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Quick Pre-Super Bowl Links

Let’s do some Super Bowl Sunday links today.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says media analysts are predicting another record viewership for the Super Bowl.

Mike says MSG Network remains off Time Warner Cable systems for the fifth consecutive week with no agreement in sight.

Kate Fagan of espnW has a look at what Super Bowl XLVI sideline reporter Michele Tafoya will deal with on the Lucas Oil Stadium field tonight.

Peter Pachal from Mashable has a look at NBC’s streaming of the Super Bowl.

Sean Newell at Deadspin says CNBC’s Darren Rovell may have lost the female vote forever.

Deadspin’s Timothy Burke tells us about a media feud between WEEI’s John Dennis and ESPN Radio’s Ryan Russillo.

Speaking of Darren Rovell, he wonders if Eli Manning can become a more prolific endorser than Tom Brady.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks about Twitter and some of the New England Patriots who use the social media service.

The New York Times’ Ritchie S. King and Kevin Quealy look at some of the clichés that have enveloped ESPN SportsCenter.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Times is speaking in tongues today.

Ken McMillan from the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record has the NBC football crew talking about today’s Super Bowl.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner talks with Fox Sports’ John Lynch about the Super Bowl.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says the Super Bowl could decide the local news race.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the Green Bay Packers’ Charles Woodson is doing well for the NFL Network.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks with NBC’s Al Michaels.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has NBC’s and CTV’s coverage plans for the Super Bowl.

Mike Silva from the Sports Media Watchdog goes over Darren Rovell’s downfall with women this weekend.

Joe Favorito has a few sports business tidbits for us.

And those are the quick links for today. Enjoy the Super Bowl. I’ll have grades on the Super Bowl ads tonight.

Time For Our Thursday Linkage

Let’s do our linkage now. Lots of good stories.

First, Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch speaks with NBC’s NFL crew on what we’ll see on Super Bowl Sunday.

Richard’s latest Media Circus podcast is up and his guest this week is NBC’s Cris Collinsworth who will call Sunday’s game with Al Michaels.

Good on Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead for breaking the story that Selena Roberts has left SI.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Time Warner Cable hopes to capture some good feelings with its local Super Bowl ad that will run in selected markets.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek writes that General Motors is cutting back on its ad spending, but will remain on the Super Bowl.

Adweek’s Tim Nudd says Kia’s Super Bowl tries to cram a lot into its Super Bowl spot.

Robert Klara from Adweek notes that tennis players are getting more than just shoe endorsements these days.

Matthew Creamer at Advertising Age has a primer on the Super Bowl ads.

Brian Steinberg from AdAge notes that NBCUniversal corporate sibling Fandango will latch onto one Super Bowl movie ad.

Cotton Delo of AdAge says Honda’s Ferris Bueller ad is the most watched Super Bowl ad on the web right now.

Mark Wilson of Popular Mechanics wonders if NBC’s streaming of Super Bowl XLVI will lead to more events online.

Tom Cheredar from MediaBeat says the Feds cracked down today on several sites illegally streaming sports.

Maggie Hendricks at Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner says Pats QB Tom Brady watched last year’s Super Bowl through an illegal website. Great thing to admit, Tom.

To Graham Watson at Yahoo’s Dr. Saturday blog and he says ESPN may have inadvertently helped USC coach Lane Kiffin commit a recruiting violation. It would not be the first time.

Good story from Jeremy Rapanich in Deadspin on NBC’s preparation for Super Bowl XLVI.

Matt Yoder from Awful Announcing looks at the next potential wave of NFL TV analysts.

Ryan Yoder at AA recaps Texas US Senate candidate Craig James interview on a state radio station.

Glenn Davis at SportsGrid wonders if Steven A. “A is for Acrimony” Smith flipped the bird to Skip Bayless today.

The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn takes a look at Radio Row at the Super Bowl.

Newsday’s Neil Best says WFAN’s Mike Francesa and the agent for former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor are in a feud.

Neil says Miami sports radio host Sid Rosenberg is no longer doing morning drive sports reports for NYC radio station WINS.

Neil speaks with WFAN’s Giants beat reporter.

Neil says NBC is hopeful that Super Bowl XLVI will set a viewership record.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the rundown for NBC’s Super Bowl 6-hour pregame.

Ken McMillan at the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record has ESPN’s BracketBusters schedule.

Evan Weiner of the New Jersey Newsroom notes that the NFL is the best of both capitalism and socialism.

Isabelle Khurshudyan of the University of South Carolina’s student newspaper, the Daily Gamecock, recaps a campus appearance by ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen.

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer says Fox Sports Ohio has set its Reds programming for this month.

Zak Keeler from the Indianapolis Star writes that visiting reporters are heaping praise on Indy as Super Bowl host.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is surprised over the Pro Bowl’s ratings.

Mark Schuttenhelm of the Jamestown (ND) Sun questions the choices NBC Sports Network has made for its college hockey games.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News breaks down the Super Bowl by play-by-play announcer.

The Los Angeles Times reports that ESPN poker commentator Norman Chad was admonished for live tweeting his jury selection. Really, Norman?

Jessica Lantz has a look at one of the better Super Bowl ads, only this one will play in Canada only.

Speaking of Canada, the Canadian Sports Media Blog says CTV will begin its promotional push for this year’s Summer Olympic Games during the Super Bowl.

Sports Media Watch says this year’s NHL All-Star Game ratings finished below last year’s.

Mike Silva at Sports Media Watchdog says this week’s Mike and the Mad Dog reunion reminds fans what they’ve been missing since 2008.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has some suggestions on how to improve NBC’s NHL coverage.

Jackie Pepper continues her coverage of Super Bowl XLVI.

And we’re done with our links for today.

Bringing Out Friday Megalinks

The last few Fridays, I haven’t been able to provide you with the megalinks. I have to do some today otherwise you’ll stop visiting me.

We begin as always with the Weekend Viewing Picks and there are quite a few for this snowy weekend in Southern New England.

Now to your links.

National

Michael Hiestand of USA Today talks with Fox Sports’ Terry Bradshaw about Tim Tebow and the upcoming NFC Championship.

Jason Fry, part of the ESPN Poynter Review Project hears sideline reporter Holly Rowe’s side of the story regarding about her now-infamous incident where she shoved a Sugar Bowl staffer away to get an interview with Michigan coach Brady Hoke.

Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter looks at HBO’s new unscripted series on boxing trainer Freddie Roach.

The Tampa Bay Times’ Eric Deggans has a review of the Freddie Roach series in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center.

John Eggerton at Broadcasting & Cable says Massachusetts Senator John Kerry has written a letter to the FCC asking the agency to get involved in the Sunbeam-DirecTV dispute which could affect how viewers in Boston see the Super Bowl.

John says Comcast is seeking a reversal of a Federal decision that ruled in favor of Tennis Channel in their dispute.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says DirecTV has signed a rights deal to distribute Big Sky football and basketball games.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek says History Channel has purchased a longer ad to promote its series, “Swamp People” during Super Bowl XLVI.

Brian Steinberg from Advertising Age tells us who’s buying what in Super Bowl XLVI.

AdAge looks at the 12 ads that changed Super Bowl marketing forever. Three guesses on number one and the first two don’t count.

Brian says marketers are going longer with their Super Bowl ads this year in an attempt to stand out.

Finally, Brian writes that even though we’re not thinking about next year’s Super Bowl XLVII, CBS already is and has been working on getting an early start on ad sales for that Big Game.

Inside Radio says all of Cumulus’ Bay Area radio stations will simulcast Sunday’s NFC Championship Game.

From across the pond, Amy Lawrence of The Guardian in the UK says Fox airing an English Premier League game live over the air is a big deal.

Kevin Iole of Yahoo looks into NBC Sports Network’s first foray into boxing.

Dan Levy at the Bleacher Report wonders which network can muster enough former NFL talent to drum up a flag football game.

Mac Nwulu of ESPN’s Front Row PR blog has an inside look at the preparation of Sunday NFL Countdown.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing chronicles this week’s Twitter feud between Sports Illusrated’s Richard Deitsch and CNBC’s Darren Rovell.

Speaking of feuds, The Big Lead looks at an internal ESPN squabble between college basketball analyst Jay Bilas and insider Andy Katz.

Sports Media Watch notes that ESPN is making a major scheduling change for the WNBA this year.

SMW has a look at some local NBA and NHL ratings.

Tennis Channel laments not being picked up by Cablevision.

Ken Kerschbaumer of Sports Video Group takes a look at CBS’ and Fox’s preparation for the NFL Conference Championship Games.

Sports TV Jobs has an interesting graphic of sample camera positions at various stadia and arenas.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn from the Boston Globe talks with a former Baltimore Raven who now works in Boston as a weekend sports talk show host.

Bill Doyle at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette interviews legendary Patriots radio voice Gil Santos.

Newsday’s Neil Best says local TV is gearing up for the NFC Championship.

Neil talks with former New York Giants running back and NBC analyst Tiki Barber who makes his return to TV this weekend.

George Vescey at the New York Times looks forward to seeing Sunday’s English Premier League game live on Fox.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick is not a fan of the NFL replay review process.

Justin Terranova of the Post has five questions for CBS Sports’ and WFAN’s Boomer Esiason.

The Albany Times Union’s Pete Dougherty has some NFL TV analysts break down the four quarterbacks still playing for a shot in the Super Bowl.

Ken McMillan from the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record has Fox’s Troy Aikman talking about the NFC Championship.

Ken has more from Troy in his blog.

Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com notes in Press Box that last week’s Texans-Ravens game set a local ratings record.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun attempts to get answers from CBS on having Subway endorser Ndamukong Suh on last week’s NFL Today postgame show.

And David has former Ravens QB and current ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer opining on Ed Reed’s comments on current QB Joe Flacco.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post says the Nationals are hoping to get more money from MASN as the sides negotiate a new contract.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with the radio voice of the Wizards about his busy schedule.

South

Keith Jarrett at the Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times says the Big South may have to move its Conference Championship Game venue which could effect ESPN’s scheduling.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham (AL) News says SEC partners CBS and ESPN want better scheduling for next football season.

Jerry Tipton of the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader writes that the SEC’s basketball coaches aren’t happy over the scheduling-for-TV moves this season.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says the Texans’ flagship radio station hopes to build on the team’s momentum when their new contract kicks in next season.

David has some news and notes that didn’t make his column.

Nancy Sarnoff of the Chronicle says NBC Sports Group is looking for a new facility to house the Comcast SportsNet Houston regional sports network which launches later this year.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman notes that the Texas Rangers will have multiple appearances on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press says HBO continues its string of acclaimed sports documentaries.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says don’t expect NFL Conference Championship Sunday to change its format for the foreseeable future.

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

Patrick Reusse of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune feels Fox Sports North just cheerleads for Minnesota teams and won’t criticize them.

Paul Christian from the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin looks at Fox Sports North’s Hockey Day in Minnesota schedule.

Dan Caesar at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has CBS Sports President Sean McManus wanting to keep the status quo for NFL Conference Championship Sunday.

West

John Maffei of the North County Times looks at MLB Network’s first-ever game show which premieres next week.

Jim Carlisle from the Ventura County Star says CBS was hoping to get Tim Tebow for its NFL Today pregame show on Sunday, but he declined.

At the Los Angeles Daily News, Tom Hoffarth profiles Fox Sports West host Patrick O’Neal and has his list of best and worst local sports anchors.

Tom has a bit more on O’Neal.

Canada

Bob Weeks in the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that CBC has gotten out of the curling business, a sport it has televised since 1962.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe and Mail says the Raptors may be suffering on the court, but not on TV.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog looks at the International Olympic Committee throwing out CTV/CBC’s joint bid to air the 2014/2016 Games.

And that is it. Glad to be able to provide the Megalinkage for you.

Back With The Friday Megalinks

Due to a crazy schedule for most of this week and then having a medical procedure done yesterday, I have not been able to blog like I’ve wanted to. Links have been scarce, but I’m available to do them now and hopefully, won’t be interrupted.

Your Weekend Viewing Picks have your sports and entertainment programming for Halloween weekend. Let’s get to the links.

National

Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that Tim McCarver has been broadcasting for a very long time and reports that Ron Franklin makes a return to the broadcast booth next week.

Georg Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter writes that if the NBA loses an entire season, corporate partners Time Warner and Disney would take some hits in the short term, but see moderate profits in the long term.

Philiana Ng of the Reporter says Game 6 of the World Series dominated the primetime ratings on Thursday.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable says DirecTV is crying foul to the FCC about Fox’s ad in their carriage dispute over several networks including FX, 19 Fox Sports Net affiliates, Fox Soccer and Speed.

George Winslow of B&C notes that NASCAR.com has developed the first app for Google TV.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says MSG Varsity will stream high school games for co-owned Cablevision subscribers.

Mike says last week’s bidding for US World Cup media rights doesn’t help FIFA’s corrupt reputation.

ESPN Ombudsman Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute delves into ESPN’s role in the college sports realignment game.

Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center that baseball’s problems are magnified when a historic moment as in last night’s World Series Game 6 comes so late for East Coast viewers.

Ben Koo from Awful Announcing criticizes MLB.com for its silly policy of not allowing websites like mine to embed certain videos.

Awful Announcing gives praise to Joe Buck for his plagiarized call of David Freese’s walk off home run in last night’s Game 6 World Series.

Deadspin’s AJ Daulerio exchanged e-mails with Buck on his call.

Glenn Davis of SportsGrid notes that a Dallas TV station jumped the gun in saying the Texas Rangers won the World Series last night.

Sports Video Group reports that CTV/TSN has won the Canadian rights to the FIFA World Cups from 2015 through 2022.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell explains why we’re suddenly closer to an NBA deal and a complete 82 game season.

Sports Media Watch writes about the World Series Game 6 ratings.

Dave Kohl in the Broadcast Booth looks at the reporting on Dan Wheldon’s death.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe looks at the World Series ratings vs.the NFL this season.

Bill Doyle from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Fox 25′s Kristine Leahy.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at MLB Network’s latest Bob Costas special with Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

Neil says ESPN2′s SportsNation will do an ode to LIVE with Regis and Kelly on Monday.

Over to the New York Post where Phil Mushnick is again filled with hatred.

Justin Terranova of the Post has 5 questions for Sirius XM MLB Network Radio co-host Jim Duquette.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says Fox finally got a ratings payoff for the World Series.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com has the latest on the Baltimore-Washington, DC sports media.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner interviews the host of Bloomberg’s weekly “Sportfolio” program.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says former Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder gets the opportunity to talk about his former team twice a week on local sports radio.

Barry Horn at the Dallas Morning News writes that Game 6 of the World Series is now the most watched baseball game in the history of the Metroplex.

David Barron in the Houston Chronicle says the Texans continue to top the local TV ratings.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes ESPNU will air a basketball fundraiser for the Joplin, MO tornado victims.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer talks with local website owners who want businesses to help ensure the Bengals won’t be blocked out in the local market.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes that viewers are the losers in the DirecTV/Fox carriage dispute.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tells us that Week 7′s Vikings-Packers game was the most watched TV program of last week, topping all network programming.

Bob notes that Milwaukee and surrounding towns are part of a rare TV marketplace where a significant amount of viewers still don’t have cable or satellite.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business notes that classic Bulls games will be aired on Comcast SportsNet during the winter.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar writes that Fox has hit the megaload with a long World Series.

West

John Maffei of the North County Times writes that last week’s brawl with Arizona gave UCLA some TV time, but for the wrong reasons.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star says Christmas doesn’t need NBA games.

Jim notes that ESPN took a big hit when it lost the World Cup bidding to Fox.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News talks with ESPN’s College GameDay’s Lee Corso.

Tom talks with SoCal broadcaster Steve Physioc.

Tom says people are confused over the battlelines in the DirecTV/Fox carriage dispute.

Tom talks with Dan Patrick about the #occupygameday movement.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that CTV/TSN has wrested the World Cup rights away from CBC.

Let’s Do Some Monday Links

Time for some links. I expect press releases galore today announcing NFL ratings news so before they come fast and furious, I’ll do some linkage.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says the NFL and its TV partners handled their 9/11 tributes yesterday as best as they could.

Scott Woolley at Forbes.com writes that cable operators are ready to fight ESPN over its huge rights deal for Monday Night Football.

David Lieberman of Deadline says the battle lines are drawn between cable operators and ESPN.

In the Hollywood Reporter, Lindsay Powers reports that the NFL saw its best season opening primetime ratings in 15 years.

Michael Malone of Broadcasting & Cable notes that NBC’s Universal Sports is going to be a cable-only channel starting in 2012. Universal is on several NBC owned-and-operated local digital channels and will be removed starting in January.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Universal Sports has begun an ad campaign asking cable and satellite distributors to pick it up in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Anthony Crupi at Adweek asks if the flashy Maryland football uniforms were a nightmare or a brilliant marketing scheme for athletic apparel manufacturer, Under Armour.

Anthony says Dunkin’ Donuts will be sponsoring ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown this season.

Toni Fitzgerald from Media Life Magazine writes that the NFL regular season opener last Thursday really scored for NBC.

Kat Stoeffel of the New York Observer notes that former Boston Globe curmudgeon Charlie Pierce is joining Bill Simmons’ Grantland. Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch points out that it comes after Pierce lambasted Simmons last December.

Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has the video of NASCAR driver Tony Stewart being a dick to Associated Press reporter Jenna Fryer.

Deadspin has video of Fox Sports’ Chris Myers ordering a stiff drink on the air.

TMZ says former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Josh Elliot could replace Good Morning America co-host George Stephanopoulos.

ESPN’s Front Row PR blog profiles the man who literally drives the bus for Monday Night Football.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post believes everything in the world is bad.

Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that the Temple-Penn State game will be on ESPN this Saturday.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun has fun with the CBS NFL Today analysts picking Pittsburgh before yestserday’s game with the Ravens.

Leigh Pressley of the Charlotte Observer says a local man will be seen on Golf Channel’s Big Break reality show this month.

Paul Woody of the Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch profiles ESPN NASCAR pit reporter Jamie Little.

Paul also talks with ESPN’s NASCAR pit studio stage manager who is from Virginia.

Gary Smits of the Florida Times-Union says ESPN College GameDay comes back to Tallahassee this Saturday after a 10 year absence.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times reviews the weekend in sports television and radio.

Mike Baldwin of the Daily Oklahoman writes that Oklahoma University is in a mini-slump when College GameDay goes to one of its games.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business is amazed at the local TV ratings for the Bears season opener.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be seen on Golf Channel this week as part of an NFL-themed program.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post talks with ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer who will be working tonight’s Oakland-Broncos game.

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

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that one local talk show host was on the warpath last week.

Susan Krashinsky of the Globe and Mail explores the potential new partnership between Canadian TV rivals CTV and CBC for the 2014/16 Olympics.

Jamie Sturgeon of the National Post writes about Rogers’ decision to pull out of Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Consortium.

Dusan Belic of IntoMobile says the NFL has launched a new Android tablet app.

Ben Koo of Awful Announcing explains why ESPN’s GamePlan college football pay per view package has been rendered obsolete and worthless by ESPN.

Matt Clapp at AA has the stirring video of America’s Unofficial Anthem Singer, Jim Cornelison, helping to kick off the NFL season before yesterday’s Atlanta Falcons-Chicago Bears game.

Joe Favorito says even in its worst times, hockey finds a way to heal the sport and its players.

Dug out as many links as I could today. That’s it for now. More press release posts as they come in.

Some Sunday Linkage

I wasn’t able to link yesterday due to some personal commitments. I’ll be doing some today.

Mike McCarthy of USA Today says ESPN yanked teams with anti-Semitic names from its fantasy football leagues.

Daniel Riley of GQ speaks with the best baseball announcer of all-time, Vin Scully about his greatest calls.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable notes that the American Cable Association is blasting ESPN for its huge rights contract for Monday Night Football.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that NBC and Universal Sports have begun to air coverage of the Rugby World Cup.

Mike writes that YES Network is coming in to air Fox NFL Sunday for Fox in New York for one week only.

Eric Deggans from the St. Petersburg Times writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center that fans will be footing the bill for the NFL’s recent megadeal with ESPN.

Brandon Costa at Sports Video Group says NFL Films will have a nationwide tribute to 9/11 before all games today.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid notes that TNT’s Charles Barkley wasn’t quite himself doing an interview on ESPN yesterday.

Timothy Burke of SportsGrid has the audio of Yankees broadcaster John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman using a cell phone to broadcast a game last week.

Former CNN correspondent Kelly Wallace, now of iVillage, speaks with NBC Sunday Night Football sideline reporter Michele Tafoya about balancing motherhood with her job.

Rob Neyer at SBNation wonders if MASN handled Orioles analyst Mike Flanagan’s death properly.

Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald has a look at the NFL Films documentary on Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with some of New York’s sports figures who remember 9/11.

Claire Atkinson of the New York Post reports that some cable providers are unhappy over ESPN’s megadeal for Monday Night Football and may fight back.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says the local CBS affiliate will be throwing Monday’s U.S. Open men’s final to another station.

John Brennan of the Bergen (NJ) Record writes that several NHL promos for the league’s TV partners are being shot in Newark, NJ.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says a rainout prevented a local minor league baseball announcer from making a signature call.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with NBC/Versus’ programming chief about its new lineup.

Mike Madden of the Washington City Paper says DC NFL team Daniel Snyder has dropped his SLAPP lawsuit against the publication. If you’re wondering what a SLAPP lawsuit is, go here.

Lauren Bailey of the Charlotte Observer profiles an Emmy-award producer who has helped to shape the way ESPN does its features.

Tom Jones at the St. Petersburg Times has your NFL Viewing Guide for this season.

Norm Sanders of the Belleville (IL) News-Democrat remembers a local man who worked behind the scenes for both CBS and Fox Sports.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the NFL Films documentary on Patriots coach Bill Belichick lifts the curtain on some of his mysterious persona.

Dan Caesar in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals’ ratings are down compared to last year.

Dr. Michael Chung writes in the Kansas City Star that based on its TV ratings, baseball might be in trouble.

Jason Franchuk of the Provo (UT) Daily Herald compares how the Longhorn Network shapes up against BYUtv.

Marcus Vanderberg of Fishbowl LA says Kings on-air personality Heidi Androl won’t be returning to her duties with Fox Sports West this season.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes that CTV and CBC will team up for the Canada’s Olympic Broadcasting Consortium’s bid for the 2014/16 Games. Rather shocking. That would be like NBC and CBS teaming up for a joint Olympic bid here.

And the CSM writes that former Hockey Night in Canada insider Scott Morrison has joined his on-air partner Jeff Marek at Rogers Sportsnet. In fact, Morrison now becomes Marek’s boss.

Sports Media Watch looks at the ratings for the NFL regular season opener on NBC.

SMW says ESPN’s college football Labor Day game did not do well in the ratings.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media says the New Jersey Devils have chosen the man to replace Mike Emrick as lead play-by-play voice.

And that is going to be it. The Sunday NFL pregame quotage is in so I’ll be posting that in the next hour.

Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Consortium Preliminary Broadcasting Lineup For 2012 Games

On this one year to the 2012 London Olympics, Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium has released the hosts for CTV/TSN/RDS/Rogers Sportsnet/V and some of the announcers/analysts for selected sports. Of course, the main host for CTV will be Brian Williams, of course, not be confused with NBC’s Brian Williams. Canada’s Brian Williams is that country’s version of Mr. Olympics as he has hosted the Games dating back to 1984 on CBC. CTV’s midday hosts will be James Duthie and Jennifer Hedger both of TSN and speed skating gold medalist Catriona Le May Doan will be a host on CTV’s coverage as well.

The Consortium borrowed many analysts from CBC’s 2008 Summer Olympic coverage and we have the list for you right here.

Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium Announces First Names to Broadcast Team for the London 2012 Olympic Games

– Brian Williams leads all-star roster of broadcasters, including Alain Crête, Darren Dutchyshen, James Duthie, Brad Fay, Chantal Machabée, Claude Mailhot, Don Taylor, and more –
– Olympic medallists Alexandre Bilodeau, Nathalie Lambert, Catriona Le May Doan, Marnie McBean, Kyle Shewfelt, Bruny Surin, Barney Williams, and more join broadcast team –
– The Consortium poised to deliver the greatest Summer Games experience with more than 5,000 hours of multi-platform coverage –

Toronto, ON (July 26, 2011) – On the eve of the one-year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games, Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium announced today its initial broadcast team for its presentation of the next Olympic Games. Led by veteran sports and Olympic host Brian Williams, the team is poised to bring Canadians the greatest Summer Games experience ever. The list also includes some of the most impressive Canadian Olympians of all time, such as Catriona Le May Doan, Nathalie Lambert, Marnie McBean, and Kyle Shewfelt. Alexandre Bilodeau, the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal on home soil also joins the RDS team as Collaborator for the Opening Ceremonies. The Olympians announced thus far as part of the Consortium’s broadcast team have an impressive 18 Olympic medals among them.

In addition to Williams, RDS’ Chantal Machabée, V’s Jean Pagé, TSN’s Darren Dutchyshen, and Rogers Sportsnet’s Brad Fay host the prime time slots on their respective channels. With the best broadcasters and athlete commentators in the country, the Consortium team is positioned to bring Canadians the dynamic storytelling that anchored its coverage of Vancouver 2010, on the world’s grandest stage for amateur sports. Viewers can also expect the return of the Consortium’s hugely-popular and dynamic features “Superbodies”, “How Tough Are These Sports”, and “Rick Hansen’s Difference Makers”, all of which are currently in production.“At the Consortium, we have both the responsibility and the privilege to share the stories of London 2012 with all Canadians,” said Adam Ashton, President, Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. “Our diverse and experienced broadcast team are prepared to deliver the extraordinary stories of the world’s best, with the care and accuracy they deserve.”

To date, the broadcast team confirmed for London 2012 is:

CTV Hosts

OLYMPIC PRIME TIME – Brian Williams
OLYMPIC DAYTIME – James Duthie, Jennifer Hedger
OLYMPIC MORNING – Dave Randorf, Catriona Le May Doan

RDS Hosts

OLYMPIC PRIME TIME – Chantal Machabée
OLYMPIC DAYTIME – Alain Crête
OLYMPIC MORNING – Claude Mailhot

RDS Collaborator – Opening Ceremonies
Alexandre Bilodeau

RDS Special Reporter
Nathalie Lambert

V Hosts

OLYMPIC PRIME TIME – Jean Pagé
OLYMPIC DAYTIME – Frédéric Plante
OLYMPIC MORNING – Yanick Bouchard

Rogers Sportsnet Hosts

OLYMPIC PRIME TIME – Brad Fay
OLYMPIC DAYTIME – Daren Millard
OLYMPIC MORNING – Don Taylor

TSN Hosts

OLYMPIC PRIME TIME – Darren Dutchyshen
OLYMPIC DAYTIME – Michael Landsberg
OLYMPIC MORNING – Jay Onrait, Dan O’Toole

Play-By-Play Announcers and Analysts – English Broadcast Team

Athletics
Gord Miller (play-by-play)
Dave Moorcroft (analyst)
Michael Smith (analyst)

Canoe/Kayak/Rowing
Rob Faulds (play-by-play)
Larry Cain (analyst)
Barney Williams (analyst)
Marnie McBean (studio analyst, rowing)

Gymnastics
Rod Black (play-by-play)
Kyle Shewfelt (analyst)

Swimming/Diving
Rod Smith (play-by-play)
Joanne Malar (analyst)
Blythe Hartley (analyst)

Play-By-Play Announcers and Analysts – French Broadcast Team

Athletics
Pierre Houde (play-by-play)
Richard Garneau (analyst)
Jean-Paul Baert (analyst)
Bruny Surin (analyst)

Canoe/Kayak/Rowing
David Arsenault (play-by-play)
Maxime Boilard (analyst, canoe/kayak)
Daniel Aucoin (analyst, rowing)

Diving
Félix Séguin (play-by-play)
Annie Pelletier (analyst)

Gymnastics
Claudine Douville (play-by-play)
Bernard Petiot (analyst)

Swimming
Denis Casavant (play-by-play)
Yannick Lupien (analyst)

Synchronized Swimming
Claudine Douville (play-by-play)
Marie-Pierre Gagné (analyst)

Water Polo
Michel Y. Lacroix (play-by-play)
Ann Dow (analyst)

More broadcaster names will be announced in the coming months.

That is it.

Some Tuesday Night Links

Today was just too busy as I was in between two offices and had to run errands for most of the day. I apologize for not bringing these links earlier, but I do have time now so let’s get to them.

Steve Wieberg of USA Today writes that the NCAA is now looking into the viability of the Longhorn Network.

John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal says despite the lockout, ad sales for NFL games on the league’s TV partners are going very well.

Wayne Friedman at MediaPost notes that the best place for marketers to reach young males is the NFL and advertisers are very happy the lockout is done.

Mike Fleming at Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox has apparently optioned a script for a movie version of the James Arthur Miller/Tom Shales book, “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside The World At ESPN.”

Jon Lafayette from Broadcasting & Cable says the NFL’s TV partners could not be happier to see the end of the lockout.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News tells us that NASCAR.com’s free Sprint Cup online app will be used to showcase three Nationwide Series races for the first time.

Diego Vasquez of Media Life Magazine advises marketers that it’s not early to think about next year’s NFL Draft to reach potential clients.

Jason Fry at the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center gives five good tips on Twitter as the service turns five years old.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser says former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach was denied a press credential at the Big 12 Media Days on Monday.

The Big Lead speaks with HBO Sports documentary writer Aaron Cohen about his latest project, the Derek Jeter 3K project.

Gracie Blackburn of ESPN Front Row looks at the SEC football coaches going through what’s known as the ESPN “Car Wash”.

Jason Dachman from Sports Video Group writes about TV production trucks ready to head to NFL stadiums now that the lockout is over.

The great Darren Rovell of CNBC notes that the fans never really counted in the NFL lockout.

Yesterday, a lot of blogs and sites embedded this video from the Evolution of Dance guy like it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. First, I hate the Evolution of Dance guy. I never liked his videos. I never thought they were good or funny. Then ESPN hired him to make a video of Evolution of Football Dances. I watched it for 20 seconds before I tried to rip the screen off my laptop. If you’re a fan, fine. Leave me out of it. The Evolution of Dance guy (whom I can’t bring to call by name) needs to fall off a cliff.

Eric Rueb of Rhode Island Central says WPRI-TV, a station where I used to work, recreated moments of a local golf tournament and represented them as fact, a clear journalism ethics violation. I embed the offending video below.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says the NFL has now set the preseason schedule in stone and has given NBC a new game to air in the wake of losing the Hall of Fame Game.

To Eric Deggans at the St. Petersburg Times says the new Tampa Bay Buccaneers TV contract might be a harbinger of things to come for the team.

Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel writes that Conference USA has announced its TV schedule for this football season.

David Barron at the Houston Chronicle says the NCAA will meet next month to discuss the Longhorn Network and other institutional-backed TV channels airing high school football games.

Mike Finger of the Chronicle says the Longhorn Network was a big topic of discussion at the Big 12 Media Days.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that MLB Network will air a Reds-centric documentary this weekend.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says NFL Network will show a documentary honoring NFL Films founder Ed Sabol as he enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame next week.

Dave Strader, outgoing TV voice of the Phoenix Coyotes, tells the fans that he’s leaving for NBC/Versus.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News has a happy final update on Vin Scully’s Star on the Walk of Fame.

Scott Collins at the Los Angeles Times says the networks and marketers are pleased as punch to get the NFL back.

Sajid Farooq of NBC Bay Area says the San Francisco 49ers have signed an extension with their current radio flagship station.

Jon Gudel of the Elk Grove (CA) Citizen notes that ESPN will be in town to air a local high school football game in the fall.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes that CTV has announced some of its announcer lineup for next year’s 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Sports Media Watch looks at some ratings news and notes.

Paddock Talk explores ESPN’s return to NASCAR with the Brickyard 400 this Sunday.

And that’s going to wrap up our linkage for this evening. Thanks for your patience.

Quick Saturday Links

I keep getting interrupted at work. I wrote a post earlier today on Brent Musburger’s night in Las Vegas, but I kept being recruited to the leave the office and something that should have taken 20 minutes to write ended up being three hours. And now I’m trying to do some linkage and keep getting interrupted as well. Who said Saturday’s are easy? Who said weekends are for relaxing? Who said you’re not supposed to work on weekends?

Anyway, you don’t want to read my complaints. Let’s do some linkage.

This won’t be as big as the recent news of the deaths in Norway or the just reported death of Amy Winehouse, but legendary boxing promoter Butch Lewis passed away today at the age of 65. He was a prolific promoter of fights in the 1980′s and had his signature tux with no shirt look. Lewis also produced movies and TV shows. He will be missed.

Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy of USA Today debate whether US coverage of global sporting events should be neutral or American-centric.

Rebeca Ford of the Hollywood Reporter says comedian Artie Lange is getting closer to co-hosting a Fox Sports Radio show with fellow comic Nick DiPaolo.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says the NBA released its national TV schedules this week to a lot of fanfare, but little buzz.

Andy Lewis at the Hollywood Reporter reports that Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has been ordered to negotiate a new bankrupcty loan with MLB after a judge ruled voided one negotiated with another party.

To Sports Grid where Dan Fogarty notes that Jim Rome decided to dredge up some old street slang that people thought was dead for several years.

Glen Davis at SportsGrid says Fox Sports Detroit MLB analyst Rod Allen tried to make a joke about the Tigers’ large Latino contingent, but it came out very wrong.

James Jahnke of the Detroit Free Press had Allen trying to clarify that remark.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser writes that legendary announcer Dick Enberg will be honored by the Rhode Island-based International Tennis Hall of Fame for 50 years in broadcasting.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at NBC/Versus getting into summer horse racing at Saratoga starting today.

Neil says athletes will miss getting their 15 minutes on HBO’s Entourage as the last season airs starting tomorrow.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspapers could lose special access to the London 2012 Olympics due to the News of the World phone hacking scandal.

To Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette who reports that Versus may be interested in airing college hockey games to supplement its NHL schedule.

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review notes that Fox has selected the Pirates for its Saturday Baseball package for the first time since last decade.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that MASN gives Mid-Atlantic baseball fans a show to watch.

Jeff Weiner in the Orlando Sentinel says ESPN is pulling out its ESPN the Weekend event out of Walt Disney World.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham (AL) News writes that the SEC Media Days event has outgrown Birmingham.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks at some of the developments that occurred in sports media over the week.

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star Telegram notes that TCU is now keeping a watchful eye the Longhorn Network.

Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World says the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes are looking forward to increased TV exposure this football season.

To the St. Louis Post-Dispatch where Dan Caesar writes that you need a scorecard to keep up with the Cardinals’ TV and radio broadcast teams.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports a local TV station will air selected University of Utah football games starting this season.

Richard Ruelas of the Arizona Republic chronicles how the Fiesta Bowl made it to TV.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog looks at the announcers CTV could employ for the London 2012 Olympics.

The CSM also looks back at the week in Canadian sports media.

Sports Media Watch says Fox got off to a fast start of the second half of the MLB season last Saturday.

The Business Insider Sports Page lists the 10 worst sportscasters on the planet.

Brady Green at Awful Announcing has audio of Yankees voice John Sterling singing crazily about “The Grandy Man.”

That’s going to do it for today. Lots of links for a Saturday.

People You Should Follow On Twitter, Part 5

Getting a late start on this installment as I’ve been doing some housekeeping on the blog for Friday. Tonight, I’ll do just one category here, Olympics. Over the weekend, expect college football and basketball, TV & Radio and finally, I’ll do what I’ll call the Best of the Rest. This is a bigger undertaking than I thought, but I certainly think it’s worth it and I hope you’re finding some new followers. So far, I’ve given you 87 account suggestions. Here are some more.

You can look at previous installments here, here, here and here. Let’s get started.

OLYMPICS

NBCOlympics — The official Twitter account of NBC Olympics, this is a very good account to follow every two years. This gave out real-time results during Vancouver which put it in the very strange position of spoiling TV coverage. But if you don’t care about that, then by all means follow. This also provides news and RT’s to American athletes’ accounts. This has 149,496 tweeps.

BBC2012 — This is the official account of BBC’s Olympic account for the London games. This will give you the London 2012 Official Broadcaster’s point of view for next year’s Olympiad. This links you to articles on the BBC’s comprehensive London 2012 site and also provides updates on the Beeb’s coverage plans. This is one of my favorite sites in anticipation of the London Olympics. It has 4,076 followers, but expect that to go up as the Games get closer.

CTVOlympics — One more official Olympic broadcasting account. This is CTV from Canada. During the Vancouver Games last year, this was a great account to follow especially to keep track of athletes and news from the Great White North. I expect nothing less for the London Games. It’s already hyping some of the Canadian athletes expected to compete for a medal next year. It had a ton of followers during the Winter Games last year, but many dropped off when the Olympics were over. Expect the following to go up as the Summer Olympics get closer. CTV Olympics currently has 6,886 followers.

UniversalSports –The official account of NBC’s Universal Sports network, it provides updates on the events on its air, but also interacts with viewers. I like how this account is constantly updated and gives fans links to stories on its website. Universal Sports has 18,501 tweeps.

IOCmedia — This is the public relations arm of the International Olympic Committee. This links to press releases from the IOC regarding all things Olympics. There’s no interaction with tweeps. This account can go for several days without tweeting. However, during votes for Olympic hosts or during the Games, it can get quite busy. This has 2,735 followers.

OlyPhil — Our first Olympic beat reporter, Philip Hersh of the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, is one of the best writers who follows Olympic sports. He maintains a very busy blog at the Tribune. Philip often uses the account as an RSS feed, but there are times when it becomes quite valuable especially during the Olympic host bids. And during the Games, he’ll tweet as much as he can from the events that he covers. Philip has a following of 2,100.

alanabrahamson — Alan Abrahamson is another Olympics writer. Currently, he blogs at 3 Wire Sports, but he’s done work for NBC’s Universal Sports and free lanced for various publications. Alan is well-connected as any reporter and covers the IOC as well as anybody. Alan has 1,345 followers, but it should be more.

roncjudd — A columnist for the Seattle Times, Ron C. Judd is a veteran Olympics reporter and did a great job blogging for the paper from Vancouver. Ron also covered the Summer Olympics in Communist China and provided plenty of columns. Ron’s Twitter account is a mixture of Olympics and general news tweets. During London, I expect him to be quite busy. Ron has 560 followers, but you can help that go up.

trippmickle — Tripp Mickle is the Olympics and action sports reporter for the Sports Business Journal/Sports Business Daily. Extremely well connected, he was on the ground in Lausanne, Switzerland during the US TV rights bids when ESPN, Fox and NBC all provided the IOC with their figures to broadcast the Games. And he was able to glean information that others did not. His account is full of good information. Tripp has 2,795 followers.

stevewilsonap — We’ll wrap up this category with Steve Wilson, the Associated Press’ European sports editor and covers Olympic sports. He also covered the US TV rights bidding providing a lot of good tweets. And during the 2018 Winter Olympics host bidding, he was right on top of the voting for Pyeongchang, South Korea. Steve has 1,446 followers, but you can make that go up.

I’m going to end it there for the night. So with 10 more accounts, that’s a total of 97 Twitter accounts you should follow. Back with more on Friday.

Cranking Out Some Mid-Week Linkage

Time for some Wednesday links. Let’s get to them.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch has his reaction to the ESPN Ombudsman column on the Bruce Feldman suspension or non-suspension depending on whom you choose to believe.

Sports Business Daily looks at the media reaction to the death of Myra Kraft, the wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Mrs. Kraft had cancer and died this morning at the age of 68.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand looks at why the NBA an entire regular season TV schedule in the wake of its lockout.

Gavin J. Blair of the Hollywood Reporter writes that the Women’s World Cup Final got huge ratings in Japan even with the game starting at 3:45 a.m. in Tokyo.

At Broadcasting & Cable, R. Thomas Umstead writes that HBO has set a premiere date for its new documentary on Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

R. Thomas Umstead has an article in Multichannel News talking about the NBA going all in with full TV schedules for ESPN and TNT despite an ongoing lockout.

In Radio Ink, Chadd Scott speaks with Atlanta sports radio duo Chuck and Chernoff about moving to a new timeslot.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine looks at the drop in viewership for the ESPY’s.

Over to Timothy Burke at SportsGrid who notes that while ESPN is now embracing Twitter, it still doesn’t understand the service.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser says MLB isn’t happy over the use of the Giants logo in an alternative weekly newspaper ad.

Cam Martin of SportsNewer notes that CBS’ Lesley Visser will be marrying for the second time this weekend. Her previous marriage to Dick Stockton ended in divorce last year following 28 years together.

To Ryan Yoder of Awful Announcing who tries to determine when ESPN lost its journalistic integrity.

Stuart Elliot of the New York Times writes that McDonald’s will be walking a fine line with its sponsorship of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times-Union breaks news that the Versus brand will be retired by the end of the year.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette notes that NBC begins airing its horse racing series, “Summer at Saratoga” this weekend.

At the Allentown (PA) Morning Call, Keith Groller agrees with HBO’s Bryant Gumbel commentary on the US Women’s Soccer team.

To the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog where Dan Steinberg has video of Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic’s Chick Hernandez losing it on the air after co-anchor Julie Donaldson made a funny.

Dan says the Washington Wizards’ JaVale McGee is having a Twitter fashion feud with ESPN’s Michael Wilbon.

Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel writes that the Magic’s Dwight Howard must feel slighted as the NBA’s TV networks fawn over Florida’s other team.

Don Kausler, Jr. of the Birmingham (AL) News says the University of Alabama is part of Fox Sports Net’s early SEC football schedule.

The University of Texas’ official sports site interviewed ESPN’s Stephanie Druley who’s in charge of getting the Longhorn Network off the ground.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes that Women’s World Cup Final on Sunday topped the local ratings on Sunday.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business says it’s a good thing the Bulls’ schedule is backloaded with marquee games in case the NBA lockout is settled midway through the 2011-12 season.

From the Arizona Republic, Jim Gintonio writes that Phoenix Coyotes TV voice Dave Strader is leaving to take a full-time position with NBC/Versus. Thanks to Steve Lepore of Puck The Media for the link.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News wasn’t sure exactly when Lesley Visser divorced ex-husband Dick Stockton. If you were with me in March, you’ll remember this story from Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post in which Lesley mentions her divorce.

The Los Angeles Times’ TJ Simers talks with Angels analyst Mark Gubicza about his daughter who’s 2 years removed from having brain surgery to end seizures.

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail says a local sports talk morning drive host understands why he’s losing his show as his station undergoes a format change.

The Toronto Sports Media Blog notes that the format change means one reporter is leaving for TSN Radio.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has some suggestions for CTV as it counts down to one year until the 2012 Olympics in London.

Andrew Bucholtz at The Good Point looks at ESPN’s struggle with ethics in the wake of the Bruce Feldman suspension or non-suspension. I have some quotes in the story.

To The Daly Planet where John Daly leaves clues on a potential new TV partner for NASCAR.

Wendy Parker at Extracurriculars says it’s time to take off the kid gloves when it comes to women’s sports.

Sox & Dawgs looks at a new movie focusing on former Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee.

That is where we’ll end the linkage for today.

Unveiling The Thursday Links

Been a busy day at work once again. Doing these late and I’ll try to put forth as many links as I can before being told to leave the office.

Sports Business Daily takes a look at the one year anniversary of the infamous “The Decision” that made LeBron James a pariah in Cleveland and most of the country.

Patrick Kemp at the Buffalo News reports that ESPN NHL analyst Matthew Barnaby will perform 500 hours of community service as he was sentenced Wednesday for a domestic disturbance case involving his estranged wife and her boyfriend. I asked ESPN for a statement on this matter and received this response: “Now that its (sic) gotten to the point in the process, we need to regroup and have follow up conversations.” This means that ESPN is evaluating Barnaby’s employment for the upcoming NHL season.

At The Sweet Science, boxing writer Thomas Hauser remembers fellow colleague and former Boston Herald columnist George Kimball who has passed at the age of 69.

Michael Woods of The Sweet Science also pauses to reflect on Kimball.

Another former Kimball colleague, Michael Gee gives his thoughts on his friend’s passing in the Boston Herald.

Lesley Goldberg of the Hollywood Reporter has a preview of Showtime’s MLB reality show, “The Franchise” focusing on the San Francisco Giants.

Tim Baysinger at Broadcasting & Cable looks at CBS’ Jim Nantz getting an award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times says ESPN winning the Wimbledon media rights is just a small part of a big battle between ESPN/Disney and Comcast/NBC.

Sheldon Spencer at ESPN Front Row talks with original ESPN’er Bob Ley on who he follows on Twitter. I’m honored to be one of those to be followed by Mr. Ley.

Last night, comedian Artie Lange made his first radio appearance since his suicide attempt and subsequent departure from the Howard Stern Show. Dylan P. Gadino of Punchline live blogged the guest spot Artie did with fellow comic Nick DiPaolo on Fox Sports Radio. Reading Gadino’s writing, it’s apparent he is not a sports fan.

Fox Sports Radio host Ben Maller writing in Yahoo’s The Post Game chronicles how he lost 200 pounds.

Dan Fogarty has audio of ESPN Radio hack Colin Cowherd blaming Canada for its health care system and insinuating Tiger Woods takes steroids.

CTV has finally relaunched its Olympics site for the 2012 London Games.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell marvels at how 2018 Olympics host Pyeongchang, Sout Korea is already halfway finished in building venues and it was just awarded the Games on Wednesday.

Marc Berman at the New York Post writes that Spero Dedes’ deal to become the radio voice could be in limbo stemming from his DWI arrest over the weekend.

Newsday’s Neil Best says ticket prices remain high for upcoming Yankees games as fans try to see the contest where Derek Jeter gets his 3,000th career hit.

From the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg notes that a Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic anchor gave a tongue-in-cheek motivational speech to interns.

Writer John Feinstein explains why he quit doing Navy football radio broadcasts effective immediately.

Gary Dinges of the Austin American-Statesman says the ESPN-owned Longhorn Network has chosen the site for its studios and named three of its on-air staffers.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Bengals writes that former radio voice Brad Johansen will call the team’s preseason games on TV starting this season, provided there is a preseason.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Pro Football Hall of Fame is ready to say hello to CBS’ Jim Nantz.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News feels the Pro Football Hall of Fame redeemed itself with Jim Nantz after selecting Chris Berman as its TV-Radio Award recipient last year.

Tom transcribes what Colin Cowherd said about the Dodgers today.

The Toronto Sports Media Blog notes that former CBC Hockey Night in Canada Radio host Jeff Marek has officially joined Rogers Sportsnet.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog writes about Jeff Marek’s role with Sportsnet.

Canadian Sports Media Blog notes that TSN has picked up the Canadian rights to Wimbledon starting next year.

And Canadian Sports Media tells us that TSN’s arrangement to air The Championships, Wimbledon is similar to ESPN’s.

Barry Pachesky of Deadspin says ESPN’s deal with Wimbledon is the future of sports television.

Deadspin’s Brian Hickey notes that Versus had a big, blue phallic symbol creep into its Tour de France coverage.

SportsbyBrooks has word on some college football network TV on-air hires.

Sports Media Watch has some various ratings news and notes here and here.

SMW notes that the ratings for last weekend’s NASCAR Daytona 400 on TNT fell from last year.

EPL Talk notices that FIFA is considering to break up the 2022 World Cup in Qatar into three 30-minute periods due to the oppressive heat and humidity.

The latest Awful Announcing podcast has the great Darren Rovell of CNBC.

That’s going to do it for today.

Friday Night Into Saturday Morning Megalink Action

Didn’t have time to do megalinks during the day as I was trying to get some end of the month/beginning of the month stuff done at the office. Time to get linkage in while I can.

The Weekend Viewing Picks are chockful of sports action and some primetime programming. Now to the linkage.

National

Jessica E. Vascellaro and Matthew Futterman combine for a Wall Street Journal story on the US TV bidding for the Olympics. Bids are due next week.

The Around The Rings Olympic blog notes that the US Olympic Committee will be on hand to monitor the US TV bidding as well.

Dorothy Pomerantz of Forbes handicaps the Olympic bidding.

Back to the Wall Street Journal, Tim Marchman reviews the ESPN book.

David Goetzl of MediaPost says DirecTV announcing that it won’t be charging customers for the NFL Sunday Ticket package during the lockout really should not be news.

Sean Leahy of USA Today writes about DirecTV’s announcement.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today has Fox Sports’ NASCAR analyst Daryl Waltrip complaining that the sport forgot its roots while trying to promote the cars over its personalities.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser notes that ESPN NHL analyst Matthew Barnaby has been slapped with two orders of protection stemming from the domestic disturbance he was arrested for last month.

Mohammed Rahman from SportsGrid writes that UFC personality Joe Rogan called noted and respected MMA writer Maggie Hendricks “cunty”. What is up with the UFC people?

Jason Dachman at Sports Video Group looks at some TV tennis news.

Sports Media Watch writes that last Saturday’s MLB on Fox primetime presentation saw its second straight ratings increase.

SMW notes that the Indy 500 saw its highest ratings in three years.

SMW says Game 2 of the NBA Finals had increased ratings, but lower viewership.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has CBC’s opening from Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final and it reminds us how well the network covers hockey. Some nice use of Adele in the opening.

Awful Announcing has a podcast interview with ESPN book co-author James Andrew Miller.

AA also did a Q&A session with ESPN NBA voice Mike Breen to discuss the Finals and Bill from White Plains.

The Major League Programs blog has its usual review of sports media.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn from the Boston Globe can’t believe one local TV station did not send anyone to Vancouver to cover the Stanley Cup Final.

Chad also reviews the ESPN book.

Newsday’s Neil Best has the best of his blog in his latest column.

Nina Mandell of the New York Daily News says ESPN would love to have Shaquille O’Neal on its air.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick remembers the late NFL Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli.

Justin Terranova from the Post has five questions for Red Sox voice Dave O’Brien.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says Jimmer Fredette now has his own YouTube channel.

Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record says there will be plenty of coverage of the USA Track & Field Championships.

Evan Weiner of the New Jersey Newsroom goes over how Time Warner ruined sports in Atlanta.

Keith Groller at the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says NBC is happy to have an Original Six team in the NHL Stanley Cup Final.

Rich Hofman at the Philadelphia Daily News is annoyed at how ESPN continually ignores the NHL.

Laura Nachman notes Philadelphia native John Kincaid will lose a gig now that the Atlanta Thrashers have left town.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says DC NFL team owner Dan Snyder’s lawsuit against the Washington City Paper is now the subject of Federal legislation.

Steven V. Roberts reviews the ESPN book in the Washington Post.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says the NBA Finals won primetime on Thursday.

South

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says the Tampa Bay Lightning’s playoff run drew viewers in the local market.

Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Big 12 has changed its TV revenue distribution formula for all members. In essence, every school gets more money.

Barry Horn of the Morning News says ESPN/ABC seems to spend more time obsessing over the Miami Heat rather than the Dallas Mavericks.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle recaps his visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame which included browsing through the broadcasters and writers wings.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press reviews HBO’s documentary on the John McEnroe-Bjorn Borg rivalry.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel goes over some of his favorite quotes from the ESPN book.

Crain’s Chicago Business’ Ed Sherman goes over his winners and losers this week.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune talks with ESPN/ABC’s Mike Tirico about the Big Ten Football Championship.

West

Kyle Ringo of the Boulder Daily Camera reports that Colorado University is looking to sell local TV rights to some of its football games as it officially joins the Pac-12 Conference next month.

John Maffei at the North County Times says this round of Olympic TV bidding is very wide open.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star writes that people love to hate the Miami Heat as evidenced by the TV ratings.

Rhiannon Potkey of the Star talks with ESPN Women’s College World Series analyst Jessica Mendoza.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times profiles the new Chairman of the NBC Sports Group, Mark Lazarus who leads the network’s Olympic bid next week.

And Joe says Lazarus is not a stranger to making big bids on sports properties.

Flint is impressed with former ESPN and now NFL Network executive Steve Bornstein’s candor in the ESPN book.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says someone needs to investigate this whole Vin Scully Star Hollywood Walk of Fame mess.

Tom notes that Hollywood seems to be back on board with a new movie on the late Jackie Robinson.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail notes that the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final was a ratings hit in both Canada and the US.

The Toronto Sports Media Blog speculates on whether a local sports radio talk show host has a new contract.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog finds a noteworthy feature in CTV’s plans for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

And that is going to do it. Took longer than I thought.

The Thursday Linkage All Tied Up In A Nice Red Bow

Let’s do the Thursday linkage and there are a few stories to get to.

First, this broke late last night, Joe Flint at the Los Angeles Times confirmed that the number two man at NBC Sports, Ken Schanzer is following his boss Dick Ebersol and leaving the company.

John Ourand from Sports Business Journal also writes about Schanzer’s departure from NBC Sports.

Mike McCarthy at USA Today talks with Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton who will be hosting a show on MSG Network this summer.

Reid Cherner at USA Today has the first ad in the Women’s Tennis Association’s new campaign “Strong is Beautiful”.

Etan Vlessing at the Hollywood Reporter writes about CTV/TSN getting figure skating back for ten years after having it on CBC previously.

Husna Haq of the Christian Science Monitor looks at the tome, “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside the World of ESPN.”

My podcast partner, Southern New England media mogul Keith Thibault of Sports Media Journal reviews the ESPN book.

Lev Grossman of Time also reviews the book.

And Robert Siegel of NPR’s All Things Considered interviews ESPN book co-author James Andrew Miller.

For a longer interview, you can hear the latest Sports Media Weekly podcast with Jim Miller right here.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser has video of memorial services for Chicago TV sports anchor Daryl Hawks who died while covering the Bulls-Atlanta Hawks series.

Over to SportsGrid where Dan Fogarty notes that South Park skewered the NCAA in last night’s episode.

We have a press release from Hannah Storm’s production company about her new documentary that will be part of ESPN’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has a report on the man who bought 49% of the Mets.

Richard Sandomir and Andrew Ross Sorkin of the New York Times report on the new minority owner of the New York Mets.

The Buffalo News says Buffalo Sabres TV voices Rick Jeanneret and Harry Neale will work a reduced schedule next season.

Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that KFC is now the official fried chicken of the DC NFL Team.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner looks at the three bids for the US TV rights for the 2014/16 Olympics.

Rachel George of the Orlando Sentinel writes that ESPN Radio is organizing a relief drive throughout the SEC to help Alabama tornado victims.

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says the voice of the Cleveland Browns, WKYC-TV sports anchor Jim Donovan will be undergoing a procedure to battle leukemia. He’ll also take a leave of absence from his TV work for a while. Jim has been battling leukemia for ten years.

WKYC also provides video of Jim making the announcement that he’ll be leaving for the time being.

Jim has been in the Cleveland area since 1985 and became the voice of the Browns when the team returned to the NFL in 1999. He and Doug Dieken have formed a very good broadcast team and I hope he’ll be back when the NFL season gets underway, whenever that is.

The Nebraska State Paper says the Cornhuskers game against Iowa will be seen on ABC the day after Thanksgiving.

Awful Announcing has video of Dan Patrick and ESPN book author Jim Miller going back and forth on various subjects.

I’ll leave it there for now.

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.

Super Bowl XLV Also Sets A Viewership Record in Canada

This comes to us from our friends at CTV in Canada. We have learned that Super Bowl XLV on CTV and French network, RDS set a viewership record in the Great White North. An average viewership of 7.3 million people watched part or all of the game on both networks. This is higher than the 6.9 million that watched the game last year. CTV points out that the Super Bowl is the most watched event on Canadian television since the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver which was also aired on CTV.

Your release.

SUPER BOWL XLV Is Most-Watched Ever in Canada with 7.3 Million Viewers on CTV and RDS

– Green Bay Packers’ victory is the most-watched broadcast on Canadian television since the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games –
– More than half of the country watched some part of last night’s broadcast –

Toronto, ON (February 7, 2011)– SUPER BOWL XLV is the most-watched SUPER BOWL ever on Canadian television with an audience of 7.3 million viewers on CTV (6.54 million, up 4%) and RDS (754,000, up 21%) last night. Preliminary overnight data from BBM Canada confirms that the Green Bay Packers thrilling victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday is the most-watched television broadcast in Canada since the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.*

The national audience for SUPER BOWL XLV is 5.3% higher than last year’s NFL championship game that had a national average audience of 6.9 million viewers.

The game received a 63 Share among adults aged 18-49 and a 62 Share among adults aged 25-54. It also received a 68 Share for men aged 25-54, meaning more than 2 in 3 Canadians in this demo watching TV last night were tuned to SUPER BOWL XLV on CTV (English Canada).

Overall, SUPER BOWL XLV was watched by 17.3 million unique viewers – or more than one in two Canadians (52.2%) – on CTV and RDS.

Audience levels for SUPER BOWL XLV on CTV and RDS peaked at 8.9 million viewers during the SUPER BOWL XLV half time show featuring the Black Eyed Peas and guests Usher and Slash.

CTV’s extended SUPER BOWL XLV coverage also had impressive audiences with NFL SUPER BOWL SUNDAY PRE-GAME KICK OFF SHOW on CTV attracting an average audience of 4.38 million viewers.

*Source BBM Canada. Audiences prior to August 31, 2009 based on BBM Nielsen Media Research Mark II meters

That is it.

Some Late Wednesday Night/Thursday Morning Links

My plans to provide a full set of linkage got shot to hell when the car I was riding in got stuck in a snow bank during the ice storm in RI on Wednesday. So I spent three hours trying to get the vehicle out. Eventually, I got AAA to pull it out, but also spent a lot of time chipping the ice from the driveway, so it was exactly how I wanted to spend my day. Anyway, I’ll give you a short set of links here.

Brian Costa, Matthew Futterman and Michael Rothfield says the New York Mets may sell part of its stake in SNY if can help attract a minority buyer for the club.

In a related note, CNBC’s Darren Rovell reports that the principal owners of the Met who are being sued by a Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme victim, say they don’t owe any money. Donald Sterling and Saul Katz recommended Madoff to several clients.

At Yahoo’s Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski explores any potential complications or non-complications regarding the NHL’s new US TV deals.

Marcus Vanderberg at SportsNewser feels it’ll be a long time before Dallas hosts another Super Bowl.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media speculates as to why the NHL All-Star Game saw a ratings increase from when the game was last played.

Milton Kent at Fanhouse goes over the new management structure at NBC Sports/Comcast.

Brad Cohen in SportsGrid feels Charles Barkley’s new website is just what the doctor ordered.

The Big Lead points out that the Pro Bowl did better in the ratings than Game 3 of the 2010 World Series.

Karolos Grohmann of Reuters reports that the Tour de France won’t be shown live in Germany starting in 2012 due to lack of interest and doping problems.

Kimberly Nordyke from the Hollywood Reporter has viewing alternatives for those who don’t want to watch the Super Bowl.

Have your first look at Volkswagen’s mini-Darth Vader Super Bowl ad.

And here’s the Volkswagen Black Beetle Super Bowl ad.

Michael Malone at Broadcasting & Cable reports that a group of local stations are back on DirecTV ensuring subscribers will see the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says thanks to the BCS, ESPN swept the January cable ratings.

Bill Cromwell from Media Life Magazine notes that after Pizza Hut dropped out of the Super Bowl, Fox found another advertiser to take its place ensuring a sellout once again.

Amy Austin of the Washington City Paper has written a public response to DC NFL Team owner Daniel Snyder’s threats to sue the publication after what he perceived was an unflattering profile.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner looks at the new NBC Sports management team.

Gary West from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram speaks with Friend of Fang’s Bites Michelle Beadle who’s been co-hosting ESPN2′s SportsNation live from Sundance Square.

Mitchell Schnurman of the Star-Telegram says the ESPN live productions from downtown Fort Worth have been promoting the city better than any advertising campaign.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business says a Windy City media company is busy at the Super Bowl this week.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News continues his series on asking various play-by-play men on what they can learn from Vin Scully.

First, we get answers from LA Kings Hall of Fame voice Bob Miller.

Then Tom speaks with Kings radio voice Nick Nickson.

Tom finds UCLA Bruins voice Chris Roberts to get his response.

Tom turns to Clippers voice Ralph Lawler.

Tom gets a response from USC basketball voice Chris Fisher.

Tom makes contact with minor league baseball announcer Jeff Lasky.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has the Super Bowl Sunday programming from both CTV and Fox.

Sports Media Watch notes that the rematch of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final did slightly better than last year’s NHL on NBC debut.

SMW has various ratings news and notes.

Matt Yoder from Awful Announcing has a very good interview with the multifaceted Kevin Harlan who will be calling the Super Bowl on Westwood One Radio this Sunday.

And that’s going to do it. I need to sleep.

Saddling Up Some Tuesday Links

Let’s provide some linkage on another snowy day in the Northeast. Seriously, this isn’t funny any more. One or two snowstorms to remind us that it’s winter is fine. Not one every other day as it seems. It took me an hour to get into work when it normally takes 20-30 minutes. And sometimes on a bad day, it can go for 40. But an hour was really bad. And we’re all bracing for another big one on Wednesday which will just wreak havoc with work schedules for snow removal. It’s all fun. And again, no comments about moving to Arizona or New Mexico or “You chose to live there”. Any of those comments will be immediately deleted.

Let’s do the links now.

We start with a story that is just hitting here, but started across the Atlantic where Sky Sports soccer analyst Andy Gray has now been fired stemming from another video showing him harassing a female host. Gray was suspended over the weekend for remarks he made about a female linesperson and a female soccer executive.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid also has reaction to Gray’s sacking.

Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Armen Graham has details on the new HBO Sports documentary on the Bjorn Borg-John McEnroe rivalry.

USA Today has a media gallery on the women who have starred in memorable Super Bowl ads. Danica Patrick and Betty White anyone?

Ron Callari at Inventor Spot talks about the social media aspect to this year’s Super Bowl commercials.

Sports Business Daily has the results of a new Harris Poll showing which are the U.S. favorite sports. No surprise about which one is on top.

Reid Cherner of USA Today’s Game On! blog says EA Sports is denying that there’s a glitch that allows for topless women on its Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’11 video game.

Fanhouse’s Milton Kent notes the stellar ratings for both the AFC and NFC Championship Games.

The Hollywood Reporter says Canadian network CTV has chosen the show that will follow Super Bowl XLV on February 6.

Brian Lowry of Fox Sports.com likes Troy Aikman of Fox Sports. Hmmmm.

My Twitter Trophy Wife, Amanda Rykoff of espnW, talks about how a last-minute decision to attend a breakfast turned out to be breaking news from New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman.

Todd Spangler at Multichannel News writes that ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN’s Buzzer Beater will be made available online for Time Warner Cable and Bright House subscribers as of today.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel says Syfy had good numbers for its Friday showing of WWE Smackdown.

Anthony Crupi in Mediaweek discusses the high ratings for the NFL Conference Championships on Sunday.

Crupi also writes that NBC Sports has created a new agency designed to market all aspects of the newly merged Comcast/NBC sports entities.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says all signs point to a ratings record for Super Bowl XLV.

Kevin Baumer at the Business Insider Sports Page tells us there was a fake press release regarding New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and a Dr. Scholl’s Super Bowl ad.

Jay Busbee at Yahoo’s From the Marbles blog says Fox Sports El Jefe del Mundo David Hill wants shorter NASCAR races.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell finds out which NFL jerseys are among the most popular with women.

Darren notes that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger isn’t too concerned about his marketing possibilities in the wake of recent off the field problems.

Darren reports that the secondary ticket market is making a good mint off selling space for people who want to see the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium, but off a big TV.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir writes that Fox Sports’ Troy Aikman was not as hard as others regarding Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s injury during the NFC Championship.

Bob Raissman in the New York Daily News feels CBS’ Phil Simms got the job done on Sunday.

Raissman says CBS dealt with Roethlisberger’s suspension from earlier this season head on while ESPN tiptoed around it.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union writes that CBS College Sports stumbled upon a big college basketball game this week.

Dustin Long of the Virginian-Pilot has the transcript of a press conference between NASCAR reporters and Fox Sports El Jefe del Mundo David Hill.

Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune notes that Saints coach Sean Payton will be an ESPN employee during Super Bowl Week.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News has a preview of tonight’s HBO Real Sports feature on Troy Aikman.

John Henry of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says workers will try desperately to keep annoying grackles away from ESPN’s Super Bowl downtown set.

Pete Alfano from the Star-Telegram writes that organizers are expecting good weather for Super Bowl Week.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman also previews Troy Aikman’s interview on Real Sports.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that his friend Peter King of Sports Illustrated will be profiled on Real Sports.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says this is a dark week on Chicago sports radio.

In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman says he can no longer tolerate NFL Network’s Deion Sanders.

Ed says the Jay Cutler saga showed that it’s open hunting season on Twitter.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune notes that the NFC Championship Game did better in the local ratings than Super Bowl XLI when the Bears lost.

Frank Burlison of the Long Beach Press-Telegram says a local high school basketball team will get the national spotlight from ESPN next month.

Midwest Sports Fans says Tiger Woods may have helped his image by going on Twitter today.

Sports Media Watch notes the most watched NFL Championship Sunday since 1982.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog gets on CTV and Global for some bad decisions during NFL Championship Sunday.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that the NHL on NBC season premiere on Sunday saw a ratings increase from last year.

Steve tells us that Sirius XM Howard 101 host Scott Ferrall gets some duties for NHL Radio this week.

Joe Favorito says the Jay Cutler story shows the perils of social media.

And that is going to do it for us now. We’re officially finished with the linkage.

Some Quick Monday Links

I owe you linkage since last Thursday so let’s do some.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today has ESPN’s Brent Musburger saying he’ll talk less than normal during tonight’s BCS National Championship Game.

Rupal Parekh of Advertising Age notes that social media giant Groupon has bought ads in Fox’s Super Bowl XLV pregame show.

To Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy who lists the best things about HBO’s 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Ryan Ballengee of Pro Golf Talk suggests HBO do a 24/7 documentary surrounding a big golf event.

Dave Shedloski of Golf Digest reports that popular CBS golf analyst David Feherty will be doing some work at Golf Channel.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says tonight’s BCS National Championship Game isn’t just a battle between two schools, but between two shoe companies as well. 

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times previews Comedy Central and The Onion’s parody of ESPN’s SportsCenter which kicks off tomorrow night.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick for the most part praises NBC’s efforts during Wild Card Saturday.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union did not like the way one local radio station cut away from Ravens-Chiefs for a college basketball game.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times provides his thoughts on the weekend in TV sports.

Jon Solomon at the Birmingham (AL) News writes that ESPN is ready to keep up with Auburn’s and Oregon’s high powered offenses during tonight’s BCS National Championship Game.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says Fox is going to keep the Cotton Bowl in primetime for the next three years.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Packers-Eagles drew big ratings locally.

Jim Armstrong at the Denver Post says the way fans are watching the NFL is evolving over time.

John Henderson of the Post writes that fans who don’t have cable will have to find ways to watch the BCS National Championship not only tonight, but for years to come.

The Post’s Dusty Saunders says ESPN has come a long way in its 30 plus years in business.

Chris Dufrense of the Los Angeles Times writes that both ESPN and the BCS are happy with the status quo.

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail says TSN is denying claims that it helps to put undue pressure on the Canadian Jr. Hockey team that lost the gold medal to Russia in the IIHF World Under 20 Championships.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog is disappointed in CTV’s airing of the NFL playoffs.

I’ll end it there for now.

Bringing You A Friday Megalink Thing

I owe you some megalinks from last week so let’s get this done.

Don’t forget the Weekend Viewing Picks.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy square off over whether viewers should care what announcers do off the air and away from the camera.

USA Today’s Sean Leahy has NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger saying the New York Jets did nothing wrong in the Ines Sainz controversy. For some reason, this story is just not going away. 

At Sports Illustrated, Richard Deitsch has his Media Power Rankings for August and September.

Chris Gentilviso of Time notes that 2010 may be the Year of the Blackout for the NFL. 

At Pro Football Talk, Michael David Smith says all 32 NFL teams will undergo a training program in the wake of the Ines Sainz incident.

Mike says the Lions just barely avoided a blackout in Detroit.

Jason Lisk at The Big Lead feels the NFL blackout policy needs to change.

Ryan Wilson at Fanhouse tells us which athletes are going to “appear” in this year’s “Body” issue for ESPN The Magazine.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says Fox Soccer Channel has signed a rights deal to air French’s top soccer league in the US.

Mike writes that some Comcast subscribers had trouble accessing NFL Network’s RedZone last week.

George Winslow of Multichannel notes that Verizon Fios is adding Syracuse University sports for fans in the upstate New York area.

Paul Thomasch at Reuters notes that Fox is over 90% sold for the Super Bowl in February.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Michigan football jerseys are a hot seller once again.

Marcus Vanderberg at SportsNewser reports that Jay Mariotti’s arraignment on domestic violence charges was postponed until October 1.

Sports Media Watch notes that the NFL had its most watched opening week since 1987. 

Even with that good news, SMW discovers that the early NFL window for Fox actually experienced a ratings decline from the year before.

SMW has some various ratings news and notes.

SMW says the delayed men’s final at the US Open hit another ratings low.

And SMW tells us that the US Open women’s final also delivered low ratings. 

At Puck The Media, Steve Lepore looks at the early plans for NHL Network and NHL Radio.

Dave Dahlquist at Macworld says CBS is streaming its entire SEC football schedule on its iPhone app.

David Brown at Yahoo’s Big League Stew blog has a very good interview with Los Angeles Dodgers voice Vin Scully.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe looks inside the radio ratings between 98.5 The Sports Hub and WEEI.

At the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Bill Doyle talks about the tremendous Week 1 TV ratings for the NFL.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir says Fox failed to follow up after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Stewart Bradley returned to the field after seemingly suffering a concussion.

Newsday’s Neil Best notes that MSG Network has signed a rights agreement with the New York Giants.

Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday says the Jets will not be penalized for its behavior last week against Ines Sainz.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News has NBC’s Andrea Kremer’s take on the Ines Sainz
situation.

Dr. Doom and Gloom in the New York Post continues to harp on points that only he cares about.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union profiles the new program director/midday host of the local sports radio station.

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Ashley Fox says Ines Sainz brought on the Jets behavior by her improper attire. 

Dave Hughes at Press Box talks about the new partnership between the Baltimore Ravens and Comcast SportsNet’s Baltimore website.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner notes that football fans are opting to stay home and watch games in HD rather than go to the stadium and pay expensive ticket prices.

And Jim likes listening to the Sirius Playboy Morning Show not just to hear about women, but for the NFL picks.

South

Carolyn Shapiro at the Virginian-Pilot notes that CBS College Sports is being picked up by a local cable company.

Barry Jackson at the Miami Herald looks at the tremendous TV ratings for the NFL.

Katherine Kington of WTVM in Columbus, GA speaks with ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit. 

Ray Buck at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram hears from the CBS college football crew on the state of the game today.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle talks with one of the hosts of Sporting News Radio who made the move to H-Town when the operations moved from California.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman says Saturday’s Air Force-Oklahoma game will be picked up for troops stationed overseas.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the Bengals avoided a local blackout on Sunday.

John notes a Chicago sports TV anchor who got some bad advice from her boss when she was working in Dayton.

Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News says the Motor City will not be blacked out this Sunday for the Eagles-Lions game.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on the very short leave that Shannon Sharpe took from CBS due to a legal problem that was quickly dropped.

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

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune says the Ines Sainz controversy is an example of a woman being unprofessional.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes with Cardinals returning to KMOX, it completes sports teams going full circle in the Gateway City.

Dan notes that there’s some late season juggling going on with the Cardinals TV schedule.

West

Brian Murphy of the Idaho Statesman says a local cable system will not pick up CBS College Sports for tomorrow’s Boise State-Wyoming game. 

Jay Posner at the San Diego Union-Tribune wonders what’s going on at one local sports radio station.

John Maffei of the North County Times says fans who want to watch San Diego State play this weekend will have to shell out some extra bucks.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star wants CBS to stop sending the Oakland Raiders to the local airwaves.

Jim also has the NBC crew previewing Sunday’s Manning Bowl II.

At the Los Angeles Daily News, Tom Hoffarth inquires about the local ESPN Radio affiliate.

Tom speaks with a former Sports Illustrated editor who authored a damaging book on the USC football program.

Tom looks back at a crazy week in sports media in his blog.

The San Jose Mercury News has video of a rather testy exchange between KPIX sports anchor Dennis O’Donnell and 49ers coach Mike Singletary.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that two cable companies are picking up the controversial Rogers Sportsnet One in time for NHL season.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star wonders if it’s time for a rights charter for sports fans.

The Star’s Rosie DiManno heard from former NHL coach Pat Burns after CTV Ottawa erroneously tweeted today that he had died.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie received the first phone call from Burns.

And we’re done for the night.

CTV/TSN/TSN2′s 2010 NFL Programming & Schedule

We have this release from the fine people at the Canadian TV combo of CTV and TSN/TSN2. They have half of the NFL contract for Canada which includes Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football. CTV gets to show early Sunday afternoon games from CBS and Fox, TSN has the primetime packages. We have the press release which has the schedules for the three networks.

CTV, TSN & TSN2 Hit the Gridiron with Extensive Coverage of the 2010 NFL Season

– CTV delivers marquee NFL match-ups to viewers across Canada every Sunday at 1 p.m. ET –
– TSN has exclusive Canadian coverage of SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL and MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, plus the 2010-11 NFL season opener on Thursday, Sept. 9 –
– TSN2 has major NFL action with one national game every Sunday at 1 p.m. ET –

Toronto, ON (September 8, 2010) – From kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 9 in New Orleans to the final whistle at SUPER BOWL XLV in February in Arlington, CTV, TSN and TSN2 will bring Canadian fans the best match-ups the NFL has to offer as the networks today confirmed plans for their most comprehensive schedule yet for the 2010-11 NFL season.

Together, CTV, TSN and TSN2 boast the biggest – and most prestigious – NFL schedule in Canada, with exclusive Canadian coverage of the Sunday early-afternoon game package (1 p.m. ET), SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, every NFL playoff game and the coveted SUPER BOWL. New for this season is TSN2’s schedule of games complementing CTV’s package of early afternoon match-ups with a marquee national game – giving viewers in most Canadian markets a choice between two different NFL games every Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. In addition, TSN has exclusive Canadian coverage of the NFL DRAFT and special gridiron-themed segments on SPORTSCENTRE and TSN.ca.

The 2010-11 NFL season gets underway on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET on TSN with the highly-anticipated NFL Kickoff Game from the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA, featuring a rematch of last season’s thrilling NFC Championship game between the eventual SUPER BOWL XLIV champion New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings.

On CTV and TSN2, the new NFL season kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. ET with a full slate of marquee NFL match-ups. This weekend’s games on CTV and TSN2 are as follows:

• Cincinnati @ New England – airing on CTV HD West, CTV British Columbia, CTV Saskatchewan, CTV Winnipeg, CTV Northern Ontario, CTV Ottawa, CTV Montreal and CTV Atlantic
• Miami @ Buffalo – airing on CTV HD East, CTV Toronto and CTV Southwestern Ontario
• Carolina @ New York Giants – airing on CTV Alberta and TSN2

CTV and TSN2 will announce their remaining schedules of NFL games on a week-by-week basis. All regular season NFL match-ups on CTV and TSN2 will be immediately followed by a special post-game edition of SPORTSCENTRE with anchor Jay Onrait.

In addition to CTV’s NFL regular season Sunday early-afternoon game package (1 p.m. ET), the network also features every NFL Playoff game and the SUPER BOWL – the single most-watched sporting event in North America. Last year, CTV and RDS attracted a record combined audience of 6.7 million viewers for SUPER BOWL XLIV in Canada, as game MVP Drew Brees led his New Orleans Saints to an impressive victory over the Indianapolis Colts and NFL MVP Peyton Manning.

TSN will televise 34 NFL games this season, delivering back-to-back nights of appointment television with exclusive Canadian coverage of SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL and MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. On Sunday, Sept. 12, SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL showcases Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys visiting Donovan McNabb and the new-look Washington Redskins at 8:15 p.m. ET, while MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL features doubleheader action on Monday, Sept. 13 with Baltimore @ New York Jets at 7 p.m. ET, immediately followed by San Diego @ Kansas City at 10:15 p.m. ET. All games on TSN are available in High Definition.

TSN’s jam-packed NFL lineup also features the popular preview/wrap-up shows SUNDAY NFL COUNTDOWN, FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA, NFL PRIMETIME and MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN, as well as the NFL DRAFT and special gridiron-themed segments on SPORTSCENTRE and TSN.ca.

NFL on TSN Broadcast Campaign:

Sundays

• SUNDAY NFL COUNTDOWN – 11 a.m. ET
TSN gets viewers primed for Sunday afternoon NFL action with the two-hour preview show SUNDAY NFL COUNTDOWN, every Sunday at 11 a.m. ET leading into CTV and TSN2’s 1 p.m. ET game coverage. Host Chris Berman is joined on the program by analysts and former NFLers Keyshawn Johnson, Cris Carter and Tom Jackson, former head coach Mike Ditka, Chris Mortensen and NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The Emmy Award-winning show previews the upcoming week in the NFL and provides analysis, team news, weekly features and timely updates.

• FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA – 7 p.m. ET
Leading into TSN’s weekly coverage of SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL is FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA. The one-hour preview show airs every Sunday at 7 p.m. ET and features highlights, interviews and game analysis from some of the most respected NFL journalists and former players.

• SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – immediately following FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL is back for another season on TSN with coverage of all regular season Sunday night games. The broadcast team includes Al Michaels handling play-by-play duties alongside game analyst Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kremer reporting from the sidelines. Action gets underway on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 8:15 p.m. ET with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Washington Redskins in a classic NFC East match-up.

Mondays
• NFL PRIMETIME – 4 p.m. ET
NFL PRIMETIME returns to TSN’s Monday afternoon lineup at 4 p.m. ET for the 2010-11 season. Trey Wingo hosts the one-hour program from the site of each week’s MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL game and is joined by analysts Merrill Hoge and Trent Dilfer in studio. NFL PRIMETIME offers a recap of all the NFL action from the weekend as well as a preview of the MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL contest.

• MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN – 7 p.m. ET
The MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN preview show returns to TSN beginning Monday, Sept. 13, featuring host Chris Berman in the ESPN studios alongside Mike Ditka, Cris Carter, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Mortensen. Complementing the in-studio coverage is host Stuart Scott, who will be on location in the MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL host city with analysts Matt Millen and Steve Young, and reporters Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya. The show, which leads into TSN’s coverage of MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, also provides viewers with interviews, highlights and up-to-the-minute news from around the NFL.

• MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – immediately following MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN
The most-watched series in U.S. cable television history, MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL returns to TSN for an exciting fifth season on Monday, Sept. 13 with a doubleheader featuring Baltimore @ New York Jets at 7 p.m. ET immediately followed by San Diego @ Kansas City at 10:15 p.m. ET. TSN’s MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL broadcast schedule features exclusive Canadian coverage of all 17 regular season Monday night match-ups. ESPN’s Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and former SUPER BOWL-winning coach Jon Gruden will call the action from the broadcast booth with Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya reporting from the sidelines.

NFL on SPORTSCENTRE
SPORTSCENTRE boasts a massive lineup of football coverage each week during the NFL season featuring extensive news and highlights from every NFL game, as well as weekly NFL segments, providing fans with more NFL analysis and insight than ever. On Mondays, Jesse Palmer returns with his popular Monday Morning Quarterback segment, where the former NFL pivot provides analysis and commentary on the weekend’s games. On Thursdays, TSN football analyst Chris Schultz is back for another expert season of Risky Business, as the Big Man offers his four weekly picks against the spread. And on Saturdays, the always entertaining Chris Berman returns to SPORTSCENTRE with his 2-Minute Drill, where the ESPN football host gives viewers his predictions for head-to-head match-ups for the upcoming week in the NFL.

NFL on TSN.ca
Fans can enjoy highlights of their favourite NFL teams on TSN.ca with the TSN Video Player, along with on-demand viewings of Jesse Palmer’s Monday Morning Quarterback segments. Fans can also sound off on the latest hot topics around the NFL in the weekly Audibles forum available on TSN.ca. Fans can also follow the NFL on TSN with the TSN iPhone app featuring the latest news and up-to-the-minute scores and stats from around the league.

Schultz’s popular TSN.ca column, Schultz Against the World, returns for another season and fans are invited to go head-to-head against TSN’s NFL expert by picking the winners of each game. The Big Man’s column is complemented by a weekly video that wraps up his picks for the week.

Palmer’s weekly column is also back this season on TSN.ca with his thoughts from the week-that-was in the NFL. In addition to all of the up-to-the-minute stats, scores, news and information from each and every NFL game, TSN.ca has a comprehensive season preview that includes team-by-team breakdowns, pre-season power rankings, a fantasy football primer, and Schultz’s predictions and pre-season SUPER BOWL pick for the upcoming NFL season.

TSN/TSN2′s schedule comes after the jump.
As promised, this is the schedule for TSN/TSN2.

The 2010-11 NFL on TSN broadcast schedule is as follows:

September
• Thursday, Sept. 9 – Minnesota @ New Orleans at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Sept. 12 – Dallas @ Washington at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Sept. 13 – Baltimore @ New York Jets at 7 p.m. ET
• Monday, Sept. 13 – San Diego @ Kansas City at 10:15 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Sept. 19 – New York Giants @ Indianapolis at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Sept. 20 – New Orleans @ San Francisco at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Sept. 26 – New York Jets @ Miami at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Sept. 27 – Green Bay @ Chicago at 8:30 p.m. ET

October
• Sunday, Oct. 3 – Chicago @ New York Giants at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Oct. 4 – New England @ Miami at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Oct. 10 – Philadelphia @ San Francisco at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Oct. 11 – Minnesota @ New York Jets at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Oct. 17 – Indianapolis @ Washington at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Oct. 18 – Tennessee @ Jacksonville at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Oct. 24 – Minnesota @ Green Bay at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Oct. 25 – New York Giants @ Dallas at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Oct. 31 – Pittsburgh @ New Orleans at 8:15 p.m. ET

November
• Monday, Nov. 1 – Houston @ Indianapolis at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Nov. 7 – Dallas @ Green Bay at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Nov. 8 – Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Nov. 14 – New England @ Pittsburgh at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Nov. 15 – Philadelphia @ Washington at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Nov. 21 – New York Giants @ Philadelphia at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Nov. 22 – Denver @ San Diego at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Nov. 28 – San Diego @ Indianapolis at 8:15 p.m. ET*
• Monday, Nov. 29 – San Francisco @ Arizona at 8:30 p.m. ET

December
• Sunday, Dec. 5 – Pittsburgh @ Baltimore at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Dec. 6 – New York Jets @ New England at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Dec. 12 – Philadelphia @ Dallas at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Dec. 13 – Baltimore @ Houston at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Dec. 19 – Green Bay @ New England at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Dec. 20 – Chicago @ Minnesota at 8:30 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Dec. 26 – San Diego @ Cincinnati at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Monday, Dec. 27 – New Orleans @ Atlanta at 8:30 p.m. ET
*On TSN2

We’re done here.

Thursday Quickie Links

I’ll do as much linkage as I can. I was at a jobsite already and I have to go out later so while I can, I’ll provide some links.

First, technology writer Edward C. Baig of USA Today writes that he enjoyed watching the World Cup in 3-D, but it will take more than that to make him a total convert.

Also from USA Today, Friend of Fang’s Bites Mike McCarthy breaks news that it appears that ESPN’s Erin Andrews will test the free agent market as her contract expires on July 1. Her last event for ESPN could be the College World Series which begins on Saturday. I’m thinking she’s already gone from ESPN. Just my prediction and I have nothing to base it on.

The Big Lead says MLB Network is one entity possibly pursuing Erin, but I do believe she’ll be going to either Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra or even Inside Edition. Maybe NBC can offer a package similar to Maria Menounos, report for Access for entertainment stories, then do serious stories for NBC News and celebrity interviews for Dateline. When the Olympics comes along, Erin will be back doing sports for NBC, but only for the Olympics.

John Eggerton at Broadcasting & Cable has NBC Sports’ plans to cover the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News writes that the World Fishing Network will devote an entire day of programming to raise money for those affected by the BP Oil Disaster.

Mike adds that NBC and Universal Sports have obtained the rights to the next two Rugby World Cups. No coincidence as rugby will be in the 2016 Olympics.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has ESPN’s feelings on the infamous vuvuzelas.

Pete also has the ESPN2/ESPNU schedule for Wimbledon which starts next week.

Comcast SportsNet continues to buy blogs, this time, Beerleaguer, a Phillies-centric blog. Congratulations to Jason Weitzel who will continue to run the blog. 

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks about US Open TV coverage this week.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times also speculates on Erin Andrews’ next career move.

John Kiesewetter at the Cincinnati Enquirer says tickets are now on sale for the new Pete Rose movie.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business writes that Comcast SportsNet Chicago will get a dose of Strasburgmania on Friday.

Ed also noticed some new ads around Wrigley Field, signs of new things to come from the new ownership.

At the Chicago Tribune, Phil Rosenthal looks at the Sun-Times trimming staff including former sports media writer Jim O’Connell.

To the Los Angeles Times where Scott Collins writes that ESPN is having a ratings boon thanks to the World Cup.

The Toronto Star’s Chris Zelkovich reports that Rogers Sportsnet will be back airing the Raptors next season at the expense of CBC and The Score which both will be dropped by the team.

James Christie of the Toronto Globe and Mail reviews the new CTV DVD box set on the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Sports Media Watch notes that the NBA Finals Game 6 on Tuesday was the most watched Game 6 in 10 years, but there is a caveat.

And SMW says NASCAR on TNT dipped to an extremely low rating.

The Big Lead has video of former ESPN production assistant Brooke Hundley pounding ESPN during CBS’ Early Show.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has two rare MLB documents that until now, were mostly kept private.

I’ll have to end it there for now. I hope to do an update tonight.

Wednesday Night Linkage

After being busy for much of the day, time to do some linkage. Better late than never.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says both ESPN and NFL Network are pulling out the star power for their coverage of the NFL Draft in primetime on Thursday and Friday.

Peter Barzilai of USA Today’s Daily Pitch blog says ESPN’s Joe Morgan will be a special adviser to the Reds and will keep his TV job.

Paul White in the same blog writes that Fox Sports President Ed Goren is not saying anything over the NFL’s decision to schedule a Sunday Night Football game opposite Game 4 of the World Series for the first time.

Nate Davis of USA Today’s The Huddle blog has the NFL’s side as to why it scheduled a Sunday Night game against the World Series this season.

Sergio Non of USA Today’s MMA Fighting Stances blog notes that Fox Sports Net is scoring ratings for the season opener of the Bellator Fighting Championships.

Tripp Mickle and John Ourand write in today’s Sports Business Daily that the US Olympic Committee and Comcast have ended plans for a proposed Olympics channel.

The St. Petersburg Times’ Eric Deggans writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says it’s going to take a long time for 3-D TV to get a foothold with the average the sports fan.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at the number of athletes surgeon Dr. James Andrews has saved over his career.

Darren says former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is a hot commodity even if he isn’t drafted in the first round on Thursday.

Alex Weprin of Broadcasting & Cable writes that Cartoon Network plans to increase its sports-themed programming including an awards show.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says cable’s TNT and Versus are putting up solid numbers for the NBA and NHL postseason.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that it appears the New York Jets are going to be cable primetime darlings in the 2010 NFL regular season.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union provides the TV schedules for all three days of the NFL Draft.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record speaks with Freddie Coleman who will host ESPN Radio’s coverage of the NFL Draft.

Ken also has the NFL viewing schedule for the New York metropolitan area.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says Fox will carry most of the DC NFL team’s games this upcoming season.

Jim also has a transcript of an interview wide receiver Terrell Owens did with Fox Sports Radio’s Stephen A. “A is for Acrimony” Smith lobbying to join the Washington NFL team.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times feels the NFL is really sticking it to Major League Baseball by scheduling a Sunday Night Football game on October 31 which would be opposite the World Series.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that NFL.com is establishing fan war rooms for the Draft.

Suzanne Halliburton of the Austin American-Statesman says three former Texas Longhorns including quarterback Colt McCoy will be hosting ESPN at their Draft parties this week.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman has Fox Sports’ Jimmy Johnson’s thoughts on Sam Bradford entering tomorrow’s Draft.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer is amazed at the radio ratings for Reds’ Opening Day.

The Columbus Dispatch notes that Ohio State will play three primetime football games on ESPN/ABC this season. 

Noted Olympics writer Philip Hersh of the Chicago Tribune remembers former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch who died today and had a profound influence on the way the Games are currently broadcast.

Hersh also writes that the US Olympic Network which was announced last year to heavy fanfare will now go by the wayside without ever having made it to air.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says Thursday will be a very busy day for Comcast SportsNet with the network carrying three games on various platforms.

Ed is bewildered that despite a losing record last season, the Bears will still be primetime player in 2010.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the NFL is pushing player conduct very heavily.

Also from the Journal Sentinel, Don Walker says former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is joining the Big East Conference as an unpaid adviser to help on future TV contracts. 

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that you are the reason why the NFL Draft went to primetime.

Aaron Barnhart of the Kansas City Star says two local sports television executives are leaving their company to start their own business. 

New Mexico Business Weekly reports that Fox Sports Radio has signed an extension for distribution with Premiere Radio Networks.

The Arizona Republic says Fox Sports Arizona has created an overspill channel to accommodate Diamondbacks and Phoenix Coyotes conflicts.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News looks at Kevin Millar’s signing with the MLB Network.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail is flabbergasted that Rogers Sportsnet would push the Blue Jays off its main channel due to conflicts.

Chris Zelkovich in the Toronto Star notes that the Montreal Canadiens are drawing ratings in Canada.

Chris says a Toronto sports radio host got carried away over a critical article written by a Chicago sportswriter.

In Truth & Rumours, the now very calm William Houston says the head of Canada’s Olympic Olympic Broadcasting Consortium now has a new job at CTV.

Sports Media Watch notes that the NHL Playoffs are doing well locally.

SMW looks at the featured NFL matchups on CBS and Fox this season.

SMW has the weekend overnight ratings.

SMW also looks at the highest rated MLB, NBA and NHL teams.

SMW has some news and notes.

Lauren Hatch at the Business Insider looks at ESPN’s Rick Reilly dumping his magazine column in exchange for more facetime on camera.

The Huffington Post has the video of former New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank throwing an F and an S bomb on ESPN2′s First Take.

Good amount of links tonight plus I did them while watching both the Bruins and the Red Sox win in extra sessions. A good night. I’ll be back on Thursday with more stuff. Keep it here.

A Tuesday Link Day

Let’s do your linkage for you today.

The USA Today Game On! blog has Tiger Woods’ statement on his return to golf at The Masters. 

Mike McCarthy of USA Today says Tiger’s return to The Masters is likely going to set ratings records.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand looks at The Masters going 3-D this year and also lists some of the TV ratings from the weekend.

Once again, I’ll give you Richard Deitsch’s interview in Sports Illustrated with CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus who said Tiger’s return would rival the interest in Barack Obama’s inauguration. 

The man who broke the Tiger return to The Masters was Robert Lusetich at Fox Sports.com. He had it last week.

Writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times has high hopes for the ESPN-produced Saturday afternoon block on ABC.

The Hollywood Reporter picks up an Associated Press story on the sentencing of Michael Barrett, the man convicted of stalking Erin Andrews.

Linda Deutsch of the AP has Erin’s angry reaction to the sentencing. 

Alex Weprin of Broadcasting & Cable says both the New York Giants and New York Jets will play at home during the same weekend in Week 1 of the NFL season to open the new New Jersey football stadium.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News explores Versus’ return to DirecTV yesterday.

Mike writes that Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia has purchased the great Philly-centric blog, the 700 Level. More on that later.

Mike has word that CBS College Sports will pick up two NCAA Tournament games. 

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says the online advertising for the NCAA Tournament continues to rise for CBS.

Diego Vasquez of Media Life talks about the lower productivity during the 1st two rounds of the NCAA Tournament with one particular CEO.

ESPN’s Jay Bilas went on Charlie Rose’s PBS show to talk about the NCAA Tournament. 

To Richard Sandomir of the New York Times who writes about NCAA March Madness on Demand and The Masters going 3-D.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News comes up with a faulty conspiracy theory that the NCAA Selection Committee put Duke as a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament to maximize TV ratings. The NCAA may come up with some strange decisions, but putting a team in a certain slot to maximize ratings is not one of them.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says this weekend’s ECAC Hockey Tournament will be picked up by two national channels.

And Ken has the NCAA Tournament 1st round schedule for a local radio station.

Keith Groller in the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says the NCAA Tournament would be better served going to ESPN which with I disagree. It’s better to have it on CBS and then have ESPN cover it and help promote the tournament through the coverage.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks about Comcast carrying The Masters in 3-D.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business is not a fan of expanding the NCAA Tournament.

Brad Allis of the Tucson Citizen says Arizona Wildcats may not have made the NCAA Tournament, but they still garnered plenty of national attention from ESPN and other media sources.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours discusses whether CTV is interested in airing the Olympics after Vancouver.

The Big Lead provides a coverage map of CBS’ games of the NCAA Tournament.

Some college basketball ratings news from Sports Media Watch.

First, the ratings for the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on CBS were flat with last year.

The SEC Championship’s wild finish did well for ABC.

CBS did not fare well with the Conference USA and the Atlantic 10 Championships.

The Pac-10 Championship ratings fell on CBS to their lowest levels in eight years.

But CBS saw a slight uptick for the Big 10 Championship.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says it appears the ratings for Sunday’s NHL game on NBC will decrease.

As mentioned earlier, the Philadelphia-based blog, The 700 Level, was purchased by Comcast SportsNet. Congratulations to Enrico Campitelli, Jr. for the new partnership. I’ve always enjoyed reading The 700 Level and look forward to seeing great things from the blog.

Len Berman has his Top 5 stories of the day.

Sox & Dawgs has the hot chicks of the 2010 NCAA Women’s Tournament. 

We’ll end there for now.

Doing the Friday Megalinks

Let’s do the megalinks for you. Time to give them to you now.

As always, you get the Weekend Viewing Picks which this weekend has the skinny on the college basketball conference tournaments and other sports.

Now to your links.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand looks at ESPN providing ABC with some sports programming starting in April.

Writing for SI.com, Kevin Armstrong profiles popular ESPN/CBS college basketball analyst Bill Raftery.

The Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center recognizes the winners of the Associated Press Sports Editors Awards.

Todd Spangler of Multichannel News says the ESPN Mobile TV service is being picked up by Sprint cell phones.

Multichannel News looks at Speed’s changes to its Formula 1 announcing crew. 

The Sports Media Watch notes that last Sunday’s NHL Game of the Week did not get a post-Olympics bump, but still did well for NBC.

SMW says last week’s NASCAR ratings dropped yet again.

SMW informs us that TNT’s Inside the NBA crew will be heading courtside to call its first game since 2001.

Joe Favorito can’t wait to see the new movie on Vince Lombardi which would star Robert De Niro.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media says HBO Sports will focus its next documentary on the Philadelphia Flyers of the 1970′s.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks with long-time WBZ-TV sports reporter Alice Cook who was given the pink slip last week.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram interviews local native J.P. Ricciardi who goes from being Blue Jays General Manger to ESPN analyst.

Joe Haggerty from Comcast SportsNet New England writes about a new ESPN ad starring Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz and Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher.

A rare Neil Best sighting! The Boston Herald picks up a story from Newsday which continues to hide behind pay wall. In this story, Neil writes about CBS being poised to keep the NCAA Tournament. 

From the New York Daily News, Bob Raissman looks at the possibility of the NCAA opting out of its current contract with CBS.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post is nitpicking over a dunk highlight.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with CBS/Sports Illustrated’s Seth Davis about Siena’s experience as an NCAA player.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record has an appreciation of the late Merlin Olsen.

Tim Lemke explains why he is now a fan of the college basketball conference tournaments.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner says NBC begins its Paralympics coverage this weekend.

Jim transcribes an interview Billy Packer did with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Jim talks about a Baltimore radio host who’s conducting a contest to give Orioles Opening Day tickets to several families.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald talks with sports radio host Sid Rosenberg about his new book.

Sarah Talalay from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel says JetBlue will unveil a Florida Panthers tailfin on Tuesday.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes that HBO has some big plans for tomorrow’s Manny Pacquaio-Joshua Clottey championship fight at Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

To David Barron of the Houston Chronicle who discusses the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on Reggie Miller’s rivalry with the New York Knicks.

David catches up on some ratings news and notes since returning home from the Olympics.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer remembers an interesting story regarding the late Merlin Olsen and former NBC NFL analyst Bob Trumpy.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times writes that the White Sox have shot down manager Ozzie Guillen’s request for a website.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his usual Friday winners and losers.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Time Warner Cable gave subscribers frozen pictures that hampered fans from viewing of the Big East Tournament.

Paul Christian of the Rochester Post-Bulletin writes that hockey fans in the Gopher State will have plenty of action to watch this weekend.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says not everyone in the Gateway City will be able to see the Atlantic 10 Tournament this weekend.

West

Scott D. Pierce in the Deseret (UT) News says DirecTV subscribers won’t be able to see the Mountain West Conference men’s and women’s basketball championship games as they will be carried on Versus.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune speaks with Padres voice Dick Enberg who won’t be calling his first game until the season opener in April.

John Maffei in the North County Times says the San Diego State men’s basketball team might get some national love if they keep winning in the Mountain West Tournament.

Over to the Ventura County Star where Jim Carlisle says Hall of Fame defensive lineman Merlin Olsen was also a great broadcaster.

Jim is not a fan of the NCAA Tournament expanding to 96 teams.

Diane Pucin in the Los Angeles Times says both CBS and ESPN will be all over the NCAA Tournament selections.

In the Los Angeles Daily News, Kevin Modesti with help from Tom Hoffarth, has a remembrance of Merlin Olsen.

Tom has his usual media notes.

Tom has Dick Enberg’s thoughts on his former broadcast partner, Olsen.

Tom also looks back at the week in sports media.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says the NHL knocking out head shots was the right thing to do.

The Toronto Star says CTV has relented and will show the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics live, but only in British Columbia.

Chris Zelkovich of the Star says the Paralympics are not a huge money maker, but are worthy of TV coverage for the Canadian Olympics Broadcast Media Consortium.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours says the head of the Media Consortium may be leaving.

And that will do it for the Megalinks. 

A Set of Monday Links

Let’s provide some linkage today. Plenty of stuff to get to.

We begin with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk who writes that the NFL Network has been approached by the Atlantic Coast Conference on carrying a package of football games.

Portfolio picks up a story from Eric Fisher of the Sports Business Journal regarding the NFL expanding its online content to Hulu and Yahoo.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that ESPN college basketball “bracketologist” Joe Lunardi will be getting a lot of facetime this week.

Writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry says sportswriters need to look beyond breaking news to get noticed and read in the new journalism.

Glen Dickson of Broadcasting & Cable writes that ESPN has deemed one of its 3D-TV tests a success. 

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life writes that NBC won the February sweeps thanks to the Olympics, something it couldn’t do four years ago.

BusinessWeek picks up a Bloomberg News story from Tariq Panja on ESPN’s UK unit which will not reduce its subscription price next year when its slate of English Premier League games shrinks from 46 to 23 games. 

John Altavilla of the Hartford Courant says ESPN may pick up the last 30 seconds of tonight’s UConn-Notre Dame women’s Big East semifinal to show the Huskies’ record setting 71st consecutive win.

Brad Stone of the New York Times looks at MLB Advanced Media taking over the streaming of live events for ESPN3.com starting next month.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick now shifts his hate to golf announcers.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says Time Warner Cable will air the first two games of an ECAC college hockey postseason series this weekend.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says four local CBS Radio sports stations will be banded together as listeners can hear their content through HD sets.

Jim says Notre Dame will play one of its 2011 “home” games at the DC’s NFL team’s stadium in primetime on NBC.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times talks about the HBO “Bird/Magic” documentary, bad NHL marketing and the possible expansion of the NCAA Tournament in his review of the weekend in TV sports.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer wonders why a public TV documentary on thoroughbred racing did not include shots of one local horsetrack.

Douglas Fink in the Zanesville (OH) Times Recorder feels NBC did a decent job during the Winter Olympics, but could have done better in certain areas.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes that Cubs players are split down the middle over the possible installation of a Jumbotron at Wrigley Field.

Phil Rosenthal of the Tribune says Comcast SportsNet Chicago will stream the rest of the Bulls regular season games for no extra cost, provided a subscriber already has access to CSN on cable or satellite. 

In the Denver Post, Dusty Saunders reviews the latest ESPN “30 for 30″ documentary on Reggie Miller’s rivalry with the New York Knicks.

Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times says Kings Hall of Fame TV voice Bob Miller will miss the team’s next two games due to an illness. He already missed Saturday’s game against Montreal.

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

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star is looking forward to hearing more baseball this spring.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours says CBC Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean singled out CTV Olympics host James Duthie for some praise on Saturday.

Sports Media Watch says despite the suspension of Tony Kornheiser, ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption rolls on.

SMW says NBC’s first NHL game after the Olympics put up decent ratings.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media feels NBC is getting consistent numbers for the NHL this season.

Deadspin notes while ESPN’s Erin Andrews will be on Dancing with the Stars this season, she won’t be at the NFL Draft as in past years. 

The Big Lead says the Miami Herald’s Dan Lebatard knows where sports journalism is heading.

Len Berman gives you his Top 5 Sports Stories.

That will do it for today.

Saturday’s Linkage

Well, I purposely didn’t do links on Thursday and on Friday, an unexpected joy fell into my lap as my Twitter Trophy Wife, Amanda Rykoff, a.k.a The OCD Chick, came up from New York for a conference, so we hung out Friday night. And while there, I caught up with baseball superwriter, Jonah Kieri and a regular contributor to the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry.

All were attending the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference today at the Boston Convention Center. If you want to follow what’s going from the conference on Twitter, just search for the hastag, “ssac” and you can read the Tweets. Some heavy hitters are speaking. I didn’t know about this, but hopefully, I can attend next year.

Anyway, I’ll give you some of the linkage from today. First, Friend of Fang’s Bites Victor Rojas explains why he’s leaving MLB Network after one year to take the Anaheim Angels play-by-play position.

Ed Baig of USA Today looks at some improvements in this year’s CBS March Madness on Demand iPhone app.

Martin Peers of the Wall Street Journal looks into the Cablevision/ABC dispute and notes that sports is behind the whole fray. 

Dave Kindred, writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, says giving your story the proper hook is a great way to lure readers.

The Hollywood Reporter picks up an Associated Press story which talks about a dispute in Hong Kong that could leave viewers in the dark for the World Cup.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that the ESPN360 broadband service will show Winter X Games Europe in the US.

Mike says MSG Network will air a 10 part series on the best baseball players in New York.

Mike Shields of Mediaweek tells us that Yahoo! drew more visitors to its site over the Olympics than ESPN and NBC, but NBCOlympics can claim a victory of sorts.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at CTV’s I Believe Olympic theme song making some money for the network. I watched a lot of CTV’s coverage and I along with millions of Canadians heard it constantly throughout the games.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks at the New Jersey Nets using Newark as a stopover until its Brooklyn home is ready in two years.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says it’s time for DirecTV and Versus to settle their differences.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says don’t expect a post-Olympics ratings bump for the NHL.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner writes that DirecTV and Fox are seeking to find the fans’ thoughts on best NASCAR driver.

Jim writes that this is a big day for lacrosse fans.

Jim also has a couple of clips previewing tonight’s HBO Magic & Bird documentary.

Maryland alum Tim Lemke condemns the unruly behavior at the University of Maryland campus after the Terps’ win over Duke earlier this week.

The Orlando Sentinel’s Andrea Adelson wonders if 3D will actually change the way we watch sports television. 

Andrea says watching an event in 3D is rather impressive.

Andrea also explains what you’ll need to watch sports in 3D.

And Andrea looks at some of the most important dates in the development of sports television.

The Dallas Morning News’ Barry Horn speaks with ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the Olympics actually hurt the local NBC affiliate in the local ratings and gave the CBS affiliate the win in February.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says the local ESPN Radio affiliate is making a lineup change. 

From The Press-Enterprise (CA), we learn that someone who is under criminal investigation on corruption made an appearance during John Daly’s Golf Channel reality show.

SportsbyBrooks learns that ESPN’s local New York site made a big hire.

The Big Lead notes that MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann lashed out at the Blowhard known as Bill Simmons.

The Sports Media Watch notes that ESPN was late again in reporting another on another Ben Roethlisberger sexual assault story.

SMW has some various ratings news and notes.

To the Major League Programs blog which looks at a new rights deal between the Miami Dolphins and a Southwest Florida radio station.

Those are your links for now. Coming up this afternoon, a review of the Magic & Bird documentary.

Post-Olympics Linkage

Just as in 2008, I’m going through Olympics withdrawal. When I saw NBC’s closing credits at 12:37 this morning to conclude coverage, it makes you yearn for one more day of the Games. I admit the closing montage is done very well. If it’s ever on YouTube, I’ll post it here. Anyway, let’s give you some linkage regarding the ratings for the just-completed Winter Games and other sports media issues.

We’ll start with the Sports Business Daily/Sports Business Journal’s Winter Olympics site. Plenty of stuff there.

SBD/SBJ says the overnight rating for Sunday’s men’s hockey gold medal game was a whopping 17.6 for NBC.

Tripp Mickle and John Ourand say that NBC’s tape delayed strategy for the Olympics is getting support from an important International Olympic Committee member. Oh great.

Tripp and John add that the IOC is not only considering the money paid for the US media rights in 2014/2016, it also wants to know how the TV networks would air them.

Tripp also looks at the legacy of the Vancouver Games.

From this week’s SBJ, Eric Fisher writes that CBS is expecting 10 million users for this year’s online March Madness On Demand.

Liz Mullen says former MLB Players Association head Donald Fehr is being asked by the NHL Players Association to to help them out.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that the NHL is looking to parlay the success of hockey in the Olympics.

Jason Fry in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center writes that Spring Training is a great time for baseball junkies.

From the Hollywood Reporter, Georg Szalai tells us that CBS head honcho Les Moonves is practically conceding the ’14/’16 Olympic TV rights to NBC.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell doesn’t feel yesterday’s USA-Canada game will have any lingering effects on the NHL. 

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says ESPN is increasing its commitment to college lacrosse.

Toni Fitzgerald in Media Life Magazine writes that when the numbers are added, the overall viewership for the Vancouver Games will most likely be the 3rd most watched Winter Olympics in history.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post loved being able to eat dinner after the USA-Canada game. Whatever, Phil.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union is amazed at the ratings for USA-Canada.

Pete also has the MAAC Tournament TV schedule.

In the Buffalo News, Alan Pergament says NBC failed to analyze whether Ryan Miller allowed a soft goal to Sydney Crosby that won the USA-Canada game for the Canadians.

Laura Nachman writes that Philadelphia 76ers radio announcer Tom McGinnis missed some games due to a personal matter.

Tim Lemke tells NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to let the pros play in Sochi for the 2014 Olympics.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner says USA-Canada grabbed the ratings in the BWI region.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times feels USA-Canada led to some great television.

Tom also looks at USA-Canada’s monster ratings.

John Kiesewetter in the Cincinnati Enquirer says former Dayton Daily News Reds beat writer Hal McCoy will be joining Fox Sports Ohio’s website to write about the team and appear on the network’s coverage on the Reds.

John has more on the Hall of Fame writer joining Fox Sports Ohio in his blog.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business wonders what the short and long-term effects of the USA-Canada game will have on the NHL and hockey in general.

Ed notes that the game also drew well in Chicago.

Aaron Barnhart of the Kansas City Star says NBC goofed by cutting off the Olympic Closing Ceremony for the premiere of “The Marriage Ref”.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post writes that NBC is hoping the USA-Canada game will help to top overall viewership from the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002.

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

Tom is very frustrated over the West Coast Olympic tape delays on NBC.

In the Toronto Star, Chris Zelkovich gives praise to CTV’s Olympic Broadcast Consortium.

Chris also looks at how CTV and NBC produced USA-Canada.

In Truth & Rumours, William Houston looks at Canada’s ratings for USA-Canada.

William writes for Yahoo! Canada that CTV did too much cheerleading.

The Sports Media Watch says Sunday night’s Olympics Closing Ceremony rated well for NBC.

Paulsen at SMW gives us some perspective on how well USA-Canada did in the ratings. 

SMW says Lakers-Nuggets did surprisingly well against USA-Canada on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Byrne at the Eye on Sports Media says he attended ESPN The Weekend at Walt Disney World as the guest of the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

The Big Lead feels an alliance between the Hearst newspapers and a sports fan website is a bad idea.

Pete Toms at the Biz of Baseball looks inside the competition for local MLB rights in Houston in particular.

To the Biz of Football and Maury Brown who writes that the Miami Dolphins have extended an agreement with a Southwest Florida radio station to carry its games.

Len Berman has his Top 5 stories.

That will do it for linkage for today.

BREAKING NEWS: Canadians Watched Hockey Gold Medal Game in Droves

Just received this press release, no actually, I had to retrieve this press release from CTV’s media website that the ratings for the USA-Canada men’s hockey gold medal game were even more blockbuster than in the United States. While the numbers for NBC were spectacular, they were even more so in Canada were about half the population tuned into CTV to watch the game. And the win by Canada led into the Closing Ceremony where the ratings were boffo as well.

Oh Canada!! 16.6 Million Watch Team Canada Ignite a Nation

• – 14.3 million watch Closing Ceremony as Vancouver 2010 comes to a close –

Vancouver, BC (March 1, 2010) – It was an epic game that delivered an epic audience. Yesterday’s gold medal Men’s Hockey game has become the most-watched television broadcast ever in Canadian history, with an average audience of 16.6 million viewers. Nearly half of the Canadian population watched the entire game on average, while 80% of Canadians watched some part of the game (26.5 million). The game aired live on nine television networks in eight languages via Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium.

“Crosby scores! Sidney Crosby! The golden goal! And Canada has once-in-a-lifetime Olympic gold!,” called play-by-play announcer Chris Cuthbert as Canada clinched its record-breaking 14th gold medal. “These Golden Games have their crowning moment.”

Additionally, the 2010 Winter Games Closing Ceremony becomes the second most-watched broadcast ever, as 14.3 million viewers said goodbye to Vancouver 2010. A total of 24.5 million watched some part of the broadcast.

Detailed ratings summary to follow.

Television: Preliminary overnight data from BBM Canada.

Amazing numbers.

Canada’s Olympic Broadcasting Consortium’s Reach Is Truly Amazing

When I see a press release that 99% of a country’s population has seen the Olympics through a network’s various platforms, I’m quite impressed. It’s not just CTV involved, but you’re talking about TSN, Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, V, CTVOlympics.com and cell phones. I mean, 99%? Is that even possible? I guess it is.

99% of Canadians Have Experienced Vancouver 2010 Through Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium

• – 6.9 million see Kevin Martin win gold in Men’s Curling –
  – 5.3 million see Jasey-Jay Anderson receive first Olympic Games medal
  in Snowboard –
  – OLYMPIC MORNING achieves Games high 718,000 viewers on CTV –
  – CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca surpass 200 million page views –

Vancouver, BC (February 28, 2010) – Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium’s CUME index confirms today that 99% of the Canadian population has experienced the 2010 Winter Games through the Consortium’s platforms. The figure represents 33,148,000 Canadians, who have sampled Consortium coverage on television, online, in print or on radio throughout the past 16 days. The reach of the Games has grown by 27%, or 7 million additional Canadians, since the first CUME index of 26 million was issued on Day 1.

Day 16 Average Audiences
OLYMPIC MORNING/LE RÉVEIL OLYMPIQUE 1.3 million
OLYMPIC DAYTIME/JEUX OLYMPIQUES EN JOURNÉE 4.5 million
OLYMPIC PRIME TIME/JEUX OLYMPIQUES AUX HEURES DE GRANDE ÉCOUTE 6 million

Additional Day 16 Highlights – Television

• The Men’s Curling gold medal game was the #1 sporting event of the day with 6.9 million viewers. Now one of the Top 10 sporting events of the Games, the match peaked at 11 million viewers in the final minute. Nearly 17 million viewers watched some part of the event, while an average of 785,000 viewers watched on RDS.
• The PGS medal round in Men’s Snowboard averaged 2.75 million viewers, with 5.3 million viewers watching Canada’s Jasey-Jay Anderson awarded gold.
• OLYMPIC MORNING averaged 1.3 million viewers, 25% above its average daily audience. On CTV, the morning program drew 718,000 viewers, the most yet.
• The bronze medal Men’s Hockey game between Finland and Slovakia averaged 1.3 million viewers on TSN.
• On Rogers Sportsnet, the top event was the Figure Skating exhibition gala, with 1.3 million viewers. An additional 27,000 watched the event in Ukrainian on OMNI.1, while 22,000 watched in Mandarin on OMNI.2., OMNI AB and OMNI BC.
• JEUX OLYMPIQUES AUX HEURES DE GRANDE ÉCOUTE delivered 791,000 viewers for V/CPAC, RDS and RIS Info Sports, while JEUX OLYMPIQUES EN JOURNÉE was watched by 805,000 viewers.

Additional Day 16 Highlights – Online

• On Day 16, CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca reached a Games-to-date total of 200 million page views.
• Day 16 saw more than 1.5 million daily unique visitors to the sites.
• Top on demand videos for Day 16 include Men’s Hockey semifinal CAN/SVK highlights, Jasey Jay Anderson’s gold medal race in Men’s Snowboard PGS, Hamelin’s gold medal in 500m Short Track Speed Skating, Men’s 5000m Short Track Speed Skating Relay gold medal races, and for the 10th day straight, Women’s Hockey CAN/SWE highlights.
• Joannie Rochette remained the most-viewed athlete on Day 16, along with Canadian curling skips, silver medalist Cheryl Bernard and gold medalist Kevin Martin. Gold medal winning snowboarder Jasey-Jay Anderson and figure skating Gold Medalist Yu-Na Kim round out the top spots.
• There have been more than 17,000 interactions on the CTV Olympics Facebook fan page this week.

Top Five Television Events – Day 16

Total Viewers Event Time (PT) Channels
 
1. 6.9 million Men’s Curling: CAN/NOR 15:05 CTV, RDS, APTN
2. 2.8 million Snowboard: Men’s PGS Medal Round 12:15 CTV, V/CPAC, RDS
3. 2.4 million Speed Skating: Men’s Team Pursuit Finals 12:52 CTV, Sportsnet, RDS
4. 2.3 million Men’s Slalom: 1st Run 10:00 CTV, V/CPAC
5. 2 million Men’s Hockey: FIN/SVK 19:05 CTV, V/CPAC, TSN
 
Sources
Television: BBM Canada, with software by BBM Analytics and Nielsen Media Research
Online: Omniture unless otherwise indicated

I’ll have the ratings for Sunday which includes the USA-Canada men’s hockey gold medal game which should have garnered monster ratings sometime on Monday.