Boston Sports Media Watch

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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Time once again to provide the Friday megalinks. Lots of links to get to.

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.

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Fang’s Bites has learned from multiple sources and The Big Lead is reporting this as well, that former Boston Globe Red Sox beat writer Gordon Edes will join ESPN Boston after the World Series. For his part, Edes did not confirm or deny the story when contacted by The Big Lead. Edes is currently the national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports.

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

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Time for the Friday Megalinks as usual. Let’s get to these while we can.

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.

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Here we go with the Friday megalinks. Of course, there’s the Weekend Viewing Picks which contain the sports viewing for the weekend. Let’s do the links.

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.

Popularity: 8% [?]

It’s raining here in Southern New England and with a washout expected for the entire weekend, why not give you the megalinks so you can peruse any time while you look for something to keep you busy.

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.

Popularity: 9% [?]

According to Scott MacKay’s blog on WRNI.org, Providence Journal sports editor Art Martone is leaving the paper to join Comcast SportsNet’s new online venture.

The really interesting part of this post is the last paragraph, which reads:

For Martone, the new post is a good opportunity. Reportedly joining Martone in the new venture is Globe hockey sportswriter Kevin Paul DuPont, McAdam and former Journal sportswriter and football beat guy Tom Curran.

Those are three pretty big names in the local market that could be going to the new CSNNE.com. The site recently had a makeover, and has had Michael Felger providing Patriots content for the last few weeks.

Right now I don’t know if Dupont, McAdam and Curran would be leaving their current positions, though it would seem likely. Dupont has been with The Boston Globesince the 1970’s, making this a huge leap for him, if he is calling it with quits with the paper. McAdam is a good friend of Martone, and the two worked together for years at the Providence Journal, along with Tom Curran, who is currently a national football writer for NBCSports.com

Popularity: 10% [?]

Looks like things have cleared up so I can do the Friday megalinks early and actually finish during the day which is a good thing.

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.

Popularity: 8% [?]

With TBS having the rights to the Red Sox-Angels series, NESN still plans to cover the ALDS as best as it can with wrap around programming. As it has in previous years, NESN will provide pre and postgame shows. Tom Caron will host. Analysts Jerry Remy and Jim Rice will join him. Here’s NESN’s schedule for Thursday and Friday.

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.

Popularity: 7% [?]