2011 Approval Ratings – Mike Giardi

A Norwood native, Mike Giardi joined NECN in 2000 as a sports reporter and host of the weekend edition of Sports LateNight. When NECN was absorbed into Comcast SportsNet, Giardi came along, and has been very visible as an anchor/reporter, especially during the Bruins playoff run.

Giardi is very active on Twitter, (@MikeGiardi) particularly during Bruins and Patriots games. Giardi holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Boston University.

He began his broadcast career at WIVT-TV in Binghamton, New York.

Mike Giardi 2011 Approval Ratings
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Local and National Stanley Cup Finals Coverage

Here is a roundup of the local and national coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals.

From the NHL:

2011 STANLEY CUP FINAL TO FEATURE VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS. BOSTON BRUINS

NEW YORK (May 27, 2011) – The 2011 Stanley Cup Final will feature the Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks and the Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins.

Based on their superior regular-season performance, the Canucks will host Games One and Two of the Stanley Cup Final, as well as Games Five and Seven, if necessary.  Games Three and Four will be hosted by the Bruins, as well as game Six, if necessary.

NBC will telecast Games One and Two and, if necessary, Games Five through Seven of the best-of-seven series in the U.S., while VERSUS will broadcast Games Three and Four. In Canada, CBC and RDS will provide coverage for the entire series. All games also will be carried on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

NHL Network, the League’s 24-hour, all-access pass to the most comprehensive hockey coverage, will feature special programming surrounding the Stanley Cup Final.  NHL.com will continue to provide extensive digital coverage.

2011 Stanley Cup Final Schedule

Game                Date                 Time (ET)        Vancouver vs. Boston                Networks
Game 1                Wed., June 1        8:00 p.m.         Boston at Vancouver                CBC, NBC, RDS

Game 2                Sat., June 4        8:00 p.m.         Boston at Vancouver                CBC, NBC, RDS

Game 3                Mon., June 6        8:00 p.m.         Vancouver at Boston                   VERSUS, CBC, RDS

Game 4                Wed., June 8         8:00 p.m.         Vancouver at Boston                VERSUS, CBC, RDS

*Game 5        Fri., June 10          8:00 p.m.         Boston at Vancouver                CBC, NBC, RDS

*Game 6        Mon., June 13        8:00 p.m.         Vancouver at Boston                NBC, CBC, RDS

*Game 7        Wed., June 15        8:00 p.m.        Boston at Vancouver                 CBC, NBC, RDS

* – If necessary
All times listed are Eastern Time

### 5/27/2011
From NESN:
NESN ANNOUNCES PLANS TO EXPAND BRUINS COVERAGE FOR STANLEY CUP FINAL

Daily Live Coverage Begins Tuesday, May 31 with Series Preview

 

BOSTON, MA – NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, will expand its coverage of the Bruins during the Stanley Cup Final to include daily live shows beginning with a special series preview edition of Bruins Face-Off LIVE on Tuesday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. NESN.com, already the region’s most popular hockey site, will also enhance its Bruins coverage for the Stanley Cup Final with more daily reports, expert opinions, cutting-edge analysis, original videos and other interactive features.

 

“As NESN’s ratings have shown, New England’s sports fans are supporting the Bruins in record numbers this season while relying on our team of experts since training camp opened in September for the most knowledgeable and in-depth coverage,” said Sean McGrail, NESN’s President and CEO.  “With the Bruins now in the Stanley Cup Final we are excited to deliver an unprecedented amount of live coverage with up-to-the minute reports on NESN.com.”

 

NESN’s daily live Bruins programming will consist of pre and post-game coverage before and after every game along with special editions of Bruins Face-Off LIVE airing on the team’s off days.  For Bruins home games, Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by Hess will continue to originate from NESN’s TD Garden studio.  After each game, Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE will feature interviews and instant reaction from NESN’s team of hockey analysts.

 

NESN’s Bruins studio host Kathryn Tappen will be joined by studio analysts Gord Kluzak, Barry Pederson, and play-by-play voice Jack Edwards throughout the series. Bruins game analyst Andy Brickley, rink-side reporter Naoko Funayama and NESN.com beat writer Doug Flynn will travel with the team to deliver in-arena coverage from Vancouver.

 

NESN’s Bruins Stanley Cup Final Programming Schedule

Tuesday, May 31 Bruins Face-Off LIVE (30 min. preview special) 5:30 PM
 

Wednesday, June 1

Game 1 Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by HESS (90 min.) 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM
 

Thursday, June 2

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:30 PM
 

Friday, June 3

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:30 PM
 

Saturday, June 4

Game 2 Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by Hess 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM
 

Sunday, June 5

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 9:30 PM
 

 

Monday, June 6

Game 3 Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by HESS (90 min.) 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM
 

Tuesday, June 7

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:30 PM
 

Wednesday, June 8

Game 4 Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by Hess 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM
 

Thursday, June 9

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:30 PM
 

Friday, June 10

Game 5* Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by Hess 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM
 

Saturday, June 11

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:00 PM
 

Sunday, June 12

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:00 PM
 

Monday, June 13

Game 6* Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by HESS (90 min.) 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM
 

Tuesday, June 14

Bruins Face-Off LIVE 5:30 PM
 

Wednesday, June 15

Game 7* Bruins Face-Off LIVE presented by HESS 6:30 PM
Ace Ticket Bruins Overtime LIVE 10:45 PM

 

*= If Necessary

From Comcast SportsNet:

COMCAST SPORTSNET TO OFFER COMPREHENSIVE NIGHTLY AND GAME-DAY COVERAGE OF BRUINS-CANUCKS STANLEY CUP FINALS

BURLINGTON, MA – The Boston Bruins have returned to the Stanley Cup Finals and seek their first Cup since 1972. Comcast SportsNet will offer the region’s most comprehensive coverage of the series before and after the nationally exclusive telecasts on either NBC or VERSUS.
 Comcast SportsNet’s nightly coverage of the Bruins-Canucks series will begin every evening at 6:00 p.m. with Chevrolet SportsNet Central. Anchors/reporters Mike Giardi and Kevin Walsh and CSNNE.com Bruins Insider Joe Haggerty will provide extensive nightly reports. The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Bob Beers and VERSUS/NBC hockey analysts are expected to contribute to Comcast SportsNet’s nightly and game night coverage.

As a lead-in to NBC’s and VERSUS’ game-night coverage, Comcast SportsNet will also host a one-hour Chevrolet SportsNet Central Extra at 7:00 p.m. with Michael Felger and Tony Amonte in-studio previewing the game and Giardi, Walsh and Haggerty reporting live from inside the arena.  NBC is airing Games 1, 2 and VERSUS games 3 and 4. If necessary, NBC will provide coverage of games 5, 6 and 7. All telecasts begin 8 p.m.

Following every NBC and VERSUS national high-definition telecast, Comcast SportsNet will host a one-hour post-game Chevrolet SportsNet Central Extra, which will feature in-depth analysis and player interviews along with player and coach press conferences.

Comcast SportsNet’s coverage will also extend to CSNNE.com where Giardi and Haggerty will file post-game editions of the Great American Hockey Show after each Bruins-Canucks game. CSNNE.com will also feature an in-depth “Game Story” package following each game that features a game summary, player(s) of the game profile; analysis on the game’s “turning point” and a “by the numbers” breakdown.

The Comcast SportsNet live coverage surrounding NBC’s and VERSUS’ game telecasts is as follows:

Wednesday, June 1
6 p.m. –  SportsNet Central
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
8 p.m. – Bruins vs. Canucks Game 1 on NBC
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
12 p.m. – Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central

Saturday, June 4
6 p.m. – SportsNet Central (Live)
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra (Live)
8 p.m. – Bruins vs. Canucks Game 2 on NBC
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central (Live)

Monday, June 6
6 p.m. – SportsNet Central
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
8 p.m. – Canucks vs. Bruins Game 3 on VERSUS
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
12 p.m. – Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central

Wednesday, June 8
6 p.m. – SportsNet Central
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
8 p.m. – Canucks vs. Bruins Game 4 on VERSUS
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
12 p.m. – Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central

Friday, June 10*
6 p.m. – SportsNet Central
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
8 p.m. – Bruins vs. Canucks Game 5 on NBC
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
12 p.m. – Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central

Monday, June 13*
6 p.m. – SportsNet Central
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
8 p.m. –  Canucks vs. Bruins Game 6 on NBC
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
12 p.m. – Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central

Wednesday, June 15
6 p.m. – SportsNet Central
7 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
8 p.m. – Bruins vs. Canucks Game 7 on NBC
11 p.m. – SportsNet Central Extra
12 p.m. – Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight
1 a.m. – SportsNet Central
###

2011 Approval Ratings – Michael Felger

As polarizing a figure as there is in the Boston sports media right now, you either love Felger or hate him. (This should make it easier for those clamoring for a apathy option in the poll.)

Felger is the afternoon co-host of the Felger and Massarotti show on 98.5 The SportsHub. He is also host of CSNNE’s Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight and Sports Sunday.

Felger broke into the local sports scene with the Boston Herald in 1989. During the 90′s the worked his way up to the Revolution and Bruins beats, before becoming the Patriots beat writer. Around that time, he started to become a presence on local radio and television shows, his battles with Nick Cafardo and Ron Boges on WBZ’s Sports Final during the early part of the decade are legendary.

As the decade went on, Felger phased out his writing, dropping to a smaller and smaller role at the Herald while increasing his on-air gigs. He became a night host on CSNNE, and hosted his radio own show on the old ESPN 890, and then hopped over to WEEI.com for a short time before becoming the biggest name hire at 98.5 when it launched in the summer of 2009.

Felger’s Mohegan Sun bio reads:

As a self described impartial observer of the Boston sports scene, Mike Felger revels in his ability to play devil’s advocate and singe local sports fans for their unabashed homerism. Felger has been bringing that attitude to Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight and Sports Sunday. He pens weekly Patriots summaries, Patriots’ Report Cards and a weekly mailbag.

Interestingly, when we did this series the last time, the first reader comment on Felger’s post read “Secretly works for Patriots PR dept.”

My, how things have changed.

Felger is originally from Milwaukee and a graduate of Boston University. He is married to FOX25 reporter/anchor Sara Underwood.

Michael Felger 2011 Approval Ratings
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2011 Approval Ratings – Joe Haggerty

If you missed it, see yesterday’s post for what this is all about.

Over the last couple of years, Joe Haggerty has blossomed into one of the most ubiquitous members of the Boston sports media. Web, Radio, Television, Twitter, Haggerty is everywhere.

Not bad for a guy not too long ago was doing his best to get noticed while working for the Woburn Daily Times Chronicle, Boston Metro, and even his own blog. Haggerty got a major break when he was hired by Rob Bradford for WEEI.com. He then moved onto CSNNE.com, where he has really thrived, becoming one of the real go-to-guys locally for Bruins and hockey talk.

The tagline on his Twitter profile reads I want people to see me walk down the street and say ‘there goes Joe Haggerty, the best sportswriter there ever was. That sentence is an accurate snapshot of the ambition with which Haggerty has taken his career.

Joe Haggerty 2011 Approval Ratings
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Local Impacts of Comcast/NBC Merger

An early meeting that went late, along with the arrival of a Blackberry Playbook have sabotaged the morning links. Check CelticsLinks.com for all the coverage of last night’s Celtics win.

The recent combining of Comcast and NBC was a huge, controversial move that changes the face of network and cable television. It also will have an impact locally, some effects of which are already being seen, and others which may come down the line in time.

One item that has already happened is NBC using Comcast SportsNet personalities for national broadcasts. Carolyn Manno of CSNNE was utilized as a reporter during NBC’s recent “Hockey Day in America” event. In their release hyping the event, the NBC Sports group said the following:

Both “Hockey Day” and the “Heritage Classic” have been identified by NBCUniversal’s Marketing Council as cross-channel priorities. They will receive extensive promotion across NBC Universal’s 20 channels and more than 40 websites. These events for the first time leverage the newly-expanded resources of the NBC Sports Group by combining the national media assets of NBC Sports and VERSUS and the local insight from storied hockey markets like Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia served by Comcast SportsNet.

Another development along these same lines was the deal that NBC/Comcast just signed with the National Hockey League. This deal could impact NESN locally in terms of more nationally televised games, including the playoffs. Dick Ebersol, the Chairman of the NBC Sports Group said in a release announcing the agreement:  “What’s particularly exciting for us is not only the significant increase in regular season games, but the reality of a dream that every single playoff game will air on an NBC Sports Group platform.”

While an emphasis was made on NHL games increasing games by 200% on VERSUS, (which will be renamed to something with NBC in it sometime in the next 90 days) could a few Bruins playoff games be taken away from NESN and actually aired on their competitor here in New England, Comcast SportsNet? It sounds like a possibility.

In addition to the NHL, could NFL telecasts see an impact as well? When the Colts come into Gillette on December 4th, could you see local personalities involved with the broadcast? Utilized as reporters, or having segments prepared by or hosted from CSNNE studios?

Another item that NBC has been doing is creating local news sites around the country, much like ESPN has done with their local sites such as ESPNBoston.com. They’ve created sites in New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Diego. While there isn’t an NBCBoston.com just yet, on the sports side, they already have something substantial in place here with CSNNE.com. Could we see an integration there with CSNNE.com and NBC? You’ve already seen more NBC Sports content being used on CSNNE.com (Such as material from ProFootballTalk.com) and more is likely to come, especially on the hockey side, I would guess.

John Ourand of Sports Business Daily raised another possibility today. He reported today that CSN Bay Area will be producing live daily sports news segments for the over-the-air NBC affiliate in the Bay Area, which will air during the 6:00pm and 11:00pm newscasts. Ourand points out that this “could provide a model in other markets where Comcast owns an RSN and NBC owns a local broadcast affiliate.” CSNNE already does with the NECN newscasts. Could WHDH here in Boston go under a similar arrangement?

It is still very early on in this partnership, which is why so many of the above paragraphs ended with question marks. But one thing seems clear, we will see an impact here in our sports coverage as a result.

Felger/Tanguay “Dustup” – Real or Contrived?

So I’m a day late on this one, having had yesterday wiped out with an illness, so I’m catching up with this Gary Tanguay/Michael Felger dustup on Sunday/Monday.

It apparently started with Felger’s comments on Sports Sunday, following the Celtics win over the Timberwolves:

Felger started off his show by saying that Tanguay was “afraid” to cover what Felger thought was the “real” story following the game. Felger believes Rondo was sat down on Sunday as a discipline issue.

Tanguay shot back on Twitter:

Felger is a back stabbibg SOB who cannot be trusted. I am going crush him on the radio.
@Gary_Tanguay
Gary Tanguay
I used to think he was a good guy. I was wrong!
@Gary_Tanguay
Gary Tanguay

Tanguay then did appear on the Felger and Massarotti show on 98.5 yesterday. Here is the segment.

Tanguay takes issue with Felger’s comments, and sounds genuinely agitated about how Felger portrayed Tanguay’s take. Tanguay claims that he actually told Felger before the show that Rondo was sitting down for more than just the finger injury that the team announced, and said that he mentioned this on the air as well.

Felger says the issue is with “tonality,” but that Tanguay is guilty for not covering that real angle more, and that everyone who covers the team is “in the bag.”

Then last night, Tommy Heinsohn came to the defense of Tangauy, ripping Felger:

So what do you think? Is this a real feud, or contrived? I’m always skeptical about incidents like this, especially when all the material is freely available on the media outlet’s web sites. If there were a true argument or spat between personalities, I’m not sure it would be so easily available. Tanguay does appear grieved at how he was portrayed by Felger, though I’m sure some of that was being played up.

Attemping The Friday Megalinks

I’m going to try to finish off the megalinks tonight while watching the NCAA Tournament. This is not guaranteed to work, but I’ll do my best.

The Weekend Viewing Picks have everything you need for your TV planning.

Let’s get to your links.

National

USA Today’s Dueling Mikes return, Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy argue whether a player-less NFL Draft would make for good television.

Mike McCarthy notes the ratings for the first real day of NCAA Tournament action on the networks of CBS/Turner.

Mike says CBS broke into the NCAA Tournament to air the President Obama statement on Libya today.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch says CBS/Turner will likely change Charles Barkley’s role for next year’s NCAA Tournament.

The St. Petersburg Times’ Eric Deggans, writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, says the March Madness on Demand app is not without its glitches.

Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter notes that Damon Wayans will play the lead character in a sitcom based on ESPN Radio hack Colon Cowherd.

Michael Malone of Broadcasting & Cable says CBS local affiliates are sad they can’t air schools from their local markets, but they understand the new TV landscape.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News notes the increase of visitors to the NCAA’s March Madness on Demand platforms this year.

Mike also looks at the increased ratings for the opening day of the NCAA Tournament, their highest in 20 years.

Alex Frutkin of Mediaweek says Speed has set its summer schedule in stone.

Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid notes that CBS/Turner NCAA Tournament sideline reporter Jaime Maggio has caught the eye of many viewers.

Dan has the great video of Gus Johnson’s call of the frantic ending of George Mason-Villanova. Great call from Gus.

Matthew DeGeorge of SportsGrid says a San Diego sports anchor almost got run over during a live shot in Arizona.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser talks with MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds.

Marcus says an MMA blog has been banned from an upcoming UFC event for leaking photos of a Playboy photo shoot of ring girl, Arianny Celeste.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that Gus Johnson has trademarked his own catchphrase.

Darren questions the annual story that the NCAA Tournament hurts work productivity.

Puck The Media’s Steve Lepore isn’t too happy about NBC’s NHL decisions.

Gossip Sports lists the Top 10 Gus Johnson moments in college basketball. These are totally great moments.

Jim Weber of Lost Letterman explains why despite Gus Johnson’s popularity, he won’t call the Final Four as long as Jim Nantz is at CBS Sports.

The Sports Media Watch says the MLS season opener did quite well for ESPN.

SMW says ESPN received record ratings for Championship Week.

And SMW notes that ESPN had a very good week for the NBA.

Ken Kerschbaumer from Sports Video Group says ESPN’s E:60 will produce 3-D features for the ESPN 3D audience which totals about 25.

East and Mid-Atlantic

The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn celebrates 30 seasons of Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn as TV voices of the Celtics.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks about a Brave New World for airing the NCAA Tournament.

Newsday’s Neil Best discusses how this year’s CBS control room was more relaxed for the NCAA Tournament as compared to past years.

Neil says a YES analyst is expected to return this season after a year’s absence.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post is wary of athlete apologies.

The Post’s Justin Terranova has five questions for ESPN NBA analyst Jon Barry.

From Fishbowl NY, Jerry Barmash reports that long time WCBS-AM Sports Director Jared Max is leaving the station.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says a local radio has the NCAA Tournament covered.

Pete looks at the combined ratings for CBS/TBS/TNT/truTV on the first day of the NCAA Tournament.

Pete asks why not have a Red Zone Channel for the NCAA Tournament?

Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog looks at Donovan McNabb working as a college basketball analyst.

Cindy Boren of the Post’s Early Lead says NFL Films President Steve Sabol will undergo surgery for a brain tumor. Let’s hope all goes well.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner takes a look at the American LeMans racing series airing races live on ESPN3.com, then having its races air in condensed format later.

South

To the Miami Herald and Barry Jackson who looks at the local sports radio scene.

The St. Petersburg Times’ Tom Jones talks with CBS’ Ian Eagle who has to really do his homework for the four games he called Thursday for the NCAA Tournament.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle writes that the staggered tip times have helped the early ratings of the NCAA Tournament on CBS/Turner.

David talks about how CBS/Turner handled the President Obama statement on Libya during its NCAA Tournament coverage.

Jenni Carlson of the Daily Oklahoman says the NCAA Tournament is tempting fans to stay home and watch the games instead of attending them in person.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer instructs readers how to find NCAA Tournament games on Saturday.

Michael Zuidema from the Grand Rapids (MI) Press looks at some of the sports media oddities to arise from this year’s college basketball postseason.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel loves the way CBS/Turner is handling the NCAA Tournament.

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

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune says an ESPN Chicago host who was arrested on DUI charges has entered rehab.

Dan Caesar from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch likes the CBS/Turner collaboration on the NCAA Tournament.

Dan says former Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace has bought a piece of two local sports radio stations.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Salt Lake Tribune says CBS is big into BYU’s Jimmer Fredette.

And Scott says the Utah women will be seen on ESPN2 on Saturday.

John Maffei from the North County Times has San Diego Padres and San Diego State University basketball voice Ted Leitner amazed at the ride he’s been calling this season.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News talks with CBS/Turner’s Steve Kerr about working the NCAA Tournament.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail wonders if TSN can make a dent in the local sports radio scene.

The Canadian Sports Media blog critiques TSN’s first year of handling the NCAA Tournament.

And we are done with the megalinks.

Celtics To Honor 30 Seasons of Heinsohn and Gorman

The Boston Celtics will honor the CSNNE broadcast duo of Tom Heinsohn and Mike Gorman prior to tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers.

During a pre-game ceremony, Celtics CEO and Co-owner Wyc Grousbeck and Celtics Captain Paul Pierce will present commemorative Celtics jerseys with the number “30” to Mike and Tommy on center court.

Comcast SportsNet will have live coverage of the presentation and special features throughout its telecast of the game.

On Friday at 7:30 p.m., Comcast SportsNet will debut 30 Seasons of Mike & Tommy, a special retrospective on Mike and Tommy’s broadcast career. 30 Seasons of Mike & Tommy will relive their best highlights and signature calls; include a candid sit-down in which Mike and Tommy interview each other; and tributes from celebrities, players and NBA dignitaries. The special will also feature segments on their beginning, the Garden, the 90’s, Tommy vs. the referees, Tommy Points, “I love Walter,” “Got It,” and their 1000th game.

On a related note, the website Awful Announcing has an interview with the decidedly-not-awful Gorman.

 

Celtics Enjoying Best Season Ever on CSNNE

Here is some information passed along by Comcast SportsNet New England:

The Celtics are on pace to set multiple ratings benchmarks on Comcast SportsNet New England this season. The team is on track for the highest-rated season in the network’s 30-year Celtics history. Through 46 games this season, Comcast SportsNet is averaging a 4.7 rating, which equals an estimated 188,000 New England homes, a 42 percent increase over the 3.3 average rating posted this time last season. Comcast SportsNet is on pace to shatter its previous season-high rating record of 3.5, posted during the 2008-09 season. Since Comcast SportsNet purchased the network in 2007, ratings for the Celtics have increased 176 percent.

During the season, Comcast SportsNet has set all-time highs for a single regular season game telecast, season opener telecast, as well as pre-game and post game shows.

Highlights from the season include:

  • Highest rated regular season telecast in history – 7.5 rating (estimated 300,000 New England homes) on November 17, 2010
  • Highest rated post-game show in history (including playoffs) – 4.9 rating (196,000 New England homes) for New England Ford Dealers Celtics Postgame Live on January 5, 2011
  • Highest rated pre-game show in history (including playoffs) – 2.6 rating (estimated 104,000 New England homes) for Celtics Pre-Game Live presented by Ace Tickers on February 10, 2011
  • Highest rated first telecast of the season – 5.6 (224,000 New England homes) for Celtics vs. Cavaliers on October, 27, 2010
  • 110 percent increase in Celtics Postgame Live – 2.4 vs. 1.2.
  • 32 percent increase in Celtics Pre-Game Live – 9 vs. .7.
  • Two telecasts surpassing a 7.0 rating (only one other in network history)
  • Eight regular season telecasts surpassing a 6.0 rating (previous high – two games in 2008-09)
  • 146 percent increase with females 25-54 on 2010-11 telecasts – 2.36 vs. .96

During the season, Comcast SportsNet has shared 11 telecasts with national networks ESPN and TNT and Comcast SportsNet’s telecasts, featuring 30-year telecast tandem Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn, have out rated the national competitors by 88 percent.

******************

With the NBA All Star Game this weekend, look at what some of the seats around the Staples Center are going for:

Celtics Topping Bruins In Winter Ratings Battles

This week, Sports Business Journal has a look at the local TV ratings for the NHL and NBA teams  at the midpoint of their respective seasons.

SBJ is normally a subscription site, but today only the site is free for all.

Locally, the numbers are interesting, and impressive. Both the Celtics (CSSNE) and Bruins (NESN) are in the top five of their leagues for ratings numbers – actually, both teams are fifth in their leagues.

In his article on the NBA ratings (Rise and fall of LeBron’s teams) John Ourand has the Celtics picking up a 4.81 average rating on CSNNE, reaching and average of 118,00 households (which is actually third in the NBA).

The teams ahead of the Celtics in terms of ratings are the Spurs (10.1), Jazz (6), Heat (5.4) and Lakers (4.9).

Looking at the NHL ratings (NHL viewership trends tied to hockey tradition, Northern exposure),  Ourand reports that the Bruins have a 2.77 average rating on NESN, trailing the Penguins (9.05), Sabres (6.51), Red Wings (4.03) and Blue (3.29). Boston averages 68,000 households, which is fourth in the NHL. The Bruins ratings on NESN are up 36% over last year, which is the second largest increase in the NHL, behind the Blues, which are up 41% over last year.

Another article of local interest from SBJ: Massachusetts sets pace in team lottery games

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