Don’t forget to check out the Weekend Viewing Picks for your sports and primetime viewing.

To the links.

National

One story that’s developing this afternoon. Pro Football Talk goes after ESPN Boston’s Patriots blog for plagiarizing word for word one of its articles written by Michael David Smith.

A few stories from USA Today. Michael Hiestand speculates on a combined Comcast/NBC Sports juggernaut.

Hiestand says a NASCAR spokesman took ESPN/ABC to task for its production of last week’s race.

Michael McCarthy writes that if the NCAA opts out of its current contract with CBS, then ESPN would be happy to jump in the bidding for the NCAA Tournament.

The Nielsen rating Wire blog notes that as the World Series’ ratings increased, so did interest in MVP Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at the last men standing at the World Series of Poker.

Jon Weisman of Variety says the Yankees World Series win turned out to be a huge ratings victory for Fox.

David Tanklefsky from Broadcasting & Cable says Disney and ESPN will re-brand the Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Florida early in 2010.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says this year’s World Series was the most viewed since 2004 when the Red Sox swept St. Louis.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says the Series’ high ratings weren’t just due to the Yankees, but there were other factors that contributed as well.

The Sports Media Watch says the Yankees helped to bring a big audience to the World Series.

SMW says the World Series was a big hit in New York and Philadelphia.

SMW has the ratings for the entire 2009 MLB Postseason.

Good article by SMW on the ratings comparison between MLB and the NBA.

And the SMW has some ratings news and notes.

Jim McCable of Golfweek writes that Dottie Pepper is cutting down on her TV schedule.

Joe Favorito says when it comes right down to it, live sports is king.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes that 98.5 The Sports Hub is making a dent in its war with long-time incumbent WEEI.

Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald reports that Fox 25 has not renewed the contract of Bulworth, Butch Stearns.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette writes about a Central Massachusetts native leaving WEEI’s sales department for a position with the Miami Dolphins.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says a new Knicks coach’s show on MSG Network might be turning a new leaf for the organization.

Richard writes the Yankees are a big TV draw across the country.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman feels MLB Network analysts and hosts made several errors after the Yankees clinched the World Series.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick will miss Bill Walton on NBA broadcasts.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union talks with NBC’s Tiki Barber.

Ken Schott of the Schnectady Gazette writes that NHL Network is picking up a Union College hockey game.

Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com writes in Press Box about ESPN’s Len Bias documentary, the Baltimore Sun not sending a reporter to the World Series and why Anita Marks is the subject of jealousy among her co-workers.

Mark Maske in the Washington Post writes that a down economy is a boon for the NFL’s TV ratings.

Tim Lemke from the Washington Times has the marketing winners and losers from the World Series.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner looks at former DC NFL team star John Riggins blasting owner Dan Snyder on Inside the NFL.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald wonders if ESPN has too much power in college sports.

Mike Bianchi from the Orlando Sentinel feels ESPN Radio’s Mike Golic owes an apology to Florida’s Brandon Spikes.

Barry Horn in the Dallas Morning News compares how the World Series did against the Mavericks and Stars.

Barry says Dallas finished near the bottom of the major markets rated for the World Series.

Barry says there’s a clear winner in a three way sports radio ratings race in Dallas.

Barry writes that being the Cowboys flagship station is not helping one sports radio station.

Barry notes that NBC’s Football Night in America analysts aren’t high on the Cowboys.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle also writes about local sports radio and the World Series’ ratings.

In his blog, David adds a few items to his Friday column.

To the Daily Oklahoman where Mel Bracht talks to an unhappy Ron Franklin of ESPN who feels he’s being forced out of the network. I agree. Ron is nothing but class and I feel he’s one of the great college football and basketball announcers of all-time. But ESPN apparently doesn’t feel that way.

In his media notes, Mel writes that the Thunder set a ratings record for Fox Sports Oklahoma this week.

Mel also looks at the best college football games of the week.

Midwest

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Yankees are truly a marquee team as the ratings have shown.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says the Bulls have upgraded their website.

Ed also has his weekly sports business and media winners and losers.

Paul Christian in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin looks at Fox NFL Sunday heading to Afghanistan this Sunday.

Dan Caesar from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes about one local sports radio station’s personnel move.

Scott Dochterman of the Iowa City Gazette says no matter what one says about the World Series’ ratings, the NFL is still king.

West

Scott D. Pierce in the Deseret (UT) News says high definition is coming to the mtn., but not fast enough for some fans.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune says a long-time sports reporter in the market is being let go by the local NBC station.

John Maffei in the North County Times also writes about the local sports reporter.

In the Ventura County Star, Jim Carlisle writes that Bill Walton will be missed.

Jim says Matt Millen is slowly rehabilitating his reputation after his failed GM tenure with the Lions.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times warns of being caught on the internet or writing something on a social media site.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News discovers that former Dodgers catcher Paul Lo Duca has been handicapping the horses on TVG.

In his blog, Tom has some more with Lo Duca.

Tom also has his usual extensive media notes.

Canada

In the Toronto Globe and Mail, Bruce Dowbiggin writes that a Vancouver sports radio station is ready to launch a spinoff.

The Toronto Star’s Chris Zelkovich says a former broadcast executive is finding a second life in front of the camera.

In the Truth & Rumours blog, William Houston says Phil Kessel’s debut for the Maple Leafs brought record ratings for Rogers Sportsnet Ontario.

And William looks at a sports talk show host’s firing from The Score.

That will conclude the megalinks. Enjoy your weekend.

Another Friday Megalinks Edition is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Sources have told Fang’s Bites that Edes has already signed with ESPN. More to follow.

Developing: Gordon Edes to ESPN Boston? is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

You can always check out the Weekend Viewing Picks for the sports and primetime viewing for Saturday and Sunday.

Let’s go to the links.

National

USA Today’ Michael Hiestand says we may have not have seen the last of Steve Phillips on TV.

Sports Business Daily Assistant Managing Editor Brian Helfrich talks with three pundits (including yours truly) about ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series. Thanks to Brian for asking me to participate.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated talks with some of the TNT and NBA TV staff about the new season.

James Hibberd of the Hollywood Reporter’s Live Feed blog writes that the World Series performed well in the ratings once again on Thursday.

Marc Berman at Mediaweek says the World Series lifted Fox to a rare Thursday primetime victory.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek writes that the New York Knicks are making a push to get fans into the seats.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks about Roger Federer’s new endorsement deal with a chocolate company.

Darren went one-on-one with new Cubs owner Thomas Ricketts.

Maury Brown in the Biz of Baseball says World Series viewership is up almost 50% from last year.

Maury Brown from the Biz of Football says the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are firing back at a radio report that the owners of the team were planning to sell the team.

The Big Lead interviews Big Ten Network studio host Dave Revsine.

The Sports Media Watch looks at Fox’s record ratings for its Week 7 NFL doubleheader.

SMW says CBS saw its lowest ratings for the NFL in Week 7.

SMW writes that Versus continues to see good ratings for the NHL.

And the SMW writes that the World Series is doing well through two games.

Chris Byrne’s Eye on Sports Media has another guest column from former Raycom and NBC Sports football analyst Dave Rowe.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media has a look at the viewership of each Versus NHL game this season to date.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe profiles New Englander Ryen Russillo who has a regular gig with ESPN Radio.

Bill Doyle from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with long time Celtics TV analyst Tommy Heinsohn.

Here’s Kristine Leahy of WEEI.com with the week ending edition of The Five.

Newsday’s Neil Best says ESPN’s Bobby Valentine was looking forward to working with Steve Phillips before all hell broke loose.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman writes that Fox’s Joe Buck and Tim McCarver spent Game 2 of the World Series complaining about the noise level at the Bronx.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post feels Buck and McCarver forgot what a “must-win” really means. Whatever.

To ESPN1050 in New York and Andrew Marchand who has five questions for Fox Sports’ Joe Buck.

Lisa Swan of the Subway Squawkers blog properly gets on a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter for complaining about covering the World Series. I’m not a Yankees fan, but I totally agree on reporters, writers and sports radio hosts who complain about their accommodations and/or assignments. No one wants to read or hear whining.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with the great Ian Eagle of CBS Sports/YES/Westwood One Radio/Tennis Channel about his rather sedate schedule this time around. Yes, I’m being facetious.

Laura Nachman writes that the World Series has been a ratings winner thus far.

Rich Hofman of the Philadelphia Daily News says the Delaware Valley loves watching their Phillies.

Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that the TV sportscast is slowly falling by the wayside on Baltimore’s newscasts.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner writes about the big college football slate on Saturday.

And Jim looks at a DirecTV contest trying to determine the most diehard displaced NFL fan in the country.

South

Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald has some football announcing highlights and lowlights to date.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says ESPN has forced out football analyst Shaun King in the middle of the season.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram likes the addition of Ozzie Guillen to the Fox World Series broadcasts.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says the Metroplex watched the World Series in droves on Wednesday, relatively speaking.

Barry says Fox’s Troy Aikman is gushing over Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin.

Barry writes that the inventor of the Arlington Stadium dot race will be honored next week.

David Barron in the Houston Chronicle notes the increase in World Series ratings this year.

To Jerry Garcia in the San Antonio Express-News who says Fox is anticipating good news with a big market World Series this year.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema from the Grand Rapids (MI) Press says a local sports radio show features hosts who aren’t even in the same studio let alone same area code.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks with Fox Sports’ Troy Aikman about the Green Bay-Minnesota game and the return of Brett Favre to the area.

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

Ed writes that Comcast SportsNet Chicago is canceling its morning show co-hosted by Mike North and Dan Jiggets.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune says ESPN is doing a 30 for 30 documentary on Steve Bartman.

Dave van Dyck of the Tribune writes that Ozzie Guillen is behaving during Fox Sports coverage of the World Series.

The Chicago Sun-Times talks with the new owner of the Cubs, Thomas Ricketts.

Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau Field becomes Must See TV on Sunday.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch isn’t a fan of Fox’s policy staying with blowout games.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News writes that maybe the Mountain West Conference’s TV exposure isn’t that bad after all.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune says Green Bay-Minnesota will be seen in most areas of the US, except for San Diego.

John Maffei of the North County Times feels the Chargers are always flirting with a local blackout at the last minute.

Jim Carlisle at the Ventura County Star says Fox has been getting plenty of mileage from Joe Buck.

Jim writes that MLB Network looks back tonight at the 1989 Bay Area earthquake that forced the World Series to be temporarily postponed.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times writes that Fox will be all over Brett Favre’s return to Green Bay in more ways than one.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News learned what it was like to be a sideline mic operator.

In his blog, Tom has a story on Vin Scully misidentifying a home run in the NLCS and no one coming out to correct him during the game.

Tom has his usual media notes.

Canada

William Houston in his Truth and Rumours blog notes that the new ratings system in Canada is being very beneficial to sports programming.

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail looks at disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy’s failed attempt to get his book published.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star (and at whom William Houston threw some shots today) writes about the Canadian Olympic Committee’s losing hope on launching its own cable channel.

On A Friday Megalinks Roll is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy debate on whether to move up the start of the World Series considering National League Champions Philadelphia Phillies have to wait for a week to play.

ESPN Ombudsman Don Ohlmeyer talks about too much talking, too many errors and scheduling dilemmas at the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

In today’s Sports Business Daily, John Ourand writes about the dispute between Dish Network and two FSN regional sports networks regarding NHL games.

Terry Lefton of the SBD speaks with an NFL official about the league’s international efforts.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at how Michael Vick is doing in the NFL to date.

The Big Lead explores the latest developments in the Steve Phillips affair.

Robert Littal in Black Sports Online tries to determine a winner in the Deadspin vs. ESPN fight.

Ed Berliner is critical of the media for reporting the Steve Phillips affair.

Jason Whitlock in FoxSports.com has a whimsical look at Steve Phillips and other affairs that have brought down men in sports.

Dan Levy of On The DL speaks with Deadspin editor A.J. Daulerio about his acting out against ESPN on Wednesday.

Speaking of Deadspin, the site has a good story from Dashiell Bennett exposing a group trying to out an anti-cable TV lobbying group as one being backed by… cable TV.

SportsbyBrooks has an interesting take on why Deadspin felt the need to take on ESPN.

The Sports Media Watch says NASCAR continues its ratings downfall.

SMW says the NLCS ended on a high note for TBS.

And SMW notes that Fox got good ratings for Game 5 of the ALCS.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media says NHL Network will begin airing a new pregame show starting Monday.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Tennis Channel has a new host for its original “Destination Tennis” show.

HHR Media has round 5 of blog recaps of Blogs with Balls 2.0 in Las Vegas.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe also talks with Deadspin’s Daulerio about pushing the envelope in the wake of the Steve Phillips affair.

Kristine Leahy of WEEI.com has The Five.

Bill Doyle from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette has quotes from Reggie Miller and other members of TNT’s NBA crew about the Celtics and the NBA.

The fearless leader of Boston Sports Media Watch, Bruce Allen, notes that Tom Curran is leaving NBCSports.com and heading to Comcast SportsNet New England’s revamped site.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times has some suggestions for TBS and Fox for their MLB postseason broadcasts.

Newsday’s Neil Best feels adding instant replay reviews to MLB is not a good idea.

Neil writes that Fox has brought a low key approach to this year’s American League Championship Series.

Neil also has a couple of peeves from last night’s ALCS Game 5.

Neil weighs in on the Deadspin vs. ESPN fight.

Neil notes that the NFL made its TV debut some 70 years ago.

Neil writes that WNBC-TV is trading places with Mike Francesa’s Sunday night show and the late local news.

I put in a lot of links to Neil today as we’re in the final days of Newsday being free as it goes to a subscription model next week.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post blames the on-air locker room mentality at ESPN for the Steve Phillips affair. That’s a big stretch, Phil.

Liz Sadler and Dan Mangan of the Post find Steve Phillips’ mistress and are quite mean to her.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says Tim McCarver was on his game last night. I beg to differ, but Raissman seems to have inexplicable manlove for McCarver.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says last night’s win by the Angels in ALCS Game 5 had to please Fox Sports executives.

Pete hears from TNT’s Doug Collins, Reggie Miller and Chris Webber about the upcoming NBA season.

In the Baltimore-centric Press Box, Dave Hughes from DCRTV writes that only one Charm City sports radio station is picking up listeners while the other three are lagging far behind.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with TBS’ Cal Ripken about the upcoming World Series and the Nationals’ manager search.

Jim also recaps the appearance by the General Manager of the inappropriately DC NFL team on his weekly radio show.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with Fox Sports Detroit’s Greg Kelser about the Pistons.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wants baseball to expand instant replay reviews.

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

Ed writes that the Chicago Tribune will be revamping its print sports section.

In Chicago Now, Sarah Spain has a good and extensive interview with MLB Walking, Talking Conflict of Interest Bud Selig.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a local sports radio host might be jumping ship.

Dan writes that the market newcomer in the sports radio wars is expanding on its lead on its more established competitors.

South

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News finds it hard to see Texas A&M on TV this season.

Barry lists the Dallas-Fort Worth sports winners of the Lone Star Emmy Awards.

Barry says some Cowboys fans prefer the teaming of Thom Brennaman and Troy Aikman as opposed to Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle says Texas A&M is a hard sell to TV.

In the Daily Oklahoman, Mel Bracht lists his top 10 college football games of the week.

Mel talks with Oklahoma City Thunder voice Matt Pinto who enters his second season of calling games with the team.

Mel also has his weekly notebook.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News gives love to ESPN’s College Gameday for going to Utah this week.

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune just wants baseball to get its calls right.

John Maffei from the North County Times says it wasn’t easy for Fox to move up the start times of World Series games.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star talks with a couple of NBA analysts about the Lakers.

Jim is not shocked that other markets are beating Los Angeles as far as MLB Postseason ratings are concerned.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says Joe Buck had an up and down night calling Game 5 of the ALCS.

Diane writes that Turner Sports’ focus now shifts to the NBA.

In the Los Angeles Daily News, Tom Hoffarth has Fox’s Joe Buck wanting to give TBS’ Chip Caray a hug.

Tom has his media news and notes.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says TBS’ MLB crew made the Fox crew sound great in comparison.

William Houston in his Truth & Rumours blog writes that the Maple Leafs coaching job along with the media scrunity can make grown men cry.

That’s it for today.

Your Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

You can check out the Weekend Viewing Picks for the major sporting events of the weekend and it contains the College Football Viewing Picks, NFL Viewing Picks and primetime viewing picks as well. In addition, you can check the ALCS/NLCS schedule for games over spanning over the next few days.

Let’s do the links.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that the networks are going high-tech for their MLB Postseason coverage.

Ben Grossman of Broadcasting & Cable writes that HBO Sports is expanding its 24/7 brand to NASCAR.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says the League Championship Series is filled with big market teams.

Mike adds that the Chicago Blackhawks set a ratings records on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek reports that out-of-home viewing of the League Division Series for TBS spiked last week.

Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered to talk about the scheduling of MLB Postseason games.

Sports Business Daily has the final sports ratings for the week ending October 11.

Robert Seidman from TV by the Numbers says no matter who’s in this year’s World Series, it’ll draw a much better rating for Fox than last year’s.

Josh Alper from Pro Football Talk says Jacksonville will be blacked out again this week as the Jaguars failed to sell out in time.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the new Richmond minor league baseball team did not choose his network’s name submission.

Vanessa Voltolina of FolioMag.com says ESPN The Magazine’s Body issue has boosted ESPN.com Insider subscriptions.

Maury Brown from the Biz of Baseball says the most viewed MLB games on Fox involved either the Red Sox or Yankees.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media tries to explain the NFL Broadcast Rules.

The Sports Media Watch says Game 1 of the NLCS got off to a good start on TBS.

Joe Favorito talks how the military is an excellent brand for sports.

TV Technology looks at ESPN’s new Innovation Lab.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks with CBS’ Phil Simms who tells Patriots fans to be patient.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette praises MLB and Fox for pushing back the start times of the ALCS.

Mike Anthony of the Hartford Courant discusses ESPNU covering Midnight Madness at 9 schools including UConn tonight.

Neil Best of Newsday talks with Fox’s Tim McCarver about how catchers make for good managers.

Neil has a few more sports media tidbits.

Neil has a classic moment from Celebrity Jeopardy where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar forgets his great line from “Airplane!”

Neil reviews ESPN’s upcoming “30 for 30″ documentary, “Who Killed The USFL?”

Neil has the video of 30 Rock’s “Tennis Night in America”.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post gets on the Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for seeing racism where they see fit.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News seems to take glee in the bad weather expected for the first two games of Yankees-Angels ALCS.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union says a media basketball practice at the University of Albany earlier this week looked rather ugly.

Pete points out that Chip Caray is overmatched calling the NLCS on TBS.

Pete writes that the 1989 Bay Area Earthquake during the World Series helped to establish ESPN’s journalism reputation.

Rick Scarcella of the Reading (PA) Eagle writes that ESPN/ABC football analyst Matt Millen gets a homecoming to Penn State this weekend.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that the Orioles actually outrate the Nationals in the DC market.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with ESPN college basketball analyst Adrian Branch about tonight’s Midnight Madness coverage.

West

Scott D. Pierce from the Deseret (UT) News says the Mountain West’s efforts to bolster its schedule are hurt by its TV contracts with the mtn. and Versus.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden who will always have a soft spot for the Stadium formerly known as San Diego Jack Murphy.

John Maffei in the North County Times says Gruden has become a good addition to ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

The Los Angeles Times’ Diane Pucin critiqued TBS’ presentation of NLCS Game 1.

In her regular Friday column, Diane asks baseball announcers to avoid using cliches.

Tom Hoffarth from the Los Angeles Daily News gets the particulars on what TBS is using to air the NLCS.

Tom reports that the Dodgers will have billboards with the updated NLCS score placed throughout SoCal.

Tom looks at the ESPN documentary on the USFL that airs on Tuesday.

Tom has more on the documentary in his extensive media notes.

Tom has Dennis Eckersley’s comments on TBS regarding Randy Wolf not being ready to pinch run during last night’s NLCS Game 1.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer says Miami’s (OH) hockey team gets some games aired on local cable TV this season.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press says a local minor league hockey team gets a boost by picking up an FM all-sports station.

Fang’s Bites fave Trenni Kusnierek of MLB Network writes a blog post for OnMilwaukee about life on the road.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwuakee Journal Sentinel says the Brewers got lower ratings this season.

Tim Cary from the ChicagoNow blog talks with another Fang’s Bites fave, Charissa Thompson of Big Ten Network and Fox Sports about the injury that is keeping her off the sidelines.

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

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Dish Network subscribers in the Gateway City won’t be able to watch almost half of the Blues’ remaining games due to dispute with Fox Sports Midwest.

Dan adds that Joe Buck is grateful over Peyton Manning’s mention of him on NBC last Sunday.

South

Dallas Morning News NHL beat writer Michael Heika says Dish Network is also in a dispute with Fox Sports Southwest over 20 Stars games.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle points out that ESPN has replaced its Big 12 Big Monday announcing crew.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman says ESPN’s Lee Corso has for the most part, come back from the stroke that debilitated him earlier this year.

Mel writes about ESPN putting Bob Knight on Big Monday.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail goes inside the CFL on TSN booth.

Chris Zelkovich’s blog at the Toronto Star is misbehaving for me, but the two top stories on the blog are the ones I want you to read.

And that will do it for the megalinks.

A Rainy Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Don’t forget to check out the Weekend Viewing Picks for the recommended sports and primetime TV viewing. In addition, there’s the College Football Viewing Picks, NFL Viewing Picks, and the League Division Series Schedule for good measure.

Now to the links.

National

Ross Nethery of the Sports Business Daily writes that the Professional Bull Riders are now weighing in on the DirecTV/Versus dispute.

Ronald Grover and Tom Lowry of BusinessWeek say Comcast’s proposed purchase of NBC might make sense especially for sports.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is getting support for his bid to buy the St. Louis Rams from the unlikeliest of sources, Keith Olbermann.

Bob Kimball of USA Today writes that despite some miscalls and many “FISTED” references, TBS stands by Chip Caray as its #1 announcer for the MLB Postseason.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell finds the person who put forth his network’s entry to name a new minor league baseball team.

David Tanklefsky of Broadcasting & Cable writes that the first day of the MLB League Division Series was the most watched since 2003.

Glen Dickson of B&C says CBS is conducting HDTV tests at Broncos games this season.

To R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News who says Philadelphia Eagle QB Michael Vick will star in a documentary series for BET.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media reviews the new book by legendary Georgia voice Larry Munson.

The Sports Media Watch says NASCAR’s ratings are dropping again.

SMW has some various ratings news and notes.

From the Biz of Baseball, Maury Brown writes that TBS likes how the League Division Series started on its network.

And has the ratings for Thursday’s games.

Maury wonders why TBS had some picture problems during its LDS coverage.

And Maury has the updated LDS schedules through next Wednesday.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes that there might be room for two sports radio stations in Boston after all.

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

John Branch of the New York Times has a fascinating story on some footage of Babe Ruth that has been found and archived by MLB Productions.

And you can see that footage here.

Richard Sandomir of the Times goes after TBS’ Chip Caray.

Newsday’s Neil Best says long-time, but not first time WFAN staffers are a bit melancholy as they leave their original studios.

Neil has more on the ‘FAN move in his blog, and has some video of his conversation with Mike Francesa.

Neil also talks with rookie TBS MLB analyst David Wells.

Back to Neil’s blog, he also has some random ratings news.

Neil likes the earlier start times for the Yankees in the League Division Series.

Neil’s Newsday colleague Mark La Monica has all six covers of ESPN The Magazine’s Body issue.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News blames Time Warner Cable for not getting his Yankees in HD this week.

Phil Mushnick of the crosstown New York Post has more complaints about TBS’ Chip Caray.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says ESPNU may help Siena get more TV exposure.

Pete wonders why Dallas-KC is being shown to most of the country in Fox’s regional NFL coverage on Sunday.

Pete says perhaps MLB is embarrassed over TBS’ coverage by syncing Vin Scully’s radio call of last night’s Dodgers comeback to the network’s video.

And in his column, Pete talks with ESPN Radio’s Doug Gottlieb.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says Cablevision chose the wrong time for baseball fans to do a software upgrade.

Lance Venta of Radio Insight reports that Philadelphia is getting an FM sports radio station when the ESPN Radio affiliate moves next week.

Doug Miller of MLB.com says Phillies fans are missing the late Harry Kalas right now.

Laura Nachman says Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia’s Michael Barkann will be busy on Sunday.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with NFL Network RedZone host Scott Hanson.

Jim writes that CBS Radio’s new FM sports talk station has upset the apple cart in DC.

And Jim looks at CBS College Sports’ unique Armed Forces college football tripleheader on Saturday.

Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post says the Maryland Terrapins are relegated to ESPN360 for the 4th time this season.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press says the Tigers-Twins one game playoff made for some good ratings.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Fox is looking to move November 1’s Minnesota-Green Bay game to a later timeslot.

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

Ed also provides his thoughts on golf officially getting into the Olympics.

The Chicago Tribune’s Dave Van Dyck says Cubs TV analyst Bob Brenly has talked with one team this season about a managerial position.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that the Cardinals might return to its old radio home, KMOX, albeit for one day.

South

The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson reports that for the first time in franchise history, the Florida Panthers won’t have Dennis Potvin as its TV analyst.

Sarah Talalay from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that Kobe Bryant’s jersey is the top selling NBA uni in Communist China.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram talks with former NFL QB Warren Moon about his new book and Brett Favre.

Barry Horn from the Dallas Morning News reviews last month’s sports radio ratings.

Barry previews his Saturday column on Troy Aikman having to analyze Tony Romo for Fox.

And Barry acknowledges that the Metroplex is not baseball territory.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle talks with CBS golf analyst David Feherty who will be on the sidelines of the Navy-Rice game for CBS College Sports.

David says Cowboys-Broncos topped last week’s ratings in Houston.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman says the NBA’s Thunder will split its sideline reporter position among two people this season.

In his notebook, Mel looks at the next documentary in ESPN’s “30 for 30″ project.

Mel writes that Fox Sports Oklahoma will replay the 1989 Red River Shootout that was only seen on TV once on pay per view.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) Morning News says ESPN seems to be the fanning the flames of Mountain West conspiracy theorists.

To the North County Times where John Maffei writes about former Chiefs and Jets coach Herman Edwards feeling comfortable working at ESPN.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times has her highlights and lowlights of TBS’ production of Game 2 of Cards-Dodgers last night.

Diane says Angels radio voice Rory Markas has good reason to be happy calling the games.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks with the author of a new book on Game 6 of the 1975 World Series.

Tom likes how TBS is helping fans to keep score of the game at home.

Tom has his usual news and notes.

Tom reviews ESPN The Magazine’s Body issue.

Josh Weaver of the Gilroy (CA) Dispatch says San Jose Sharks fans still can’t watch the team’s games due to a dispute between Charter Communications and Comcast SportsNet California.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail finds that more women are listening to sports radio. I could have told him that.

Ok, those are the Friday megalinks. Have a good weekend.

It’s a Friday Megalink Session is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

Thursday, October 8, 2009

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Red Sox GameDay LIVE – (Tom Caron, Jerry Remy and Jim Rice in studio with Heidi Watney and Dave Roberts at the ballpark)

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Bruins Face-Off LIVE – (Kathryn Tappen, Mike Milbury and Naoko Funayama)

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Bruins vs. Anaheim – Jack Edward (play-by-play) and Andy Brickley (color analyst)

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM Bruins Overtime LIVE – (Kathryn Tappen, Mike Milbury and Naoko Funayama)

12:30 AM – 1:30 AM Extra Innings – (Tom Caron, Jerry Remy and Jim Rice in studio with Heidi Watney and Dave Roberts at the ballpark)

1:30 AM – 2:00 AM NESN SportsDesk (Cole Wright)

Friday, October 9, 2009

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Red Sox GameDay LIVE – (Tom Caron, Jerry Remy and Jim Rice in studio with Heidi Watney and Dave Roberts at the ballpark)

12:30 AM – 1:30 AM Extra Innings – (Tom Caron, Jerry Remy and Jim Rice in studio with Heidi Watney and Dave Roberts at the ballpark)

1:30 AM – 2:00 AM NESN SportsDesk (Cole Wright)

The morning after both game #1 and game #2 NESN will schedule a half-hour replay of the Red Sox post-game show to alternate with NESN SportsDesk for Red Sox fans that are not able to stay up late enough to see the entire game.

NESN’s plans for ALDS Games 1 & 2 is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

The Weekend Viewing Picks has everything you need from college football, NFL, MLB, NASCAR, NHL, PGA as well as primetime and late night viewing.

To the links.

National

With the International Olympics Committee vote on Friday to grant the 2016 Olympics to Rio de Janeiro, Sports Business Daily’s Tripp Mickle goes over what went into the vote and what it means for the US TV bid and the US Olympic Committee.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks into what went wrong with Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.

Universal Sports’ Alan Abrahamson says the United States Olympic Committee was the big loser in Friday’s vote.

Nellie Andreeva of the Hollywood Reporter says the Games in Rio might just raise the fee for the US media rights in 2016.

Alex Weprin of Broadcasting & Cable writes that the Olympics going to Rio presents a mixed bag to the US TV networks.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says the two expected bidders for the 2016 US TV Olympic rights, ESPN and NBC both saw a silver lining in having Rio host the Games.

Mike writes that despite not having DirecTV on board, Versus saw its best ratings ever for the NHL season opener on Thursday.

Deadspin says an arrest has been made in the Erin Andrews video stalking case.

Jamin Brophy-Warren from the Wall Street Journal looks into ESPN’s comprehensive documentary project.

Here’s a clip from the first documentary, “Kings Ransom” about Wayne Gretzky’s trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles.

John Jurgensen of the Journal writes about how the new movie about LeBron James came into fruition.

The Sports Media Watch says MLB on Fox is on pace for yet another record low.

On the other hand, ABC continues to see good ratings for college football.

SMW notes yet another ratings drop for NASCAR on ABC.

Finally SMW says Fang’s Bites fave Charissa Thompson is on the disabled list for the time being.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media sees some humor in a Niagra University press release regarding its basketball game with Auburn later this year.

Chris also has the second in a series of guest columns from former NBC and Raycom Sports analyst Dave Rowe.

Joe Favorito likes the return of the alliance between Monster.com and the NFL.

The Big Lead notes that ESPN is beginning to do business with independent baseball blogs.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says a special edition of NHL Live airs Saturday on Sirius XM radio, NHL Network and NHL.com.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Boston Bruins radio voice Dave Goucher.

Amanda Bruno of Batter-up with Bruno is happy to see the return of the Sox & Dawgs blog which shut down two weeks ago. I am glad to see it come back as well. It’s been missed.

Newsday’s Neil Best goes over ESPN’s 30 for 30 sports documentary project with narcissist Bill Simmons.

In a blog post on another matter, Neil notes that WFAN’s Mike Francesa took a shot at Simmons for taking shots at HBO’s sports documentaries in Neil’s above linked column.

And Neil found that Simmons responded through his Twitter account.

Finally, check out the summary of the Francesa-Simmons feud here.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News writes that Yankees fans aren’t enamored having SNY’s Ron Darling analyze Yankees games during TBS’ coverage of the League Division Series.

Ok, Phil Mushnick of the New York Post, we get it. You hate ESPN and it’s constant promotion of its staff. I’m thinking without ESPN, Phil would have nothing to write about.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union catches up with ESPN Radio’s Marc Kestecher, a veteran of New York’s Capital Region.

Pete also has a video of him asking five questions of Marc.

Pete wonders if the US TV networks will shell out the cash for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Pete also has the composite NHL TV schedule for the Capital Region.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says Time Warner Cable is expanding its HD offerings.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says college hockey fans have plenty of games to watch between ESPNU and CBS College Sports.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News lists ten things that prevent him from enjoying sports on TV.

Laura Nachman writes that former Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams will be co-hosting a new show on Sirius XM Radio.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com has the latest Baltimore and DC sports media news in Press Box.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says it’s time for DirecTV and Versus to end their dispute.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald likes the earlier scheduled start times for the World Series.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that 10 South Florida teams and events are banding together to create a “Super Pass.”

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks with Stars broadcasting team Ralph Strangis and Daryl Reaugh.

Barry says ESPN is lucky to have the Packers-Vikings on Monday Night Football.

Barry is also happy for former Dallas TV sports anchor Curt Menafee.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says former manager Bobby Valentine returns to ESPN with one foot already out the door.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle writes about changes in the local sports radio wars.

David also looks at the fallout of the failed Chicago Olympic bid.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman talks with ESPN/ABC’s Brent Musburger about Saturday’s Oklahoma-Miami game.

Midwest

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal says Fox Sports Ohio plans to showcase the Cleveland Cavs heavily this season.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes that Big Ten Network is ready to air the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Monday Night Football crew will weigh in on the Brett Favre-leaving-Green Bay saga yet again.

Dave Newbart of the Chicago Sun-Times has more on the arrest of the man accused in the Erin Andrews video stalking case.

Noted Olympics writer Philip Hersh of the Chicago Tribune says Friday’s vote for Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Olympics boils down to the dispute between the IOC and the USOC.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says both the Cardinals and Blues won’t be seen on over the air TV for the majority of October.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) Morning News likes NFL Network’s RedZone.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Jay Posner had a feeling former Charger Rodney Harrison would do well on TV.

John Maffei of the North County Times says Cris Collinsworth is an ample replacement for John Madden on Sunday Night Football.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star feels Brett Favre’s first game vs. Green Bay on Monday Night will be must see TV.

Jim has quotes from the TBS MLB announcing crew about the Dodgers’ chances.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times writes that ESPN is honored to have Brett Favre playing in this Monday Night.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily has some sports media news and notes.

Tom says the Dodgers plan to have Vin Scully call as much as their postseason games as possible.

Tom writes the new LeBron James movie is more than just a movie for the filmmaker.

Tom has more on the movie in his blog.

Tom looks at the first efforts in ESPN’s “30 for 30″ documentary project.

And Tom reviews the week in blogging.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail writes about some changes for a local sports talk show.

And that’s it. Enjoy your weekend.

Friday Into Saturday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

First, the Weekend Viewing Picks.

College Football has good matchups this weekend including USC at Washington on ABC, Michigan State at Notre Dame on NBC, and Texas Tech at Texas in primetime on ABC. ESPN College Gameday is in Austin, TX to preview the Aggies-Longhorns game. Locally, BC takes on Clemson and that will be seen at noon (WSBK and CW28). The College Football Viewing Picks in full are right here.

To the NFL where we have some intriguing games in Week 2. CBS has the doubleheader this week and a good early game with the Patriots at the Jets especially in the wake of coach Rex Ryan’s trash talking. The showcase late game for CBS will be Pittsburgh at Chicago. For Fox, it’s regional coverage and New Orleans at the Eagles will be called by Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver. On Sunday night, it’s the regular season debut of the new Cowboys Stadium on NBC with the Giants and the Cowboys facing off. The entire Sunday schedule along with announcer assignments, DirecTV channels, satellite radio channels and anything else I wanted to add are in the NFL Viewing Picks.

For baseball, Cubs-Cards and Angels-Rangers will be featured on the national networks this weekend. NESN has the Red Sox at Baltimore series throughout the weekend. You can see what’s being covered in Baseball Viewing This Weekend.

Other programming notes of interest include Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Miguel Marquez on HBO pay per view called by Jim Lampley, Emanuel Steward and boxing charlatan Max Kellerman and UFC 103 on pay per view.

NASCAR is in New Hampshire for the Sprint Cup Series on ABC at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Weekend Viewing Picks in full not only have your sports picks, but primetime viewing as well.

Let’s get to your links.

National

Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes about Fox Sports unveiling new programming online and from what I hear, some nudity in the weekly “Cubed” series.

Sports Business Daily looks into the beginning of Fox Sports’ online initiative and the nudity on “Cubed”.

Brian Helfrich of SBD writes about Fox Sports not only cutting out the nudity in “Cubed” but also cutting down the web show from 16 minutes to under 2.

Eric Fisher in Sports Business Daily writes that the NFL has brought increased traffic to various sports news websites.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated reviews the Week 1 performances of several new NFL TV analysts.

The Nielsen ratings Wire blog says the early returns show ratings success for both college and pro football.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says ESPN, Fox and NBC all saw ratings jumps for their first offerings of the NFL regular season.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that the Cubs are feeling the effects of the recession.

Darren looks at how MillerCoors is getting notice for its brand at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Nick Saint of the Silicon Valley Insider notes that CBS Sports will stream its entire 15 game SEC football schedule online.

Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog reports that DirecTV and Versus are talking to bring the sports channel back, but it appears it won’t be in time for the NHL season openers.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News also writes about the DirecTV/Versus negotiations.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel says Spike is seeing excellent ratings for “The Ultimate Fighter” season premiere.

Michael Malone of Broadcasting & Cable says Bright House Sports will be picking up a slate of SEC games thanks to a new deal with ESPN Regional Television.

Ben Grossman of B&C writes that CBS is back in the Mixed Martial Arts business signing a deal to air Strikeforce bouts starting in November.

Steve Schwankert of the Hollywood Reporter notes that the NFL is expanding its broadcasts into Communist China and into democratic Taiwan.

Diego Vasquez of Media Life Magazine writes about a successful opening to the NFL season on the league’s TV partners.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media notes that ESPN is already releasing the opener to next year’s college football season.

Chris has the video of former Detroit Tigers voice Ernie Harwell saying thanks to his fans. Ernie was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and there has been a huge outpouring of support from all over baseball for Ernie.

The Big Lead talks with ESPN.com college football reporter Joe Schad.

The Sports Media Watch looks at the ratings of the recently completed US Open.

SMW tells us that of the NFL TV partners, only CBS saw a decrease in ratings for Week 1.

Here’s the first edition of a podcast I did with Sports Media Journal’s Keith Thibeault.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes about some of the latest developments in new media in Boston.

Amanda Bruno of the Batter-up with Bruno blog notes that the Boston Globe has made a new hire to cover the Red Sox.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Ron Jaworski of ESPN’s Monday Night Football about the Patriots’ performance against the Bills.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that YES is not producing a postgame for the entire Yankees schedule.

Neil writes a feature on Newsday’s owner, Cablevision, increasing its commitment to high school sports.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News writes that CBS’ Phil Simms seems to be the only one not jumping on the Jets’ bandwagon.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post rips the NFL replay rule.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with ESPN Radio’s Freddie Coleman who got his sports radio start in New York’s Capital Region.

Pete also has five questions with Freddie.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com talks with WNST’s Nestor “Nasty” Apricio.

South

To the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson says the Dolphins are excited about having their home opener on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Gary Smits in the Florida Times-Union says the DirecTV/Versus dispute is preventing Florida State fans from seeing Saturday’s game against BYU.

Jeff Caplan in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes that NBC will be ready to cover the punts and the now-infamous video board at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Ray Buck of the Star-Telegram says NBC will showcase the new stadium this weekend.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says Michael Irvin will be all over the place on Sunday and Monday.

Barry writes that a local sports radio station will talk with former President George W. Bush next week.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says College Gameday is back in Texas on Saturday.

In his blog, David looks at the football segments on local radio this weekend.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says a Fox Sports Net college football analyst can feel Oklahoma University QB Sam Bradford’s pain.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press feels there are too many retired NFL players on his television.

Michael Hunt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that you won’t be seeing the Packers on HBO’s Hard Knocks.

Bob Wolfley in the Journal Sentinel says Milwaukee viewers will see up to 8 Minnesota Vikings games with former Packer Brett Favre this season.

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

In the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin, Paul Christian writes about the return of MMA to CBS.

Paul says a popular Twin Cities sports radio show makes a local appearance this weekend.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Joe Buck’s second HBO show has been retooled.

Dan writes that the ratings for the Rams’ season opener were up from last year.

Tom Timmerman of the Post-Dispatch reports that the Big 12 Conference is looking to expand its TV footprint similar to what the SEC did this year.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News feels ESPN’s Bob Griese is a BCS lackey.

Jay Posner in the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the US Open fireworks helped to prepare CBS’ Dick Enberg for the new NFL season.

Jay says Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton returns to the local airwaves in October.

John Maffei of the North County Times pays tribute to a colleague who recently passed away.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star writes that football brings in the ratings.

Jim says the new Cowboys Stadium gets a real public Open House this Sunday.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says fans are truly ready for some football.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News says don’t count out newspapers yet.

As usual, Tom has his extensive media notes in his blog.

And that’s going to conclude this edition of the megalinks. Coming this weekend on the Fang’s Bites on BSMW page, look for an interview with an ESPN official about this week’s launch of the ESPN Boston website.

Doing the Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

The Weekend Viewing Picks have plenty to choose from as the NFL season kicks off in earnest on Sunday. College football has some early intriguing matchups on Saturday. MLB heads into the home stretch and the US Open tries to ramp up towards a conclusion plus NASCAR is in Richmond on Saturday.

The NFL regular season is here and we have a whole slate of games on Sunday. Fox has the doubleheader with Washington at the Giants being its featured late game. Early games on CBS and Fox include Jacksonville at Indianapolis and Minnesota with Brett Favre playing my Cleveland Browns. Then Sunday Night Football has Chicago at Green Bay. You can check out the entire Sunday schedule plus announcing assignments, the links to NFL distribution maps and other recommendations in my NFL Viewing Picks.

In the college ranks, two of the tastier matchups are Notre Dame at Michigan on ABC and USC at Ohio State on ESPN. Other good games include UCLA at Tennessee on ESPN and Purdue and Oregon on FSN. Your College Football Viewing Picks have the national games in full.

To baseball, Fox has three games on Saturday highlighted by the Mets-Phillies. MLB Network airs the Dodgers-Giants on Saturday night as does TBS on Sunday afternoon. Mets-Phillies is also your Sunday night game on ESPN.

The Red Sox washout on Friday means a doubleheader on Sunday. All games will be on NESN.

NASCAR is in Richmond for the Sprint Cup Series on ABC, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The US Open was sent into the spin cycle thanks to the rains that postponed play from Thursday night to Friday. Now the schedule has been turned on its head. It all leads to a Monday finish and I have the revised broadcast schedules right through the Monday men’s final right here.

To see the full picks including English Premier League games and primetime picks, go see the Weekend Viewing Picks.

Now to your links.

National

The Sports Business Daily’s Erik Swanson conducted a media writer and blogger roundtable about the NFL broadcasting and it included Neil Best of Newsday, Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Dan Levy of On The DL, Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead and your humble blogger. Some good topics were broached.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand conducts an NFL TV quiz.

As we head into a new NFL season, Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch has a primer on the lineup changes for each network and there are quite a few.

Richard talks with new Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden.

Some stories from CNBC’s Darren Rovell. First he talks with the NFL’s Chief Financial Officer Anthony Noto.

Darren notes that Michael Jordan has become the very first $1 billion athlete.

And Darren says it didn’t take long for extreme fighter Kimbo Slice to return to the spotlight.

Joe Favorito takes the time to remember those lost in 9/11.

Nellie Andreeva of the Hollywood Reporter says TBS has renewed the sports-themed “My Boys” for a fourth season.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable writes that the AT&T U-Verse picks up the NFL Network’s RedZone in time for Week 1.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says the war of words between Cablevision and Tennis Channels is escalating.

Mike reports that CBS College Sports is teaming up with a high school sports website to cover high school football games.

John Consoli of Mediaweek says DirecTV will be peppering different ads throughout Fox’s NFL games this Sunday.

Also from Mediaweek, Anthony Crupi writes that the NFL will be offering full replays of blacked out games in their local markets on its website for 72 hours after the game is played.

The Sports Media Watch says the NFL season opener scored well for NBC on Thursday.

SMW says ESPN2 is crowing about its US Open ratings.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball says MLB Network airs a new behind the scenes show on Sunday.

The Big Lead has Erin Andrews quotage from her appearance on a man hating show on Friday.

Deadspin says former ESPN blowhard Sean Salisbury is out of another job.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe has the thoughts of Dan Marino and the other CBS NFL analysts about Tom Brady’s return to the Patriots.

Bruce Allen bids farewell to ESPN Radio’s Boston affiliate which is leading to rumors that ESPN will announce a new and stronger station to accompany its new website which launches Monday.

The Two Cents from Beantown blog has another edition of its show where it dishes on Derek Jeter and Richard Seymour’s departure from the Patriots.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Patriots radio voice Gil Santos about calling his 33rd NFL season.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times goes into the NFL replaying blacked out games on its website.

Richard is not a fan of Pam Shriver’s crowd reports during ESPN2’s coverage of the US Open. I disagree with this. I like Pam.

Neil Best of Newsday writes that despite network announcing upheaval, the NFL remains the sports ratings king.

Neil notes that Mets announcer Howie Rose teams with former Mets announcer Tim McCarver on Fox.

Neil says Tennis Channel is using MSG Network’s new high school sports channel in its latest salvo against Cablevision.

Neil tells us that WFAN’s Mike Francesa has a new simulcast on YES this Sunday.

Our man Neil has CBS’ Phil Simms giving Jets fans some advice on rookie QB Mark Sanchez.

Neil talks with Bonnie Bernstein about her new radio gig.

Our last link from Neil tonight. He says the US Open TV schedule is a mess.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News has lost his mind.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union has the NFL TV analysts dishing on the area’s teams.

Pete has the NFL TV schedule for the Capital Region.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette writes that the NHL Network will carry 10 exhibition games this month.

Mike Waters of the Syracuse Post-Standard says the Orangemen will be on TV aplenty during Big East hoops season.

Laura Nachman notes that Bob Costas will be in Philadelphia for a reception for the release of Mitch Albom’s new book.

Laura also has the Eagles Radio Network pregame show announcing lineup.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner has video of Tennis Channel’s Jimmy Connors talking with ESPN/CBS’ John McEnroe.

Steven Goff of the Washington Post says the October 10 World Cup Qualifier between the US and Honduras may not be seen on US TV at all.

South

Alexis Stevens of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says breakout tennis star Melanie Oudin will be making more TV appearances soon.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says Jon Gruden has the potential to be a great analyst.

The St. Petersburg Times’ Tom Jones talks with Fox Sports’ Kenny Albert who calls the Cowboys-Bucs game this Sunday.

Etan Horowitz of the Orlando Sentinel says there are gadgets for your TV or cell phone that can help the displaced fan keep track of his/her favorite NFL team.

Roger Clarkson of the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald writes that Georgia fans had better be ready to see their team play at night more thanks to the new SEC contract with ESPN.

Ray Buck of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram talks with Fox’s Tony Siragusa about the Cowboys.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says it doesn’t appear the NFL Network will be on Time Warner Cable this season.

Barry has the monthly sports radio ratings report.

Barry writes that those with DirecTV won’t be seeing the Texas-Wyoming game as Versus is still not on the satellite provider’s system.

Barry has Sean Salisbury’s take on his departure.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle has CBS’ Jim Nantz looking forward to calling the Jets-Texans game on Sunday.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman writes that Spike will be in town to air a UFC card next week.

Mel has CBS’ SEC analyst Gary Danielson taking a shot at Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops over the return of QB Sam Bradford. Really?

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the Bengals gave HBO’s Hard Knocks good ratings compared to last season’s edition with the Dallas Cowboys.

Joe Reedy of the Enquirer says an extension helped the Bengals avoid a blackout this Sunday.

Michael Zuidema in the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with Fox rookie NFL analyst Trent Green about Lions rookie QB Matt Stafford.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks with Brewers announcer Brian Anderson about his rather strange high ranking in a recent Wall Street Journal story.

In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman has his winners and losers.

To the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Dan Caesar who writes that the local CBS TV affiliate continues to de-emphasize sports.

Dan tells us that the next two Missouri football games move to pay per view.

Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star writes about the continuing NFL Network/Time Warner Cable dispute.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News feels BYU is in trouble after ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit sang their praises.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the NFC Champion Cardinals avoided a blackout on Sunday.

David Hattfield of Inside Tuscon Business explains how Fox Sports Arizona managed to get back into airing University of Arizona football and basketball.

Over to Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune who tells us that Fox switched games at the last minute to give fans a chance to see Brett Favre on Sunday.

John Maffei of the North County Times feels Jon Gruden is just right for Monday Night Football.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says USC QB’s both past and present will be in the TV spotlight this weekend.

Jim writes that Melanie Oudin’s run at the US Open gave ESPN2 a ratings boost.

The great Diane Pucin (and fellow tennis fan) of the Los Angeles Times also talks about Melanie being a TV darling for ESPN2.

Diane says rain forced CBS to dig deep into its vaults during Friday’s coverage of the Open.

Joe Flint of the Times’ Company Town blog talks with NFL Network Czar Steve Bornstein.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News goes into bizarro world which includes the horrific Mark Whicker column in the Orange County Register this week. And thanks to Tom for linking to my post on the aforementioned Whicker story.

Tom goes over Lou Holtz’s pep talk for Ohio State that was seen Thursday on ESPN.

In his column, Tom talks about ESPN’s 3-D experiment for the USC-Ohio State game.

Tom has more on the 3-D experiment and a lot of other stuff in his media notes.

Tom also goes over the week in blogging.

Joe Kukura writing for KNTV in San Francisco says the Raiders have an extension until 5 p.m. local time on Saturday to prevent a blackout on Monday night.

Canada

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star has a look at the ratings in Canada from last weekend.

Chris chronicles an on-air fight that was seen on Rogers Sportsnet and heard on sports radio in Toronto on Thursday.

Tom Tebbutt of the Toronto Globe and Mail feels CBS has too much say in the US Open scheduling.

The Globe and Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin talks with ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen who bemoans the lack of hockey on the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

Rogers Sportsnet has signed to be the Canadian home of the NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football package.

And that is going to do it for Super Sized edition of the megalinks.

The Never Ending Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch