The Devil Rays announced a non-broadcast TV deal with
SportsChannel Florida, the cable network recently purchased by
Wayne Huizenga. The seven-year deal, which starts immediately
and runs through 2002, allows SC to televise up to 67 games each
season. The deal also could eventually "make the Devil Rays a
partner in the network," according to Bill Chastian of the TAMPA
TRIBUNE. Financial details were not disclosed, but the team
"said they have an option to buy an equity interest in the
channel" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 2/23). Gould Media Service reports the
team's option is for a 10% stake (GOULD MEDIA SERVICE, 2/22).
The team now will look for one or two local stations to broadcast
60 additional games (Marc Topkin, ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 2/23)
MORE TO COME? The Devil Rays' deal could lead to the
Lightning, Panthers and Marlins switching from the Sunshine
Network to SportsChannel. The Lightning's contract with Sunshine
ends after '96-97 and team Governor David LeFevre said Huizenga's
purchase of SportsChannel is "a very interesting development and
probably one that's good for television sports in Florida." One
"problem" for SportsChannel will be gaining access on cable
systems. Sunshine is available in 3.8 million homes, with SC in
about 1.5 million. Karen Zilski, Marketing Manager for TCI
Cablevision in Pinellas, said losing the Lightning "would
definitely hurt" Sunshine, and added demand would determine if
they would add SportsChannel (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 2/23).
NEW NAME, NEW BOSS: Dean Jordan was named President of
Front Row Communications, the newly formed holding company owned
by Huizenga to manage SportsChannel (SportsChannel).
