the NFL to expand the Draft into primetime on Thursday and Friday has annoyed some West Coast fans.

Of course, Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News takes the opportunity to jump on ESPN on the Big Ben issue.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says we’re hearing too much from athletes’ lawyers.

The Post’s Justin Terranova talks with YES analyst Ken Singleton about the Yankees’ improved play since the All-Star break.

And Justin has five questions for new NBC NFL studio analyst Rodney Harrison.

Jack Bell of the New York Times talks with Fox Soccer Channel analyst Christopher Sullivan who’s been calling the Gold Cup.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says televised poker is not leaving us anytime soon.

Pete says in a span of 12 hours, we got to hear the best and worst in baseball broadcasting. And Pete writes that the four major sports leagues are in court to fight Delaware’s attempt to start legalized sports betting.

Dean Jones, Jr. of the Baltimore Sun says ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt will get his own bobblehead this Sunday.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner has his weekend viewing picks.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times talks with ESPN soccer analyst Alexei Lalas about the sport’s popularity in the U.S.

Jennifer Harper of the Times says one of her colleagues is joining the ESPN Radio DC affiliate.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the NFL is trying to create more buzz by expanding its Draft to three days.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says the Erin Andrews and Ben Roethlisberger stories brought ESPN some unwanted attention.

David Moulton of the Naples Daily News feels ESPN has had one big bad week.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle writes that some decisions will be made soon at a local sports radio station in regards to its lineup.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News wonders when a decision will be made on whether to bring back Texas Rangers TV voice Josh Lewin for next season.

Barry has some thoughts on the recently completed 4th and Long reality show.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman writes that ESPN hopes to end the trend of falling NASCAR TV ratings this year.

Mel reports a local sportscaster may be in line to become the sideline reporter for Oklahoma University football games. Mel has his usual media notebook.

Midwest

Brad VanFossen of the Cleveland Leader has manlove for ESPN Radio’s Colin Cowherd.

In the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bob Wolfley culls some Packer tidbits from the new NFL Kickoff Information Guide.

Paul Christian of the Rochester Post-Bulletin says a local sports radio station is up for a national award.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a sports radio station has spun off its FM unit.

Dan writes that the local WPS team is a ratings dud.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News feels the mtn. botched coverage of the Mountain West Conference’s media days.

Joe Santoro of the Lahontan Valley (NV) News says ESPN represents everything wrong in sports (calling Erin Andrews a “bimbo” is very harsh).

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic looks forward to one particular NFL Network show.

Jay Posner in the San Diego Union-Tribune says a local sports talk show host returns to his former station and finds many of his colleagues gone.

The North County Times’ John Maffei hopes the new Shaquille O’Neal reality show will be must see TV viewing.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times writes that a group of Time Warner Cable customers never got to see Manny Ramirez’s pinch hit home run on Wednesday. Oops.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has his take on the Erin Andrews story.

Tom has his extensive media news and notes in his blog. Tom also reviews the week in blogging.

Howie Stalwick of the Tacoma (WA) News Tribune talks with ESPN’s Cindy Brunson about the Erin Andrews story.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail looks at the Erin Andrews story as well.

And Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star agrees with Jason Whitlock’s take on Erin Andrews and how blogs are to blame for Global Warming.

Lots of links today. That’s it. See you later.

A Saturday Link Day

As I’m in the home office today and also keeping track of Wimbledon thanks to the BBC, I’ll do some links for you.

Newsday’s Neil Best says his newspaper’s website was all over the U.S. Open as well as the NBA and NHL Drafts this week.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette feels the NBA Draft dragged on too long on Thursday.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News laments the disappearing local TV sports report.

Daniel Rubin of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes about a 94 year old Phillies fan who can’t watch her team because her senior citizens residence has DirecTV which is not allowed to pick up Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says FSN Pittsburgh has set its high school football schedule.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writing in the Baltimore-centric Press Box website says Comcast is going to strengthen its web presence for its Mid-Atlantic channel.

Les Carpenter of the Washington Post looks at this year’s crop of players in the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe says New England Patriot Matt Light was one of those involved in the Boot Camps.

The Gamecocks on TV blog has done a great job keeping up with the changing affiliates for SEC football and basketball due to the change in TV contracts to ESPN. It has news on another station change in the SEC footprint.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks with ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla about the Mavericks’ top draft pick.

Ameet Sachdev of the Chicago Tribune says the negotiations between the Tribune Company and the Ricketts family for the sale of the Cubs is now gaining momentum.

The INDenver Times spoke with Colorado Rockies TV voice Drew Goodman.

The Los Angeles Times has removed a blog post on The Superstars due to a similarity with a post on the same subject at ESPN.com.

The Sporting News picks up an article from Tripp Mickle of sister publication Sports Business Journal stating that the NHL made huge strides in the national TV ratings this past season.

The London Daily Mail reports John McEnroe, doing commentary at Wimbledon for NBC and the BBC, is perturbed at not being allowed access to the men’s locker room.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Fox Sports Ohio and STO will be locked in a fantasy baseball battle during tonight’s Reds-Indians game.

Mike also speaks with a departing FSN executive about his long career running a regional sports network.

Two Tweets from sports figures making news.

Red Sox owner John W. Henry said, “Beautiful day for a wedding!” Today is his wedding to Ms. Linda Puzzuti. Congratulations, Mr. Henry and Ms. Puzzuti.

Jerry Remy said about his potential return to NESN, “I appreciate all your support-doing well-going to gym-gained weight back-no issues-have not set return date yet-anxious to get back-Jerry“. Apparently, no rush to bring Jerry back at this time.

Those are the links for today. I’ll be back tomorrow.

Continuing The Friday Megalinks

Before I was interrupted and called away from the office, I was in the midst of doing the Friday Megalinks and was on a roll. Unfortunately, I had to stop where I was. Well, I have time now and I’ll finish what I started.

I’ll see if I can add to the National and Eastern links.

National

NBC’s Bob Neumeier has been hospitalized in Lexington, KY after collapsing during NBC’s production of the Kentucky Oaks on Bravo today.

With the Kentucky Derby coming up, CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks horses. Darren also talks with the lovely Danica Patrick.

Joe Favorito says companies that donate equipment for certain causes is one of the best methods of branding.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says CBS College Sports will be Tweeting at the same time it’s airing certain events.

Over at Puck The Media, James writes of his horror stories trying to find Versus during his travels across the USA.

The Associated Press says ESPN and ABC will be using a new Rob Thomas song for its NBA package.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe reports that NESN Red Sox analyst Jerry Remy has flown home from Tampa after contracting symptoms that kept him out of the booth earlier this spring. Remy missed several games during Spring Training and also missed last night’s game. Buck Martinez is filling in for him for the series.

Dan Lamonthe of the acclaimed Red Sox Monster blog will make an appearance on WEEI and Comcast SportsNet come Saturday morning.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that Michael Strahan is becoming more of a TV personality rather than remaining an ex-football player. Neil writes that SNY has debuted its closed captioning during tonight’s Mets-Phillies game.

Stu Hackel from the New York Times says NHL officials are hiding under their desks, not commenting over Versus’ refusal to air the end of the Devils-Hurricanes Game 7 after its coverage of the Rangers-Capitals game.

A Pittsburgh sports radio host was told to stay home over fears he has the Swine Flu.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Post says the NHL is happy over its TV ratings and visits to its website for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that NBC loves broadcasting the Kentucky Derby.

South

Bob Molinaro of the Virginian-Pilot feels the hype for the Kentucky Derby is too much.

Joseph Person of The State says the University of South Carolina is looking for a new basketball and baseball play-by-play man.

Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald writes that Dolphin Stadium is about to get a new name and I can already hear the jokes.

Andrew Adler of the Louisville Courier-Journal says NBC is now marketing the Kentucky Derby to women.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton is in a new “This is SportsCenter” promo.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News writes that Mavs fans will have to put up with TNT and ESPN if they want to watch their team in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Barry looks forward to watching Game 7 of the Celtics-Bull series on Saturday.

Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle says a former Rockets TV analyst has passed away.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says former Oklahoma City Thunder coach P.J. Carlesimo has praise for his replacement. Mel has his weekly sports media notebook.

Midwest

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal says Fox Sports Ohio has a reason to love the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Marc Katz of the Dayton Daily News waxes poetic about Gillette’s sponsorship of various sports.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press is worried about ESPN’s Chicago-centric website.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the Brewers have extended their TV deal with Fox Sports Wisconsin.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business talks with WGN-TV’s sports production chief Bob Vorwald. Ed says White Sox TV analyst Steve Stone would like to continue to work on sports radio station WSCR. Ed also talks with Steve.

Paul Christian in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin writes that a local cheerleading team having various disabilities will be featured on the Big Ten Network this weekend.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the newest sports radio station in the market is last among the three in the ratings. Dan has the local sports radio numbers from the last ratings period.

West

John Maffei of the North County Times says local blackouts of the Anaheim Ducks are only hurting the NHL, not helping it.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says KLAA Lakers analyst Dean Merrill also has a higher calling. Jim also goes over ESPN’s and NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News writes about his experience calling a minor league baseball game for the first time this week. Tom has more thoughts on how he did in his blog. Tom talks with Jim Rome as he was about to watch the horse he owns race at Hollywood Park. Tom reviews the week in blogging.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times writes that two of the University of Washington’s first three football games have been picked up by national TV.

Canada

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says there’s potential for another black eye for hockey with a possible NBC switch away from the Pittsburgh-Washington game on Saturday. Chris writes that TSN will actually air the CFL Draft for the first time on Saturday.

And we’re done.

Saturday Links, Finally

It sucks when your day is planned for you and you find that you keep getting interrupted for silly little things. I’m at work again, stuck in the home office and trying to actually get work done and hoping to get a link or two in, but I’m finding it extremely difficult today. As I mentioned in the press releases (scroll below or click here), it took me close to five hours to get that particular post up and now I’m trying to do this before another interruption comes in. I hate working on Saturdays.

Anyway, here are the links. I try to get to those that aren’t outdated, but the problem when doing Saturday links, I have to get them up before noon ET as the sporting day usually start around that time.

Starting with David Flores of the San Antonio Express-News who writes his last column for the paper, being one of the victims of a layoff due to budget cuts.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News writes the Texas Rangers radio broadcast team is a mutual admiration society. Barry tries to explain the sports radio ratings. Barry says Houston Texan running back Ryan Moats and his wife will be interviewed on Good Morning America on Monday. Moats was stopped by a policeman as he was speeding to see his dying mother-in-law. We’ve all seen the maddening video by now.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News writes that Western New York is mad about the NCAA Tournament this year.

Good friend Ken Schott (and fellow David Letterman fan) of the Schenectady Gazette has some issues with CBS’ switching during the NCAA Tournament.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media says CBS’ switching of games during the NCAA Tournament may not be in the best interest of fans.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says the Mets made sellouts and fewer seats a priority in the new Citi Field.

Newsday’s Bobby Cassidy, Jr. of the paper’s Trading Paint NASCAR blog talks with ESPN pit reporter and NASCAR Now host Shannon Spake.

Jim Williams of the DC Examiner says CBS gets into the Madness early today … well, earlier today. And Jim says the NCAA Women’s Tournament is back underway today as well. Earlier today as well as a matter of fact.

Ferd Lewis of the Honolulu Advertiser says the Western Athletic Conference is waiting on ESPN so it can release its final football schedule for the fall.

Jennie Rees of the Louisville Courier-Journal reports that ESPN has dropped the Kentucky Derby post-position selection show, leaving HRTV and several local stations to pick it up.

Brandon McClure of the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser says an Alabama State alum has made it big as an online host for Turner Sports, similar to what Friend of Fang’s Bites Beau Estes does during baseball and NASCAR season.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News says HBO is looking at a multiplatform approach for its next 24/7 series.

Greg Sandoval of CNET says Disney’s ESPN could be part of a deal for ABC to join Hulu to share video clips and shows.

The Sports Media Watch says the NBA’s ratings fell hard again last Sunday. Paul Sen of the SMW writes that while the NHL is drawing consistent ratings every week on NBC, they’re still miniscule compared to other sports. And SMW says the NCAA Tournament slam dunked the primetime competition on Friday.

Wrap Around Curl over at Puck The Media has a SportsCenter clip of the Top Ten goaltender blowouts and that includes this week’s Tukka Rask meltdown at my hometown Providence Civic Center (I know it’s called something else, but if the donut company that bought naming rights wants to pay me to call it by its current name, I’ll be more than happy to write it next time, but it’s still the Civic Center to me).

The Sox & Dawgs blog previews another event in the Jerry Remy empire in April.

Ok, that’s going to end the links for today. I’m already seeing Sunday’s stories on various websites and I’d like to save those for Sunday, of course. See you later.

Fox Sports Announcing Assignments for MLB, 09/27/08

Fox has coverage of four games on Saturday. The main game will be the Cubs at Milwaukee. While NESN’s Jerry Remy will work with former Red Sox TV play-by-play man Dick Stockton on the Yankees-Red Sox, I think Mets-Marlins would have been the better choice. Red Sox are in the playoffs and unless the Tampa Bay Rays completely choke over the weekend, the game won’t have a bearing on the seedings.

Once again, we have some funky announcing combos as Josh Lewin works with Mark Grace, Phillies announcer Tom McCarthy has been tapped to work for Fox again and Best Damn Sports Show Period host Chris Rose is teamed with Twins analyst Bert Blyeven.

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers, Josh Lewin & Mark Grace, going to 63% of USA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Greenville, Houston, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tulsa

Probable Pitchers: Ted Lilly, LHP (16-9, 4.17 ERA) vs. Ben Sheets, RHP (13-8, 2.98 ERA)

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, Dick Stockton & Jerry Remy, going to 25% of USA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Hartford, Jacksonville, Miami, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Tampa, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Sidney Ponson, RHP (8-5, 5.21 ERA) vs. Josh Beckett, RHP (12-10, 4.03 ERA)

Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies, Tom McCarthy, Tim McCarver & Ken Rosenthal, going to 7% of USA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington

Probable Pitchers: Odalis Perez, LHP (7-11, 4.27 ERA) vs. Jamie Moyer, LHP (15-7, 3.78 ERA)

Kansas City Royals at Minnesota Twins, Chris Rose & Bert Blyleven, going to 4% of USA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Kansas City, Minneapolis

Probable Pitchers: Gil Meche, RHP (13-11, 4.05 ERA) vs. Glen Perkins, LHP (12-4, 4.50 ERA)

As much as I have killed Fox in the previous weeks, I’ll give the network credit for covering four games this Saturday, but Yankees-Red Sox should have been chucked. It’s not even the main game. This will be the last we’ll see of Fox doing MLB until it covers the National League Championship Series on October 9.

Mid-Week Links or Gearing Up for the NFL

As we steamroll into September, we now just about into football mode. Last month, it was Olympics mode. This month, it’ll be football, then next month, baseball postseason mode. You can pretty much tell what mode I’m in by visiting here every day. Let’s do your links.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times reports that the talks between the NFL and ESPN to put the eight late season NFL Network games on ESPN Classic are at an apparent impasse.

Jeff Richgels in the Capital (WI) Times writes that Charter Communications is not in any rush to add the NFL Network.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says the next phase of NFL TV wars will be the 7 p.m. ET Sunday highlights hour in which ESPN, Fox and NBC will all compete with one another.

ESPN gives details of its new 7 p.m. Sunday SportsCenter which will be co-hosted by Chris Berman and John Saunders.

Larry Barrett of Multichannel News talks about ESPN reuniting most of the original NFL Primetime crew for its 7 p.m. Sunday SportsCenter.

The Sports Media Watch looks at the Sunday SportsCenter overhauls in both the morning and early evening dayparts for the NFL season.

Jeffrey Flanagan of the Kansas City Star says now that the Olympics are over, the Chiefs are back on top of the ratings.

Sam Adams from the Rocky Mountain News talks with Warren Sapp who joins Showtime and the NFL Network this season.

Nate Davis of USA Today says Michael Strahan is the star of the latest installment of NFL Films’ America’s Game that focuses on the New York Giants Super Bowl win last February.

Joe Arnold of the Lancaster (OH) Eagle-Gazette says some Time Warner customers in town saw a Western movie instead of the Youngstown State-Ohio State game on the Big Ten Network.

The great Washington, DC radio-TV news site, dcrtv.com broke news Tuesday that Baltimore is getting a third sports radio station. Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun says the new sports station will launch next Monday. Ray has the talk lineup for the station. Thanks to reader Mark Lipsitz for e-mailing me about this story. In addition, Ray says former Ravens coach Brian Billick will host a monthly show on one of the established Baltimore sports stations.

Brenda Carl of Baltimore station, WCBM, writes in the Baltimore Examiner about the third sports radio station in town. Neal Shaffer, also of the Examiner, handicaps the strengths and weaknesses of each station.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record tells us about ESPN Radio losing an affiliate.

You want more sports radio news? Why not? Sporting News Radio has debuted a new morning show this week, Sporting News Today hosted by former CNN Headline News sports anchor Jerome Jurenovich. And if you’ve missed hearing Jerome, you can listen to him talk about this new show.

Let’s give you some more sports radio news. Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune says former WSCR host Mike North will do a daily show on the internet. And you can hear it here.

Ted Cox of the Chicago Daily Herald also discusses North’s new show.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has a suggestion for Michael Phelps on how to keep his name in the headlines. And Darren got a chance to ride in the DirecTV blimp over the US Open yesterday.

Christopher Byrne’s Eye on Sports Media blog has the NBC Sports/Notre Dame schedule along with the talent and production rosters.

Jerry Greene in the Orlando Sentinel talks with ESPN’s Dick Vitale about his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame this Friday.

Friend of Fang’s Bites, Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball blog has his take on MLB looking to stream live games into local markets next season.

Staci D. Kramer of paidContent.org says MLB is going to wait until next year to stream live local games.

Dan Lamonthe of the Red Sox Monster blog has video of Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia facetiously saying NESN analyst Jerry Remy “stunk” when he played second base. Back in August, Dan explained the whole Dustin “the Agitator” thing.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about a book that ranks Dwayne Wade as the greatest Marquette University basketball player of all time.

Alex Weprin of Broadcasting & Cable reports that Golf Channel has signed a new agreement with Dish Network.

Multichannel News says CBS College Sports is going to air eight high school football games in primetime.

Mike Shields of Mediaweek writes that Dodge and Gillette will be sponsoring microsites on NASCAR.com.

I don’t know who wrote this article in the Washington Times, but it talks about the increased attendance for tennis at the US Open this year.

A lot of links for you today. I’ve got another couple of posts for you so keep your RSS feeds updated.

Some Wednesday Links

Let’s give you some links today.

Starting with the Sports Media Watch which writes that NASCAR got good ratings on TNT Sunday, but they were lower from last year. The SMW says the NBA Finals ended on a high note. And the blog has the final ratings from the weekend.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman writes about Michael Strahan’s Fox Sports press conference yesterday.

From the New York Post, Mark Cannizzaro says TV was not on Strahan’s mind when he retired after the Super Bowl.

Joshua Robinson of the New York Times says the Fox Sports press conference ended up being an edition of Fox NFL Sunday.

George Vescey of the Times writes about ESPN’s Andy Gray who has made a name for himself doing commentary for Euro 2008.

Newsday’s Neil Best says even with the addition of Strahan, Fox has no plans to eliminate any of the other elements of Fox NFL Sunday. Neil says Don Imus didn’t help himself with his explanation of his Pacman Jones comments.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the late George Carlin had some great sports rants. And Bob has comments from Michael Strahan’s press conference yesterday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News writes in his blog that the reaction to Imus and Shaquille O’Neal’s rap on Kobe Bryant is much ado about nothing.

Adam Schmadtke of the Orlando Sentinel writes that a Notre Dame “home” game will be played in Orlando in 2011 and broadcast on NBC.

Jordon Golson of the Industry Standard says Windows Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate users are the only ones who will be able to download NBC’s broadcast of the Olympics in Communist China.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune says Mike North no longer works at WSCR radio. Phil Rosenthal of the Tribune writes that the Sun-Times’ Jay Mariotti is a natural for sports radio.

Doug Doughty of the Roanoke (VA) Times says the University of Virginia has hired a new radio play-by-play man.

Brian Christopherson from the Lincoln (NE) Journal Star tells us that none of the Big 12′s TV partners have picked up any of the first three Nebraska football games. Steven M. Sipple of the Journal Star says it’s no surprise that Nebraska won’t be on national TV.

Antoine Pitts of the Ann Arbor News talks with Big Ten Network president Mark Silverman.

Kyle Nagel of the Dayton Daily News says despite the Big Ten Network having a deal with Comcast, Time Warner Cable shows no sign of agreeing to carry BTN.

Ryan White of The Oregonian tries to find the latest on the distribution for Comcast SportsNet Northwest.

Last night, the Red Sox honored NESN analyst Jerry Remy for his 20 years in the booth. The 38 Cliches blog noticed that Jerry slighted his longtime partner, Sean McDonough.

Joe Favorito says the PGA of America partnering with the WNBA is a good idea.

Awful Announcing reports that ESPN brings back its auction and My Wish for the summer.

That will do it for now.

Your Monday Morning Links

Well, it was Father’s Day yesterday and it was time to take dad out for lunch. I was out of the house for most of the day which meant I could not blog yesterday, but I’m back now and let’s get to the links.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says putting the U.S. Open in primetime paid off for NBC.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says Charlie Jones’ death reminds him of NBC unceremoniously letting him go after losing NFL TV rights in 1997.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes in his blog that the USGA should eliminate its Monday 18 hole playoff. And Neil is grateful that Tiger Woods gets his work done before sunset.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that Tiger will wear the same shirt for the 18 hole playoff that he did for the 4th round of the U.S. Open yesterday.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says the overnight ratings for the 3rd round of the U.S. Open on NBC were very good for a Saturday night.

And the Sports Media Watch says the U.S. Open helped NBC win Saturday night’s primetime race.

Here’s the NBC press release about the Saturday primetime ratings for the U.S. Open.

Tom Jones in the St. Petersburg Times’ Two Cents blog is not a fan of NBC’s Dan Hicks or seeing a lot of Tiger Woods.

Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is enjoying the U.S. Open and the College World Series on TV.

John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal has a very nice article on CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus’ thoughts on his father, Jim McKay’s passing. And nice of the SBJ to make this available to everyone.

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune says sports on demand whether it be on the internet or on TV is the future.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune breaks news that the Big Ten Network and Comcast are about to sign a deal for the channel to be on its cable systems in the Midwest.

Dusty Saunders from the Rocky Mountain News writes that Colorado Avalanche TV announcer Mike Haynes feels lucky to be alive.

ESPN.com’s Jamele Hill apparently wrote a column about Celtics fans that made references to Hitler and the Cold War. Not smart.

The EPL Talk soccer blog likes how ESPN paired Derek Rae and Andy Gray during Euro 2008 over the weekend.

Michael Starr of the New York Post says Fox and ESPN plan to make concerted efforts to get the 2014 and 2016 Olympics from NBC.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News reports that NBC Universal has bought a majority stake in World Championship Sports Network, a broadband service that shows Olympic sports.

Bob Fernandez of the Philadelphia Inquirer talks with Comcast SportsNet President Jon Litner about the network’s strategy. Also from the Inquirer, Michael Klein writes that Comcast has suspended Daily News columnist Bill Conlin for comments made on the network and Klein reports that when Conlin may not return when he’s eligible to come back (scroll down).

Chris Reidy of the Boston Globe has the video of a new Sovereign Bank ad showing NESN Red Sox analyst Jerry Remy playing air guitar. Last year, Remy was shown on NESN playing air guitar before an on-air stint and fell off a table. If you haven’t seen that now-famous incident, here it is:

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star talk about a father and son making their work debut together.

Enjoy the U.S. Open playoff.

The Tuesday Links Just For You

After the Sports Emmy Awards post, I had to go to a meeting so the Tuesday links are delayed, but I’m ready to give them to you now.

Starting with Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, he talks about athletes and coaches who move in-between the broadcast booth to the bench and back.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News suggests that the media boo the New York Mets fans. Ok.

Newsday’s Neil Best mostly focuses on WFAN’s Boomer and Carton morning show which is getting better ratings than its previous morning incarnation.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks about how MLB teams especially the Mets handle rainouts.

The Providence Journal’s Bill Reynolds profiles ESPN’s Chris Berman who speaks at his alma mater, Brown University this week.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call writes about the announcer of the Allentown IronPigs who has seen more than his share of losing.

Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post says Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic took too long to report on an injury to Gilbert Arenas last Thursday night.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune looks at the latest Arbitron ratings for the two sports radio stations in the Windy City.

George M. Thomas from the Akron Beacon Journal says ESPN puts the NFL Draft in proper context.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Packers draft pick Jordy Nelson knew he was getting picked ahead of time.

The Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent reports that KFRV-TV will air three Packers exhibition games and produce them in conjuction with CBS Sports.

The Detroit Free Press talks about tonight’s Game 4 of the Detroit-Colorado series possibly being the last Red Wings game of the season for announcers Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond on FSN Detroit

Maury Brown of the Biz of Basketball site has comments made by TNT’s analysts during their NBA playoff coverage on Sunday.

Jeffrey Flanagan of the Kansas City Star writes that the Royals are hoping a Dallas sports talk show host won’t show up for this week’s series against the Texas Rangers.

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s William Houston says TSN had to schedule Canada’s games in the World Hockey Championships in the afternoon so as not to conflict with the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. And in his blog, Houston asks if CBC’s Don Cherry is qualified to judge a reporter who asked a question to San Jose’s Ron Wilson.

Dave Del Grande of the Oakland Tribune talks to the voices of the Raiders and 49ers and both Greg Papa and Joe Starkey have differing opinions on how their teams fared in the NFL Draft.

The Inside Track girls from the Boston Herald report that Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez filmed a “This is SportsCenter” ad for ESPN yesterday.

The Boston Daily blog from Boston Magazine wonders why Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy was left off the magazine’s list of Most Powerful in the Hub.

Mark Tupper of the Journal Gazette and Times-Courier of Mattoon and Charleston, IL writes about Will Leitch taking on Bob Costas tonight on HBO.

That will do it for now. Primetime and Late Night Viewing Picks coming right up.

A Friday Update

Let’s give you some more links on this getaway Friday.

The voting for Darren Rovell’s Minor League Baseball Logo Contest has reached the Final Four. Darren wants you to vote for one finalist today.

Newsday’s Neil Best has been blogging like crazy today, this despite being on a vacation. But that’s ok. I’m always glad to give you fresh material. He has video from Wednesday in which WFAN’s Mike & the Mad Dog were discussing draining the snake at baseball games. This went on for five hours, I kid you not. Neil says CBS’ 60 Minutes will have an interview with baseball crackpot Bill James this Sunday. Neil reports that 1050 ESPN Radio has signed YES analyst David Cone to be a regular guest with Michael Kay. Neil says Mr. Steroids, Jose Canseco, will be a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday. And Neil tells us that CBS’ Sunday Morning program will look at

Scott Burgess of the Detroit News says Pontiac is a big winner thanks to its extensive sponsorship of the NCAA Tournament and one benefit is that CBS won’t mention stadia and arenas that are sponsored like Ford Field where the Midwest Regional is being played.

Screamin’ Gus Johnson of CBS Sports! March Madness! talks with SI.com’s Extra Mustard blog. Gus also speaks with Spencer Hall of the Sporting News.

The Big Lead has Charles Barkley going after Skip Bayless, Jay Mariotti and Mike Lupica during an interview with Dan LeBatard on 790 The Ticket in Miami.

If you’re a Verizon Wireless subscriber and have a V Cast phone, you’ll be able to listen to ESPN Radio.

Greg Wyshynski of the AOL Fanhouse blog says it appears that the NHL is not going to be returning to ESPN (thanks to Greg to linking to Fang’s Bites in his story).

Broadcast Engineering looks at ESPNews launching in HD this Sunday.

Anne Thompson of Variety says sports-themed documentaries and movies are doing well on the internet.

The Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch says CBS Sports golf analyst Gary McCord will be at the Huntington Classic in July.

Jeff Richgels of the Capital (WI) Times supports the Sirius-XM satellite radio merger saying it’s good for the sports fan and if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that I agree.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with FSN Detroit’s Mario Impemba who goes into his 7th year of calling Tigers cames for the network.

Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says Peachtree TV, the former TBS in Atlanta, hopes to make a splash carrying 45 Braves games this season. Mark Tankersley of the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser says the 45 games from Peachtree TV will be picked up by Charter Communications locally.

Liz Farmer of the Maryland Daily Record says MASN and Comcast are headed back to court.

Christine McConville of the Boston Herald says former Red Sox outfielder and current NESN analyst Jim Rice is launching a blog. If you want to head over to Jim’s blog, the link is here.

Chris Reidy of the Boston Globe says NESN’s Jerry Remy will continue to be the on-air spokesman for Sovereign Bank ads on Red Sox games.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram talks to the voice of the New England Surge of the Continental Indoor Football League. To be honest, I didn’t know this league existed.

Keep it here for Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks, Weekend Viewing Picks and a Friday night update before I end blogging for the day. Keep your RSS feeds updated.