Fox TV said yesterday it will begin rating the programs it
airs for sexual and violent content. ABC, NBC, and CBS have
agreed "in principle" to such a system, but are seeking an
"industrywide agreement" (L.A. TIMES, 2/16)....The 120th edition
of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show had its highest rating
ever on USA Network, averaging a 4.0 rating over two nights. It
is an increase of 21% over last year's 3.3 (USA Network)....As
reported yesterday by Phil Mushnick, the PGA of America and NBC
Sports announced an extension of their partnership for the Ryder
Cup and PGA Seniors' Championships through 2005 (PGA
News)....SportSouth, a division of Turner Broadcasting, has
reached the 5.1 million subscriber mark within its seven state
region in the Southeast. SportSouth now reaches 80% of the
potential six million cable subscribers in the Southeast
(SportSouth).... Fox announced its NHL coverage this season has
averaged a 2.3 rating, up 15% from its 2.0 of last year (Fox
Sports). ....The "widely expected" resignation of Scott Kurnit as
President of News Corp./MCI's online venture became official
yesterday. Greg Clark, President of News Technology Group, was
named to direct the venture while former Exec VP/ Operations Jeff
Leist will become COO (AD AGE ONLINE, 2/16).
