THE BASEBALL NETWORK: THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING

     In Chicago, Steve Nidetz criticizes The Baseball Network's
policy of blacking out non-prime time games on nights that TBN
has exclusivity.  This Friday, the Cubs day game will not be
locally broadcast because NBC has the "day-long" rights to all
MLB games.  Due to a city ordinance, the Cubs cannot have night
games on Fridays.  TBN spokesperson Dan Bell:  "We know it isn't
perfect.  But we're trying to rebuild the baseball package to
make it more attractive to advertisers."  Nidetz writes, "Isn't
it kind of silly to black out the entire day for a program that's
only going to air at night?"  Cubs Broadcast Services Coordinator
Phil Bedella:  "We agree."  Nidetz closes, after an examination
of likely playoff conflicts:  "Is it any wonder The Baseball
Network will not be missed when it dissolves after this season?"
(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/23).