EISNER, IGER BOTH FOND OF ESPN'S BORNSTEIN

     More from VARIETY's report that ESPN President Steve
Bornstein will assume control of ABC Sports under new Disney
ownership of both networks.  J. Max Robins reports since Disney
acquired Cap Cities/ABC, Disney Chair Michael Eisner "has had
nothing but lavish praise for the ESPN franchise."  Robins adds
Eisner made a point to keep ESPN under Bornstein even after
hiring former Nickelodeon President Geraldine Laybourne to head
the rest of ABC/Disney's cable holdings. Robins also notes
Bornstein is "well-respected" by ABC President Robert Iger, who
has watched Bornstein "deftly push the launch" of ESPN2 and
international expansion, while ABC Sports "has been repeatedly
outflanked by NBC in the rights for such franchises as the
Olympics."  Robins adds, "There is a school of thought within ABC
and Disney that says it makes sense to have all sports operations
reporting to one superjock who makes sure ABC Sports and ESPN
make the most of their combined clout" (VARIETY, 3/25-31 issue).