Fang's Bites

Going For Some More Overdue Sports Media Thoughts

Thursday turned out to be quite the crazy day for those of us who follow the sports media beat. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. On any given day, you just don’t know when sports media news will break. We had two stories throw us for a loop. I’ll do the thoughts as always in bullet form.

• We knew the Michelle Beadle story was going to come to a head, we just didn’t know what direction it would take. Finally, we did hear about some movement. And it all moved around 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. Whether Michelle decides to leave ESPN and go to NBC as SportsbyBrooks tweeted on Thursday or remain at the Alleged Worldwide Leader (highly unlikely), she’s going to get paid. I do believe that she will leave, take the job at NBC and be featured on the Olympics this summer, either as a contributor on the Today show, or as a host on one of NBCUniversal’s cable networks, most likely NBC Sports Network.

  I’ve said all along that Michelle’s future is not in sports and if SportsbyBrooks’ tweet is correct, then being a co-host on Access Hollywood with Billy Bush would be right up her alley. And Michelle could always return to sports every two years during the Olympics. But as Michelle herself once told me, the truth will come out soon.

• Now the other piece of sports media news from Thursday was the surprising move by Jason La Canfora to leave NFL Network and join CBS in July to become an NFL insider at its dot com site and on television. As Michael Hiestand of USA Today discovered for Friday’s edition, not only will La Canfora replace Charley Casserly on The NFL Today, he’ll also appear on CBS Sports Network which could have its own Sunday morning NFL pregame show plus other NFL-related programming.

  I thought La Canfora did a good job on NFL Network especially in replacing Adam Schefter in 2009 after he bolted for ESPN. In regards to replacing Jason, NFL Network has recently hired a trio of on-air reporters who could conceivably take his place or it could fill the insider by committee. Whatever direction NFL Network goes in the Insider position, I’m sure it will be someone solid.

• I watched some of ESPNU’s coverage of the SEC Softball Tournament. Beth Mowins did a very good job on the play-by-play. She’s called college football, the Women’s World Cup in Germany in addition to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and she’s called each sport quite well.
• I’m looking forward to Sunday morning when Fox Sports goes all out for the final day of the English Premier League season. All ten games on Sunday will be aired on ESPN2 and nine Fox platforms including Fox Soccer, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports Net, Fuel, FX, Speed, Fox Deportes as well as online. It’s going to be bedlam, but in a good way.

That’s going to conclude the thoughts for now.

Let’s Do Some Linkage, Shall We?

I was in between offices yesterday and could not do the links as I had wanted. Let’s provide some now while I can.

Nate Davis at USA Today writes about ESPN extending the rights to air Monday Night Football and keep the series on cable through 2021.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that tonight’s Presidential jobs speech has forced the networks to change their schedules including NBC regarding tonight’s NFL season opener.

Marisa Guthrie of the Reporter talks about ESPN’s new MNF deal.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says ESPN is in position to air an NFL Wild Card Playoff game sometime in the future.

Adweek’s Anthony Crupi notes ESPN’s eight year NFL extension includes a whole host of digital rights.

Lucia Moses of Adweek says Sports Illustrated is tapping into younger readers’ appetites by going high-tech.

All Access notes that Boston’s sports radio WEEI announced an FM simulcast today.

Also from All Access, Fox Sports Radio nighttime host Tony Bruno is leaving to take a midday hosting job in Philadelphia.

It’s rare that I get a sports media story from Women’s Wear Daily, but I have one today. John Koblin of WWD talks with ESPN tennis courtside reporter Pam Shriver.

Hey, we link to Grantland! Jonah Keri writes that the Texas Rangers are positioning themselves to be an MLB power for the long-term thanks to its mega rights deal with Fox Sports Southwest.

Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid says The Onion’s online parody of ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption is everything its TV sports shows were not.

Timothy Burke at SportsGrid examines the new ESPN/Monday Night Football deal and what it really means.

Congrats to former Yardbarker Managing Editor Alana G. who has left the company and becomes Executive Producer for the San Francisco Chronicle’s website.

Brandon Costa of Sports Video Group writes that ESPN’s “SpiderCam”, the overhead camera providing spectacular shots at the U.S. Open has been added to the tournament’s world TV feed.

Karen Hogan of SVG notes that NBC is pulling out all of the technical stops for Sunday Night Football this season.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that an injured Peyton Manning could cost fantasy players some money.

Darren says the University of Michigan has inserted an audio chip for this week’s game program for the Notre Dame contest.

Jorge Rivas at Colorlines says FoxSports.com has pulled the web series that made fun of Asian USC students not knowing football and also mocking their accents.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe reviews the NFL Films documentary focusing on Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald says WEEI is ramping up for the next phase of its sports radio war with 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Ian Rapoport of the Herald has some interesting tidbits from the NFL Films Bill Belichick doc.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks inside the ESPN MNF deal.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at the particulars of the ESPN Monday Night Football contract extension.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union reports on the Fox Sports Radio show that will replace Tony Bruno.

Pete notes that MSG Network will be New York Giants-heavy this fall.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner interviews Russ Thaler who goes from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic to Versus as the host of NBC SportsTalk.

David Barron at the Houston Chronicle writes about the local college football ratings.

Bob Finnan of the News-Herald (OH) talks with Cleveland Browns radio voice and sports anchor Jim Donovan about returning to work after taking the summer off for a bone marrow transplant.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has CBS’ Phil Simms and Dan Dierdorf extolling the virtues of having a running game in the NFL.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business writes about Bears games being broadcast on FM for the first time this season.

Ed says the Chicago Tribune is bolstering the Bears beat.

Scott Dochterman at the Cedar Rapids (IA) Gazette says those who want to watch this Saturday’s Iowa-Iowa State game will have to do a little searching.

Robin Carlin at Mile High Sports says yesterday’s plane crash in Russia that killed all but two on board was truly a dark day for hockey.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily Herald likes the 9/11 commemorative football jerseys.

The Canadian Sports Media blog notes that Rogers is pulling out of the Canadian Olympics Broadcasting Consortium for the 2014/16 Games.

Joe Favorito says the BCS conferences might want to consider picking up one of the Service Academies.

And that’s going to do it for today’s linkage.

Fox Soccer Channel Rebrands and Unveils New Logo

Yes, Fox Soccer Channel is removing the “Channel” from its name and rebranding as “Fox Soccer”. According to the press release, it’s to show the multiple platforms soccer fans are watching content, through television, internet and mobile devices so Fox feels “Channel” is obsolete. It will also change its logo to reflect this so from now on when I do the Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks, you’ll see the new name whenever I do English Premier League or other soccer programming on the network. So as of August when the EPL season launches, you’ll be seeing the new look and name.

Here’s the press release from Fox Sports Media Group on the new name and logo.

FOX SOCCER ANNOUNCES TOTAL RE-BRAND:  NEW LOGO, NEW LOOK, FOX ATTITUDE

America’s Premier Soccer Media Outlet Evolves with Re-designed Logos, Studio Sets, Graphics

Los Angeles, CA (June 14, 2011) – FOX Soccer, America’s premier soccer-only multimedia destination, unveils its official multi-platform makeover with a new name, re-designed logos, upgraded studio sets and a high-tech on-air graphics package.

In a migration closer to its FOX Sports Media Group family, FOX Soccer’s new look across all platforms has a bold, brash typeface showcasing its irreverent FOX heritage.  The word “Channel” leaves the design, in a nod to a savvy audience who access FOX Soccer content 24/7/365 through a variety of multimedia—FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus, FOXSoccer.com, FOXSoccer.tv, as well as mobile and tablet applications.

“Our audience comes to FOX Soccer for one thing:  to interact with the game they love.  They are smart, they want new technologies, they want the best coverage,” said David Nathanson, FOX Soccer’s General Manager.  “The re-branding symbolizes our continued commitment to push the limits and evolve with the game in this country.”

The new FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus, FOXsoccer.com and FOXsoccer.tv will officially launch on-air and online on August 13 with the start of the Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League seasons.

In addition to a fresh, uniform look in coverage across platforms, FOX Soccer’s makeover includes new studio sets and improved on-air graphics packages. As the Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League kick-off in 2011, FOX Soccer begins producing all shows from Studios A and B on the FOX Studio Lot, a marked increase in size and design from previous sets.

There you have it.

Handing Out The Wednesday Links

Time for the mid-week links. Lots of stuff to get to.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today looks at the ratings from some of the events held this past weekend.

Michael says networks may have to scramble to fill holes if the NFL lockout extends into October and November.

Brian Lowry at Fox Sports wonders if teams should be looking at the broadcast booth for their next coaches.

Andy Lewis of the Hollywood Reporter reviews the new book on ESPN co-authored by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales.

Jason Gay at the Wall Street Journal also reviews the tome.

Sam Schechner of the Journal has some of Dick Ebersol’s departing thoughts as he prepares to leave NBC Sports.

Erin Griffith from Adweek says Lance Armstrong’s brand and Livestrong organization are being hurt by the latest doping allegations.

Marcus Vanderberg at SportsNewser notes HBO had decent viewership for its boxing card last Saturday.

Mohammed Rahman of SportsGrid has the Tosh.0 video from last night which teamed two sports blogosphere icons, Screamin’ Gus Johnson and Brian Collins of “Boom Goes the Dynamite” fame.

Some sad news from CNBC. Original anchor Mark Haines, host of Squawk Box and Squawk on the Street died suddenly on Tuesday. He leaves behind his wife, Cindy and a son and a daughter. He was well known in the financial world and well loved by viewers. I remember him when he co-anchored the news on WPRI-TV in Providence in the late 1970′s and early 1980′s. He was very good.

CNBC has an entire section of memories from co-workers and viewers.

Darren Rovell shares his memories of Mark Haines.

Jason Dachman at Sports Video Group writes that Sony will extend its sponsorship of ESPN 3D.

Jerry Barmash of Fishbowl NY says for the first time, ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike beat WFAN’s Boomer & Carton in younger male demos, but WFAN turned the tables in the important categories.

David Hinckley of the New York Daily News also writes about the ESPN Radio/WFAN ratings.

Richard Sandomir in the New York Times notes that the Mets finances are very shaky.

Evan Weiner in the New Jersey Newsroom blames Ronald Reagan for much of the sports labor and business troubles of today.

In the Washington Post, Dan Steinberg finds that Tony Kornheiser still cannot forgive a former colleague for his review of Monday Night Football.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says outgoing NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol would make for a good replacement for MLB Walking, Talking Conflict of Interest Bud Selig.

Bob wonders if the Green Bay Packers wouldn’t mind being on HBO’s Hard Knocks.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business says Turner Sports sets the standard for NBA coverage.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune writes that the Windy City continues to watch the Bulls in the NBA postseason.

Phil also has a story on Dick Ebersol leaving NBC Sports.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says a SoCal-based radio duo will get a tryout in Portland.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says the NHL Eastern Conference Final is performing solidly for Versus.

Steve writes that Boston is shining brightly in the NHL ratings universe.

SportsbyBrooks says a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter is now looking into the machinations with Jim Tressel and the Ohio State football program.

The Big Lead puts together its sports announcing dream teams.

And I’ll end here for now, but I’m not close to being done with the linkage. I have to leave the office so I’ll post more later.

UPDATE: 8:20 p.m. – Here are some more links.

Mike McCarthy of USA Today writes that ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose has pleaded guilty to DUI charges stemming from an arrest in Michigan back in March.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today has Fox Sports President Eric Shanks saying the network would go live from the Olympics in 2014 and 2016.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that TNT saw received an audience of just under 10 million for Game 4 of the Miami Heat-Chicago Bulls NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Todd Spangler of Multichannel says ESPN is changing satellite distribution system to affiliates.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek says with Vancouver in the NHL Stanley Cup Final, NBC desperately needs Boston to advance to help its ratings.

Dennis Dodd at CBSSports.com says the Pac-12 Conference is looking at an additional $1 billion in revenue over a 7-10 year period from a league-owned channel.

Reuters reports that actor Russell Crowe is attempting to bring Australia’s National Rugby League to the United States through Fox Sports.

Alex Weprin of SportsNewser says Fox Sports Net has purchased a weekly baseball series to be hosted by former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid has the audio of Dan Patrick telling “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside The World of ESPN” co-author Jim Miller about his abusive relationship with ESPN management.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says the local Time Warner Cable system will air the AHL Calder Cup Final.

Robert Cox of the New Rochelle (NY) Talk of the Sound says ESPN took over a local high school to shoot a high school prom theme for the ESPY’s.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner notes the viewership for TNT from Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Ron Higgns of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that the Liberty Bowl is moving from ESPN to ABC and expanding its reach to a bigger audience in the process.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has CBS golf analyst Gary McCord picking his favorites for the upcoming Byron Nelson Championship.

Bob has Fox Soccer Channel host Eric Wynalda singing the praises of Lionel Messi of Barcelona in advance of this Saturday’s UEFA Champions League Final.

Scott D. Pierce from the Salt Lake Tribune notes that despite a down year, the Utah Jazz are constantly on TV while the minor league baseball Salt Lake Bees aren’t able to get on TV.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times says the Pac-12 could move football games to Sundays or even Monday nights if the NFL lockout goes into the fall.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog reports that CTV/TSN have snagged the rights to Skate Canada events from CBC.

Sports Media Watch says the final round of the PGA Tour’s Colonial Invitational saw a big jump for CBS.

SMW Sunday’s NASCAR on Fox race saw a huge ratings increase.

Joe Favorito asks if Newark, NJ could become a sports capital.

I’ll end it there. You’re up to date on links.

UEFA Champions League Final Announcing Crews

I had this in a press release post on the UEFA Champions League Final, but in case you didn’t see it, I’ll provide the studio and game announcing crews for Fox for this Saturday’s game between Barcelona and Manchester United. It will go on the air at 2 p.m. on Fox.

Pregame, Halftime and Postgame – Curt Menefee (host). Eric Wynalda and Brad Friedel (analysts)
Game Announcers – Martin Tyler (play-by-play). Alan Smith and Christopher Sullivan (analysts)

Schedule

UEFA Champions League Pregame live from Wembley Stadium, London, England – Fox Soccer Channel, 1 p.m.
UEFA Champions League Pregame live from Wembley Stadium, London, England – Fox, 2 p.m.
UEFA Champions League Final, Barcelona vs. Manchester United – Fox, 2:45 p.m.
UEFA Champions League Final Replay – Fox Soccer Channel, 8 p.m.

There you have it. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.

Fox Soccer Channel Begins Champions Week

Starting tonight, Fox Soccer Channel kicks off Champions Week with matches from the two finalists, Barcelona and Manchester United. Here’s the press release.

FOX SOCCER’S “CHAMPIONS WEEK” BRINGS THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL TO A FEVER PITCH

Relive the Road to the Final Through Key Matches and Highlights of the 2010-11 Champions League Campaign

Los Angeles (May 20, 2011) – FOX Soccer builds excitement for the May 28 UEFA Champions League Final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United to a crescendo with “Champions Week,” a week-long programming celebration that kicks-off Monday, May 23 and concludes Sunday, May 29.

Highlighting Champions Week are several rebroadcasts of 2010-11 UEFA Champions League matches involving either Barcelona or Manchester United from the group stage through the semifinals.  Featured matches include Barcelona’s “El Clasico” semifinal legs with Real Madrid on Monday, May 23 (first leg) and Wednesday, May 25 (second leg) at 11 p.m. ET and Manchester United’s crucial go-ahead quarterfinal match vs. Chelsea on Friday, May 27 at 5 p.m. ET.

Champions Week continues when FOX Soccer, America’s premier soccer-only network, offers a special one-hour Champions League Final preview show from London’s Wembley Stadium on Friday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET.  FOX NFL SUNDAY co-host and international soccer fan Curt Menefee anchors the coverage, joined by FOX Soccer analysts Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton and Christopher Sullivan.  Aston Villa goalkeeper and former U.S. international Brad Friedel joins the FOX Sports panel in London as a guest analyst.

On May 28, Champions League Final game day, Menefee and company bring viewers pregame, halftime and postgame analysis live and in HD from Wembley, beginning with a 1-hour pregame on FOX Soccer at 1:00 p.m ET that precedes FOX Sports’ over-the-air coverage from 2:00 p.m. on.  FOX Sports, for the second consecutive year, is the exclusive broadcast home for the UEFA Champions League Final, while FOX Deportes carries the match in the U.S. in Spanish.

For those who missed or want to relive what is surely going to be one of the most memorable Champions League Final games ever, FOX Soccer’s Champions Week culminates on Sunday, May 29 with a match rebroadcast also available on FOX Soccer Plus and in Spanish on FOX Deportes.  For a complete list of “Champions Week” programming, visit www.foxsoccer.com/tvschedule.

Champions Week Highlights on FOX Soccer:
Monday, May 23, 11:00 p.m. ET       FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Wednesday, May 24, 5:00 p.m. ET   FC Barcelona vs. Arsenal FC
Friday, May 27, 3:00 p.m. ET            Manchester United vs. Chelsea FC
Friday, May 27, 8:00 p.m. ET            UEFA Champions League Final Preview Show

There you have it.

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.

Fox Sports & Fox Soccer Channel Combine For UEFA Champions League Final

On Saturday, May 28, Fox Sports will air the final of the UEFA Champions League for the 2nd consecutive year. This year, the final will be held in London at the great venue, Wembley Stadium. At that location, Manchester United from the English Premier League will take on Barcelona of La Liga in Spain. And with two of the world’s most popular soccer teams squaring off, fans will be able to see two of the world’s best teams on one stage.

Fox Soccer Channel will air a one hour preview on Friday, May 27. Then a one hour pregame show at 1 p.m. Eastern time the following day. Then Fox starts its coverage at 2:30 p.m. East. Curt Menefee will host and Eric Wynalda will also be on hand with a whole slew of analysts at Wembley. Familiar soccer voice Martin Tyler and Alan Smith will call the action. We have full details below.

FOX Sports, FOX Deportes & FOX Soccer Blanket World-Class 2011 UEFA Champions League Final, Live on Saturday, May 28

New York & Los Angeles – FC Barcelona, who many argue is the best soccer club in the world, and Manchester United FC, perhaps the world’s most popular and valuable soccer franchise, meet on Saturday, May 28 at London’s legendary Wembley Stadium in the prestigious 2011 UEFA Champions League Final, and FOX Sports Media Group networks carry all the action in the U.S.

FOX Sports, for the second consecutive year, is the exclusive over-the-air broadcast home for the UEFA Champions League Final, while FOX Deportes, the nation’s leading Hispanic sports network, delivers its exclusive live coverage in Spanish.  Pregame coverage begins at 2:00 PM ET on FOX Sports, with the FOX Deportes’ pregame show beginning at 1:00 PM ET.  FOX Soccer, America’s premier soccer-only network, carries a special one-hour game-day pregame at 1:00 PM ET, as well as a one-hour match preview on Friday, May 27 at 8:00 PM ET.  Match coverage on May 28 kicks-off at 2:45 PM ET on both FOX Sports and FOX Deportes.

Last year, the Champions League Final became one of the few international soccer championships to receive broadcast television exposure in the U.S.  The match between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan attracted 1.6 million viewers on FOX, +14% compared to the 2009 match between Manchester United and Barcelona on ESPN (1.4 million), and 2.2 million when combined with FOX Deportes, +6% compared to 2009’s combined audience on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (2.07 million).

Curt Menefee, FOX NFL SUNDAY co-host and a fan of world-class soccer for years, anchors pregame, halftime and postgame coverage for FOX Sports and FOX Soccer’s coverage as well, live from Wembley.  Menefee is joined by FOX Soccer analysts Eric Wynalda, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the second-leading goal scorer in U.S. soccer history; retired English national team and Newcastle United player Warren Barton; and retired U.S. national team player Christopher Sullivan.  Aston Villa goalkeeper and former U.S. international player Brad Friedel joins the panel in London as guest analyst.  Martin Tyler (play by play) and Alan Smith (analyst) call the action.

Alejandro Blanco and Daniel Brailovsky host pregame, halftime and post-game match analysis for FOX Deportes, while Raul Orvañanos, Luis Omar Tapia, Eduardo Biscayart, and Gustavo Mendoza call the match for FSMG’s Spanish-language network.

The match features, arguably, the two best soccer teams in the world and a pair of three-time European champions.  Barcelona and Manchester United have combined to win 38 titles in their respective domestic leagues.  The teams last met on this stage in the 2009 Champions League Final in Rome, when Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0.

Spanish La Liga leader FC Barcelona, which features seven players from the starting 11 that led Spain to 2010 World Cup glory, is making its seventh appearance in the UEFA Champions League Final.  Barcelona advanced on the strength of its fast-paced offensive attack that recorded a Champions League-best 27 goals this term.  Lionel Messi, who won FIFA’s World Player of the Year award the past two years, leads Champions League play with 11 goals this year.

Barclays Premier League leader Manchester United is in its third Champions League Final in the last four years, and its fifth overall. Guided by famed manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United sports the best defensive record in the Champions League, conceding only four goals in 12 matches. Leading the attack is forward Wayne Rooney, who scored vital goals in the Red Devils’ Champions League quarterfinal tie against Chelsea and semifinal tie against Schalke 04.

US viewership for both legs of the 2011 UEFA Champions League semifinals showed significant growth on FOX Sports Media Group networks compared to a year ago.  Both legs combined on FOX Soccer, FX and FOX Deportes totaled almost 3 million viewers (2.95 million), +75% compared to a year ago (1.69 million) on FOX Soccer, FSN and Fox Sports En Español.

And because I can, here’s the UEFA Champions League theme song with I find very intriguing. Sing it with me now, “The Champ-EEE-Onnnnns!”

Nice. I hope the song is now stuck in your head just as it is in mine.

Fox Soccer Channel Airs Movie on Manchester City Soccer Team

Fox Soccer Channel will air a movie tonight and Friday on English Premier League team Manchester City. It’ll lead into the team’s playing in the FA Cup Championship on Saturday which also airs on Fox Soccer Channel. Here’s the press release.

FOX SOCCER AIRS MANCHESTER CITY’S BLUE MOON RISING IN LEAD-UP TO FA CUP FINAL

Feature Film Makes its U.S. Debut on FOX Soccer Wednesday, May 11 at 8:00 P.M. ET

Los Angeles (May 10, 2011) – FOX Soccer announces the U.S. release of Blue Moon Rising, a landmark feature film charting a year in the life of one of the Barclays Premier League’s most dynamic clubs, Manchester City. The full-length feature film will make its U.S. television debut and air commercial-free on Wednesday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The film will be replayed on Friday, May 13 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, leading up to Manchester City’s FA Cup final match vs. Stoke City at Wembley Stadium on May 14.

Shot using the latest cinema quality ‘Red’ camera technology,Blue Moon Risingfollows a group of Manchester City fans, players and club executives through the 2009-10 season. It captures the emotions of every Man City fan as their hopes and dreams fluctuate with the team’s success and failures.  “Manchester City fans are some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the world,” said Joshua Glassel, Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions at FOX Soccer.  “We are thrilled to bring their dramatic story to fans in the United States.”

Manchester City, which has not won a major trophy since 1976, was suddenly thrust into the public conscience after a takeover by Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi. Since Sheikh Mansour’s purchase of the club, its profile has vaulted to become the 15^th most valuable franchise in world soccer, with an estimated value of $291 million.  Manchester City currently sit in fourth place in the English Premier League standings.

Produced by leading sports media company Endemol Sport, Blue Moon Rising takes the viewer from the terraces to the board room with exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage of the club’s new owners. The story documents the initial hope and optimism following record-breaking player acquisitions and the euphoria of a 4-2 win against Premier League champion Chelsea, followed by despair after a last-minute derby defeat to Manchester United.

Blue Moon Rising is directed by Stewart Sugg, who has directed BAFTA- and Cannes Grand Prix-winning productions, and produced by Nick London, one of the UK’s foremost documentary producers, with credits including Sky One’s BAFTA award-winning series, Ross Kemp in Afghanistan.

That will complete this post for you.

Bringing Out The Monday Linkage

This weekend was a very lost weekend for me and for you on the blog as I was unable to do anything either Saturday and Sunday. I attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday in Massachusetts and that took most of the day, then I went to a sports bar that night to see the Manny Pacquaio-Sugar Shane Mosley fight and I’m glad I did not have to pay a cover as Mosley just did not do anything. I fought to stay awake as the fight was very boring.

And on Mother’s Day, I had several errands to run so the blog was very quiet. I was happy nothing broke because I would not have been able to do anything. But we’re back today and let’s get cracking on some overdue linkage.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says ESPN/ABC’s NBA analysts were very down on the Los Angeles Lakers’ effort in their series-ending loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

Sports Business Daily has Screamin’ Gus Johnson calling reports of his departure from CBS “premature.”

SBD notes that the NBA Playoffs did very well in the weekend overnight ratings.

SBD also looks at the NFL possibly working under different rules from last year if the lockout is lifted.

Lacey Rose at the Hollywood Reporter writes that Golf Channel is giving CBS’ David Feherty his own primetime show.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says the Pacquaio-Mosley fight will most likely lead to more boxing pay per view events.

Mike goes inside the new Pac-12 Conference media rights deals.

Rich Thomaselli of Advertising Age talks with NHL Chief Operating Officer John Collins about the league and its media rights deal with Comcast/NBC.

Diego Vasquez at Media Life Magazine writes on how sponsors can get true brand activation at the Preakness Stakes.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser has video of what Oracle is doing to make the viewing of this year’s America’s Cup more enjoyable to fans at home.

Glenn Davis of SportsGrid reviews the silly Captain Blowhard-Keith Olbermann renewal of their Twitter feud over the weekend.

That wasn’t the only Twitter feud this weekend, supermodel Chrissy Teigen and Jay Mohr had one also. Very silly these Twitter fights.

At Yahoo’s Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski looks at whether Versus’ Jeremy Roenick crossed the line or was being candid when he said San Jose’s Patrick Marleau was “gutless” following the team’s surprising loss to Detroit last night.

At ESPN Front Row, PR specialist Josh Krulewitz speaks with Hannah Storm on sports and Mother’s Day.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says Animal Kingdom owner Bill Irwin’s candor during NBC’s Kentucky Derby broadcast enlightened an otherwise technical glitch-filled broadcast.

Jonathan Bombulie of The Citizens’ (PA) Voice notes that ESPN’s E:60 newsmagazine will profile the young fan of a minor league hockey team, who has been battling a debilitating disease.

Mark Brown from the Baltimore Sports Report talks with legendary Maryland Terrapins voice Johnny Holliday about Gary Williams’ retirement.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that the local ESPN Radio affiliate had egg on its face for reporting a false rumor on Maryland’s coaching situation.

Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times has ESPN’s Herman Edwards giving some advice to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on enduring the filming of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” as the Bucs are a candidate for the series this summer, provided there is a season.

Rodney Page of the Times has a look at the weekend in sports TV.

Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel says the Pac-12 came out smelling like a rose in its new TV deals.

Bud Withers of the Daily Oklahoman notes that the Pac-12 can no longer be considered a college sports doormat.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business talks with Bulls radio voice Chuck Swirsky.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post writes that fans got to see the Lakers’ fatal flaws yesterday.

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

Steve Gress from the Corvallis (OR) Gazette-Times says Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott definitely delivered for the league.

Eric Degerman of the Tri-City (WA) Herald says MLB Network has a nightly tribute to the late Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail has the ratings for the Fan 590 and TSN 1050 in April.

Raju Mudhar in the Toronto Globe and Mail says the city’s courtship of the NFL through the Ford family has one glaring omission.

Paul Kennedy at Soccer America feels ESPN2′s MLS soccer highlights last Saturday did the league a great disservice.

Daniel Feuerstein at MLS Talk has his thoughts on Fox Soccer Channel’s inaugural Soccer Night in America broadcast.

Sports Media Watch notes that the camera operator is the anonymous person who is a big part of the sports broadcast you watch.

SMW says Bulls-Hawks has been a big draw for TNT.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the ratings for Night 23 of the NHL Playoffs.

Joe Favorito says boxing and horse racing are taking baby steps in getting back into the national conscience.

The Big Lead says ESPN’s Erin Andrews was among the beautiful people attending the Kentucky Derby and why not as Erin is a beautiful person.

And I’ll end the links there.

Bringing Out The Tuesday Linkage

Again, I’ve been all over the place and can’t really blog like I want to, but I do what I can. Some links while I’m free and not committed to anything.

The Pac 12 media deals with ESPN and Fox will be made official later this week, but we do know some details. First, it’s a $3 billion deal over a span of 12 years meaning the Conference will get $250 million a year to distribute to its member schools. Second, both ESPN and Fox will air primetime games on over the air TV. Third, it increases the amount of games shown on television.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says one part of the new TV world for the conference will be a new Pac 12 Network that will be fully owned and operated by the league.

Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News writes that NBC/Comcast was shut out of obtaining any rights at least on the cable and network deals.

Jon also has some details from the new deal.

Scott D. Pierce of the Salt Lake Tribune says the new TV contract will give the University of Utah much more money than it would have made in the Mountain West Conference.

George Schroeder of the Eugene (OR) Register-Guard writes that Pac 12 schools will start to see a financial windfall thanks to increased revenue from the new TV contract.

Jon Weisman of Variety says the new contract is now the most lucrative in college sports.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the Pac 12 contract proves that sports is the engine that drives TV ratings.

To other stories now.

Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says small market teams are doing their best to play with the big boys.

Eriq Gardner from the Hollywood Reporter says Miami Heat star Chris Bosh is suing the mother of his child and the producer of the VH1 reality show, “Basketball Wives” for infringing on his “life rights” and using his “mark” illegally.

Tim Baysinger at Broadcasting & Cable discusses the Sports Emmy Awards which were handed out on Monday.

Tim also looks at Fox Soccer Channel rebranding its MLS coverage.

The Nielsen Wire blog notes that the number of TV’s have dropped since its last survey.

R. Thomas Umstead from Multichannel News says the Manny Pacquaio-Shane Mosley fight will be made available online for the same pay per view TV price.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel writes TNT saw a record audience for the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Current’s Keith Olbermann writing in his MLB.com blog takes ESPN.com’s Fantasy Baseball to task for not updating its stats quick enough and throws some shots at the Mothership in the process. Thanks to The Big Lead for the link.

The Big Lead notes that noted FoxSports.com basketball writer Drew Goodman could be headed to CBSSports.com.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid says NBA fans get angry when Ernie Johnson, Jr. takes a day off from Inside the NBA.

At ESPN’s Front Row, Sheldon Spencer profiles the network’s Senior Coordinating Producer of the NFL Draft who got his baptism-by-fire this past weekend.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Dave Kindred looks at new media and how the rules of covering established events apply to it.

To Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union who notes a local reporter gets a minor league baseball announcing gig.

In the New Jersey Newsroom, Evan Weiner notes that sports leagues, sports organizations team owners and athletes don’t have their priorities straight.

Dan Steinberg at the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that a trio of CNN reporters were watching or attending Game 2 of the Tampa Bay Lightning-Capitals series when they were notified to get to work to report on the Osama bin Laden story.

Cindy Boren from the Post’s Early Lead blog says Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall tweeted about Osama bin Laden’s death and 9/11.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says the Capitals are back in action tonight with an early start on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic.

Iliana Limon of the Orlando Sentinel has Conference USA rejecting ESPN’s argument that it ventured into a media rights agreement.

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that NBC’s Cris Collinsworth has now won an even dozen Sports Emmy Awards.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says viewership for the NFL Draft was down from last year.

Diane Pucin from the Los Angeles Times talks with ESPN’s Dan Shulman about him addressing the Osama bin Laden story on Sunday Night Baseball.

Sports Media Watch says NASCAR on Fox’s overnight ratings were flat compared to last year.

SMW notes that the opening game of Celtics-Heat scored for ABC on Sunday.

SMW says the series clinching win for the Memphis Grizzlies over the San Antonio Spurs did not resonate with viewers as much as last year’s comparable game.

And SMW writes that the Mavericks-Lakers opener on Monday did very well for TNT.

Ed De Rosa of the Thoroughbred Times says NBC is tapping Sunday Night Football producer Fred Gaudelli for this year’s Kentucky Derby broadcast.

Puck The Media’s Steve Lepore is happy to see Mike Emrick win the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Play-by-Play.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog feels TSN Radio should avoided politics on Election Day.

Cork Gaines at the Business Insider’s Sports Page wonders if sports leagues can survive Detroit’s declining population.

And that will conclude the links for today.

Fox Soccer Channel To Debut Soccer Night in America

We have Hockey Night in Canada, Football Night in America, so why not a Soccer Night too? Starting this Friday, Fox Soccer Channel will repackage and rebrand its MLS games on Friday and Saturday nights as part of “Soccer Night in America”. There will be new graphics as well as a whole new video introduction. Fox Soccer Channel will provide full studio pregame, halftime and post game coverage. And Fox will bring in new cameras as well as provide clearer replays. This will be something to watch.

Here’s the Fox Soccer Channel press release.

FOX SOCCER INTRODUCES SOCCER NIGHT IN AMERICA

New Graphic-Look & High-Tech Production Elevates MLS on FOX Soccer

Los Angeles (May 3, 2011) – FOX Soccer, America’s premier soccer-only channel, is taking its live, HD coverage of Major League Soccer to the next level as it introduces SOCCER NIGHT IN AMERICA on Friday, May 6, when the expansion Portland Timbers host the Philadelphia Union.  Exclusive coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. live from JELD-WEN Field, home to what has quickly become one of MLS’ most spirited fan experiences.

FOX Soccer already carries more MLS games than any other network, but now SOCCER NIGHT IN AMERICA delivers those matches in a slick new package. Re-designed, state-of-the-art   graphics headline the new look, and along with the addition of super slow-motion camera technology, it creates a production style that draws FOX Soccer much closer to the world-renowned standards set by FOX Sports.

“We are essentially elevating FOX Soccer’s MLS broadcasts to match the game’s excitement and pace to ensure fans have a premium viewing experience,” said David Nathanson, FOX Soccer’s General Manager.

The new graphics package incorporates Vizrt technology, which provides digital, real-time 3D and virtual graphic displays for a crisp, 21^st Century look. Super slow-motion cameras and digital recorders added to game coverage capture action at 90 frames per second compared to the 30 frames per second of traditional slow motion, thus providing stunningly clear replays, especially in HD.

Former U.S. National Team and MLS players Eric Wynalda and Christopher Sullivan team up for SOCCER NIGHT IN AMERICA’s” pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage. J.P. Dellacamera has the play-by-play, with former MLS standout Kyle Martino handling analysis in the booth and Brian Dunseth contributing sideline reports.

This inaugural “Soccer Night” falls in one of FOX Soccer’s 20 exclusive MLS broadcast programming windows. All remaining Friday and Saturday night MLS games on FOX Soccer come under the SOCCER NIGHT IN AMERICA banner.

For the latest MLS news, information and FOX Soccer’s 2011 telecast schedule, please visit http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/mls. For a complete list of FOX Soccer’s programming, please visit www.foxsoccer.com.

Remaining 2011 MLS Schedule on FOX Soccer (all times Eastern):

Friday, May 6, 2011 – Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union, 10:30 PM

Saturday, May 14, 2011 – Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo, 9:00 PM

Friday, June 3, 2011 – Los Angeles Galaxy vs. DC United, 11:00 PM

Friday, June 10, 2011 – New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution, 8:30 PM

Saturday, June 11, 2011  – Seattle Sounders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 10:00 PM

Friday, June 17, 2011 – Sporting Kansas City vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 8:30 PM

Saturday, June 25, 2011 – San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, 11:00 PM

Saturday, July 2, 2011 - DC United vs. Philadelphia Union, 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 9, 2011 - Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire, 10:30 PM

Saturday, July 16, 2011 – Seattle Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids, 4:00 PM

Saturday, July 23, 2011 - tbd, tbd

Friday, July 29, 2011 - Philadelphia Union vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30 PM

Saturday, July 30, 2011 - Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, 7:30 PM

Friday, August 5, 2011 - Colorado Rapids vs. Columbus Crew, 9:30 PM

Saturday, August 13, 2011 – Sporting Kansas City vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, 8:30 PM

Saturday, August 20, 2011 - Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 10:00 PM

Saturday, August 27, 2011 - Chivas USA vs. Real Salt Lake, 10:30 PM

Friday, September 9, 2011 – Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids, 11:00 PM

Friday, September 16, 2011 – Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution, 11:00 PM

Friday, September 23, 2011 - Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union, 8:30 PM

Saturday, October 1, 2011 - Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 PM

Saturday, October 15, 2011 - Seattle Sounders FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 10:30 PM

Saturday, October 22, 2011 – tbd, tbd

And that’s it. Looking forward to the new package.

Fox Soccer Channel & FX To Air UEFA Champions League Semifinals

Over the next two weeks, Fox Sports platforms will have exclusive coverage of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Fox Soccer Channel will air one semifinal leg while FX joins in to cover the other. The two channels will alternate matchups. Coverage begins April 26 and continues the following week. It marks the first time that FX will air the Champions League. And Fox brings in Curt Menefee to host the semifinals for the UEFA Champions League pregame show. You may remember he hosted the Champions League Final when it aired on Fox last year.

This marks FX’s return to sports since it aired MLB and NASCAR in the early to mid-aughts.

EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINALS ON FX and FOX SOCCER APRIL 26-27; MAY 4-5 – Three of the world’s most prestigious clubs and a tournament Cinderella clash in the Champions League semifinals, televised exclusively on FX and FOX Soccer Channel.  For the first time ever FX, Fox Network Group’s popular basic cable network delivered to 99 million US homes, carries one game from each semifinal with the other two games appearing on FOX Soccer.

Date	Teams	Channel
First Leg: Tuesday, April 26	FC Schalke 04 vs. Manchester United	Live at 2:30 ET on FOX Soccer
First Leg: Wednesday, April 27	Real Madrid vs.FC Barcelona	Live at 2:30 ET on FX
Second Leg: Tuesday, May 3	Barcelona vs.Real Madrid	Live at 2:30 ET on FOX Soccer
Second Leg: Wednesday, May 4	Manchester United vs. FC Schalke 04	Live at 2:30 ET on FX

FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee and FOX Soccer’s Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton and Christopher Sullivan preview and analyze Champions League semifinal action on UEFA Champions League Pregame, live at 2:00 PM ET each matchday from FOX Soccer’s brand-new, state-of-the-art studio set at the FOX Network Center in Los Angeles.  FOX Sports, for the second straight year, broadcasts the UEFA Champions League Final, Saturday, May 28 with pre-match coverage beginning at 2:00 PM ET, live from London.

And one other note from Fox Soccer Channel, it will air two MLS games this weekend:

TWICE THE ACTION ON FOX SOCCER THIS WEEKEND – FOX Soccer doubles its Major League Soccer coverage this weekend with games on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday’s game (9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT) features the defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids hosting the Seattle Sounders. The Rapids’ captain, former U.S. International Pablo Mastroeni, is expected to return from a calf injury that sidelined him for the last two games.  Seattle, unbeaten in its last four games, is gaining confidence with Fredy Montero up top and Steve Zakuani in the midfield marshaling the attack. J.P. Dellacamera has the play-by-play, with former MLS standout Kyle Martino handling analysis and Brian Dunseth contributing sideline reports.  On Saturday, April 23 (10:30 PM ET/7:30 PM PT) the action moves to the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA where the Galaxy makes its 2011 MLS debut on FOX Soccer by welcoming the expansion Portland Timbers.  Galaxy, currently in a first-place tie with Real Salt Lake atop the Western Conference, get midfielders David Beckham and Juninho, back from suspension and U.S. captain Landon Donovan back from injury.  Mark Rogondino provides the play-by-play, with Kyle Martino bringing the analysis and Allen Hopkins handling sideline reports.  Former U.S. National Team and MLS players Eric Wynalda and Christopher Sullivan team up for the pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage. For the latest MLS news, information and FOX Soccer’s 2011 telecast schedule, visit: http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/mls.

That’s all for your soccer notes today.

UPDATE, 10:10 a.m.: Fox Soccer has sent some more information on its UEFA Champions League coverage. Fox is branding the coverage on FX as “Fox Soccer on FX” continuing the traditions of “ESPN on ABC” and “Golf Channel on NBC”. And Fox will unveil a new set for the studio coverage. Take a look.

“FOX Soccer on FX”and FOX Soccer Broadcasts, Hosted by Curt Menefee, Debut New Champions League Studio Set at FOX Network Center

Los Angeles (April 21, 2011)–As UEFA Champions League, the preeminent competition in world club soccer, nears its thrilling climax, FOX Soccer ramps up its coverage with exclusive live high-definition telecasts of the semifinals beginning next week.  For the first time ever FX, Fox Network Group’s popular basic cable network delivered to 99 million US homes, brings viewers “FOX Soccer on FX,”for one game in each semifinal with the other two games appearing on FOX Soccer.

FOX NFL SUNDAY host Curt Menefee and FOX Soccer’s Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton and Christopher Sullivan preview and analyze Champions League semifinal action on UEFA Champions League Pregame, presented by Geico, live at 2 p.m. ET each matchday from FOX Soccer’s brand-new, state-of-the-art studio set at the FOX Network Center in Los Angeles.

There you have it.

Fox Soccer Channel All Over Quarterfinal Matches of UEFA Champions League

The second leg quarterfinal matches in the UEFA Champions League will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Over the next two days, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Sports Net will have the games including the return match between English Premier League blood rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. Last week, Manchester United defeated Chelsea, 1-0. Now the two rivals meet again as Chelsea hopes to remain alive for the semifinal round.

Here’s the schedule for the next two days.

DECISIVE 2011 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL MATCHES TO AIR LIVE ON FOX SOCCER, FOX SOCCER PLUS AND FSN APRIL 12-13

Manchester United-Chelsea Second Leg Quarterfinal in High Definition

Los Angeles, CA (April 8, 2011) –FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Sports Net (FSN) and FOX Soccer Plus will air live, high-definition coverage of the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals’ dramatic second-leg matches with four exclusive, English-language telecasts on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 12-13, at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The Champions League quarterfinals marquee is headlined by the April 12 matchup between Manchester United and Chelsea, England’s best 21^st century rivalry. Real Madrid travels to Tottenham on April 13 after winning its home leg, 4-0. Barcelona visits Shakhtar Donetsk on April 12,following a 5-1 victory. Reigning European and Serie A champion Inter Milan faces a massive uphill struggle to avoid elimination on April 13 when it visits Schalke 04 after losing 5-2 in the San Siro.

English Premier League leader Manchester United, which defeated Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final on penalty kicks, used a Wayne Rooney goal to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2002. The Red Devils will take its 1 –nil lead home to Old Trafford, where they haven’t lost since April 3, 2010 –when Chelsea beat United, 2-1.

Nine-time European champ Real Madrid, guided by Jose Mourinho, is 90 minutes from its first Champions League semifinal since 2003. First-time quarterfinalist Tottenham facing a four goal deficit has only lost twice at home this season, and not since Sept. 21.

La Liga leader and Champions League favorite Barcelona lived up to that billing after Andres Iniesta scored 95 seconds in to the match against tournament Cinderella Shakhtar Donetsk, making its first foray into the Champions League quarterfinals.

Schalke 04 is primed to pull off the shock of the quarterfinals against Inter Milan and reach its first Champions League semifinal. Schalke rebounded from Dejan Stankovic’s astonishing goal from midfield 25 seconds into the first leg with a four goal barrage including Raul’s 70^th Champions League goal.

WHAT: Live, exclusive, English-language coverage of the second leg of the UEFA
Champions League quarterfinals in high definition on April 12-13.
Quarterfinals coverage resumes with UEFA Champions League Pregame
on FOX Soccer Channel, presented by Geico live at 2 p.m. ET on April
12. Each pregame show features a breakdown of the day’s upcoming action
from host Eric Wynalda and analysts Warren Barton and Christopher
Sullivan. The 30-minute pregame show is simulcast on FSN on Tuesday
matchday and on FOX Soccer Plus on Wednesday.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 12 –2:30 p.m. ET
Manchester United FC (ENG) vs. Chelsea FC (ENG) Live on FSC
FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP) Live on FSN

Wednesday, April 13 –2:30 p.m. ET
Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) vs. Real Madrid CF (ESP) Live on FSC
FC Schalke 04 (GER) vs. FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) Live on FSP

**For a complete telecast schedule, visit championsonfox.com

WHERE: FOX Family of Networks, including FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Sports Net and FOX Soccer Plus

And that’s all.

Two MLS-Related Press Releases

I’m going to post two MLS press releases that I received last week, but did not have the time to post. Catching up now. One is from Fox and the other from Comcast SportsNet Philly.

We have this official announcement from Fox Soccer Channel regarding the announcers for Major League Soccer which includes the addition of JP Dellacamera. JP will call Friday night games for MLS. Former US National team member Eric Wynalda will be pre and postgame show host. And Kyle Martino and Christopher Sullivan round out the MLS team for FSC. Here’s the release.

WYNDALDA, MARTINO, SULLIVAN AND DELLACAMERA COMPRISE FOX SOCCER’S 2011 MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER BROADCAST TEAM

MLS on FOX Kicks Off Season with Colorado-Portland on March 19

Los Angeles (March 10, 2011) – FOX Soccer, America’s premier soccer-only channel, today announced its 2011 Major League Soccer on-air broadcast team, led by Eric Wynalda with Christopher Sullivan and Kyle Martino, who is joined by renowned play-by-play announcer JP Dellacamera in the broadcast booth.

MLS coverage on FOX Soccer begins Saturday, March 19 in Colorado as the Portland Timbers – one of two new expansion teams – visit the MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids. FOX Soccer will broadcast 31 regular season MLS matches, including 14 Friday night matches and 17 on Saturday nights. Twenty of the 31 broadcast windows are exclusive to FOX Soccer.

“FOX Soccer is proud to announce an all-star lineup of studio announcers and analysts to cover what is sure to be the most exciting MLS season to date,” said Dermot McQuarrie, Senior Vice President of Production at FOX Soccer. “Eric Wynalda leads a talented group of former U.S. National Team and Major League Soccer players turned soccer analysts, and they are joined by JP Dellacamera, who will offer a veteran’s insight into the beautiful game. This talented team of broadcasters demonstrates our commitment to provide play-by-play and game analysis of the highest quality for our MLS coverage.”

National Soccer Hall of Famer Wynalda is host of FOX Soccer’s pre-game, halftime and post-game shows alongside Sullivan. Wynalda is one of the most decorated athletes in U.S. Soccer history, tallying 34 goals in 104 appearances for his country, second only to Landon Donovan. He was named U.S. Player of the Decade for the 1990s and scored the first goal in MLS history as a member of the San Jose Clash in 1996.

Sullivan, who represented the U.S. during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, previously served as a color commentator for MLS Saturday on FOX Soccer. He can also be seen teaming up with Wynalda as expert analyst on FOX Soccer’s UEFA Champions League coverage.

Dellacamera, who has commentated on seven consecutive FIFA World Cups, will call the play-by-play for all 14 Friday night-exclusive matches on FOX Soccer. Dellacamera was the lead soccer voice for men’s and women’s soccer for the last two Olympic Games and covered MLS from 2008-10. He also serves as the current play-by-play voice for the Philadelphia Union.

In addition to his MLS duties, Martino, the 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year, currently co-hosts Super Sunday + on FOX Soccer. Following his six-season professional playing career, Martino provided radio commentary for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and served as color commentator for MLS and U.S. National Team telecasts.

Rounding out the broadcast team and providing sideline commentary will be Brian Dunseth, who since 2006 has provided television and radio commentary for MLS club Real Salt Lake and FOX Soccer. During his professional playing career, he served as captain of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team in Sydney, leading the American team to a fourth-place finish.

Additional play-by-play analysts for FOX Soccer’s Saturday MLS coverage include Mark Rogandino, Allen Hopkins, Dave Johnson and Keith Bleyer.

And after the jump, we have an MLS-centric release from Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.

(continue reading…)

Fox Soccer Channel & Fox Soccer Plus Air FA Cup Action

This weekend, the FA Cup kicks into the knockout round with quarterfinal action headlined by Manchester United taking on English Premier League rival Arsenal on Saturday. The only non-EPL team that remains in the competition is Reading and that team is in action against Manchester City on Sunday. We have your schedule of live FA Cup games on the Fox Soccer family of networks.

MANCHESTER UNITED-ARSENAL HEADLINE FA CUP QUARTERFINALS, LIVE AND IN HIGH DEFINITION MARCH 12-13 ON FOX SOCCER

Knockout Matchup at Old Trafford features Barclays Premier League’s Top Two Teams and the Two Winningest Clubs in FA Cup History

Los Angeles (March 8, 2011)– FOX Soccer’s comprehensive coverage of the world’s oldest knockout club soccer tournament (since 1871) continues as it televises all FA Cup quarterfinal matches live and in HD on FOX Soccer Channel and FOX Soccer Plus on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13.

An FA Cup final-caliber matchup in its own right, Arsenal takes on Manchester United at ‘High Noon’ (ET) on Saturday, March 12 on FOX Soccer Channel. This grudge match pits the Barclays Premier League’s top two clubs, who have won a combined 21 FA Cup titles between them (Manchester United 11, Arsenal 10). The winner of this quarterfinal will be the odds-on favorite to claim yet another FA Cup.

FA Cup action kicks off on FOX Soccer Plus at 7:30 a.m. ET on March 12 as Birmingham City, fresh off of its shocking Carling Cup championship victory over Arsenal in Wembley Stadium on Feb. 27, continues its quest for its first FA Cup trophy and a historic double when it hosts four-time FA Cup champion Bolton.

On Sunday, March 13 Manchester City hosts English League Championship side Reading – the only non-Premier League squad left in the tournament – at 12:30 p.m. ET. Manchester City, third in the Premier League, won the last of its four FA Cups in 1969. Reading has never reached a FA Cup final and seeks to become the first club not in England’s top league to win the FA Cup since West Ham won in 1980.

Earlier that day, Stoke City hosts three-time FA Cup winner West Ham at 10:00 a.m. ET. West Ham was the first club to defeat Manchester United this season with a 4-0 Carling Cup quarterfinal triumph on Nov. 30. Like Reading, Stoke City is hoping to accept the tournament’s Cinderella role and reach its first FA Cup final. Below is a complete schedule of FA Cup quarterfinal telecasts.

Saturday, March 12
ManchesterUnited vs. Arsenal                 12:00 p.m. ET                FOX Soccer Channel*
BirminghamCity vs. Bolton                       7:40 a.m. ET                 FOX Soccer Plus*

Sunday, March 13
ManchesterCity vs. Reading                    12:30 p.m. ET                FOX Soccer Channel*
Stoke City vs. West Ham                         9:55 a.m. ET                 FOX Soccer Plus*

* Denotes live telecast; home teams listed first.

In the event that any FA Cup Quarterfinal ends in a draw, the replay will air on either FOX Soccer Channel or FOX Soccer Plus.

And I’ll do one more press release post before heading to links and maybe a column as well.

Let’s Do Some Tuesday Links

Time for linkage now.

Jun Yang at Bloomberg Businessweek reports that YouTube is in talks with the NBA and NHL to stream live games. Now that would be cool if it happens, but I’m skeptical that it will.

At MediaPost, Barry Janoff looks at some of the particulars of CBS/Turner’s NCAA Tournament programming and marketing opportunities.

Fox Sports’ Brian Lowry says the NBA and Hollywood have a genuine ongoing love affair.

John Eggerton at Broadcasting & Cable says the first melding of Golf Channel and NBC Sports will occur tomorrow at the World Golf Championship-Match Play Championships.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News notes that AT&T U-Verse has added Fox Soccer Channel HD to its lineup.

Bill Cromwell with Media Life Magazine takes a look at the ratings from some of the weekend’s biggest sporting events.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry marvels at the power of the web.

Trefis Team at Forbes says it’s ESPN that helps drives the Disney revenue engine.

Brad Cohen of SportsGrid noticed that ESPN’s Stuart Scott returned to SportsCenter sooner than expected following his cancer diagnosis.

Dylan Stableford at The Wrap says Stuart Scott’s return to ESPN was supposed to last an hour and instead ended up being a three hour marathon.

Ed DeRosa of the Thoroughbred Times writes about the Triple Crown returning to one network.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders if MSG will become a hot stock now that Carmelo Anthony has (finally) been traded to the New York Knicks.

Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald says a former WEEI personality made some waves with a Facebook rant.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes about the NHL’s landmark deal naming Molson Canadian as its official beer.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman looks at the Carmelo Anthony media circus.

Newsday’s Neil Best also writes how the Carmelo Anthony saga was good for the NBA and the Knicks beat writers.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union writes about NBC re-obtaining all of the legs of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette examines how Versus will be involved in Triple Crown programming.

Ryan Sharro in the Baltimore Business Journal takes a look at NBC reupping the Preakness Stakes for five years.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner notes Versus’ role in NBC’s plans for the Triple Crown.

The Tampa Tribune says Sun Sports will once again be the exclusive carrier of Tampa Bay Rays games.

To the Dallas Morning News and Barry Horn who has a short post on the Daytona 500 and NBA All-Star Game ratings.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle reviews three sports documentaries.

Mel Bracht at the Daily Oklahoman says the NBA All-Star Game on TNT got a big ratings boost from last year.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has Fox Sports Wisconsin’s coverage plans for the Brewers.

Warren Gerds of the Green Bay Press Gazette writes about CBS/Turner’s plans for the NCAA Tournament.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business talks with former sports columnist Dave Kindred who’s now teaching journalism in his native Illinois.

Pete Toms at the Biz of Baseball looks at what the Time Warner Cable deal with the Los Angeles Lakers means for the Dodgers.

Emma Carmichael at Deadspin writes about ESPN’s history of its personalities schilling for products.

Sports Business Watch explores Golf Channel’s rebranding when it’s on NBC.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media has some suggestions on how to improve Hockey Day in America for next season.

And I’ll end it there.

Doing Some Monday Linkage

Let’s provide some links on this holiday for some of you. For others like me, I’m at work. But instead of reading my complaints about working on a holiday, I’ll put my energy into finding links for you.

Starting with the Sports Business Journal, Terry Lefton looks at how TNT’s Charles Barkley has become a very effective ad spokesman. Perhaps on a future Videos of the Week, I’ll post some of his more memorable commercials.

Also from SBJ, John Ourand speaks with former Washington Post sports media columnist Leonard Shapiro who has joined Comcast SportsNet’s Baltimore and Washington, DC websites.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says Fox Sports didn’t come through in the final laps of the Daytona 500.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that CBC has reupped the polarizing Don Cherry for another season on Hockey Night in Canada.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News discusses how the Los Angeles Lakers’ deal with Time Warner has changed the regional sports network game.

Mike says starting this week, the synergy and rebranding of Golf Channel’s coverage with NBC begins.

David Goetzl of MediaPost notes the one year extension of Fox Soccer Channel’s current deal with MLS.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell caught up with New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokorov who actually did meet with Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony over the weekend.

Bobby Cassidy of Newsday lists his favorite Daytona 500 commercials.

Neil Best of Newsday wonders if Comcast is going to be tightening NBC’s pursestrings especially when it comes to the bidding for Olympic TV rights.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post hates everything today.

Tom Jones at the St. Petersburg Times reviews the sports weekend on TV.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says former Buck center Kent Benson recapped being punched by NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for a radio station interview.

I was interrupted and had to the leave the office for two hours. I’ll add more to this tonight.

UPDATE, 7:30 p.m.: Let’s give you some more links now.

Bryan Alexander of the Hollywood Reporter talks about this year’s Daytona 500 attracting its biggest audience in three years.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that TNT received cable’s second biggest audience ever for an NBA All-Star Game.

From Adweek, Mike Shields says VEVO, the music video website owned by Universal, Sony and Abu Dhabi Media, is going to be branching into sports.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser gets reaction from Turner Sports’ David Aldridge to the negative reaction to his CNN.com story about “Black Thanksgiving“.

At Pro Football Talk, Michael David Smith notes that ESPN’s Mike Ditka criticized the NFL’s proposed 18 game schedule.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that Vin Scully will call the season opener on radio. Usually, Vin does not call games that are on national television as is the case of this year’s season opener. Vin usually calls both TV and radio at home and West Coast road games, provided they’re not on national TV.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes about the ratings for Daytona and the NBA All-Star Game.

At the Delaware County Times, Neal Zoren talks about a Philly news anchor who has made the transition to sports.

Shannon J. Owens at the Orlando Sentinel says the brother of ESPN NBA analyst Mark Jackson died over the weekend.

Also from the Sentinel, Hal Boedeker notes the ratings for the Daytona 500.

Dusty Saunders at the Denver Post discusses the CBS sitcom to be based on ESPN’s Mark Schlereth.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News recaps a horrific interview between TNT’s Craig Sager and the Antichrist.

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin is not happy that CBC renewed Don Cherry’s contract.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog reviews CBC’s production of the Heritage Classic.

Sports Media Watch talks about the Daytona 500′s ratings increase, but tempers it as well.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that Jeremy Roenick will be on Versus all this week.

Joe Favorito says the Washington Nationals are getting the most out of their mascots.

And we’ll end it there for the added links tonight.

Let’s Try To Do Some Friday Megalinkage

Ok, I have some time to do some blogging this evening and I figure I’ll do the Friday megalinks, something which has been sorely lacking here. Let’s get cracking on the links.

As always, you can check the Weekend Viewing Picks for all of your weekend in sports and primetime TV.

Now let’s do your linkage.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy debate whether the U.S. Army should be throwing $7 million at sponsoring NASCAR.

Speaking of NASCAR, Hiestand talks about Fox using a new camera at the Daytona 500 that can pick up heat fluctuations.

At Quickish, Dan Shanoff feels the new Captain Blowhard project at ESPN.com will succeed.

Andrea Morabito of Broadcasting & Cable looks at Fox Soccer Channel extending its rights deal with Major League Soccer.

Ryan Ballengee of NBC’s Pro Golf Talk says Golf Channel’s Jim Gray was clearly in the wrong to interrupt golfer Dustin Johnson during the 1st round of the Northern Trust Open. Following Gray’s interview with Johnson, the reporter got into a heated argument with Johnson’s caddie which led to Golf Channel removing him from the broadcast for the rest of the weekend.

Emma Carmichael at Deadspin finds an excerpt from a 1990 book which recounts an incident where former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mario Soto found a way to get revenge on Jay Mariotti.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid notes that Tony Kornheiser is wary of blogs and the internet in general. Whatever. Mr. Tony really shouldn’t be talking anymore.

Sports Media Watch notes that the PGA’s Pebble Beach National Pro-Am got a big ratings increase from last year for CBS.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says gets info from NBC Sports how Hockey Day in America will be presented on Sunday.

Awful Announcing has the video of an awkward interview between TNT’s Craig Sager and Washington Wizards rookie John Wall.

Joe Favorito says the New Jersey Devils are bringing fans closer to the game by allowing them to live tweet during games at the game and bring bloggers and broadcasters into the mix.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says a new ruling regarding the use of likenesses could allow athletes to go after video game manufacturers.

Fred Hickman, formerly of CNN, ESPN, YES and Fox Sports Net, has launched his own media training company for athletes. The question is, will Fred actually show up for his training sessions? Fred’s reputation precedes him.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn at the Boston Globe wonders what’s going on at WEEI?

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette also discusses the WEEI lineup changes.

Newsday’s Neil Best notes that New York Mets tickets are selling well despite the team’s troubles on and off the field.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir looks at a new Broadway sports play being produced by the same people who brought “Lombardi” to the Great White Way.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Times attacks ESPN for allowing its personalities to sign endorsement contracts.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says Mets owner Fred Wilpon is not ducking questions about convicted Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff.

Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union says NASCAR has to learn to be able to take punches when people like Tony Kornheiser make silly statements about their sport.

Pete has a composite Spring Training TV schedule.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com says the effects of the Orioles leaving the CBS Radio-owned sports station are still being felt now.

Dave talks with former Baltimore Sun sports media writer Ray Frager who’s now the managing editor at the CSN Baltimore and CSN Washington websites.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says NFL Network will be all over the Scouting Combine next week.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times talks about Kornheiser’s NASCAR comments and other sports media issues.

The Chattanoogan previews ESPN’s new documentary on Tennessee’s first African-American quarterback.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says Fox will have plenty of storylines for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle writes that the late Dale Earnhardt still casts a big shadow over NASCAR.

Kirk Bohls from the Austin American-Statesman says the traditional Texas-Texas A&M Thanksgiving Night football game might be moved to accommodate the Big 12′s TV contract.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman talks with Turner Sports’ Kevin McHale about the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk competition.

Mel has his media notebook featuring Fox Sports MLB primetime games.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer says former Reds teammates Eduardo Perez and Barry Larkin are reunited at ESPN.

Micheal Zuidema at the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with an area native who covers NASCAR for the Motor Racing Network.

Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Sun-Times looks at how Comcast is bringing NBC to work together with its sports networks.

Neal Justin of the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that the Minnesota Twins have gone all-cable with its new TV deal with Fox Sports North .

Dan Caesar from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that the whole Albert Pujols contract dispute with the Cardinals has become a feeding media frenzy.

West

The Salt Lake Tribune notes that Fox Soccer Channel will pick up a couple of Real Salt Lake MLS games.

John Maffei at the North County Times marks the 25th anniversary of the great movie, “Hoosiers”.

John talks about how NASCAR’s Super Bowl takes place at the beginning of the season, not at the end.

Jim Carlisle from the Ventura County Star says the new Los Angeles Lakers channel to be run by Time Warner Cable is a gamechanger.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times talks about Jim Gray’s dismissal from the Northern Trust Open.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News says the Time Warner-Lakers deal will have far-reaching effects.

Tom catches up on the two weeks in sports media and has his extensive media news and notes.

Tom also writes about Jim Gray being sent home by Golf Channel.

Jon Wilner from the San Jose Mercury News has an extensive look at the Pac 12 TV negotiations.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that CBC’s announcers for the Heritage Classic differ on how the game will affect Montreal and Calgary down the line.

The Canadian Sports Media blog notes that curling is back on TSN this weekend.

And we are done.

Fox Soccer Channel and MLS Come To A One Year Contract Extension

After getting into a protracted dispute over rights fees, Fox Soccer Channel and Major League Soccer have come to a one year contract extension that keeps MLS on Fox for 2011. At one point, Fox Soccer Channel had balked at paying MLS’ request for $20 million a year. It looks like cooler heads have prevailed and my prediction that MLS would be forced to pay for time on Versus has gone down the drain.

Anyway, Fox Soccer Channel will air up to 31 regular season MLS games. Under the deal, Fox Soccer Channel gets three postseason games including one conference final. MLS and Fox Soccer Channel have been partners since 2003. Here’s the press release.

MLS and FOX Soccer Extend National Broadcast Rights Agreement

One-year extension includes up to 31 matches

NEW YORK (Friday, February 18, 2011) – Today Major League Soccer and FOX Soccer announced that they have extended the network’s national broadcast rights agreement for one year. The premier soccer-only channel in North America will broadcast up to 31 regular-season games, plus three exclusive MLS Cup Playoff matches including a Conference Final – all in high definition. The package includes 15 matches on Saturday nights and 14 on Friday nights; 20 of those 31 broadcast windows are exclusive to FOX Soccer.

“FOX Soccer has been a tremendous partner for MLS for many years and we are very happy that we have been able to extend the relationship,” said MLS President Mark Abbott. “Through both its news coverage and its extensive schedule of MLS games, Fox Soccer allows MLS fans across the country to follow their club as well as their rivals.”

FOX Soccer schedule this season begins with the MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids hosting the Portland Timbers in the expansion club’s inaugural MLS match as part of First Kick. Other highlights of the FOX Soccer lineup include five games between regional rivals, a clash of the two winningest teams in MLS history (LA Galaxy vs. D.C. United, June 3), and late season conference matchups that are bound to have playoff implications and high tension.

“We’re extremely pleased to be home to MLS – the gold standard for soccer in the US – for our ninth straight season,” said FOX Soccer Executive Vice President and General Manager David Nathanson. “FOX Soccer is committed to providing soccer fans in America the best coverage possible, and this extension helps us keep that commitment.”

FOX Soccer has been a national broadcast partner of MLS since 2003.

After the jump, I’ll provide this year’s MLS on Fox Soccer Channel schedule.

(continue reading…)

UEFA Champions League Action Returns To Fox Soccer Channel

It’s been a while since we’ve had Champions League action and it returns in a big way on Tuesday. The Round of 16 starts and Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Sports Net will carry the games. Reverse matches will be held the following month. We have the schedule of games for you. Take a look.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RETURNS FEBRUARY 15 WITH ROUND OF 16 FIRST-LEG LIVE MULTI-PLATFORM COVERAGE

Los Angeles, CA (February 10, 2010) – FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Sports Net (FSN) and FOX Soccer Plus feature blanket coverage of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg, with eight live and exclusive English-language match telecasts in high-definition from February 15 through 23.

Knockout stage coverage from the world’s most prestigious club soccer competition resumes with UEFA Champions League Pregame on FOX Soccer Channel, live at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 15.  Featuring a breakdown of the day’s up-coming action from host Eric Wynalda and expert analysts Warren Barton and Christopher Sullivan, the 30-minute pregame show will be simulcast on FSN each Tuesday matchday and on FOX Soccer Plus each Wednesday matchday for the remainder of the tournament.

Round of 16 first leg match action heats up FOX Soccer Channel’s coverage with Tottenham, having enjoyed a thrilling Champions League run so far, travelling to San Siro to take on Seria A’s league-leading AC Milan.  Also on February 15, FSN offers fans a showdown between Valencia and Schalke from Estadio Mestala, with both clubs relishing a trip to the quarter-finals.

Coverage continues Wednesday, February 16 on FOX Soccer Channel with arguably the most highly anticipated match of the round, as Arsenal pay the price for finishing second in their qualifying group with a visit from 2009 Champions FC Barcelona in a re-match of their 2010 quarter-final meeting which the Catalan club won 6-3 on aggregate to eliminate the Gunners. Meanwhile, FOX Soccer Plus brings viewers Claudio Rainieri’s Roma hosting surprise group winners Shakhtar Donetsk.

Live UEFA Champions League coverage picks up on Tuesday, February 22 as FSN features superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldoand Real Madrid seeking revenge as they travel to France to face Lyon, who eliminated the Galacticos in last year’s competition. The same day, FOX Soccer Channel offers fans Chelsea and newly acquired striker Fernando Torres travelling to Denmark to take on Danish Superliga leaders Copenhagen.

The Round of 16 action concludes Wednesday, February 23 with two matches, including FOX Soccer Channel’s coverage of Marseille vs. Manchester United from Stade Vélodrome, and FOX Soccer Plus’s telecast of Inter Milan hosting Bayern Munich, a replay of last year’s UEFA Champions League Final.

For a complete telecast schedule visit championsonfox.com

WHAT: Live and exclusive English-language coverage of UEFA Champions
League Round of 16 first leg matches in high-definition

WHEN: Tuesday, February 15 – 2:30 p.m. ET
AC Milan (ITA) vs. Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG)
Live on FOX Soccer Channel

Valencia CF (ESP) vs. FC Shalke 04 (GER)
Live on FSN
(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, February 16 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Arsenal FC (ENG) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP)
Live on FOX Soccer Channel

AS Roma (ITA) vs. FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Live on FOX Soccer Plus
(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, February 22 – 2:30 p.m. ET
FC København (DEN) vs. Chelsea FC (ENG)
Live on FOX Soccer Channel

Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) vs. Real Madrid (ESP)
Live on FSN
(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, February 23 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Olympique de Marseille (FRA) vs. Manchester United FC (ENG)
Live on FOX Soccer Channel

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) vs. FC Bayern München (GER)
Live on FOX Soccer Plus
(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET)

**For a complete telecast schedule, visit championsonfox.com

WHERE: FOX Family of Networks, including FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Sports Net and FOX Soccer Plus

There you have it.

Fox Soccer Channel Sees Its Highest Viewership On Super Bowl Sunday

Just as corporate parent Fox saw the highest viewership in US TV history for a single program, Fox Soccer Channel saw its highest viewership ever for a live soccer match. Airing the Chelsea-Liverpool match live on Super Bowl Sunday, Fox Soccer Channel says it saw an average of 418,000 viewers for the English Premier League contest. The 0.74 rating is the second highest-rated match after a US-Mexico Gold Cup Final in 2009. In addition, Fox Soccer Channel upgraded its presentation on Sunday by using the Fox NFL Sunday set making the entire wraparound production much more presentable as compared to the broom closet set it currently uses.

We have the press release from Fox Soccer Channel.

CHELSEA-LIVERPOOL SCORES FOX SOCCER MOST-WATCHED TELECAST EVER

Los Angeles, CA – Sunday’s Super Bowl on FOX wasn’t the only telecast of the day to set a viewership record.  FOX Soccer scored its most-watched telecast ever with its coverage of the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool.

The showdown between the two English heavyweights that began at 11:00 AM ET attracted 418,000 average viewers and 285,000 households, both network-records, according to figures released by Nielsen Media Research which has been measuring FOX Soccer since October 2008.  The game posted a .74 household coverage-area rating, second-best mark ever for the channel and just shy of the network record set 7/26/09 for the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between USA-Mexico (.77).  The network’s previous audience mark (403,000) came on Super Bowl Sunday last year (Chelsea vs. Arsenal), and prior household mark (267,000) was recorded during the ‘09 Gold Cup Final.

“Like the Super Bowl, we had a great match-up and a great game which is always a formula for success,” said David Nathanson, Executive Vice President & General Manager, FOX Soccer.  “We knew this game had big audience potential given the teams, our promotional efforts and the support we received throughout the FOX Sports Media Group.  Together we collectively showcased the biggest day in Football on a global scale.”

The match also performed well in key male demographics.  FOX Soccer’s Chelsea-Liverpool coverage on Sunday was the top-rated non NFL-related show, second overall in the M25-54 demographic (.90) and third highest-rated overall in M18-49 (.83) on ad-supported cable in the 11:00 AM ET-1:00 PM ET time period.

FOX Soccer kicked off last Sunday (Feb. 6) – The Biggest Day in Football – with a special edition of its weekly pre-match show, SUPER SUNDAY +, live from the set of America’s No. 1 NFL pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY.  The show was hosted by Christian Miles, with analysts Keith Costigan, Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton, Kyle Martino.  They were joined in studio by Temryss Lane and boisterous supporters from both clubs.

SUPER SUNDAY + post-match coverage followed the network’s most-watched event with record numbers of its own, attracting its highest total household viewership ever (166,000 P2+) and  M25-54 (86,000) as a post game entity.

Liverpool’s away victory at Stamford Bridge in London came only days after the record breaking transfer of its start striker Fernando Torres to Chelsea. It vaulted the Reds into sixth place in the Premier League standings, and held the Blues back from gaining ground on league leading Manchester United, which fell for the first time this season 2-1 at Wolverhampton.

This Saturday at 7:30a.m. ET, FOX Soccer features another match with tremendous Premier League implications: The Battle for Manchester (Manchester United vs. Manchester City).

More stuff coming up.

Going For Some Monday Linkage

Ok, let’s do some linkage while I can squeeze some in. I had to meet a deadline earlier. I think I’m safe for now.

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he wonders if the PGA Tour can generate ratings if Tiger Woods isn’t winning tournaments.

Michael also has some of the upcoming sports viewing for the week.

Tom Weir of USA Today’s Game On blog wonders how a year without the NFL would be like.

Mathew Futterman of the Wall Street Journal has a fascinating look at the meticulous notes prepared by college basketball analyst Bill Raftery.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry notes that last week was a big one for breaking news on Twitter.

To Press Coverage and Dan Levy who feels the Associated Press might not be doing the NFL any favors.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter writes about a Canadian company that wants to launch a third sports network to compete with TSN and Rogers Sportsnet.

Anthony Crupi from Mediaweek says a lockout by the NFL could turn disastrous for the league, its TV partners and its sponsors.

Rich Thomaselli of Advertising Age reports that CBS has rejected an NFL Players Association ad that would have aired on CBS College Sports this week.

Steve McClellan of Advertising Week writes that NBC’s Cris Collinsworth and Wipeout’s Jill Wagner will host a new syndicated lifestyle series starting this week.

The Huffington Post says Fox has rejected a Super Bowl ad that has religious overtones.

AllAccess notes that ESPN Radio has released the latest version of its iPhone app today.

Mike Walker of Golf Magazine says CBS saw higher ratings for the final round of yesterday’s PGA Tour stop from last year.

From across the Atlantic, James Robinson of The Guardian/The Observer writes about upstart ESPN UK trying to battle the  well-established Rupert Murdoch-owned Sky Sports.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe notes that NESN will be airing a Red Sox Town Hall tonight.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post is in a foul mood today.

Newsday’s Neil Best has some Monday thoughts.

Ray Didinger of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia lobbies for NFL Films founder Ed Sabol to get a call for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Patty Tascarella of the Pittsburgh Business Times reports that the Penguins lead the NHL in the local US TV ratings.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times provides his thoughts on the sports weekend.

Shannon J. Owens at the Orlando Sentinel writes about Stuart Scott’s latest battle with cancer.

Mark Norando of the New Orleans Times Picayune says the NFL Films-produced America’s Team documentary on the Saints Super Bowl XLIV-winning team is now available for download.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says this Sunday’s Super Bowl could break a viewership record despite having small markets involved.

Barry profiles ESPN’s senior coordinating producer of the network’s NFL studio shows, Stephanie Druley.

Leigh Munsil of the Morning News writes about ESPN’s kickoff of Super Bowl week in Fort Worth with Mike & Mike in the Morning.

Pete Alfano from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says even with bitter cold temperatures forecast for the Metroplex, ESPN is steaming ahead with plans to air shows live from Sundance Square this week.

Gordon Dickson from the Star-Telegram writes that Super Bowl planners are facing the worst-case scenario with winter weather and potential traffic snarls.

The Star-Telegram has a slideshow of ESPN’s start to Super Bowl week at Sundance Square.

Kathy Vetter of the Star-Telegram says the NFL’s Super Bowl media center opened quietly yesterday.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that a local sports reporter is leaving for Dallas.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Sentinel feels Super Bowl XLV won’t surpass last year’s viewership record, but I’m going to disagree with him.

Crain’s Chicago Business’ Ed Sherman explores the unique trust that is the Green Bay Packers ownership.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post lists some of his dreaded sports broadcasting cliches.

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

In the Toronto Globe and Mail, Bruce Dowbiggin feels NHL All-Star Weekend was a mixed bag for the league’s Canadian TV partners.

The Globe and Mail picks up a Canadian Press story chronicling how curling delayed CBC’s coverage of the All-Star Game.

Sports Media Watch has a quick glance on how the NBA postseason will begin on the league’s TV partners.

SMW also has some various ratings news and notes.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media wonders if MLB on Fox and Stanley Cup Final on NBC will go head-to-head during Memorial Day Weekend.

Brian Quarstad of Inside Minnesota Soccer says a popular anchor with Fox Soccer Channel is leaving after 9 years.

And we’re going to end it there.

Saturday’s Linkage

Let’s give you some linkage since I wasn’t able to do that last night.

Jon Lafayette of Broadcasting & Cable reports that NBC has sold out its ad inventory for the NHL Winter Classic. 

George Winslow of B&C says the Portland Trail Blazers have upgraded their broadcast control facilities to full 5.1 sound surround.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says Fox Soccer Channel hopes to use the renewal of its rights deal for the UEFA Champions League to expand its base.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says it’s time for colleges to reject mandatory ticket deals for bowls as schools are losing money on the arrangement.

Darren says the headset mouthpiece protector can not only be a big hit with coaches, it can double as an advertisement vehicle.

At Boston Sports Media Watch, Bruce Allen says long-time Boston sports radio host Eddie Andelman is calling it quits.

Newsday’s Neil Best is saddened by the passing of a New York City sports radio producer.

Neil talks about MSG Network’s Mike Breen pulling double duty calling Knicks games for his regular network and ESPN.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says two New York Capital Region schools will be showcased on ESPNU’s college lacrosse schedule in the spring.

From the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg has advance footage of the appearance of Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby on CBS’ The Price is Right to hype a Showcase with an NHL Winter Classic theme. I have to give the NHL credit for marketing the Winter Classic in non-traditional areas.

Dan and Katie Carrera write for the Post on how 24/7 Penguins/Capitals is showing everything on the Caps, including curse words.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch about the magazine’s annual Year in Sports Media issue.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Heat is amused by Heat announcer Eric Reid summoning Fred Flintstone in his calls.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News wonders why it took so long for the Texas High School Football Championships to be shown on live TV.

Jerry Garcia at the San Antonio Express-News loves watching TNT’s Inside the NBA.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer notes yet another blackout of the Bengals on Sunday.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about the city’s high concentration of cable TV-less homes and thus they’re shut out of the Rose Bowl which is on ESPN and has Wisconsin in the game..

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch talks with CBS’ Ian Eagle is in yet another whirlwind span of games in a short period. Even though I’m not on Twitter anymore, Ian should be on Twitter. His tweets would definitely be very entertaining.

Dan says a talk show host who was fired by a sports radio station in 2008 is finding his way back to his former home in January.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has his extensive news and notes.

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail talks about HBO’s 24/7 giving fans a look at what really goes on inside the locker room. 

Amanda Rykoff writes a very heartfelt post about Steven Smith, a Twitter friend who died earlier this week.

Wendy Parker writes about her fellow female scribes who just can’t seem to give the UConn women’s basketball team the respect they deserve as they approach the college basketball record for most consecutive wins. 

Sports Media Watch notes that the ratings for the New York Knicks are way up this season.

Dave Kohl at Major League Programs says some bizarre sports stories got coverage this week.

That will end it for now.

Putting Together Some Linkage

Ok, been busy, but I’m going to do some links while I can.

We’ve all seen the video of the Metrodome roof collapsing under the weight of heavy, wet snow. Michael Hiestand of USA Today has Fox Sports explaining how it made that video.

Michael also looks at some of the ratings from the weekend.

Sports Business Journal has its annual look at the 50 most influential people in sports.

You can get more of an in-depth look at who’s on the list starting with 41-50, 31-40, 21-30, 11-20 and finally, 1-10. SBJ also has a breakdown of the list by category.

Those are the most links to Sports Business Journal I’ve made in a long time.

Eric Fisher in Sports Business Daily has Fox Sports President Eric Shanks downplaying the role of 3-D TV.

Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter notes that if the NFL goes through a lockout next season, it could stand to lose some $3 billion in ad revenue. 

Broadcasting & Cable Editor-in-Chief For Life Ben Grossman notes that Fox Sports has renewed its rights deal for the UEFA Champions League.

George Winslow of B&C says ESPN will go all out for its 2011 venture, The Year of the Quarterback.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says ESPN has tapped the announcers to call its first 3-D production of an NBA game

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says Speed Channel plans to roll out some new primetime series in 2011.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that the Phoenix Suns become the first team to offer a social media suite package.

Darren tells us what newly-signed Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee left on the table by refusing to sign a bigger contract with the Yankees.

Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk says the clock is ticking on whether the Vikings can use University of Minnesota’s stadium as a stopgap to host next Monday night’s game against the Bears.

Janice Podsada of the Hartford Courant reports that Connecticut’s Attorney General worked through Monday trying to get the Giants-Vikings aired in the Constitution State, only to have his appeals fall on deaf ears.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with MLB Network’s Bob Costas about viewing Game 7 of the 1960 World Series again

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman likes how SNY Jets analyst Joe Klecko doesn’t hold back when it comes to the team’s recent pitiful play.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union looks at the NFL Week 15 TV schedule in New York’s Capital Region.

Pete talks about Golf Channel’s new live morning show.

Ken McMillan at the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record takes a gander at this year’s college football bowl season.

Laura Nachman liked how Eagles radio voice Merrill Reese recognized the late basketball writer Phil Jasner.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun says ESPN’s Monday Night Football stepped up late in the Ravens-Texans game just as it was getting exciting.

David says Ravens-Texans scored big in the local ratings.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says DC is well represented on the Sports Business Journal sports most influential list.

Sarah Talalay from the South Florida Sun Sentinel says the Miami Dolphins are enhancing their social media strategy.

Pete Alfano of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says ESPN the Magazine will host two events in the city during Super Bowl week.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle tallied the number of appearances by Texas media in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, Pony Excess.

Wayne Peal of the Northville (MI) Patch says a local high school swimmer who became a TV sports reporter is back close to home working at Fox Sports Detroit. 

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about how the NFL pundits are trashing Green Bay’s playoff chances.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says the Metrodome roof collapse comes at a good time for Vikings owner Zygi Wilf who’s been campaigning for a new stadium.

At the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Paul Walsh reports that the Minnesota Twins will have two familiar voices calling some games in the 2011season.

Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post notes that Screamin’ Gus Johnson will be on the call for this Sunday’s Broncos-Raiders game.

Dusty Saunders of the Post loves NFL RedZone.

Bill Dwyre of the Los Angeles Times raves about HBO’s documentary on Vince Lombardi.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says fans noticed Fox sneaking music during replays and timeouts during Sunday’s Seahawks-49ers game. 

Noah Davis of SportsNewser says the ESPN 30 for 30 series plans a documentary on Michigan’s Fab Five which went to two NCAA Basketball Championship Games.

Also from SportsNewser, Marcus Vanderberg interviews NFL Today host James Brown. 

Joe Favorito says the NFL handled what could have been a difficult situation in Minneapolis with dignity.

Sports Media Watch notes that Pats-Bears on CBS scored the highest NFL overnight ratings of the season.

SMW says Army-Navy’s overnight ratings dropped from last year, but still finished strong.

SMW also has a few ratings news and notes.

EPL Talk prefers watching English Premier League games on ESPN2 than Fox Soccer Channel.

At Mashable, Zachary Sniderman notes that The Onion’s fake sports news show has spawned a new website on Comedy Central.

Due to various interruptions, it’s taken me four and a half hours to complete the linkage. It’s yours now.

Fox Sports Media Group Renews Rights For UEFA Champions League Through 2015

This just in from the fine people at Fox Sports, the empire known as the Fox Sports Media Group has renewed its rights agreement with UEFA for the Champions League. This is a European soccer competition which involves the major soccer leagues throughout the continent. It makes for some really fun action pitting teams from the English Premier League against La Liga or Bundesliga. It all culminates in the Final during the Spring.

The agreement allows for more matches on Fox Sports Net. The semifinals will be seen on FX with the finals on Fox Sports. It also gives Fox streaming and mobile rights. Starting in 2012-13, you’ll be able to watch matches on your mobile phone so this is much more than the current deal which expires right after the 2011-12 season. We have your press release.

FOX SPORTS MEDIA GROUP RENEWS EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THROUGH 2014/15 SEASON

Europe’s Storied Club Soccer Competition Continues on Multiple Platforms

Finals on FOX Sports, Semifinal Matches Now Include FX and

Live Telecasts on FSN Nearly Double

Los Angeles (December 14, 2010) – FOX Sports Media Group today announced that it has renewed its exclusive media rights in the United States and Caribbean to the UEFA Champions League, the world’s most prestigious annual club soccer competition, for three additional seasons from 2012/13 through 2014/15.

The agreement with UEFA – the governing body of soccer in Europe – ensures comprehensive coverage of the tournament on multiple FSMG properties including FOX Sports, FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports Net (FSN) and FX, as well as online video streaming service FOXsoccer.tv throughout the first half of this decade.  FOX is currently in the second of a three-season partnership with UEFA through 2011/12, delivering for the first time ever all 146 UEFA Champions League matches from the Play-off Round onward to U.S. viewers.

“The foundation of FOX Sports’ success has always been to showcase the best sports events possible,” said David Hill, FOX Sports Media Group Chairman and CEO.  “Our enhanced commitment to the UEFA Champions League for three additional seasons means that the FOX Sports Media Group remain America’s home for the absolute best in international club soccer.”

“In 2009, FOX made an unprecedented commitment to bring the UEFA Champions League to the widest possible U.S. audience, and with this renewal agreement we have raised the amount of coverage to even greater heights,” said David Nathanson, General Manager of Fox Soccer.  “We are elated to continue our partnership with UEFA and serve as the home of their flagship property through at least 2015.”

Under the renewal, FOX Sports has committed to broadcasting the UEFA Champions League Final live to over 115 million households nationwide.  Last season, FOX staged the first-ever network television broadcast of a European club soccer match when it showcased the UEFA Champions League Final, live and in high-definition, from Madrid.

In addition, two of the four semifinal matches will air on FX, FOX’s flagship general entertainment cable network available in over 98 million homes nationwide.

FSN reaches nearly 85 million homes nationwide through its owned and affiliated regional sports networks and is nearly doubling its UEFA Champions League coverage. FSN will televise 28 live contests on Tuesday and Wednesday matchdays.  Currently, FSN only covers Tuesday broadcast windows.

As the primary broadcast outlet for the UEFA Champions League in the U.S., FOX Soccer Channel continues to deliver 110 live and delayed UEFA Champions League matches per season to its nearly 40 million subscribers, who also enjoy extensive coverage from England’s Barclays Premier League and Italy’s Serie A among other elite competitions. 

FOX Soccer Plus carries 94 live and delayed match telecasts annually, and like FOX Soccer Channel, each UEFA Champions League matchday features 8-10 hour blocks of uninterrupted coverage.

Meanwhile, FOX Deportes continues to televise 110 live and delayed match telecasts per season. An additional 250 hours of UEFA Champions League encore coverage per season is planned by the nation’s leader in Spanish-language sports media.

 
The 2012/13-2014/15 media rights extend to the Internet via premium broadband portal FOXsoccer.tv, as well mobile devices through Fox Soccer’s iPhone app.  FOXsoccer.com and FOXdeportes.com continue to offer exclusive video highlights of all matches plus live, interactive Match Trax featuring in-game stats, commentary and more.  As a result, fans across the U.S. will have an extensive array of coverage choices for this unparalleled club soccer competition.

“Ever since the first deal for the current 2009-2012 rights cycle, FOX Sports have impressed us with their commitment to prioritise the UEFA Champions League in their scheduling,” said Guy Laurent Epstein, Head of Media Rights for UEFA. “Showing the Final on FOX’s over-the-air affiliates marks a huge turning point in the American psyche towards football, continuing in this vein for the 2012-15 rights cycle reflects FOX’s ongoing dedication to the best of European football.”

So ESPN which had had the rights through the 2008-09 season, continues to be shut out of the Champions league through mid-decade.

And just because I can, I give you the catchy theme tune of the UEFA Champions League. Sing it with me now, “The Champ-ee-ons!!!!”

Ok, back to work.

Fox Soccer Channel Goes All Out For World Cup Announcement

Come Thursday morning our time, we’ll know which countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Fox Soccer Channel will have programming leading up to the announcement on Thursday. Let’s take a look at what it will air on Wednesday and Thursday.

THURSDAY IS DECISION DAY 2022 ON FOX SOCCER  CHANNEL 

 

In just over 24-hours, the eyes of the world will be on Zurich, Switzerland, where the future of soccer in the U.S. may take a giant step forward as FIFA announces the host nation for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™. 

Fox Soccer Channel is providing wall-to-wall coverage of the historic announcement. Here’s a look at some of our coverage:  

• Dec 1 @ 9:00-9:30 pm ET — D-Day Minus 1 Preview Show

• Dec. 2 @ 9:30 am ET – Decision Day 2022: A Fox Soccer Report Special.  Live coverage of the announcement from Zurich, Switzerland. The announcement of the 2022 host nation is expected to be made at 10:30 am ET. 

• FoxSoccer.com:  Expert analysis from writers Ives Galarcep, Jamie Trecker and Nick Webster.

• Viral Videos: Wynalda Memories and Kyle Martino with Team 2022

Thursday’s Decision Day 2022 telecast includes:

• Live reaction from viewing parties in Los Angeles, Seattle and Boston

• A powerful line-up of soccer insiders including: Curt Menefee, Eric Wynalda, Cobi Jones, Alan Rothenberg (Dec. 1) and Christopher Sullivan (Dec. 2). Plus experts via satellite from Zurich and London.

That’s it.

A Few Tuesday Links

Let do some linkage for you on this Tuesday. Short week for many of you so this is like a Thursday. Not me, but this is good.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that Bright House subscribers have begun to access the authenticated ESPN and ESPN3.com online.

Multichannel News notes that Fox Soccer Channel will be all over the World Cup 2018 and 2022 announcement next week.

SportsNewser’s Marcus Vanderberg says Michael Vick is on the cover of Sports Illustrated for the first time in five years.

Milton Kent of Fanhouse previews tonight’s HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the longer the NFL takes, the more likely Brett Favre won’t be suspended for allegedly sexting Jenn Sterger. 

Darren writes that any talk of an NBA or NFL lockout now is way premature.

From Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, he reports that San Francisco Giants voice Jon Miller has rejected ESPN’s offer to call Sunday Night Baseball games on radio.

In the New York Daily News, Bob Raissman praises CBS’ Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf for not burying the Jets before they came back to win against Houston on Sunday.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette talks about ESPN3D being picked up by Time Warner Cable in New York’s Capital Region.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says NASCAR’s ratings continue to be dwarfed by the NFL. 

Pete has the NFL Week 12 TV schedule for the Capital Region.

Pete also has the college football TV schedule for Week 13.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg in the DC Sports Bog has some highlights from HBO’s preview of 24/7 Capitals/Penguins.

Dan finds some old TV ads featuring former DC NFL team running back John Riggins.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says despite low attendance, the Tampa Bay Rays’ TV ratings were high.

Scott Rabalais of the Baton Rouge (LA) Advocate says LSU football coach Les Miles received an offbeat question about being interviewed by ESPN’s Erin Andrews.

Carl Steward of the San Jose Mercury News says for the first time since joining the Giants, Jon Miller will be available to call a full season with the team.

Ferd Lewis in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser writes that the University of Hawaii is optimistic its local TV rights will be protected once the school joins the Mountain West Conference from the WAC.

Sports Media Watch says the ratings for the CBS and NBC NFL pregame shows are up.

SMW notes that Notre Dame saw decent ratings for its primetime game on NBC last Saturday.

Johnnie L. Roberts of The Wrap talks about how Turner network executives are known to spend and fly in excess, something totally different from the Ted Turner era.

I’ll end it there.

Fox Soccer Channel To Air World Cup 2018 and 2022 Announcement

Coming up next week, Fox Soccer Channel will provide extensive coverage of FIFA’s announcement on where the World Cup will be played in 2018 and 2022. The United States, the UK, and Qatar are among the candidates bidding to host the world’s biggest event. There will be programs leading up to the announcement as well as live coverage of FIFA President Sepp Blatter telling us the host countries. We have the press release from Fox Soccer Channel.

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL AND FOX DEPORTES ANNOUNCE EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF 2018 AND 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP™ ANNOUNCEMENT

Programming Initiatives Culminate with Live Coverage of Landmark Moment in Soccer History on Thursday, December 2

Los Angeles (November 23, 2010) – Fox Soccer Channel, an Official Partner of the USA Bid Committee, and FOX Deportes, the nation’s leading Hispanic sports brand, today unveiled their extensive on-air and online coverage leading up to FIFA’s announcement of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup™ host nations on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Fox Soccer Channel offers a host of multi-media programming initiatives, culminating with Decision Day 2022: A Fox Soccer Report Special. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 2, this hour-long program brings viewers this historic announcement live from FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, along with interviews with leading figures in U.S. Soccer and fan reaction from viewing parties around the country. In addition, Decision Day 2022: A Fox Soccer Report Special features live Sky Sports News coverage of the latest developments in England, which is in contention to host the 2018 event.

On Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. ET, a 30-minute preview show – D-Day Minus 1 – is followed by Team USA: Journey to Glory, an in-depth look at the past, present and future of U.S. Soccer. Both programs repeat the morning of Dec. 2, immediately prior to Decision Day 2022: A Fox Soccer Report Special.

“As the nation’s leading soccer media brand, Fox Soccer Channel is honored to share this landmark moment in American sports history with our viewers, and support our ongoing partnership with the USA Bid Committee,” said David Nathanson, General Manager of Fox Soccer Channel.

Fox Soccer Channel has assembled an all-star talent team for Decision Day 2022: A Fox Soccer Report Special including:

• Curt Menefee: Host of FOX Sports’ 2010 UEFA Champions League Final coverage and FOX NFL SUNDAY.
• Eric Wynalda: A leading scorer in U.S. Soccer history and veteran of three FIFA World Cups™, including 1994 where he tallied the Americans’ first goal of the tournament.  Wynalda currently serves as host of Fox Soccer Channel’s UEFA Champions League coverage.
• Cobi Jones: Three-time World Cup™ veteran and member of the 1994 squad; America’s all-time leader in international caps.
• Alan Rothenberg: Former U.S. Soccer Federation President and architect of USA ’94.

FOX Deportes offers incisive interviews with high profile soccer personalities, all while keeping viewers up-to-date with around the clock information about the world’s most important soccer tournament and an in-depth analysis of FIFA’s final decision. Experts are on-hand to deliver coverage of the main event directly from Zurich, Switzerland, providing a detailed breakdown of the countries vying for the honor to host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup™.

FOX Deportes programming includes:

• A special airing of Diario Fox Sports on Thursday, December 2^nd from 10 to 11 a.m. ET.
• Expert analysis and breakdown of all the countries vying for the title of host nation.
• Live coverage of the World Cup™ announcement from Zurich.
• Fan reaction from select U.S. cities.
• Interviews with high-profile soccer personalities.

“As the first name in Hispanic sports, FOX Deportes recognizes the significance of this decision and the potential impact it will have on the Hispanic community,” said Vincent Cordero, Executive Vice President & General Manager of FOX Deportes. “We are committed to providing our viewers with exciting coverage related to the most important sporting event in the world.”

The build-up to decision day begins today, Nov. 23, and continues with multi-platform coverage this week and next on both networks. Highlights include:

• Beginning Thursday, an on-screen graphic during all Fox Soccer Channel and FOX Deportes programming counting down the final week until FIFA’s announcement.
• A similar countdown clock on the homepages of www.FoxSoccer.com - where expert writers Ives Galarcep, Jamie Trecker and others will examine the FIFA bidding process and the prospects for hosting a second World Cup™ on American soil – as well as www.Foxdeportes.com
• Web-exclusive videos on www.Foxsoccer.com - as well as the network’s Facebook and Twitter portals –  featuring Wynalda and former U.S. National Team member Kyle Martino, who take a personal look at the potential of another World Cup™ in the United States.

In June 2010, Fox Soccer Channel became the first Official Corporate Partner of the USA Bid Committee and its efforts to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2022. In October, FOX Sports Media Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Hill formally accepted an invitation to join the Bid Committee’s Board of Directors.  U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati is Chairman and Carlos Cordeiro the Vice-Chairman, while the Bid Committee’s other high profile Board of Directors include: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, comedian Drew Carey, former boxer Oscar De La Hoya, American soccer stars Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, actors Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, director Spike Lee and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. For more information on the Go USA Bid campaign, visit www.gobidusa.com.

And we’ll do the linkage coming up.