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Closing Bell

Closing Bell, July 16, 2003

The Daily Insider
Afternoon News & Headlines
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
4:00pm ET

NFL Officially Announces Deal With Bayer Pharmacuticals, GlaxoSmithKline

Memphis Redbirds To Host Triple-A All-Star Game Tonight At AutoZone Park

Sabres To Play Regular Season Game Against Devils In Rochester Next Season

FSN To Air Two-Hour “Beyond The Glory” Tonight, Featuring Mike Tyson

A-B Today Announces Multi-Year Agreement With BMW WilliamsF1 Team

Buzzer Beaters/Tonight’s Events/Channel Surfing/In Other News/The Daily Stat


NFL OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES BAYER-GSK PARTNERSHIP TODAY

Asfirst reported in sister publication SportsBusinessJournal, the NFL today officially announced a three-year sponsorshipagreement with Bayer Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline, the first leaguesponsorship with pharmaceutical companies. The deal names the two companies as “Proud Sponsors of the NFL,” andgives them exclusivity in the men’s health category. The two companies are planning on co-promoting and co-developingerectile dysfunction drug Levitra, which has yet to receive FDA approval (THEDAILY).


ESPN2 TO AIR TRIPLE-A ALL-STARGAME TONIGHT FROM MEMPHIS

The Triple-A All-Star Gametakes place tonight at 7:00pm CT at 14,320-seat AutoZone Park in Memphis. The game between the PCL and Int’l LeagueAll-Stars will be broadcast live on ESPN2. The Memphis Redbirds, who paid a $75,000 fee to host the event, havesold almost 10,000 advance tickets. Only one of the first fifteen Triple-A All-Star Games has failed to drawat least 10,000 fans. Redbirds President& GM Dave Chase estimated that the final price tag for the event“will be around $500,000,” but added that he “expects to break even” thanks toAutoZone’s presenting sponsorship, which is “in the six figures” (MEMPHISCOMMERCIAL APPEAL, 7/13).

In addition to presentingsponsor AutoZone, other sponsors for the event include International Paper,Peter Piper Pickles, Old Navy, the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau,Memphis Radio Group and Baseball America (MEMPHIS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/11issue).

Sporting News Radio willoffer the game to its affils for the third consecutive year, as well as make itavailable via Armed Forces Radio (Sporting News Radio).


GOLISANO EXTENDING REACH OFSABRES WITH ROCHESTER GAME

TheROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE reports that the Sabres will play the Devilsin a regular-season game at 11,200-seat Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial,home of the Sabres’ AHL affil, the Rochester Americans. The game, which will be played inmid-November, is the product of one of Owner B. Thomas Golisano’s statedgoals, to “expand the market eastward from Buffalo, to Rochester andbeyond.” That the Devils will be theopponent “should mean a quick sellout” (ROCHESTERDEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 7/16).


FSN, ESPN TO FACE OFF TONIGHT ON SLOWEST SPORTS DAY OF YEAR

ESPNwill host the 11th Annual ESPY Awards live from Hollywood’s KodakTheatre at 9:00pm ET. Comedian JamieFoxx will host. Prior to the event,the net will air a red-carpet special at 8:00pm ET, preceded by special ESPYeditions of “PTI” at 7:00pm and “Around the Horn” at 7:30pm. “PTI” co-Hosts Michael Wilbon and TonyKornheiser will wear white tuxedos while picking their ESPY winners,interview coach-of-the-year nominee Jim Boeheim (Syracuse men’sbasketball) and dissect the ESPY gift bag. “Around the Horn” host Max Kellerman and crew will argue eachcategory, with black-tie banter including a comparison of ESPY host Jamie Foxxand Redd Foxx (ESPN).

Opposite the ESPY Awards,FSN will air a special two-hour edition of “Beyond the Glory” featuring formerheavyweight champion Mike Tysonat 8:00pm ET. Producer David Michaels conducted four interviews withTyson totaling 12 hours in various settings. Ice-T will narrate the documentary (FSN).

ESPN Exec VP/Programming& Production Mark Shapiro, on FSN's counter-programming: “All the power to them. They are capitalizing on the same thing: anempty night in sports. The ESPY’s arepowerful original programming. A MikeTyson documentary, while good, has been done several times before.” Fox Senior VP/Media Relations Lou D'Ermilio said the "ESPYs were a non-factor" in the decision to place Tyson opposite them. D'Ermilio added that because of the lack of MLB games tonight, the Wednesday after the All-Star Game is the one night we can provide full clearance across our networks" of 80 million homes (USATODAY, 7/16).

The following presents reviews of the FSN documentary:

InS.F., Steve Kroner writes, “Michaels profiled Tyson in a way that neitherdemonizes the former heavyweight champ nor makes the audience sympathize withthe fighter. … At the beginning of the documentary, Tyson’s introspective,often self-loathing comments are somewhat shocking. By the middle of the program, they become insightful. Near the end of the show, they’re simplyboring” (S.F.CHRONICLE, 7/16).

InIndianapolis, John O’Neill wrote, “This show is about much more than therape. This is a character study. And in that context, studying Tyson is likestriking gold” (INDIANAPOLISSTAR, 7/12).

InN.Y., Richard Sandomir wrote, “The series has been worth avoiding since itbegan in 2001, but in the Tyson biography, it has produced a work equal toanything by ESPN’s ‘SportsCentury’ or HBO Sports” (N.Y.TIMES, 7/14).

InChicago, Michael Hirsley writes, “It is a solid profile despite too many interludesfeaturing Tyson’s pigeons” (CHICAGOTRIBUNE, 7/16).

In Palm Beach, Hal Habib writes, “Tyson sympathizers – if there are suchpeople – will walk away saying it’s the first time they’ve seen him in thislight. Tyson critics will walk awaywith stomachs aching worse than Evander Holyfield’s ear” (PALMBEACH POST, 7/16).

InBoston, Bill Griffith wrote, “It’s tough to take it because much is vulgar,in-your-face, and there’s certainly violence against women. … Still, it’s hardto turn away, wondering what’s coming next” (BOSTONGLOBE, 7/15).

InHouston, David Barron wrote, “This is a downright depressing show, and there’snot even a pretense at a gauzy, maybe-things-will-get-better ending” (HOUSTONCHRONICLE, 7/14).

InAtlanta, Mike Tierney writes, “As the credits roll, you might feel like apsychiatrist after a long session with a troubled patient, faced with whetherto diagnose manic depression. Or aPeeping Tom, peering into someone’s dark soul. Or a clairvoyant witness to an impending train wreck. It’s eerie. It’s disgusting. And it’sfascinating” (ATLANTACONSTITUTION, 7/16).


BUZZER BEATERS

SportingNews this week offers its “NFL Training Camp Preview” with Bucs DT WarrenSapp on the cover.

Sporting News

A-Btoday announced a multi-year agreement under which Budweiser will serve as anofficial sponsor of the BMW WilliamsF1 team, marking the brand’s firstsponsorship in F1. As part of theagreement, the Budweiser logo will be featured on the racecars driven by JuanPablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher (A-B).

Asfirst reported in The Daily, FSN Northwest and the Seahawks todayofficially announced a marketing and programming partnership under which thenet becomes the cable TV home of the team. FSN Northwest will air the Seahawks’ four preseason games, “The MikeHolmgren Show” and a new program, “Q&A with Mike Holmgren” (FSNNorthwest).

TheFootball Network today announced a partnership with Viacom-owned Spike TV,formerly known as TNN, to air an original hour of programming each week. Two half-hour shows, “Fantasy Football 2003”and “Football 101,” will air Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am ET, beginning August30. Rebroadcast times have yet to bedetermined (The Football Network).

CBSSports today announced that it will introduce a new promotional campaign tolaunch the ’03 NFL season, with the tagline, “Getting Ready For The NFLSeason?” Rapper Ja Rule’s voicewill be featured on all four in-house produced spots (CBS Sports).

ESPNtoday announced that Deion Sanders will serve as the new host of “TheNew American Sportsman.” The seasonpremieres September 8 at 10:00pm ET (ESPN).

USAHockey today announced the renewal of its exclusive official sponsorshipagreement with Bauer Nike Hockey through ’06. Under the agreement, Bauer Nike Hockey continues as the official uniformsupplier of the IIHF, and consequently, the supplier for all of USA Hockey’snational teams (USA Hockey).

TENNISWEEK reported that Provident Bank “has signed on to be a sponsor of the Fed Cup quarterfinaltie” between the U.S. and Italy this weekend at the William H.G. FitzGeraldTennis Center in DC. Provident, whichhas “more than 100 branch offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic,” joins Comcast,Geico, Mercedes, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and the Washington Post as sponsors (TENNISWEEK, 7/15).

NYC2012has chosen N.Y.-based interactive agency R/GA as its new Web agency ofrecord. NYC2012 also launched its Web site to commemorate itsofficial nomination as the U.S. candidate to host the 2012 Olympics (NYC2012).

AOLtoday announced that it will offer AOL and AOL for Broadband customers liveround coverage of the British Open. Turner Sports Interactive, in association with PGA.com and Opengolf.com,will produce the programming. Thismarks the first year of TNT’s British Open cable deal (THE DAILY).

DAILYVARIETY reports that former Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Richard Humphreyshas “launched Japan TV, a daily hourlong ad-supported programof docs and sports available on 31 cable operators in Japan.” Programming includes past Wimbledon matchesand Olympic events (DAILYVARIETY, 7/16).

Niketoday announced that Olympic Gold Medalist Cathy Freeman will remain acompany spokesperson despite her retirement (AAP, 7/16).

EASports “NCAA Football 2004” is available in stores today. Suggested retail price is $49.95 (EASports).


A LIGHTER BUZZ

Capital One national mascot of the year, Monte from the Univ. ofMontana, has challenged Pirates 1B Randall Simon to a mascot skillscompetition, dubbed the “Ruckus For Respect.” If Simon accepts, the two will compete in five yet-to-be determinedevents, though one will include a baseball bat. Capital One has agreed to donate $10,000 to Simon’s favoritecharity for his participation. Staytuned.


TONIGHT’S EVENTS

AnnaKournikovamakes her World TeamTennis debut for the K.C. Explorers in a 7:00pm ET matchagainst the Philadelphia Freedoms at Cabrini College in Radnor, PA. Tickets range from $30-55.


CHANNELSURFING

ESPNwill air the ESPY Awards “Red CarpetShow” at 8:00pm ET.

ESPNwill air the ’03 ESPY Awards at9:00pm ET.

ESPN2will air the Triple-A All-Star Gameat 8:00pm ET.

ESPNClassic’s “SportsCentury” will profile the year 1990 at 7:00pm ET and LanceArmstrong at 8:00pm ET.

ESPN’s“Outside The Lines Nightly” willexamine the ups and downs of Kobe Bryant’s career at midnight ET. The show also examines why Dodgers OF RickeyHenderson just can’t walk away from the game.

A’sP Barry Zito will be on CBS’ “Late Show” with David Letterman at 11:35pm ET.

A&E’s“Biography” will profile Andy Griffithat 8:00pm ET.


HEADLINERS

Hereare tonight’s headline guests on the following talk shows:

“Late Show” Mandy Moore
“The Tonight Show” Tobey Maguire
“The Late Late Show” Peta Wilson
“Late Night” Kevin Pollack
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” Lenny Clarke

TODAY’S ARTICLES OF INTEREST

TheDETROIT FREE PRESS’ Mitch Albom writes, “Aw, shucks. Now that Chris Webber has called another last-minutetime-out – to cut a deal with prosecutors over felony charges – there goes mychance to be a star witness. … All the while, even as [Webber’s lawyer SteveFishman] insulted me, I kept quiet because there was a bigger issue athand: the right of journalists not to be forced to testify, a principle thatcuts at the very core of reporter-source confidentiality” (DETROIT FREEPRESS).

TheFLORIDA TIMES-UNION’s Marcia Mattson writes, “Consumers are taking anunprecedented standagainst intrusive advertising. They’re buying TiVos so they can skip commercials. They’re using pop-up-ad killers and TeleZappers. They’re lobbying Congress to pass anti-spamlegislation. … But advertisers’ counterattack is well underway, replacingin-your-face sales pitches with strategies that rely on stealth. …The future isin product placement” (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION).

SeeThe Daily Insider’s Articles ofInterest section for more sports business-related links.


TODAY’S TEASER…

Mindbenders: Which word fits best withthe following set – Educate, Bask, Utter?

  1. Open
  2. Artist
  3. Wind
  4. Feature

IN OTHERNEWS……

Oakleytoday reported Q2 ’03 results. Netsales for the quarter totaled $143.8M, down from $145.1M in the prior yearperiod. Net income totaled $18.2M, downfrom $22.3M during Q2’ 02 (Oakley).


THE DAILY STAT: PRIMETIME NIELSEN RATINGS

Thefollowing lists the final Nielsen ratings for the top ten primetime shows forthe week of July 7-13. Also providedare the weekly viewership averages for each net (USA TODAY, 7/16).

RK PROGRAM
NET
DAY
RAT/SHR
VIEWERS (IN MILLIONS)
1) For Love or Money
NBC
Mon
8.5/14
12.9
2) Law & Order (10:00pm)
NBC
Wed
8.8/16
12.4
3) CSI
CBS
Thu
8.3/14
12.3
4) Without a Trace
CBS
Thu
7.6/14
11.2
5) Everybody Loves Raymond
CBS
Mon
7.3/12
11.0
t6) CSI: Miami
CBS
Mon
7.1/12
10.3
t6) Law & Order (9:00pm)
NBC
Wed
7.2/12
10.3
8) Law & Order: CI
NBC
Sun
7.0/12
10.2
9) 60 Minutes
CBS
Sun
7.0/15
10.1
10) Law & Order: SVU
NBC
Fri
6.8/13
10.0
NET
VIEWERS
CBS
7.9
NBC
7.9
ABC
6.0
Fox
5.1
UPN
3.2
WB
2.5

…TODAY’SANSWER

Feature. The first two letters in each word in the set contain two lettersin reverse alphabetical order.


If you have any questions,comments or suggestions, please let us know at:
dailyinsider@sportsbusinessdaily.com

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