The Bears' radio contract, a three-year deal signed last
year, will go to bid after the '96 season since WGN-AM decided to
exercise an out clause to reopen talks for the final two years of
the deal. The Bears say they want to have their long-term radio
future decided by October '96. WGN Programming Dir Tisa LaSorte
said it is possible they may end up signing a long-term deal with
the team, but that they wanted to "keep their options open."
Bears Dir of Marketing & Broadcasting Ken Valdiserri is hopeful
the relationship will continue "beyond 1996." In Chicago,
Michael Hirsley notes, "Low ratings and high rights fees are the
usual suspects" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/10).
NEWS & NOTES: WOR-Radio will be the new radio home of the
Nets, according to Phil Mushnick of the N.Y. POST. The deal will
be a time buy (N.Y. POST, 5/10)....Indians ratings in April on
SportsChannel Ohio were up 47% over the first month of play last
season. SportsChannel Ohio Senior VP & GM David Kline reports
the Indians consistently top three of the four broadcast nets on
game nights (SC Ohio).