I was hoping to have an update Wednesday night, however, I got quite busy, but you get more links this morning which is better for you, the reader. We have a lot of links on the NFL Network vs. Cable dispute, but first, let’s start with the Thursday weekly media columns.
Bill Doyle of the Worcester (MA) Telegram & Gazette talks with Boston Bruins radio voice Dave Goucher.
Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says he knew Lee Corso would be a big TV star after covering him as a coach at Indiana University. Bracht has his media notebook and he also gives us his weekend viewing picks.
A few items from the Sports Media Watch today. First, Paulsen tells us that College Gameday live from the Missouri-Kansas game garnered its highest ratings every. Next, we find that despite a dull 3-0 final score, the Miami-Pittsburgh game on Monday Night Football did quite well for ESPN. And due to the writers strike, ESPN/ABC is looking to put NBA games on Saturdays in primetime.
Neil Best of Newsday blogs that former Mets radio announcer Tom McCarthy left WFAN on good terms. And here’s the story from Best from yesterday’s edition of Newsday. Yesterday, Best appeared on ESPN2’s First Take program to discuss the NFL Network vs. Cable dispute. Here it is:
Neil also writes that HBO is putting together a project on Barry Bonds. And Neil has suggestions on how to catch tonight’s Packers-Cowboys game.
Now, we have extensive links on the NFL Network as Green Bay vs. Dallas is on tonight and is only available in 35 million homes across the nation.
In his blog, Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has more on the NFL Network vs. Cable dispute.
Michael McCarthy of USA Today writes that tonight’s Packers-Cowboys game will be the contest that most of America won’t see. And USA Today’s editorial board says the NFL is making excessive demands on cable.
Over to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel which has extensive coverage of the NFL Network vs. Cable story. First, the paper reports that three over the air TV stations have been given permission to air the NFL Network feed of the Green Bay-Dallas game. Next, we have dueling editorials, the first from NFL Network President Steve Bornstein who goes on the offensive against the cable companies. The other editorial is from Time Warner Cable Wisconsin President Jack Herbert who says cable isn’t the villain here. And the Journal Sentinel’s editorial board says it’s time to level the playing field and deregulate cable. Bob Wolfley writes that the Packers are indeed ready for primetime.
Over to Texas, Linda Leavell of the Dallas Morning News says residents living in the outskirts of Dallas are mad they can’t see the game. Evan Kohl of the Killeen Daily News reports that NFL Network and Time Warner Cable couldn’t come to an agreement in time for tonight. John Maher of the Austin American-Statesman says the ultimate winners in the dispute are the sports bars. Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes that the game can be seen in Dallas over the air. Brad Kellar of the Greenville Herald-Banner says local residents will be able to watch the game through KDFI-TV.
Tony Biasotti of the Ventura County Star says many fans are heading to sports bars tonight to watch the game.
Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune gives fans options to catch the game.
Bill Liesse of the Peoria (IL) Journal-Star writes sarcastically that the NFL Network knows how to pick games.
Howard Herman of the Berkshire (MA) Eagle writes that while local football fans won’t be able to watch tonight’s game, they should be able to see the NFL Network’s feed of the Patriots-Giants game in Week 17.
Ron Grover of Business Week writes about the Big Ten Network and NFL Network battles with cable.
Ryan White of the Oregonian is miffed he can’t see tonight’s contest.
Taking a breather from the NFL Network vs. Cable dispute, we find out that Hannah Storm, former NBC Sports host and now co-host of The Early Show on CBS, is leaving TES for another post within CBS News, or so she’s been promised.
David Whitely of the Orlando Sentinel asks Comcast to come to Orlando to compete with Bright House so Magic fans can see the 35 games on FSN Florida. Bright House does not carry FSN and apparently Comcast which does not have a license in Orlando does.
That’s it for now. Back later.
