As federal regulators expanded their probe into charges that
Fox Broadcasting's TV stations are "illegally controlled," a gag
order was placed on those involved in the case.  The FCC issued a
"formal gag order" to Fox execs and their attorneys as well as to
the NAACP New York Chapter.  The order "highlights both the high-
profile nature of the dispute and the political stakes for the
FCC" (Paul Farhi, WASHINGTON POST, 12/8).  The NAACP challenged
Fox's New York license, "arguing Fox is a foreign-owned company"
in violation of FCC policy (Bill Carter, N.Y. TIMES, 12/8).  NBC
launched a similar challenge last week.
     STOCK WATCH:  News Corp.'s shares fell to a two-year low
amid "uncertainty" over NBC's challenge (AP, 12/8).

     USA TODAY will expand its on-line computer services and
start by "converting the paper's existing on-line service, the
Sports Center."  USA TODAY will move to a Microsoft Windows
format and continue to provide "up-to-date statistics for fantasy
league players and other sports enthusiasts" (USA TODAY,
12/8)....Time Warner will unveil its long-delayed interactive
television network next week in Orlando, FL (WALL STREET JOURNAL,
12/7)....The Clippers have their games broadcast in Mandarin
Chinese.  They join nine other NBA teams that offer non-English
broadcasts (Mike Hiestand, USA TODAY, 12/8)....Fox is changing
its Sunday night schedule.  Despite a strong lead-in from the
NFL, ratings are lower than expected (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/8).