FROM THE DEUCE TO THE TREY? ESPN3 COMING THIS FALL

     ESPN is finalizing plans for its 24-hour sports news and
information network -- to be called ESPN3 -- that could launch as
early as October, according to industry sources cited by INSIDE
MEDIA.  Langdon Brockinton reports, "if given the go-ahead," ESPN
could launch before the December start of CNN/SI, a similar
channel under development by CNN and Sports Illustrated.  ESPN's
goal would be to launch ESPN3 in 5 to 10 million homes.  While an
afternoon news program debuts on ESPN2 this July, that show could
be "in jeopardy" when ESPN3 comes out.  One media buyer and
another source close to ESPN's plans both see the move as a
"preemptive strike" against CNN/SI (INSIDE MEDIA, 5/13).