Yesterday’s computer problems led to the omission of the Friday megalinks. I’ll try to throw in a few Friday media links into today’s linkage. But at least my computer is back online and I can work on my links.
Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch says ESPN’s production of “The Decision” was bad TV all around.
USA Today’s Mike McCarthy says the whole LeBron James infomercial on Thursday was dragged out.
Fox Sports’ Brian Lowry says there were no winners in the LeBronathon.
Milton Kent from Fanhouse writes that there was more hype than substance in LeBronukkah.
James Hibberd in the Hollywood Reporter’s Live Feed notes the good ratings for LeBronathon.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell reported Friday that interviewer Jim Gray was paid by the LeBron James camp for the LeBronathon.
However, Gray was quick to deny that he was paid by James.
My good friend, Gail Sideman writes in Sports Networker that James’ brand definitely took a hit in this whole mess.
Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says ESPN made a spectacle of the whole James’ announcement.
Bob Raissman at the New York Daily News feels ESPN hijacked the LeBron story for ratings.
Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says ESPN overhyped “The Decision.”
Greg Connors of the Buffalo News looks at the coverage of “The Decision.”
Howard Kurtz of the Washington Post says Gray is coming under fire for his softball questions of James.
Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says ESPN picked up very good ratings for the LeBronathon.
Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald says the reporting of NBA Free Agency was over the top.
Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says the viewers were the big losers in the whole LeBron James affair.
Barry Horn in the Dallas Morning News says ESPN should be embarrassed.
David Barron in the Houston Chronicle notes that the entire LeBronathon was a sellout by ESPN.
Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has winners and losers in the whole LeBronathon.
James Rainey of the Los Angeles Times writes that ESPN sold its soul to get into bed with LeBron James.
In the Los Angeles Daily News, Tom Hoffarth feels ESPN breached some journalistic ethics.
Tom has a roundup of Jim Gray-bashing from media columnists.
Tom has his extensive media news and notes.
In the Toronto Globe and Mail, Bruce Dowbiggin feels the LeBron James saga sets a bad precedent for other athletes to follow.
Emmett Jones at the Sports Business Digest feels suckered by ESPN for watching “The Decision.”
I’ll give Joe Favorito the last word on the LeBronathon and whether it diminished his brand.
Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk says now that LeBronukkah is over, ESPN will now focus on its annual lovefest with Brett Favre.
Glen Dickson of Broadcasting & Cable says YES is getting ready for its first 3-D TV productions tonight.
Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News writes that this year’s World Cup is ready to overtake the 1994 tournament as the most watched in US TV history.
Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says MLS on ESPN2 got a ratings boost for the return of Landon Donovan last Sunday.
Jerry Barmash of the New York Examiner talks with former WFAN’er Mia Harris who isn’t mincing words about her ex-employer.
Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could not refuse making an appearance on HBO’s “Entourage”.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob Wolfley writes that Fox is not worried about not having Nationals’ pitcher Steven Strasburg in the All-Star Game.
John Maffei of the North County Times says the MLB All-Star Game shines above all other league all-star showcases.
The Sports Media Watch has a look at Versus’ past, present and future.
SMW notes that both the men’s and women’s Wimbledon finals took ratings hits this year.
And SMW has some various ratings news and notes.
We will end it there. I thought I would not be able to get to the links yesterday after my computer went on the blink. Imagine my relief now. Back later.
