Fang's Bites

Bringing In The Thursday Links

Another late start on the linkage today mostly due to shuffling between two offices and trying to catch up on press releases. Let’s get started.

Mike McCarthy at USA Today has LeBron James blaming race for the negative reaction to his ESPN produced “The Decision” earlier this year.

Mike notes that there won’t be a repeat meeting between Golf Channel’s Jim Gray and US Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin this weekend.

John Eggerton at Broadcasting & Cable writes that JetBlue Airlines is adding NFL Sunday Ticket free of charge to its DirecTV lineup.

Jon Lafayette of B&C says Fox is moving up the start time for World Series Game 3 to make it more “family friendly”.

Mike Shields of Mediaweek says Sports Illustrated is tapping some big names for a new web video series. 

Julian Clover of Broadband TV News reports that ESPN is in talks to buy a French TV network.

Noah Davis at SportsNewser tells us that NBA TV is throwing the heavy hitters at the Miami Heat’s first preseason game.

The Big Lead has the video of Fox/NFL Network analyst Jim Mora, Jr. snapping at Perpetually Angry ESPN Radio host Doug Gottlieb today. Oh this is good.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with the CEO of adidas on reviving the Reebok brand. 

Darren says moving athletes from one city to another has become a huge business. 

All Access says Mike North’s Fox Sports Radio show can now be heard in his hometown of Chicago.

TMZ reports Playboy offered to have Ines Sainz pose nude. Apparently this has been rejected.

The Boston Globe has announced it will go behind a pay wall for its printed content, but keep a free site open to all for its breaking news coverage. We’ll see how this works.

Neil Best of Newsday applauds the parties who made it possible for World Series Game 3 to start earlier.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record notes that Army makes an appearance on CBS College Sports’ hockey coverage this season.

Jeremy Schilling in New Jersey Newsroom tries to come up with a viable solution for NBC’s tape delayed coverage of the Ryder Cup.

Dave Mackall of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says ESPNU will take the Pitt-Duquense basketball game in December. 

In the Washington Examiner, Jim Williams says the Ravens and the DC NFL Team once again pulled in the local ratings.

Jim says golf fans will need some true dedication to last through ESPN’s coverage of the Ryder Cup on Friday.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says the NFL is cracking down on restaurants and sports bars that violated the silly TV blackout rules on Sunday.

Tom feels the World Series needs to play some day games.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says the Dish Network/Fox carriage dispute could leave Miami Heat fans without a way to watch Fox Sports Florida.

The Albany (GA) Herald says Fox Sports South will air extended coverage of this Sunday’s tribute to retiring Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox. 

Business First of Louisville says the local NBC affiliate will have to move this Saturday’s SEC Network broadcast of Kentucky vs. Ole Miss to an alternate channel due to the Ryder Cup.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer tells Reds fans they’ll have to watch TBS for coverage of their team in the National League Division Series.

Chicago Sun-Times reports the mother of Comcast SportsNet Chicago anchor Sarah Kustok was found shot to death. So sad. 

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has NBC’s Al Michaels waxing poetic about the City of Broad Shoulders.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Monday night’s Packers-Bears game brought in the viewers.

For some reason, Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star Tribune thought it would be a good idea to talk with ESPN MLB all-around charlatan Joe Morgan. 

Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic says ESPN2 will be airing a local high school football rivalry to a national audience. 

Bob Young of the Republic says Dish Network subscribers could lose Fox Sports West on Friday causing them to miss Saturday’s Arizona State game.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says Chevrolet stepped up to the plate to help World Series Game 3 move to an earlier time.

Ken Goe of The Oregonian says ESPN’s Erin Andrews reminded him of the start time for College Gameday this Saturday.

John Feeley of Awful Announcing notes that Stephen A. Smith announced that Stephen A. Smith is taping a talk show pilot for Showtime starring Stephen A. Smith.

Sports Media Watch has some ratings news and notes.

That will do it for now.

The Mid-Week Linkage

Ok, gathering plenty of good links for you and let’s not waste any time.

I do have one piece of upcoming attractions for you. On Friday, we start up our College Football Viewing Picks once again and every week, I’ll list the college football games of note for viewing on the major networks and syndicators. If you’re new to the blog, here’s a sample from last year. You’ll see them around 9 a.m. and when pro football begins, the NFL Viewing Picks will be up around 10 a.m. followed by the Weekend Viewing Picks at 11 a.m. So you’ll have plenty of features on Friday over the next few months. To the links.

John Ourand in the Sports Business Journal gives us five things to watch with NBC Sports when Comcast and NBC finally merge.

Emily Fredix of the Associated Press reports that the NFL will spend $50 million on a new advertising campaign to promote the return of the league this season. 

In the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggans from the St. Petersburg Times looks at a pioneering NASCAR executive bringing the sport to BET.

Sean Leahy at USA Today says the NFL is trying to attract fans back to the stadium as they battle HDTV and its own RedZone channel.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that there will be a lot of college football games streaming on ESPN3.com this season.

Fox Sports’ Brian Lowry says the NFL’s TV partners don’t want to discuss the looming lockout.

Karen Rosen of TV Guide speaks with NFL Commish Roger Goodell. 

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says SNY has begun its UConn football coverage in earnest this week.

Milton Kent of Fanhouse weighs in on the Washington Post suspension of Mike Wise.

The Sports COMMENTary speaks with Fox Sports Detroit’s Mateen Cleeves on how he made the transition from NBA player to TV analyst.

Alex Farber of Broadcast Now says ESPN UK will launch a British version of Pardon The Interruption.

Josh Stewart in the Syosset (NY) Patch speaks with NFL PR guru Greg Aiello who says Twitter has become a legitimate news source.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg in the DC Sports Bog has the video of a new Alex Ovechkin/Capital One ad. Yes, vikings are in it.

Tom Robinson of the Virginian-Pilot enjoys NBC’s Cris Collinsworth on Sunday Night Football. 

Scott Anderson of the Anderson (SC) Independent Mail feels ESPN should not be televising high school football games. 

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times says Bright House cable has renewed a rights deal with the University of South Florida.

Robert Napper at the Florida Independent notes that ESPN has been taunting Tampa Bay Rays’ attendance problems. 

The Naples (FL) Daily News says the local ESPN Radio affiliate will carry plenty of college and professional football games this season.

Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post has ESPN’s NFL analysts Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden talking about the Miami Dolphins’ chances.

Victor Godinez of the Dallas Morning News says Time Warner Cable and Disney are expected to announce a carriage deal today which keeps ESPN, ABC and other channels online.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle notes that a former Jim Rome radio show producer will become a local sports talk show host.

David explains why the Rodgers move was made in his blog.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Aroldis Chapman’s debut for the Reds garnered big ratings for Fox Sports Ohio.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business notes a White Sox subsidiary has landed a technology deal to help move TV into 3-D.

Ed says Mike North will be doing two shows a weekend for Fox Sports Radio.

Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Sun-Times talks with North about his weekend shifts. 

The Sioux City (SD) Argus Leader notes that South Dakota State University will have a weekly sports show on Fox Sports North.

Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Journal-Review says ESPN NASCAR pit reporter Jamie Little is getting married (scroll down).

But The Big Lead wonders if the marriage will conjure up charges of conflict of interest.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic profiles NBC’s Al Michaels.

James Rainey of the Los Angeles Times notes ESPN has been making inroads with its local websites, but not as big as the Alleged Worldwide Leader would like.

Sports Media Watch has the weekend overnight ratings.

SMW has ratings info on Fox’s Sunday night NFL preseason game and CBS’ two preseason games last week.

Joe Favorito is disappointed in Mike Wise’s behavior this week.

John Daly at the Daly Planet says get ready for plenty of NASCAR Nationwide Series pre-emptions and interruptions on ESPN2 now that college football season is getting underway.

Some of my favorite women on Twitter, Amanda Rykoff, Susan Shan and Jaqueline Hadley Conrad all took part in a baseball fantasy player roundtable at the Fantasy Fix.

Susan Shan has an ACC football preview at her site.

From The Stands Sports Media talks with ESPN’s Lindsay McCormick.

Dave Kohl at the Major League Programs blog wonders why baseball fans in Japan can watch MLB games on YouTube while we in the US cannot.

We’ll finish it here for now.

Let’s Do A Monday Linkfest

It’s Monday and already some breaking news occurred. We learned that Awful Announcing is back up and running which is a good thing. I hope it’ll remain.

So with that in our back pocket, let’s do some linkage.

Starting with the Morning Buzz at Sports Business Daily which looks at the carriage negotiations between Time Warner Cable and Disney.

At the Sports Business Journal, John Ourand writes about the progress of ad sales for the NFL’s TV partners. 

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand looks at some of the new bells and whistles you’ll see at the US Open which begins today on ESPN2 and Tennis Channel.

Sean Leahy at USA Today’s The Huddle blog notes that Brad Pitt will narrate NFL Network’s America’s Game documentary on the New Orleans Saints. I’m sure you get the connection.

Jason Fry at the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center wonders where’s the outrage for a Toronto Star reporter for speculating about Jose Bautista’s sudden power surge where blogger Jerod Morris of Midwest Sports Fans caught grief last year for wondering about Raul Ibanez.

Over to The Sports COMMENTary site where former CNN correspondent Marc Watts lists the five best football TV analysts today.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Westin Hotels is showing how to do an endorsement deal.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick doesn’t think humor is the way to treat the Jets’ Antonio Cromartie who has fathered 8 children.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog noticed that DC NFL team cornerback made Comcast SportsNet’s Kelli Johnson take off her heels.

To Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times who looks at the weekend in TV sports.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says the Florida Panthers are selling sponsorships to for the seat coverings on the upper level of its arena.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that peace is almost at hand between Time Warner Cable and ESPN. 

Michael Rosenberg at the Detroit Free Press writes about the sad death of former Detroit Pistons Vice President of Public Relations Matt Dobek. Thanks to Press Coverage for the link.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business talks with former local talk show host Mike North who’s about to join Fox Sports Radio.

Phil Rosenthal at the Chicago Tribune looks at the final installment of the local morning sports and business show on the local CBS affiliate.

Dusty Saunders at the Denver Post says it’ll be harder to find this weekend’s Colorado-Colorado State game on TV.

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

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail feels the NHL should get a slice of the Olympic revenue pie for having its players participate in the Winter Games.

Chris Zelkovich in the Toronto Star criticizes CBC for failing to get the job done in covering the Canadian Women’s Open.

Joe Favorito says the New Jersey Devils are doing the right thing in bring their brand to fans.

I’ve written a post at Press Coverage on the aging of our play-by-play announcers and the lack of young talent on the horizon.

And that’s it for now.

More Monday Links

I’ll do some more links as I get ready for another episode of 24.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times looks at the weekend in televised sports.

The Dallas Morning News’ Barry Horn is amazed at the Pro Bowl’s ratings.

The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron wonders what The Who will play at halftime of Super Bowl XLIV, but I don’t think he received the memo that word has leaked out already, from PETE TOWNSHEND HIMSELF!!!!

John Kiesewetter in the Cincinnati Enquirer regrets that the late Joe Nuxhall didn’t make the Baseball Hall of Fame Broadcasting Wing.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business discusses the new Mike North-Dan Jiggets morning show which premiered on the local CBS station this morning.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post remembers the late Tom Brookshier.

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

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Globe and Mail discusses the vindication of Alex Burrows on Hockey Night in Canada.

Chris Zelkovich in the Toronto Star did not like the Shakespearean tragic opening on Hockey Day in Canada.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media delves into a Sports Business Journal story regarding a new nightly news and entertainment show on Versus. 

The Sports Media Watch has a look at the amazing Pro Bowl viewership.

SMW says despite the overnight start times for the women’s and men’s finals in the Australian Open, the ratings for both were up from last year.

SMW notes the lower ratings for the Farmers Insurance Open.

And the Sports Media Watch says CBS’ college basketball ratings did well over the weekend.

Chris Byrne in the Eye on Sports Media looks at CBS and the Pop Culture happenings during the 17 previous times it has aired the Super Bowl.

And we’re done with the links.

Late Night Links … Again

After getting a late start to blogging today and not being able to provide links during the day, I thought maybe I can take the night off from blogging. WRONG! Things are breaking tonight. It’s hard to decide where to begin, but let’s go with the New York Times.

Andrew Ross Sorkin and Tim Arango chronicle how the Comcast/NBC deal was made and how it all began back in July.

To the West Coast where we discover that legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg is going back to baseball to San Diego Padres games in 2010.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune breaks the news that Enberg will be the main TV voice for the team.

John Maffei from the North County Times says Enberg will call as many as 125 games for the Padres.

This means that Enberg will cut the French Open from his schedule for next year while keeping Wimbledon and the U.S. Open which he calls for ESPN2 and CBS respectively.

To Chicago where WBBM-TV, the Windy City’s CBS affiliate is doing something rather radical for its low-rated morning daypart. Phil Rosenthal of the Tribune reports that the station is picking up Mike North and Dan Jiggetts from Comcast SportsNet and placing their show in the timeslot where the morning news is currently.

Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Sun-Times also writes about WBBM’s move to bring North and Jiggetts over from Comcast SportsNet.

And Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business chimes in with a story of his own on North moving from cable to over the air TV.

To Washington, DC and our nation’s capital, Jennifer Harper of the Washington Times writes that the paper is reorganizing and laying off 40% of its workforce.

Times’ sports business writer Tim Lemke tweets that this likely means the entire sports department will be cut.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with a former Nike insider about the Tiger Woods apology.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News tries to make sense of the mainstream media’s reporting of the Tiger Woods apology.

Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union looks at the ratings for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

And Pete updates this week’s college football schedule.

Laura Nachman says a former Philly TV and radio personality is disbanding his Tiger Woods fansite.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News crunches some of the NFL ratings numbers from Week 12.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman says ESPN The Magazine is giving love to Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant.

The Los Angeles Times has a special section devoted to the work of the late Mike Penner.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star writes that the long-time head of a city sports radio station moves to the TV side.

William Houston at Truth & Rumours also writes about the TV/radio shakeup and the Tiger Woods story.

Rick Kissell from Variety looks at ESPN’s ratings for Monday Night Football.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says football gave ESPN the monthly cable win for November.

Lucia Moses of Mediaweek says Sports Illustrated is set to unveil in 2010 an electronic reader that can expand on its magazine.

The Sports Media Watch has the weekend overnight ratings.

SMW says Monday’s Patriots-Saints game just barely missed breaking a cable ratings record.

And SMW notes that the UFL Championship Game didn’t do all that well on Versus.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media has decided to leave a blog network.

Chris adds that Tiger Woods should have learned a lesson on privacy.

The Cycle blog says it’s time to leave Tiger alone.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball writes that MLB.com is looking for stats stringers for 2010.

Dave Kohl of the Major League Programs blog looks at radio and TV media rights.

That’s going to be it for us tonight. I will post two press releases and go to bed.

This Is Monday’s Linkage

On this day when New England sports fans are talking about the Bill Belichick decision that cost the Patriots a win against the Colts, I’m enjoying the agony. Being a Browns fan, I need something to help me endure the season. And the Indianapolis Star has a picture of one of Belichick’s henchman shoving an NBC photographer after the game. Thanks to the Big Lead for the pic.

Let’s do the links for you.

We start with the Sports Business Journal and a few stories for you.

John Ourand writes that Comcast is set to compete with ESPN at the local level.

Tripp Mickle says not as many U.S. newspapers will be staffing the Vancouver Winter Olympics in February.

Terry Lefton reports that with the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl being held at the same venue in 2010, the NFL plans to offer some different events.

In today’s Sports Business Daily, Eric Fisher writes that ESPN.com is now featuring a new section for commentary including the ESPN Ombudsman.

To the Sporting News and Dan Levy of On The DL writes about Jon Gruden’s decision to sign a multi-year contract with ESPN.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk says ESPN isn’t saying much about Gruden’s staying to call Monday Night Football for next season and possibly beyond.

Writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry says it’s time to blow up the current standard for the game story and invent a new one.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says now that Michelle Wie has won a golf tournament, what’s next for her?

Noam Cohen of the New York Times says ESPN’s Bill Simmons is the future of columnists. If he is, then I find that very sad. One of these days, I’ll explain why Simmons is one of the worst things to happen to sports and is a massive charlatan.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post loves to point at college football players who have arrest records and not properly mentioned on the networks.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union also looks at Jon Gruden’s new contract with ESPN.

Pete wonders if Sunday Night Football shouldn’t start earlier.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says this means that Gruden won’t be moving to the Bills.

John Rowe of the Bergen (NJ) Record says believe it or not, one school wanted to play in the 6 a.m. ET slot in tomorrow’s 24 hour college basketball marathon on ESPN.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes about Jon Gruden’s staying with ESPN.

Jim provides the best quotage from the Sunday NFL pregame and postgame shows.

To Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times who reviews the weekend in televised sports and feels there are too many college football games on TV.

And Tom also has a story on Gruden’s new contract at ESPN. Apparently this is a big story today.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has the postmortem on the Cowboys’ loss to Green Bay yesterday.

Barry notes a former Dallas radio sports director who has been honored as a Minor League Baseball broadcaster of the year.

Barry also has his take on the Gruden/ESPN signing.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Fox Sports South in HD has been added to local cable systems.

John writes the Bengals-Steelers game set a local ratings record on Sunday for the local CBS affiliate.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says noted local sports personality Mike North is doing a guest spot on one of the news/talk stations this week.

Ed looks at the economics of firing three noted coaches.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says there was plenty of Rx from the TV football doctors for what ailed the Packers.

Dusty Sanders of the Denver Post says Northern Colorado takes an early role in ESPN’s 24 hour college basketball marathon on Tuesday.

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

Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail says a TSN CFL analyst is getting the job done.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star reviews ESPN’s 30 for 30 Wayne Gretzky documentary which has its Canadian premiere on Wednesday.

William Houston in the Truth & Rumours blog looks at the NHL’s record on head shots and the media’s passive attitude towards the league’s head of discipline, Colin Campbell.

The great Amanda Bruno of Batter-up with Bruno is joining a new website called BostonSportsWoman. Best of luck on the new venture, Amanda!

Also joining the site is a Twitter friend, Kayla Chadwick of the Off The Monster blog.

My best wishes to Amanda and Kayla and I wish nothing but success for Boston Sports Woman.

The Sports Media Watch says Cowboys-Packers steered Fox to big ratings yesterday.

And SMW notes that Pats-Colts did very well for NBC last night.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media takes us inside the production truck as he worked a women’s volleyball game yesterday. I love these features and I hope you do too.

Chris notes how one network creatively marketed its brand when it was using an outsourced production truck.

Chris lets us know the enormity of the production crew that regularly work a college football game.

And we end with The Five from WEEI.com hosted by Kristine Leahy.

That’s it for the day.

Our Tuesday Linkage

Let’s do some linkage for you on this Tuesday.

One sad piece of news for me at least, is the departure of David Scott of Boston Sports Media Watch. Lately, he’s been working on a book with Kentucky coach John Calipari so his blogging has been sparse in recent weeks, but when he was at his peak, David was constantly a fun read. He always had something to say about Boston sports media and I looked forward to his Friday posts. Now, David has bigger fish to fry and he’s taking the opportunity to leave while the iron is hot. I’ll definitely miss David and I hope to have him here when the book with Calipari is published. So David writes his farewell to his loyal readers and tells us what he was hoping to accomplish with his blog.

I hope to have an announcement on whom will take David’s place at BSMW down the road.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders if steroids user Sammy Sosa altered his Cubs jersey to make his arms look bigger.

Joe Favorito likes one particular Minor League Baseball promotion that’s geared just for the ladies.

The great Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says viewers could tell what golfers NBC was rooting for during its U.S. Open coverage.

Newsday’s Neil Best also takes a look at NBC’s coverage of the Open.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News feels Michael Kay took long enough to get a point right on YES.

From the Albany Times Union, Pete Dougherty writes that the ratings for the final round of the U.S. Open on Monday were off by 50% from last year’s Monday playoff.

Keith Groller looks forward to tonight’s HBO Real Sports interview with Jim Brown and Bill Russell. Keith talks with a TV anchor competitor of Gary Papa about their friendly rivalry.

John Gonzalez of the Philadelphia Inquirer is amazed that Dallas Mavs owner Mark Cuban is actually beating up on bloggers.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times talks to the great Maury Brown from the Biz of Baseball. You can also check out their conversation at the Biz of Baseball.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says there are plenty of ways to catch Wimbledon online if you’re stuck at work while the matches are on.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog has Tony Kornheiser talking about his former employer, the Post, Monday Night Football, his radio future and anything else TK could think of during a 17 minute radio interview today.

Justin Anderson of the West Virginia Record, a legal journal, writes about lawyer Mike Florio making the big time with his Pro Football Talk and its partnership with NBC Sports.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has information from ESPN analysts Fran Fraschilla and Jay Bilas about whom the Bucks may or may not pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday.

Lorene Yue of Crain’s Chicago Business says the co-founder of the now-defunct Windy City internet sports station has been arrested.

Ameet Sachdev, Becky Yerak and Gary Marx of the Chicago Tribune have more details about the arrest. The three also write a story about the rise and fall of David Hernandez.

Phil Rosenthal of the Tribune has an interview transcript involving Mike North and the co-founder of the internet station.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s has Mike North’s statements on the co-founder’s arrest. Ed writes about one local sports anchor losing his job. Ed says one long-time sports radio personality returns to his former shift.

Mark Warner of the Duluth (MN) News Tribune writes that Fox Sports North has chosen next year’s site for Hockey Day in Minnesota.

The Chattanoogan reports that Comcast is making MLB Network available in that part of the Volunteer State.

Dave Walker of the New Orleans Times-Picayune looks at a new Golf Channel show that makes its formal premiere tonight.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News says one local sports radio station is making a lineup change. Barry reviews last night’s “4th and Long” episode.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News previews tonight’s HBO Real Sports episode.

I have a feeling Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star hates American networks because he goes after Al Roker on NBC and Chris Berman on ESPN. Chris also looks at the Canadian TV ratings for the sporting weekend. Chris writes about an NHL broadcasting executive who’s leaving his post.

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Globe and Mail feels NBC had a subpar U.S. Open telecast.

Mimi Turner of the Hollywood Reporter writes about ESPN gaining rights to the English Premier League.

Kate Holton of Reuters says ESPN is not just stopping at the EPL for programming in the UK.

Aaron O. Patrick of the Wall Street Journal writes that the EPL is going to give ESPN a big foothold in the UK.

One other ESPN soccer move. Ronald Blum of the AP writes that ESPN has signed an agreement with Gol TV to share rights of Spain’s La Liga. Those games will be seen the U.S.

BBC News says Setanta Sports has ceased operation in the UK.

In a related note, BBC reports that the FA Cup now has to find a new rightsholder in the wake of Setanta’s collapse.

EPL Talk wonders what will happen to Setanta Sports’ profitable US operation.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says the Big Ten Network will gain some viewers in New York thanks to a carriage deal with Cablevision.

Scott Greczkowski of Multichannel says DirecTV customers will get the full Wimbledon experience thanks to several channels dedicated to the outer courts as well as Centre Court.

The Sports Media Watch discusses the overnight ratings for the final round of the U.S. Open.

The Gamecocks on TV blog tells us about some more stations that have picked up ESPN Regional TV’s syndicated SEC package.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media has some very valid suggestions for Versus in covering the NHL Draft.

Joe Haggerty of WEEI.com reports that the Flyers may take on the Bruins at Fenway for the next version of the outdoor Winter Classic.

And that, my friends will conclude the links for today. Press releases will be posted later tonight.

Thursday’s Quickie Links

Maybe it’s the rain, maybe it’s was going to the dentist, maybe it’s male menopause, whatever it is, I just don’t feel like doing the links today. But I’ll do as many as I can.

Starting with Newsday’s Neil Best who talks with NBC’s Johnny Miller about his candor during golf telecasts. Neil has more with Johnny in his blog. Neil is amazed at famed golf journalist Dan Jenkins who is attending his 40th U.S. Open. That’s a lot. Neil also hitched a ride with NBC’s Bob Costas today. Neil has learned that former WFANer Sid Rosenberg returns to the FAN for a special guest spot on Friday.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir looks at Johnny Miller’s preparation for his U.S. Open broadcasts.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record has the NBC golf crew talking about the U.S. Open.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell who’s covering the U.S. Open, says the best value for a ticket to the event is the Monday playoff. Darren says Tiger Woods has done wonders for golf betting. Darren has video of an interview CNBC did regarding the New York Football Giants/Timex naming rights deal.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner says DirecTV viewers get the full U.S. Open experience.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has a look at the May Metroplex sports radio ratings. Barry crunches the ratings even further.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says Mike North is lashing out at his critics who say he did not properly vette the co-founder of the local internet sports station which shut down for good on Wednesday. Ed says a former Chicago city official had dealings with the co-founder.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says HBO Sports has banned Artie Lange from future appearances on its programming.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times writes about Twitter’s increasing influence on sports.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star writes that Rogers is fast becoming a sports media titan in Canada.

David Tanklefsky of Broadcasting & Cable looks at the Red Sox Video on Demand deal with Comcast.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News has one last look back at the NBA and NHL postseasons.

Mike also writes about ESPN’s involvement at the U.S. Open when rain doesn’t delay its coverage.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball reviews the new MLB.com At Bat app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. I basically agree with everything Maury wrote.

Deadspin has an interview with of all people, Buzz Bissinger.

Shortly after that interview was posted, Dan Levy of On the DL noticed Bissinger was blaming the whole Raul Ibanez controversy on “Harold Reynolds”, thinking that the actual Harold Reynolds was the one that linked to Jerod Morris’ post at Midwest Sports Fans. As you can imagine, the great blog, Hugging Harold Reynolds was quite amused.

Speaking of Jerod, he provides his thoughts in the wake of the Phillies’ Raul Ibanez going on the Disabled List today.

The Sports Media Watch has the ratings for the entire 2009 NBA postseason.

Congratulations to Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog for winning Hockey Writer of the Year from HockeyBarn.com. Greg also has his take on my NHL TV Awards. The comments on my awards at Puck Daddy are rather vicious to me, but I take it in stride. Thanks to Greg for the link here.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media likes how the NHL is trying to liven up its annual awards show.

Chris Byrne of Eye on Sports Media delves into one particular blog post from Friend of Fang’s Bites Joe Favorito.

Here’s the post Chris is referring to.

Joe says the Artie Lange controversy may have slowed Joe Buck’s chances to expand his brand.

Sox & Dawgs has the videos of the Red Sox congratulating their fans for 500 consecutive sellouts at Fenway Park.

I think that’s going to do it. Back later.

Your Tuesday Linkage

Because I was out for most of the day, I could not provide linkage this morning. But I can now. Let’s go over some of the stories of the day.

For some reason, people have been jumping all over Richard Sandomir’s story in the New York Times which says the NCAA can opt out of its contract with CBS for the NCAA Tournament. I’ve seen links to it from other blogs, industry publications picked up on it and that’s all fine and good. However, it was Darren Rovell of CNBC who had the story first last week and should be credited for breaking it. At least Darren will get credit here.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand looks at the TV ratings from selected weekend events.

The always lovely Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald writes that former WBZ-TV sports anchor Bob Lobel will be guest hosting on ESPN890 radio this week.

Here’s a story from the Associated Press on CBS’ Clark Kellogg.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that Clark Kellogg is ready to analyze his first Final Four for CBS. Neil writes that it appears that 790 The Ticket in Miami wanted to get rid of Sid Rosenberg.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News has yet another silly column.

Back to Darren Rovell, he writes that General Motors has not only got out of its luxury suite at Ford Field for the Final Four, it won’t have to pay for it either. Darren wants your wacky office pool stories. Darren looks at the shoe contracts for NCAA Tournament schools. Darren notes that weird sponsorship deals are being terminated due to the sluggish economy. Darren provides how the Larry Bird-Magic Johnson M&M’s ad should have looked like. And Darren wants to know where’s the outrage of the use of taxpayer money in the National Guard’s sponsorship of Wrestlemania 25.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has the complete local TV and radio schedule for the NCAA Tournament.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record tells Marist fans to make sure this Saturday’s game against Virginia in the NCAA Women’s Tournament isn’t interrupted by their home cable company. Ken wonders why ESPN won’t make room for the NCAA Women’s Tournament on the main channel.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News likes his free preview of CBS College Sports.

Laura Nachman says she’s received complaints about a local Fox TV sports anchor.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning News writes that the local cable sports channel is getting ready for minor league baseball.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun has the NCAA Tournament TV schedule for Baltimore-Washington.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times writes that ad sales for the NCAA Tournament are thriving despite the sluggish economy.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning makes a suggestion to the NCAA for the Women’s Tournament.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Time Warner Cable and Insight Cable will provide a free preview of CBS College Sports through April 7 and fans will get two NCAA Tournament games in the process.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has the projected NCAA Tournament TV schedule for Sudstown. Bob gives you a list of Wisconsin players participating in the tournament.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business reports that Mike North has added his former sidekick to his internet sports station.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times tells us that Fox Sports Prime Ticket will carry 100 Dodgers games in sparkling, clear high definition.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has some suggestions for you on filling out your brackets. Tom has your first look at Spike Lee’s documentary on Kobe Bryant.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says CBS College Sports will have two NCAA Tournament games.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine writes that ad spending on the NCAA Tournament has increased almost 35% in five years.

Brian Morrissey of Adweek says Adobe is providing ESPN assistance in making its brackets interactive.

Deadspin notes the return of Fred Hickman to TV as the host of Braves Live on Fox Sports South.

Eye on Sports Media’s Chris Byrne wonders if the NCAA wants to protect the gate instead of higher seeds in the Women’s Tournament.

Sox & Dawgs gives you some of the hot chicks playing in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

That’s it for now.

Some Wednesday Links

I give you some links today. I have to deal with work shit today and some other stuff so I’ll be short on the links.

Michael McCarthy of USA Today says CBS’ Clark Kellogg gets a bigger platform as he moves from the studio to game analyst on the NCAA Tournament.

Good post by SportsByBrooks which states that ESPN Radio wants to squeeze $100,000 from local affiliates for all of its programming.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick says a Mike Francesa-Max Kellerman combination on WFAN would be an egofest.

Newsday’s Neil Best wonders if WFAN will be Kellerman’s next stop. Neil adds his thoughts on the whole Kellerman departure from ESPN Radio NY. Neil talks with CBS/YES’ Ian Eagle about why he turned down the offer to be Mike Francesa’s sidekick.

Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News says the national media do not share Bills fans’ love for the signing of Terrell Owens.

Bill Fleischman of the Philadelphia Daily News says KYW Radio has cut commentaries from the Dean of Philly sportscasters, Bill Campbell from its schedule.

From Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman says sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz is lucky to be alive after falling off a horse during a stunt last week. Ed says yesterday’s DePaul-Cincinnati game in the Big East Tournament was not heard on local radio. Ed says The Big Ten Network is becoming a cash cow.

Roman Modrowski from the Chicago Sun-Times looks at the schedule for Mike North’s internet sports webcasts.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi seeing Marquette as a #7 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Daily Oklahoman looks at the ratings of college games in the local area.

Helene Elliot of the Los Angeles Times talks with Kings voice Bob Miller and former voice Jiggs McDonald about the team’s late GM Larry Regan who passed away this week.

Dan Fost from the LA Times says websites including ESPN are supersizing their ads, known as pushdowns, to get the attention of their readers.

From Douglas McIntyre of the Wall Street 24/7 blog through Time magazine, Yahoo and the Big Lead, he predicts the 10 Most Endangered Major Newspapers in the country.

Michael David Smith of AOL Fanhouse writes that Bob Knight swore on the air during ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning show.

West Virginia University will look at the evolution of Sports Journalism later this month and some of the speakers including Sports Illustrated’s Frank Deford, Deadspin’s A.J. Daulerio and WRC-TV’s Lindsay Czarniak.

EPL Talk is not pleased with ESPN’s coverage of the Champions League.

That’s it for now.

The 4th of July Friday Megalinks

We’re here with the Friday megalinks. I hope your 4th is going well wherever you are.

Starting with your weekend viewing then we’ll see how many media columns we actually have on this holiday 4th.

Weekend Viewing Picks

Breakfast at Wimbledon and Red Sox-Yankees dominate the national viewing this weekend.

NBC has its traditional Breakfast at Wimbledon with the Ladies’ Singles Final between the Williams sisters on Saturday, then the Gentlemen’s Singles with a collision course between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Both finals will begin at 9 a.m.

Over to baseball, Fox and ESPN will both have the Red Sox-Yankees on their national broadcasts. In addition to Sox-Yanks on Saturday, Fox will have the Cubs at St. Louis. The games on Fox begin at 3:55 p.m. TBS will have the Cubs-Cards at 3 p.m. Sunday, following the All Star Game Seelction Show at 2. WGN will carry Oakland at the White Sox, Sunday at 2. The ESPN Sunday night game is at 8 p.m. as always.

NASCAR is in Daytona for its 4th of July holiday weekend race. TNT carries the Coke Zero 400 Saturday night at 8.

The U.S. Olympic Trials in both swimming and track & field resume. NBC has primetime coverage of swimming throughout the holiday weekend at 8 p.m. ET. They’re also streamed on NBCOlympics.com. The track & field trials are on USA tonight at 11, then on NBC Saturday at 5 and again Sunday at 7 p.m.

The Tour de France begins this weekend and Versus has all day coverage of the month-long bike race.

The PGA Tour heads to Congressional in Maryland for the AT&T National. CBS has weekend coverage beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday. CBS also carries the LPGA Tour stop in Arkansas at 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Formula 1 racing stops for the British Grand Prix which Fox has at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Indy Car series is at Watkins Glen on ABC Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

And boxing fans can watch the WBO Jr. Welterweight title fight on Showtime this Saturday at 11 p.m.

Now to your links.

National

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch talks with TBS MLB analyst Cal Ripken, Jr.

Let’s go West to East today.

West

We’ll start with Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News who likes FSN’s new Baseball’s Golden Age series which premieres this Sunday (check your local listings). Tom also has his extensive media notes.

In the Los Angeles Times’ Sound and Vision column, Larry Stewart says Baseball’s Golden Age is must-see viewing.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star writes that TBS got it right this year by putting the All Star Game Selection Show before its MLB game.

John Maffei of the North County Times says baseball isn’t your only viewing option this weekend.

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune says Baseball’s Golden Age is very enjoyable.

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) Morning News writes ESPN gave Utah a nice showcase during last weekend’s Arena Football League playoff game.

Midwest

Paul Christian in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says FSN’s Baseball’s Golden Age is worth watching.

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that FSN North is trying out a new center field camera for Twins games.

Ted Cox of the Chicago Daily Herald says his readers are split over former WSCR host Mike North.

Teddy Greenstein from the Chicago Tribune wonders why the World Series of Poker is going to take a four month break for the finals. Teddy has his Weekend Viewing Picks.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Americans prefer watching international soccer than MLS.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids Press also likes Baseball’s Golden Age.

In the Akron Beacon Journal, George M. Thomas raves about Baseball’s Golden Age.

South

The Daily Oklahoman’s Mel Bracht says Sonics’ radio announcer Matt Pinto will be moving to Oklahoma City with the team from Seattle. Mel does a Q&A on where the new Sonics will be heard and seen. Mel also discusses FSN’s new series on Baseball’s Golden Age. And Mel has his weekend viewing picks.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram talks with ESPN Baseball Tonight analyst and former Texas Rangers manager Buck Showalter.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle warns not to sound the death knell for NFL Films just yet. And David writes that the radio rights for the Astros are in play.

Dave Darling from the Orlando Sentinel also gives a good review to Baseball’s Golden Age.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald talks with Fox Sports’ Joe Buck who’s now backtracking on his comments that he doesn’t watch baseball and prefers watching “The Bachelorette”.

Doug Nye of the State wonders why the TV networks won’t show baseball on the 4th of July.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times wonders why NBC has to tape delay the Wimbledon men’s semifinals.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun also writes about Joe Buck’s anti-baseball comments on ESPN Radio earlier this week.

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that 1250 ESPN is doing a parade of hosts auditioning for Mark Madden’s chair including Andy Gresh, formerly of the Score in Providence.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick wishes SNY would stop sugarcoating Mets’ losses. And the Post has five questions for TBS’ Harold Reynolds.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times has Joe Buck backtracking even further on his comments that he dosn’t watch baseball.

Newsday’s Neil Best has video of Whitney Houston lip-synching her stirring rendition of the National Anthem during Super Bowl XXV.

That’s going to do it for now. I’ll have the regular Friday features coming up later.

Fast Monday Night Update

I’ll give you a few links tonight. I’ve got to get to work, but there’s enough news to warrant a quickie update.

The Sports Media Watch says the finals of Euro 2008 drew a 3.1 overnight rating for ABC on Sunday. Pretty decent for a steamy Sunday afternoon here on the East Coast. And the SMW reports that the U.S. Olympic Trials drew decent ratings for NBC’s primetime lineup.

The lovely Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says the U.S. Olympic Trials led NBC to a primetime win on Sunday.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says just two weeks after NBC purchased a stake in WCSN and rebranding it, Universal Sports has now been picked up by Time Warner Cable in New York and Los Angeles.

Greg Johnson of the Los Angeles Times writes about Time Warner placing Universal Sports in its lineup.

Paul Sweeting writing for Digital Media Wire says NBC is going to have a hard time preventing peer-to-peer sites from offering torrents of Olympic coverage.

Chris Albrecht of NewTeeVee.com is worried that NBC will delay some of its Olympic events from the web too long for consumers’ tastes.

In his Olympics insider blog, Ron Judd of the Seattle Times provides the tape delayed times for the U.S. Olympic Trials on NBC and USA Network for this week.

By the way, if you want to get acquainted with some other Olympic athletes not from the United States, Australian Olympics rightsholder 7 Network has produced a weekly show, “Road to Beijing” which can be seen online here. It’s actually a decent program and well produced. You can say you know some of the Australian swimmers before anyone else in your neighborhood.

Mike Shields of Mediaweek writes that Yahoo will be launching a stand alone website and mobile site devoted to the Olympic games in Communist China.

Robert Weintraub of the Guardian in the UK says Euro 2008 got a big infusion in the States from British announcers.

Clement Lisi of the New York Post says Euro 2008 was a big hit here in the US.

The Gaffer at EPL Talk says ESPN has the power to make soccer work in the States.

Today is Darren Rovell’s 30th birthday! I wish a Happy Birthday to Darren who was one of the first to e-mail me about my blog.

Broadcasting & Cable reports that in the Subway Series ratings race, YES beat WPIX on Friday while the two swapped places on Sunday.

David Goetzl of TV Watch writes that ESPN is going beyond cable TV.

Ray Hanania of the Southwest (IL) News Herald and head of the National Arab American Journalists Association writes that it’s best to forgive Bonnie Bernstein about her comments about Palestinian children.

Art Spander of the Oakland Tribune is happy to see Bud Collins back at Wimbledon after suffering ulcers in his legs.

Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune writes that Mike North makes his first appearance since leaving WSCR on Tuesday.

John Daly of the Daly Planet motorsports blog says TNT hasn’t had much help from the racers in its NASCAR coverage.

Condolences go out to Jim Nantz whose father died over the weekend. David Barron of the Houston Chronicle reports.

That will do it tonight.

A Sunday Link Thing

After a few glitches involving my computer, I think I’m ready to bring you some links this morning.

Starting off with Neil Best of Newsday, he writes a column about father and son broadcasters, Joe Castiglione, voice of the Red Sox, and his son, Duke Castiglione who works for Fox 5 in New York. And tell Neil that you totally enjoyed this column. In his blog, Neil has reader e-mails denouncing the Personal Seat License plan in the new Giants/Jets stadium.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says the Giants and Jets are shaking down fans with the Personal Seat Licences for the new stadium.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman has Fox Sports’ Terry Bradshaw backing down from his retirement talk from earlier this year.

Looking lovely as always, Daryn Kagan has the inspirational story of a blind mountain climber who uses adversity as a metaphor to succeed in life.

Albert Breer and Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News team up on a fascincating story on former Cowboys wide receiver and CBS NFL analsyt Frank Clarke who disappeared from the spotlight to become a nanny.

In his Olympics notebook, David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says ratings for the Diving and Gymnastics trials did well locally (scroll down).

Mulichannel News reports on two long-time ESPN employees moving up the corporate ladder.

Dick Scanlon of the Lakeland (FL) Ledger writes that the NFL is facing reality with the NFL Network.

Josh Kendall of the Macon (GA) Telegraph says the Southeastern Conference is in a position of strength as it approaches a new round of TV negotiations.

Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun talks about the second season of a University of Maryland football reality series that is believed to be the first of its kind.

Michael Learmonth of the Silicon Valley Insider site has several ways you can watch the Euro 2008 final today in case you’re not in front of a TV.

Dave Weekley of the Charlestown (WV) Gazette-Mail writes that Hulu.com offers plenty of sports gems.

Bob Buttitta of the Ventura County Star writes that the Johnny Miller apology over comments he made at the U.S. Open over Rocco Mediate shows that the nation has become oversensitive.

John Pye of the Associated Press writes that the Tennis Channel’s Justin Gimelstob has apologized for disparaging comments made about Anna Kournikova.

Michael David Smith of the AOL Fanhouse blog watched George Carlin on the very first Saturday Night Live program and noted the first joke he made was about sports.

Mike Tankersley of the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser writes about FSN’s new series on Baseball’s Golden Age.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) goes behind-the-scenes of a FSN Detroit telecast of the Tigers.

Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times says Chicago is getting attention from ESPN usually reserved for Boston or New York.

Mike DiMauro of the Bleacher Report wishes TSN would get its act in gear and syndicate its CFL games to the United States.

Dave Donofrio of the Concord (NH) Monitor says the NASCAR TV package allows the sport to market itself overseas.

Ted Cox of the Chicago Daily Herald says give credit to ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike for beating WSCR’s Mike North in the ratings fair and square.

The AfterEllen site wonders if Maria Sharapova and 10,000 B.C. star Camilla Belle are more than BFF.

That’s going to do it. I’ll have the Week Ahead posted sometime this evening.

Thursday Linkage

I have to be at a jobsite later today so I’ll be giving you some quick links. Let’s get to the links.

Starting with Newsday’s Neil Best, he writes that a reporter plans to take in both ends of the Yankees-Mets day-night doubleheader at Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium by walking from one place to the other to raise money. It’s a great idea.

As he approaches his last day as editor of Deadspin, Will Leitch reflects on the site’s relationship with ESPN.

One story that’s coming out of Wimbledon is Novak Djokovic damaging his relationship with sponsor Adidas by wearing Nike shoes. CNBC’s Darren Rovell has been monitoring the situation. And Darren feels that a story about Tiger Woods’ apple core being sold on eBay is a hoax.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News is not a fan of ESPN’s scoreboard graphic that has debuted at Wimbledon. It is very confusing.

Ken McMillan of the Times Herald-Record writes in his blog that Versus is getting ready for the Tour de France by airing the Tour of Pennsylvania this week.

Nice to see Christopher Byrne back at the Eye on Sports Media blog. I know he was in mourning after the passing of his mother. He has the talent profile of New York Giants broadcaster Bob Papa who Neil Best reports will be the new play-by-play man for the NFL Network.

Erik Kirschbaum of Variety writes about the technical glitch that knocked out the world feed at the Euro 2008 semifinals yesterday. EPL Talk also goes over the outages that plagued ESPN’s airing of Germany-Turkey.

Tamira Madsen of the Capital (WI) Times says former NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace is making a name for himself in the ESPN broadcast booth.

Dave Del Grande of the Oakland Tribune talks with ESPN’s Kyle Peterson who was working the College World Series.

Gregory Ball of the La Jolla (CA) Light writes about the celebration of Charlie Jones’ life that took place last week.

The St. Louis American says without Tiger Woods, NBC’s Johnny Miller is now golf’s biggest attraction. I wouldn’t go that far.

Brendan Savage of the Flint (MI) Journal says CBS’ David Feherty always leaves viewers laughing.

Bob Fernandez of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that NFL owners rejecting owning a stake in Comcast that would probably have prevented the current venom between NFL Network and the cable provider.

Craig Harvey of the Evening (NY) Observer talks about CBS’ college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg giving a lecture to young students and their parents yesterday.

Robert Feder of the Chicago Sun-Times talks with former WSCR talk show host Mike North.

Those are your links for now.

Some Wednesday Links

Let’s give you some links today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That will do it for now.

Back to the Grind Links

I was enjoying my weekend, but it’s back to the grind today as I was at a jobsite earlier today and it’s the reason why these links are coming late. But I’m here and time to give you the Monday linkage.

Also wanted to mention the passing of George Carlin who was a great influence on me in my younger days. The man was comic genius and was prolific in writing material. His HBO specials were great and he was always on top of his game. George was also a sports fan and his comparison of baseball and football was classic. Of course, who could not forget the Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television. He will definitely be missed. His website was not kept up to date, but you can certainly visit to see some of his past material

Let’s start with Phil Mushnick of the New York Post who takes some glee in seeing the networks suffer without Tiger Woods.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that listeners to WFAN’s Mike & the Mad Dog program were certainly up in arms over the news that the duo might split up. Neil notes that Mike & the Mad Dog are older than the internet. Neil writes that WFAN host-in-exile Sid Rosenberg is hosting an online chat on his website.

This next link comes courtesy of Neil. Austin Murphy of Sports Illustrated looks at the 20th anniversary of my favorite baseball movie, Bull Durham by projecting what happened to Crash Davis and Annie Savoy.

The DC/Baltimore Examiner’s Jim Williams talks with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times has some thoughts on the sports TV weekend.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage plans (scroll down).

The Chicago Tribune’s Teddy Greenstein writes that WSCR’s Mike North is off the air for now and might not come back.

The Orbitcast blog says XM Satellite Radio has taken its MLB “Bobble Yourself” campaign to Facebook.

NBC will allow you to download your favorite Olympics event to your computer and you can watch at your convenience.

David Wilkerson of Marketwatch.com reports that ABC and ESPN will make selected programs available online at Veoh.com.

Westwood One Radio will have coverage of the College World Series championship series between Georgia and Fresno State starting tonight. Former Red Sox announcer Jerry Trupiano will be involved in the coverage.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the major shoe companies have yet to sign one of the potential NBA 1st round draft picks.

John Doyle of the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that ESPN’s decision to air the Euro 2008 soccer tournament was revolutionary.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News talks about ESPN’s multi-platform coverage of Wimbledon.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says TSN is gambling on a TV rookie to be one of the analysts for CFL games.

Paul J. Gough of the Hollywood Reporter reports that IMG Sports Media will take over distribution of Fox Sports International programming.

That’s going to do it for now.

Friday Links

I’ll do as many links as I can this morning. I do have to leave work today so I’ll give you as many as my time permits.

First, USA Today, Fox and ESPN are talking with Major League Baseball about expanding their coverage when Barry Bonds gets closer to the all-time home run record. You may recall both networks went all out for the single season record in 1998 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were close so expect similar coverage here. No matter what you think about Bonds, whether you feel he did steroids or you feel he was railroaded, this is a major story.

Also from the Nation’s Newspaper, Steve Wieberg has a story on Kevin Weiberg (note the spellings) leaving his post as Big 12 Commissioner and heading to the Big Ten Network.

Michael Hiestand says the TV networks need to get creative to boost NBA TV ratings.

Dave Scott of Boston Sports Media Watch has his usual Friday column. He’s really good and I enjoy his stuff. Today, he’s mildly surprised at some intelligent talk coming out of WEEI in Boston, plus he discusses the blogging policy of the major sports leagues in the wake of the NCAA stopping real-time blogging of a reporter out of Louisville.

Susan Bickelhaupt of the Boston Globe says the just completed NBA Finals lacked competition and did not showcase the best of the league. She also has a blurb on WBZ-TV renewing its “5th Quarter” postgame Patriots show for three more years.

I always laugh when I read Phil Mushnick in the New York Post. He always rails against something, but lately, I find myself agreeing with him. Today, he goes against ESPN for not showing any live golf in the first ten minutes of its US Open coverage yesterday and takes Chris Berman to task for being a woefully poor play-by-play announcer.

Bob Raissman looks into the hiring of Harold Reynolds by MLB.com. Raissman correctly asserts that MLB must have done its homework in bringing HR into the fold especially in the wake of his firing by ESPN last year for alleged sexual harassment.

In Newsday, Neil Best’s Friday column focuses on a new law in New York banning ticket scalping. He wonders if this lead to increasing ticket prices or if ticket re-sellers like StubHub will get more busines.

Laura Nachman of the Philly Burbs papers profiles Michael Bradley of WPEN who is in the second month of his morning show.

Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer opines that sideline reporters don’t serve much purpose on a telecast. I’ll agree with that somewhat, but there are times when they’re needed. One definitely, not two in some cases, especially on Monday Night Football when ESPN uses both Suzy Kolber and Michelle Tafoya.

In the Baltimore Sun, Ray Frager discusses Johnny Miller and the US Open and looks deeper into the ratings of WHFS for Orioles radio broadcasts.

Dave Darling of the Orlando Sentinel urges his readers to watch the US Open.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune likes to keep track of Mike North of sports radio WSCR and he writes about North’s contentious interview with White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper.

Judd Zulgad in this morning’s Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a story about Twins owner Carl Pohlad purchasing an FM station leading to speculation that the team might be changing stations when its current deal with KSTP runs out.

Bob Wolfey in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel writes about the city’s AHL team moving stations.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle tells us what programs are beating the NBA Finals. It’s not pretty, let me tell you.

John Maffei of the North County Times says the University of San Diego has hired Padres announcer Andy Masur as its basketball play-by-play man for this season. And Maffei previews the US Open TV coverage.

Larry Stewart has his usual two stories in the Los Angeles Times. First one is on the poor ratings of the NBA Finals. Second is on the US Open.

Tom Hoffarth of the LA Daily News feels like me on the subject of Chris Berman and golf. Get him off my TV!!

Wednesday Links

On this Wednesday, we take a look around the country for news on the sports networks.

USA Today usually has a Wednesday column from Michael Hiestand. He touches on a few subjects including Jeff Van Gundy’s hiring by ESPN and firing by the Houston Rockets in a span of 24 hours. Also, ESPN announced that Van Gundy will work the NBA Finals for ABC. And he had news from an interview incompetent NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman did regarding the shoveling of Buffalo-Ottawa game to Versus from NBC. Tell me that his explanation is just one big line of bullshit.

One thing about professional athletes, they have a different schedule from regular working people so they have a lot of time to watch afternoon soap operas or what the networks like to call, “Daytime Dramas”. Well, four members of the Milwaukee Brewers are going to appear on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless”. Interesting stuff.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times has a story on Mike & Mike of ESPN Radio who have been doing their show since 1999. Sandomir says the pair’s ratings have been going up in New York and with instability on on rival all-sports radio station WFAN, could see more success.

Continuing with radio, Chicago all-sports radio WSCR morning host Mike North will be filling in the Imus in the Morning spot next week. You may remember North’s on-air swearing incident last week with White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen.

Canadian network CTV and media giant, Rogers Communications have won the rights to televise NFL games in the Great White North. CTV’s TSN, Canada’s equivalent of ESPN, already airs Monday Night Football. CTV is going to the home of CFL games next season.

Hockey fans in Manitoba province in Canada have a little bit of Hockeygate of their own. Instead of seeing Game 6 of Detroit-Anaheim last night, they got coverage of municipal elections on CBC.

Here’s another story on five Big 12 Conference football games being sublicensed from Fox Sports Net to ESPN. It’s a one year deal.

And on network TV news, Fox and CBS are the winners of the just completed season. Fox won the coveted 18-49 demographic. CBS is second with ABC close behind. CBS won the race for overall total viewers.

More links as they’re warranted.