SURF'S UP: MEDIA NOTES

      While Fox received a lot of publicity for its high NFL
ratings in large markets, the returns from smaller markets, which
make up 45% of the nation, "were a leveler."  Fox's overall
rating fell 25% and trailed last year on CBS.  "This proves that
Fox has holes in its reach, with small UHF stations as
affiliates" (Jack Craig, BOSTON GLOBE, 9/11). ...TNT has sold
nearly 65% of the ad time for the upcoming NBA season, but
virtually all of its ad time for the NFL.  TNT is not alone with
its "rapid NFL sales pace.  It's a sellers' market, and
commercial inventory is moving faster than it has in years."  All
1st Half Super Bowl 30-second spots have been sold, with the
going price at $1.025M (INSIDE MEDIA, 9/7-20 issue).