Boston Sports Media Watch

Work has been crazy the last few weeks which is why you haven’t seen the megalinks since the beginning of the New Year. I’m hoping next week will be easier.

You have your Weekend Viewing Picks, of course. 

National

Starting with the Sports Business Daily, we have the full roster of spots for Super Bowl XLIV on CBS.

Also from Sports Business Daily, the final ratings from last weekend including the Pro Bowl which was the highest rated sporting event.

Wayne Friedman of MediaPost discusses how CBS is trying to sell even more spots for the Super Bowl.

SportsbyBrooks explores ESPN Radio firing Michael Irvin from his Dallas radio show after three year old rape allegations surfaced this week.

And apparently, Irvin is firing back filing a countersuit against the accuser.

Dr. Nicole M. LaVoi is critical of Lindsey Vonn’s pose on this week’s Sports Illustrated cover.

Erin Whiteside at the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State University says women lose when sports stars become authority figures.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says the NCAA’s expansion of its men’s tournament is a money grab.

Dave Kindred writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says Super Bowl week can be the best week and the worst week for a sportswriter.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the ratings for Super Bowl XLIV actually might match the media hype.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram writes that CBS’ Jim Nantz has an affinity for the New Orleans Saints.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman writes a regular New York sports radio caller was saved thanks to football.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post mourns the late Tom Brookshier.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union says even the broadcast team has pregame jitters.

Laura Nachman says the Philadelphia CBS affiliate will have a Super Bowl special this weekend.

Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post talks with former CBS Sports producer Frank Chirkinian about the early days of the NFL.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner writes that producing the Super Bowl for TV is a team effort.

Tim Lemke looks at Bloomberg Sports’ fantasy baseball package.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes that his CBS Sports colleagues are surprised that Bill Cowher is still on television.

Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel says the furor over the Tim Tebow Super Bowl advocacy ad shows why athletes rarely take controversial stands.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times talks with ESPN’s Dick Vitale about South Florida’s basketball program.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks at the Michael Irvin firing from ESPN Radio in the Metroplex.

Barry has more on the firing.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram also delves into the Irvin dismissal.

David Barron in the Houston Chronicle says watching the Super Bowl in Canada is definitely a different experience.

In the Daily Oklahoman, Mel Bracht writes that CBS’ analysts are leaning towards the Indianapolis Colts.

Mel has the Super Bowl Sunday viewing lineup.

And in his media notebook, Mel writes that the Oklahoma City Thunder are setting ratings records.

Midwest

In the Cincinnati Enquirer, John Kiesewetter says Pete Rose will be Andy Furman’s first guest on Monday. 

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feels the Super Bowl could surpass 100 million viewers for the first time.

Ed Sherman has this week’s winners and losers.

Jim O’Donnell of the Chicago Tribune writes that the success of “The Blind Side” came unexpectedly to Memphis Grizzlies TV analyst Sean Tuohy.

Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says CBS is expecting monster viewership if Super Bowl XLIV is close.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch also notes that CBS could reach record numbers on Sunday.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret News says last Saturday’s BYU-Utah game had one of the most surreal moments caught on camera.

Jay Posner in the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the NFL is riding a big momentum wave heading into the Super Bowl.

John Maffei from the North County Times says CBS is bringing back sideline reporters for the Super Bowl.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star tells us that there’s plenty of other sports to watch on Sunday other than the Super Bowl.

Jim writes as CBS’ Jim Nantz prepares to call the New Orleans Saints’ penultimate game on Sunday, he recalls seeing their first.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says ESPN is all over the Super Bowl and it doesn’t even have the game.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News speaks with former ESPN’er Larry Burnett who has made a name for himself in SoCal as a play-by-play man.

Tom has more with Larry in his blog.

Tom also has everything you need to know about Super Bowl Sunday.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that Canadians won’t be able to watch the US Super Bowl ads.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says the Super Bowl might match the hype.

Gary Mason of the Canadian Press says despite heavy financial losses, NBC expects record ratings for the Winter Olympics.

William Houston of Truth & Rumours writes that after a four year absence, CTV’s Brian Williams looks forward to hosting the Olympics once again.

William notes that one of Canada’s greatest Olympians was snubbed for the Olympic Torch Relay.

And William has one more post on the snub.

And that will do it. Enjoy your Super Bowl Weekend.

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Let’s finish up our links from earlier today. We’ll finish up the West and Canadian links. But we do have some national links to add.

National

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News reports that Fox Soccer Channel is very close to purchasing either key cable rights or the owner outright of Setanta Sports US.

Glen Dickson of Broadcasting & Cable writes that Cisco will deliver video for multiple platforms for NBC’s online streaming of the Winter Olympics.

Tom Ziller of Fanhouse writes about Turner Sports luring ESPN’er Matt Winer to NBA TV. 

Also from Fanhouse, Milton Kent laments the death of the Washington Times sports section.

Amanda Bruno of Batter-up with Bruno notes that Twitter took down a fake Jackie MacMullen account after it put up a phony Red Sox trade.

Jeff Levine at the Biz of Football says everything is pointing to a work stoppage in the NFL come 2011.

The Thoroughbred Times reports that NBC and ESPN Radio received Eclipse Awards for their coverage of horse racing. 

From the UK, Campaign looks at an ESPN World Cup marketing campaign surrounding “The Group of Death”.

Midwest

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams’ TV ratings remained steady despite their losing record this season. 

West

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post says the Colorado Rockies have a new radio voice.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Jay Posner didn’t like Brent Musburger’s call of the BCS National Championship Game.

John Maffei of the North County Times is happy to see Joe Theismann back calling an NFL game.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star mourns the passing of Angels TV voice Rory Markas.

Jim looks at the NFL Wild Card Playoff games this weekend.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says Clippers analyst Michael Smith is in a whole heap of trouble.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News discusses the impact of Rory Markas on his friends.

Tom hears from more of Rory’s friends in the wake of his passing.

Tom looks back at an eventful week in SoCal sports media.

Ryan Vaillancourt of the Los Angeles Downtown News says ESPN’s LA site looks to challenge local newspaper sports coverage.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times says those in bordering US towns used to watching the Olympics live through CBC will be out of luck this year when CTV airs the Games. 

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail has an issue with the Baseball Hall of Fame voting.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star notes the retirement of a Canadian radio legend.

William Houston of Truth & Rumours says the Maple Leafs are under fire on local sports radio.

And we’re finished with the megalinks.

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I’m currently at the home office and it’s been quite difficult to blog with the boss constantly over your shoulder, but I’m doing my best. In between reports, phone calls and meetings, I’m trying to bring you some links. I may have to do this in two parts, but I’ll try to get this completed in one shot. Let’s do it.

First, you can check out your Weekend Viewing Picks for the college basketball, NFL, golf and other sports going on plus primetime TV.

Now to your links.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says the All-American Bowl gives fans the opportunity to see where the next generation of college football stars will play.

Austin Karp of Sports Business Daily says this just-completed NFL regular season was the most watched since 1990, almost 20 years, which is rather impressive. 

Glen Dickson of Broadcasting & Cable looks at ESPN’s plans for ESPN 3D’s productions which start in earnest later this year.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News writes about the cancellation of the highly anticipated Manny Pacquaio-Floyd Mayweather fight which many observers felt would have broken all pay per view records.

Rick Porter of zap2it.com says the BCS Championship Game on Thursday ruled the network primetime ratings.

Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina talks with Baltimore Ravens fan Stacy Keibler and Patriots fan Maria Menounos about this Sunday’s Wild Card playoff game.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that “The Blind Side” should give actress Sandra Bullock her biggest payday ever.

Matt Ginella of Golf Digest talks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden about his excitement for golf and wish to win golf’s Grand Slam.

The Sports Media Watch is not happy with sportswriters who stereotype the NBA and other leagues.

SMW notes that ESPN’s Dick Vitale will be back calling the NBA for one game this season.

Maury Brown in the Biz of Baseball gives his predictions for MLB and its TV partners in 2010. 

Joe Favorito says pro soccer is hoping Philadelphia can give the sport a shot in the arm in both the men’s and women’s game.

Russell Scibetti in the Business of Sports has ten sports business stories to watch in 2010.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media writes the real star of the NHL Winter Classic was the NHL Network.

Steve lists the regional sports networks and cable stations carrying the AHL All-Star Game later this month.

Len Berman provides his top five stories of the day. 

East and Mid-Atlantic

From the Boston Globe, Chad Finn looks at ESPN’s ESPN 3D channel which launches in June.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram writes about NESN’s Tom Caron who will be calling the two outdoor college hockey games at Fenway Park today.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News isn’t thrilled to have Joe Theismann on NBC’s Wild Card playoff coverage.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post is coming out guns ablazin’ today.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union raises an excellent point about one issue ESPN/ABC missed during the late stages of the BCS Championship Game.

Pete also looks at whether we should run out and buy a 3-D TV after we just purchased an HDTV.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says the national sports spotlight fell on DC this week.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that NBC will use some new, but quite familiar voices for the first NFL Wild Card playoff game this Saturday.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham (AL) News was happy to have ESPN/ABC producing the BCS National Championship Game instead of Fox.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says the Fiesta Bowl involvingTCU-Boise State was a ratings winner in the Metroplex and nationally as well.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says Brent Musburger misjudged the severity of Colt McCoy’s injury during last night’s BCS Championship Game.

Barry and Cowboys radio analyst Babe Laufenberg held a live chat today.

Barry says ESPN/ABC’s Kirk Herbstreit helped to curse the Texas Longhorns during last night’s BCS National Championship Game.

The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron says when ESPN takes over the BCS next year, viewership could be hurt as not as many homes have cable.

David also has the national and local ratings for the BCS National Championship Game.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman looks at NBC’s “B” team for the NFL Wild Card playoffs tomorrow.

Mel says the Big 12 kicks off conference play in a big way on Saturday.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer recaps Cris Collinsworth’s appearance on what appears to be one of the last Jay Leno Shows in primetime.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks to a former local sports anchor who’s looking for a job out of the market.

Trenni Kusnierek of MLB Network lists her new decade resolutions in OnMilwaukee.com.

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

Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin writes that the Green Bay-Arizona NFL Wild Card playoff game will provide some intrigue for viewers.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar writes that a former local sports radio talk show host left the Gateway City without taking shots at his former employer.

I’ll end it there for now. I will complete the megalinks tonight.

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Let’s do the megalinks on this Friday. And as usual, you can find your weekend viewing with the Weekend Viewing Picks.

Now we go the links.

National

We begin with a story that could get quite interesting. Fox is negotiating with Time Warner Cable to get a transmission fee, but the talks have gotten so contentious that Fox is threatening to pull all of its channels. Franklin Paul and Yinka Adegoke of Reuters have the story.

Reed Albergotti, Vanessa O’Connell and Russell Adams of the Wall Street Journal investigate how Tiger Woods gave Men’s Fitness an interview in 2007 in order to squelch a story about one of his affairs in sister publication, the National Enquirer. 

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek writes the absence of Tiger Woods from the PGA Tour will affect CBS the most.

Diego Vasquez from Media Life Magazine says Tiger is losing credibility with the public.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell asks if Tiger Woods’ wife, Elin Nordegren, would really make a good endorser.

Darren says a former Survivor winner is trying his hand at selling Russian hats with a sports twist.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Fox Soccer Channel got its highest ratings in a key demographic last week.

The Sports Media Watch says Ernie Johnson, Jr. will call his first NBA game since 2001.

Chris Byrne in the Eye on Sports Media gives you a primer on calling an NFL game in Spanish.

The Big Lead says when ESPN Los Angeles’ website launches on Monday, it will have assembled a pretty good lineup to challenge the Times and Daily News.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says MLB Network has made quite the impression in its first year.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette writes that NBC is looking forward to airing the NHL Winter Classic from Fenway Park on New Year’s Day.

Kristine Leahy of WEEI.com has today’s version of The Five.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says this isn’t a good week for those who don’t have NFL Network.

Richard says Russian Mikhail Prokhorov is one step closer to owning the New Jersey Nets.

In the New York Daily News, Bob Raissman writes that the Mets losing is hurting their ticket sales and SNY ads.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick says there could be a change coming at the YES Network.

Laura Nachman says Fox is sending a familiar trio for this Sunday’s 49ers-Eagles game.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that Orioles fans have to get used to watching the games without Buck Martinez next season.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner ranks the first set of bowl games on whether they’re worth viewing.

Jason Reid of the Washington Post talks with ESPN’s Ron Jaworski about his on-air partner, Jon Gruden. 

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says former Dolphins running back Mercury Morris loves talking to the media when an undefeated NFL team goes deep into the season.

Sarah Talalay in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel explores a new cell phone ad starring Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkley.

And Sarah discusses a new line of personalized sports jersey photos.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News writes that the Cowboys continue to show confidence publicly.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram talks with NBA TV’s Kevin McHale about the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki.

To the Houston Chronicle, David Barron says high school football championship games will be all over local TV this weekend.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman talks with ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla.

Mel also has his weekly media notebook.

Barry Tramel of the Oklahoman writes that he broke down and signed up for the NFL Network.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says a former sports talk show host would like to return to the radio soon. 

Josh Slagter in the Grand Rapids (MI) Press looks at the fights HBO will re-air next week.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says there will be plenty of NBA action to watch on Christmas Day.

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

Jim O’Donnell of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about HLN’s Sunday special featuring TNT’s Charles Barkley. 

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals Fox Sports Midwest team will return for next season.

Dan says despite not being able to show the Calgary-Blues game, Fox Sports Midwest scored in the ratings for the pregame Brent Hull retirement ceremony.

West

Scott D. Pierce in the Deseret (UT) News talks about the mtn. owning the rights to BYU home games.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune has CBS’ Boomer Esiason being high on the Chargers.

In the North County Times, John Maffei says one community won’t be able to see tonight’s high school football championship game.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star writes that local Time Warner Cable customers won’t be able to watch Saturday’s Cowboys-Saints game on NFL Network.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times previews Sunday’s HLN special featuring three of Turner Sports’ analysts.

From the Los Angeles Daily News, Tom Hoffarth notes that Lakers radio voice Spero Dedes has been missing games of late.

Tom talks with former Utah Jazz announcer “Hot Rod” Hundley who’s filling in for Stu Lantz on Lakers TV broadcasts.

Tom has more with Hot Rod in his blog plus his usual extensive media notebook.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail says the diagnosis of one hockey player will send shockwaves about concussions to the media.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says Don Cherry will never admit that he promotes hockey violence.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours reports that the Canadian Olympic Broadcasting Consortium will fall well short of its sales goal for the Vancouver games.

That’s going to do it for the megalinks.

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We’re back after a two week absence. Nice to be doing the megalinks once again.

For all of your sports and entertainment viewing, check out the Weekend Viewing Picks.

Let’s get to your links.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand feels Tiger Woods would be best served talking to David Letterman.

Reid Cherner and Tom Weir of USA Today’s Game On blog say Erin Andrews and her father, investigative reporter Steve Andrews are expected to be at Michael Barrett’s hearing on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Peter Gammons bids adieu to ESPN.

Daniel Lyons of Newsweek explains the real reason behind Comcast’s purchase of NBC Universal.

Sports Illustrated is looking back at the last ten years in sports.

Richard Deitsch looks at the best and worst in sports broadcasting.

Bryan Armen Graham reviews the last ten years in sports movies, TV shows and blogs.

Gene Menez lists the best quotes.

And Pablo S. Torre looks at some of the sports personalities who left a big impression over the last ten years.

The Nielsen Wire blog says sports and reality TV topped the ratings this year.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell gives us a preview of the next giant minor league concession item.

Darren says an Irish bookmaker is actually taking bets on which endorsement Tiger Woods will lose next.

Evan Weiner in Examiner.com examines some of the problems facing the NFL and the BCS.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says DirecTV avoided arbitration at the last minute and came to an agreement to carry Comcast SportsNet New England.

Mike writes that Comcast’s Versus lost 9 million subscribers on December 1 when a three month free preview on several providers ended.

Mike adds that YES Network will carry a college-pro basketball doubleheader on December 19 from the Izod Center in Newark.

Amanda Rykoff recaps last week’s Princeton Sports Symposium.

The Sports Media Watch notes that last week’s SEC Championship drew excellent ratings on CBS.

Chris Byrne from the Eye on Sports Media says Army-Navy will get the big game treatment on CBS Saturday.

Milton Kent of Fanhouse talks with Joe Theismann who’s looking forward to being back in the broadcast booth for NBC.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe reviews first week of Comcast SportsNet New England’s SportsNet Central.

Bill Doyle from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Worcester Sharks radio voice Eric Lindquist.

Kristine Leahy has The Five on WEEI.com.

Also from WEEI.com, Dan Rowinski transcribes an interview conducted with Peter Gammons. The story also has a link to the audio.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says NBC may lose money on Notre Dame football, but it still values the property.

Alan Schwarz of the Times says the NFL TV partners are now toning down the emphasis on big hits and increasing the discussion on concussions.

Ira Boudway in New York Magazine wants to know why Rick Reilly is anchoring SportsCenter.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says the Baseball winter meetings keeps the sport in the forefront in the middle of football season.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post says if Fuzzy Zoeller didn’t get a second chance, then why should Tiger Woods? Phil’s logic makes no sense.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says former newspaperman Peter Gammons is changing with the times.

Ken McMillan from the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record has the TV schedule for Indy Car Racing.

Ken says Nets fans watched while the team was in midst of its winless streak.

Ken hopes CBS gets a ratings boost by moving Army-Navy to the last game of the college football season.

John Pittaresi of the Utica (NY) Observer-Dispatch says ESPN Radio will be coming to a local radio station in March.

The Washington Business Journal picks up a story from Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand that ESPN plans to produce daily afternoon shows, “Around the Horn” and “Pardon The Interruption” in HD starting next year.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson about calling his first Army-Navy game.

Jim reviews ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on “The U”, the University of Miami’s football program that airs Saturday night.

South

Jeff Elliot of the Florida Times-Union says the SEC Championship Game was a ratings boom for CBS.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel has some Friday sports business links.

Jorge Milan of the Palm Beach Post reviews ESPN’s documentary on the University of Miami.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki reveals his fun side on a new Fox Sports Southwest documentary.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says a local sports TV reporter asked the right question to Cowboys coach Wade Phillips.

Barry reports that the Texas Rangers have re-signed TV announcer Josh Lewin.

To the Houston Chronicle and David Barron who writes that the media is bashing the Bowl Championship Series.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman talks with ESPN NBA analyst Hubie Brown.

Mel also has his media notebook.

Midwest

Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the NBA is looking into allowing legalized gambling on games. Where is Tim Donaghy?

Bob Wolfley of the Journal Sentinel praises ESPN for majoring in journalism.

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

Fox Sports Midwest will carry next Tuesday’s Brett Hull retirement ceremony.

West

Jody Genessy of the Deseret (UT) News interviews TNT’s Craig Sager about his loud wardrobe.

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret News says Fox Sports gave the Mountain West Conference a little more respect in the BCS Selection Show, but not much.

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with Chargers voice Josh Lewin who has a “home” game this weekend.

John Maffei of the North County Times writes about the local cable TV production of four high school football championship games.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star notes that the Lakers are using replacement announcers for their radio broadcasts this month.

Jim writes that Peter Gammons gives MLB Network some added credibility.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says MLB Network made a big splash this week by hiring Peter Gammons.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News looks at some of the biggest trends that hit the sports media over the last ten year.

Tom has some media notes in his blog today.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail looks at the increased ratings for sports radio in Canada.

In the Toronto Star, Chris Zelkovich writes about Buck Martinez becoming the TV play-by-play man for the Blue Jays.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours feels Martinez going to the Blue Jays booth is the right move.

And that will conclude the Friday megalinks. I’ll have links on Saturday and Sunday at the Fang’s Bites at BSMW page so visit there often.

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Just mere hours after we learned that Peter Gammons was leaving ESPN, we learn that he joined MLB Network. That was expected. But was not expected was the announcement this evening that Gammons was joining NESN and NESN.com. This is a big coup for NESN which gets him from ESPN and the ESPN Boston site. Peter will not only be seen on NESN and MLB Network, he’ll write for NESN.com and MLB.com.

Here’s part of the press release that was issued by NESN this evening:

Gammons will serve as a studio analyst, reporter and offer commentary for over 50 of the network’s hour-long pre and post game shows and as co-host of Red Sox Hot Stove and Red Sox Spring Break LIVE. He will also make regular contributions to NESN.com.

“I’m a New Englander who wanted to be Jackie Jensen,” said Peter Gammons. “I started out at the Boston Globe and wrote about Jerry Remy when he was at Somerset High School. I was lucky enough to be there for the Munson-Fisk fight in 1973 and The Sixth Game and the ’78 playoff, and when my local cable company wouldn’t put NESN on our system I signed the override petitions.”

“NESN has given me the opportunity to come back to my roots and once again be part of my neighborhood, and I am truly excited about it. During the 2007 World Series, Matt Holliday said that what differentiated Fenway Park from any other stadium is that fans don’t react, they anticipated, and that creates a tension unlike any other audience in sports. It is a great feeling to be back with that audience.”

And not to be outdone, MLB Network and MLB.com had a release of its own:

MLB Network and MLB Advanced Media today announced that Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons has joined MLB Network and MLB.com as an on-air and online analyst. As part of a multi-year deal, Gammons will offer analysis and commentary on MLB Network for breaking news and special events like the Trade Deadline, First-Year Player Draft, Winter Meetings and Postseason. Gammons will also serve as a signature and regularly featured writer for MLB.com’s new columnist initiative, writing commentary on breaking news and posting several articles online each week.

During the 2009-2010 offseason, Gammons will appear on Hot Stove, MLB Network’s nightly offseason studio show featuring updates and analysis of the moves all 30 clubs are making and planning in preparation for the upcoming season. He will also contribute to MLB Network’s Spring Training program 30 Clubs in 30 Days and do studio work on short documentary-style pieces and other select programming. Gammons will also be a regular analyst on MLB Tonight, MLB Network’s signature nightly studio show.

So the baseball winter meetings have gone from very quiet to very busy with this news about Peter Gammons.

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In a story that is just breaking, ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys has tweeted that Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons has announced that he will leave ESPN after the Winter Meetings this week.

Gammons joined ESPN back in 1989 becoming along with fellow Boston Globe writer Will McDonough, one of the first newspaper reporters to join a TV network. McDonough was hired by CBS Sports around the same time. Here’s the release.

Gammons Ends Hall of Fame Run with ESPN

Baseball Hall of Fame journalist Peter Gammons has decided to pursue new endeavors and will no longer be a contributor to ESPN after this week’s winter meetings.

Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production:

“As a print journalist moving to television, Peter was a pioneer who became a Hall of Famer. His contributions to ESPN will never be forgotten. We’re sad to see Peter go, but understand his desire for new challenges and a less demanding schedule.”

Peter Gammons:

“My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted. I owe a great deal of my professional life to ESPN, having spent more than half of my 40 years in journalism working for the network, and the choice to move on was made with nothing but the strongest feelings for the people with whom I worked. ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am.

“I will forever be joined at the hip with John Walsh, who hired me as an ink-stained wretch, plunked me on TV and has always been a guiding spirit. Understand how the people who run ESPN treat people: when I was felled by a severe aneurysm in 2006, George Bodenheimer, John Skipper, Norby Williamson, my former Boston Globe boss Vince Doria and everyone made certain that my family and I had the best care and support, far, far beyond any reasonable expectation. My ESPN life has been lined with foxhole people whom I’ll never forget.

“I’ve been able to work with my closest and oldest friends, like Jayson Stark, Tim Kurkjian, Buster Olney, Peter Pascarelli, Jerry Crasnick and Charlie Moynihan. I spent three seasons doing games with a producer, Tom Archer, who is among the most revered leaders I’ve ever met. I told everyone last October that the team baseball coordinating producer Jay Levy put together with Mark Preisler and Marc Carman was the most creative in my 20 years on the show. I apologize to hundreds of people I owe for all these years for not mentioning their names.

“You would have had to be there for 20 years to know how hard so many good people sweated in anonymity to make all of us look as if we knew what we were doing.

“My friend Tom Rush – who taught James Taylor and me our first guitar chords – once wrote how strange it seems to walk away alone. With no regrets.”

John Walsh, ESPN executive vice president and executive editor:

“Peter was the best and the brightest in making the transition from print to video. For ESPN, he contributed 21 Hall of Fame years as a journalist and, throughout, set the standard for others to reach for.”

Gammons bio

Peter Gammons, a highly respected Major League Baseball journalist, was an ESPN reporter/analyst for 20 seasons (1989-2009). He regularly provided analysis on ESPN’s Sports Emmy Award-winning Baseball Tonight. From 2006-08, he reported during ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball telecasts from the ballpark, generally from field level. Gammons also provided “Diamond Notes” and other reports for SportsCenter. Amongst his multimedia role, Gammons also wrote a column and a blog for ESPN.com.

Gammons, 64, was honored as the recipient of the 2004 J.G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing during the 2005 Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 31 in Cooperstown, N.Y. He was selected in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

He began his career as a reporter for the Boston Globe in 1969 and wrote a very popular weekly Sunday baseball column for many years. He has also worked for Sports Illustrated covering the National Hockey League, college basketball and Major League Baseball (1976-78, 1986-90).

In 1986, upon his return to Sports Illustrated as a senior writer following a second stay at the Globe, he wrote numerous stories covering some of baseball’s most important news events, as well as authoring “Inside Baseball,” Sports Illustrated’s weekly baseball notebook.

Peter is one of the most respected writers in baseball and his induction into the writers wing at the Baseball Hall of Fame is very much deserved.

It is not known where Peter is going, but speculation has it that he could join MLB Network.

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Right at noontime today, my boss (also known as dad) came over to my house with a whole bunch of work to do and I’ve been doing it up until dinnertime. So it’s prevented me from doing the megalinks. I’ll do some links now. This weekend, I’ll be heading to New York for TARCon while the winter storm is heading up the East Coast.

Here are the Weekend Viewing Picks.

Here is some linkage.

USA Today’s Darren Rovell talks about CBS’ Dick Enberg leaving the network for the San Diego Padres.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders how many people will watch the SEC Championship on Saturday.

Darren says one tournament that could feature the return of Tiger Woods could land a sponsor as a result.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick says the networks’ golf announcers will give Tiger a break whenever he returns to action.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says CBS has a number one team worthy of calling the SEC Championship.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says CBS College Sports will have plenty of classic programming leading up to Army-Navy next Saturday.

Over at Press Box, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com notes some potential problems at a Baltimore sports radio station.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says it’s going to be a busy viewing weekend.

Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald says ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on the University of Miami football program is fair.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle has some announcers weighing in on the SEC Championship.

You have Ed Sherman’s winners and losers in sports business and media at Crain’s Chicago Business.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel enjoyed Bob Knight during the ACC/Big Ten Challenge this week.

Dan Caesar in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the one area where the Rams are doing really well is on TV.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune says it was a no brainer for the Padres to sign Dick Enberg.

John Maffei from the North County Times says the Padres made a big splash by hiring Enberg to announce their games.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star writes that NBC won’t be mentioning Tiger Woods’ transgressions all that much during coverage of his golf tournament this weekend.

John Scheibe of the Los Angeles Times looks at ESPN’s next 30 for 30 documentary.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News says now that Tiger Woods has apologized, the sports media should as well.

Tom has more on the Tiger Woods story plus his extensive news and notes in his blog.

Tom has reader reactions to Tiger.

Tom introduces us to a new Tennis Channel host.

That’s it. I promise to get these up earlier next week. Bruce will be out next week. When something breaks mediawise, I’ll make sure to put it up here.

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Let’s do the Friday megalinks as we steam into Thanksgiving holiday week. Lots of links to get to so let’s not waste any more time.

The Weekend Viewing Picks have what’s in store for college football, college basketball, NFL, NASCAR and plenty of other sporting and primetime viewing picks.

To the links.

National

We’re hearing rumblings of executive firings at ESPN. This has to do with an affair that was originally outed by Deadspin and confirmed by the New York Post. And there are more details including affairs involving the talent as well. As Chris Rock said, “people have gone lost their minds.”

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says both Fox and ABC will have familiar announcing crews calling the BCS.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings is taking the NBA by storm.

Darren says a plan to sell “stock” in the Boise State athletic program is off to a rip-roaring start.

Len Berman went on the Today Show this morning to pimp his new book “The Greatest Moments in Sports“.

Tom Van Riper of Forbes credits Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary pass against Miami 25 years ago for increasing the audience for college football.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports speaks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson will host a new program that will tour various sports stadia and arenas across the country.

The Sports Media says last Sunday’s NASCAR event on ABC fell in the ratings, mirroring the downward trend for the entire year.

SMW has notes on two sports media figures who passed away this week.

SMW mentions that ESPN’s ratings for the NBA are down thus far this season.

Chris Byrne in the Eye on Sports Media suggests how best to use links in social media.

Chris tells us that the University of Michigan sports information department is credentialing bloggers for Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan game at the Big House.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe lists some of the best personalities in the local sports media.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette writes that Comcast SportsNet New England is ready to take on NESN on TV and on the web.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times profiles Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News is fed up of the talk leading up to the Jets-Patriots game this Sunday.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels the NFL should go back to the 1950’s.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with ESPN/ABC’s Sean McDonough.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that Baltimore-Washington is becoming a huge media market.

Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post profiles John Riggins who has carved a niche for himself in the DC market.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has the highs and lows of the NFL Network’s production of the Dolphins-Panthers game.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle talks with noted college football writer and CBS College Sports host Tony Barnhart.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes that for the second year in a row, the State High School Football Championships won’t be televised.

In his media notebook, Mel writes that the first Oklahoma University basketball televised game was hard to watch.

Midwest

Jim Woods of the Columbus Dispatch says Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker apparently shot video of her in a local hotel room.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes about an 18 year kid who is calling college hockey games professionally.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says ESPN is hopeful that Jon Gruden will be with them for the long haul.

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

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times has the transcript of an interview NBC’s Bob Costas did with WMAQ-TV in regards to the Bears refusing interview requests by the network for Sunday Night Football.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News would like to see a local sports personality back on the Utah Jazz game broadcasts.

The Arizona Daily News prepares readers for College Gameday’s visit to Tucson on Saturday.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune is feeling melancholy over not being able to see the NFL Network.

To John Maffei of the North County Times talks with CBS’ Dick Enberg who is enjoying calling a number of “home” games this season and is being considered to join the Padres broadcast team.

Jim Carlisle from the Ventura County Star says the economy is very much different for the NFL and the Olympics based on their ad sales.

Jim writes that Fox Sports Net West is celebrating 50 years of the Lakers in L.A.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times breaks news of a scuffle between TNT’s Marv Albert and 50 Cent’s entourage backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live this week.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth talks with ESPN soccer analyst Alexi Lalas about his days as L.A. Galaxy GM.

Tom has more with Alexi in his blog as well as some news and notes.

Daniel Lyght of the Fresno Bee talks with ESPN football analyst Trent Dilfer who got to call his first game this week.

Bob Condotta from the Seattle Times has the TV info for next week’s annual Apple Cup game between Washington and Washington State.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Glove and Mail gets on his high horse and scolds a Denver Post reporter for reporting a shouting match that was overheard behind closed doors.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star talks with former Rogers Sportsnet personality Mike Toth.

William Houston of the Truth & Rumours gets on the Globe & Mail for having its reporters and editors taking part in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal writes about the effect of CBC’s wildly successful Battle of the Blades will have on figure skating in Canada.

The Canadian Press reports that Rush’ Neil Peart is recording a new version of TSN’s Hockey Song (formerly the theme to Hockey Night in Canada).

And that’s going to end the megalinks. I’ll be posting links at the Fang’s Bites @ BSMW page throughout the weekend.

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As we wait for that huge storm to come up the East Coast from North Carolina and Virginia, I’m just waiting for the rain and wind this weekend.

Anyway, let’s provide the sports media stories for today. But first, for the weekend sports including college football, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, various other sports and primetime TV, check out the Weekend Viewing Picks.

Now to the links.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand talks with CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson who lobbies for the SEC over teams from other conferences.

Jim Chairusmi from the Wall Street Journal talks with Andre Agassi about his autobiography.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders if Kevlar can revolutionize sports.

Darren looks at LeBron James discussing a number change and how that could affect jersey sales.

James Hibberd of the Hollywood Reporter writes that Spike TV is going to launch a new series involving sports personalities and their cars.

Georg Salazai of the Reporter says the NFL is happy with its current TV deals including one with DirecTV.

Rick Kissell of Variety the sluggish economy has led to higher ratings for the NFL.

Alex Weprin of Multichannel News looks at ESPN snagging the South American TV rights for the 2010 and 2012 Olympics.

Sports Business Daily has highlights of NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol’s speech at the FSA Sports Media & Technology Conference.

In the Sporting News, Dan Levy of On The DL looks at this Sunday’s NFL games on TV.

CBS College Sports’ play-by-play man Tom Hart writes a guest column for the Eye on Sports Media on the importance of a good statistician in the booth.

The Sports Media Watch has some ratings news and notes.

SMW says the SEC package on CBS is paying off with high ratings.

SMW says get ready for another primetime finish for next year’s U.S. Open golf tournament.

And SMW says Versus is seeing ratings gains for the NHL and college football despite being dumped from DirecTV.

The Big Lead speculates how much money the woman who sparked the Steve Phillips affair would seek from ESPN.

Maury Brown has highlights of an interview MLB Network’s Bob Costas conducted with Ernie Harwell.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media has suggestions for programming on Versus.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks with former Fox25 sports anchor Butch Stearns who signed off for the last time last night.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette says Holy Cross is putting interviews and highlights of its greatest athletes on its new website.

Kristine Leahy has today’s version of The Five on WEEI.com.

Richard Sandomir from the New York Times speculates on the future of Versus and Golf Channel if NBC Sports’ Dick Ebersol gets to run them under a Comcast-NBC umbrella.

Stuart Elliott of the Times writes that the NFL has put the kybosh on a guerrilla ad campaign involving players and donating money to charity.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says the finish of the Giants and Jets this season will directly affect the sales of their Personal Seat Licenses for their new stadium.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post criticizes Derek Jeter for attempting to gouge his fans.

The Albany Times Union’s Pete Dougherty talks with Siena radio voice Robert Lee.

Speaking of Siena, Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says Siena’s radio network adds a station.

Paul Farhi of the Washington Post profiles the public relations henchman for DC NFL team owner Daniel Snyder.

Tim Lemke from the Washington Times wonders why the NBA out-of-market broadband package costs more than MLB.TV.

South

Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Times says South Florida fans are angry that the local ABC affiliate won’t showing next week’s game against Louisville in favor of Ohio State-Michigan.

Sarah Talalay from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel talks about the rumors that surfaced yesterday that The Who is going to play the Super Bowl halftime show.

Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes about some former college football coaches getting their acting bug in a new movie starring Sandra Bullock.

The Star-Telegram has a video of ESPN’s College Gameday setting up at the TCU campus in town.

To the Dallas Morning News and Evan Grant who says the Texas Rangers and TV voice Josh Lewin are now talking about a new contract.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says a local sports radio station went against the grain and hired an outsider for its morning show.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman tries to scrape up ten college football games to watch this week.

Mel profiles ESPN/ABC’s college football analyst Craig James who’s happy to be out of the studio and calling games involving his son.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that local college basketball games are being bumped off Fox Sports Ohio in favor of the Cleveland Cavs and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Michael Zuidema in the Grand Rapids (MI) Press feels a one week suspension was proper punishment for ESPN’s Bob Griese. Zuidema is incorrect when he mentions Griese returns this week, he returned last week after being suspended for one game.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says NBC’s Tony Dungy is giving high praise to his successor at the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Caldwell.

On to Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business who has his weekly winners and losers in sports business and media.

Paul Christian in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says Patriots-Colts will be quite special for NBC on Sunday.

Scott Dochterman of the Iowa City Gazette says Iowa fans will have to find a way to watch basketball and football on Saturday as the Hawkeyes’ games overlap.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says fans are angry at Fox for its handling of NFL games in the market.

Dan writes about a sports radio talk show host who is now taking operation for most of the station’s daytime programming.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News is surprised at the sudden ESPN love for the Mountain West Conference.

Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic writes that the high school football championships may not be televised statewide due to a dispute between the state’s governing body and Cox Communications.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with Fox Sports’ Brian Billick who’s enjoying his time on television.

Over to the North County Times and John Maffei who writes about a local sports radio host who returns to the air after suffering a heart attack.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says Pats-Colts gets the national spotlight this week.

Jim writes about a local resident who will be showcased on CBS’ presentation of the Arete Awards on Sunday.

Jon Weinbach of the Los Angeles Times looks at the increasing role of the league-owned TV networks walking that fine line of providing and potentially taking away content from other TV partners.

Diane Pucin of the Times says NBC’s Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison have personal interest in Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game.

To the Los Angeles Daily News and Tom Hoffarth who talks with NFL Today host James Brown.

In his blog, Tom has more with JB about his new book and other subjects.

Kelly Johnson of the Sacramento Business Journal looks at a new online companion to the Kings’ game TV broadcasts.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says it’s almost the end of the line for the 55 year career of a CFL radio announcer.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star writes there’s more college sports available online for Canadians.

That concludes the megalinks. Have a good weekend. I’ll be posting links over the weekend at the Fang’s Bites @ BSMW page.

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