In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes that Tele-TV's budget was cut by
$60M by partners Bell Atlantic, NYNEX and Pacific Telesis. The
wireless digital TV service, which plans to launch with the
Dodgers next year, still is on schedule in L.A., Boston and
Norfolk, VA -- although full interactive plans are on hold (L.A.
DAILY NEWS, 6/21)....Gary Cavilli, co-Founder of the women's
American Basketball League, said they are in negotiations with a
"national television/cable network," although he would not
specify. An ESPN spokesperson said it was too early to comment
on the possibility of carrying a women's pro league (ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 6/21)....The New York Interconnect, which
represents seven MSOs in the area, will implement a digital
system allowing them to insert ads on 16 channels instead of the
standard ten. The MSOs have selected MA-based SeaChange Int'l
and its Video Server 100 (New York Interconnect).... Magic
Johnson and Cheryl Miller will provide analysis and color
commentary on NBC's Olympic basketball coverage (NBC). ....NBC
Sports also reports, contrary to a report out of Canada
yesterday, that its embargo on use of videotape highlights from
Atlanta by other networks and non-affiliated stations will run
until 12:00 midnight when NBC's prime time coverage runs until
that time -- which is expected to be every night (THE
DAILY)....USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke calls Fox's MLB ratings
"disappointing," noting that they have fallen since Week 1 (USA
TODAY, 6/21)....In New York, Richard Sandomir notes that Fox's
"In The Zone" is averaging a 1.6, while the pre-game show
directly following is only averaging a 1.3. Sandomir: "Are kids
in 287,000 homes flipping Fox when they see the studio threesome
(average age: 37)?" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/21)....ABC announced 31-year-
old Jamie Tarses to head the network's Entertainment Division
(N.Y. TIMES, 6/21)....News Corp. has acquired a 21.4% stake in
Japan's Asahi Broadcasting (FINANCIAL TIMES, 6/21).
