With the NFL set to begin its 77th season Sunday, many media
outlets preview the upcoming campaign and the networks covering
the action. In Boston, Jack Craig notes the "largest shift" in
NFL coverage is NBC doubling the length of its pregame show from
30 to 60 minutes. But Craig notes, "content aside, the
popularity of each program is directly linked to the game that
follows" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/30). Fox Sports Exec Producer Ed
Goren, on NBC's move to an hour show: "I don't see us doing
anything a heck of a lot differently" (Michael Hiestand, USA
TODAY, 8/30). In Chicago, Michael Hirsley notes the "expansion"
in NFL pregame coverage, adding, "Want to see competition? Just
watch these teams of studio hosts and analysts try to outdo each
other." Hirsley: "In these games ... its more important to be
quick-witted than fleet footed. And solid, accurate verbal hits
build reputations" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/30). In Washington,
Leonard Shapiro notes Ronnie Lott's addition to Fox, adding
Lott's an "intelligent guy and should be able to banter easily"
(WASHINGTON POST, 8/30).
NEWS & NOTES: Fox analysts John Madden gives his thoughts on
changing the preseason schedule: "Make it a 17-game season.
Start August 15. Do everything in prime-time, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday nights. Each network shows five regional games, one
network each night" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/30). ...In Philadelphia, Mike
Bruton notes a survey for Satellite Direct Magazine where 33 NFL
writers and sports columnists pick their TV favorites in several
categories. Fox was picked as the best overall telecast with 49%
approval, followed by ABC with 33%, ESPN 12%, NBC 6% and TNT,
less than 1%. Bruton: "That's got to hurt if your NBC Sports
boss Dick Ebersol" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/30)....In Cleveland,
the Browns move means fans will get to see three NFL games on TV
each week. The Browns averaged a 35 rating on WKYC-NBC last
year. Station GM Bill Scaffide sees a rating of a 20-25 for
Ravens' telecasts, the featured team early in the season (Bob
Dolgan, Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 8/29)....Fox ran a full page ad
in USA TODAY touting is pre-game show and coverage of Super Bowl
XXXI. ESPN and NBC Sports both ran quarter page ads (USA TODAY,
8/30).
THE EDGE: Edge shaving gel and the NFL have joined for
nfledge.com, a new Web site that previews upcoming games. Edge
NFL Match-Up has former NFL players Ron Jaworksi and Jackie
Slater previewing games and includes a sweeps with the grand
prize a trip to Super Bowl XXXI (AD AGE, 8/30).
