In the "most lucrative and significant sports radio deal in
South Florida history," WQAM has agreed to pay more than $35M for
broadcast rights to the Dolphins, Marlins and Panthers for the
next five years, according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD.
The deal could be worth "as much" as $45M for the Wayne Huizenga
teams if "playoff revenue and 'free' advertising spots are
factored in." The acquisition "firmly establish all-sports WQAM
as the market's radio sports leader over rival" WIOD, the
Dolphins' flagship station since the team's start in 1966. The
Dolphins, who are receiving $1.9M from WIOD this season, will
earn $3M a year from WQAM. For the Marlins, WQAM will increase
its $2.7M rights fee to between $3.5-4M (MIAMI HERALD, 10/29).
STAND UP, PACER PEOPLE: Fox Sports Midwest and the Pacers
signed a multi-year deal for the network to carry 30 Pacers games
starting this season (Gould Media, 10/28).
FEEL THE BUZZ: The Hornets new TV venture, Sting TV!,
premieres on WAXN-TV in Charlotte November 30. Sting TV! will be
a monthly feature produced by Hornets broadcasting and each
broadcast will run twice a month (Hornets).
EXPOS: In Toronto, William Houston writes TSN execs "are
still shaking their heads over the limited (like almost non-
existent) interest" in the Expos nationally in Canada. TSN
carried the club, which was in the playoff race, during the last
weeks of the MLB season. But both the Blue Jays and the CFL
outdrew the Expos (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 10/29).
