The Red Sox "are so intent on stemming the fall of their TV
rights value that they've hired highly successful negotiator
Barry Frank," according to a report in Saturday's BOSTON HERALD.
Frank heads Trans World Int'l, IMG's TV arm. Jim Baker reports
that Red Sox CEO John Harrington "so liked" Frank's work on MLB's
deal with Fox and NBC that he is bringing him on board to review
bids for the team's contract. WABU's one-year deal expires at
the end of this season (BOSTON HERALD, 6/8). The Sox want a new
deal "by the end of this month" (Jack Craig, BOSTON GLOBE, 6/8).
COACHES' CORNER: In New York, Bob Raissman writes the
signing of John Calipari will provide a short-term ratings boost
for SportsChannel New York's "anemic Nets package." Also, expect
SC to give Calipari "an expanded coach's show" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS,
6/9). Detroit's WXYT-AM has signed a deal with Lions coach Wayne
Fontes giving the station exclusive rights to his coach's show.
Fontes had been with WWJ, which was beat out for Lions rights by
WXYT on a five-year deal that starts this season. Sources say
WXYT's deal is "far in excess" of the reported $40,000 Fontes was
paid last season by WWJ (Kupelian & O'Hara, DETROIT NEWS, 6/9).
