CBS: The state of CBS Sports is profiled by Richard
Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES, who writes CBS Sports "is alive,
albeit without any of the top four sports." The division's
"headaches" lie with CBS Sports President David Kenin, whose
critics say was "unprepared for the role and took too long to
familiarize himself with CBS's personnel and properties. His
defenders say ... he brought civility and administrative skill to
a fractious, depressed division" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/24).
Westinghouse Chair Michael Jordan was profiled by Paul Farhi of
the WASHINGTON POST. After Westinghouse's purchase of CBS,
Jordan "became convinced that broadcasting was the one
Westinghouse business that held long-term promise." Farhi notes
Jordan is considering splitting the company between industrial
and media. Farhi adds, "There also have been hints of other
media acquisitions, perhaps in the cable TV business" (WASHINGTON
POST, 6/23).
FOX: Fox's MLB coverage on Saturday gained its highest
overnight rating with a 4.0 (Rudy Martzke, USA TODAY, 6/24). In
Chicago, Michael Hirsley gives high marks to Saturday's MLB,
especially Thom Brennaman and Bob Brenly's frank criticism of
White Sox slugger Frank Thomas. Hirsley: "The honeymoon between
Fox Sports and the high-priced stars of its fledgling Major
League Baseball telecasts might have finally ended" (CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, 6/24).
NBC: NBC Sports' broadcasting lineup and their "triple
crown" of the NBA, Olympic trials, and U.S. Open golf is profiled
by Michael Goldstein of BUSINESS WEEK. He notes each sports
property, adding "years of planning are behind NBC's sports coup"
(BUSINESS WEEK, 7/1).
CNN: In a special week-long series, CNN's "Moneyline" will
profile five sports stars who have turned their status and
earnings into major business success. Starting tonight, CNN will
profile, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Gabrielle Reece, Fran
Tarkenton, and Michael Jordan (CNN).
