A five-year, $35M deal for Dolphins, Marlins and Panthers
rights purchased by WQAM was formally announced yesterday,
according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. WQAM GM/part-
Owner Greg Reed: "We're very pleased. I said I wanted to make
this the preeminent sports station in America. We can absolutely
make a profit on this deal." Reed said Dolphins games will air
on WQAM beginning in '97, but also on one of WQAM's FM sister
stations, either WPOW or WKIS. If Dolphins and Marlins games
conflict, the Dolphins "might air only" on FM. Panthers games
which conflict with the Marlins will be switched to another
station -- possibly WAXY-AM. All playoff games involving the
three teams are expected to be heard on WQAM (MIAMI HERALD,
10/30).
BOSTON: Seven Celtics road games are not yet assured TV
coverage, according to Jack Craig of the BOSTON GLOBE. The games
normally would be seen on WSBK-TV, however Bruins road games will
be carried on those nights. WABU-TV reportedly was set to pick
up the coverage, but no agreement has yet been announced. Craig:
"The failure to settle the TV schedule is telltale of the
Celtics' declining appeal on television." In other news, Jerry
Remy signed a new three-year deal to remain an analyst for Red
Sox broadcasts on WABU. Sean McDonough signed a new three-year
deal last week (Jim Greenidge, BOSTON GLOBE, 10/30).
CAVALIERS/INDIANS: SportsChannel-Ohio has completed
negotiations with Century Communications to add coverage of
Cavaliers and Indians to its basic cable package. The deal takes
effect November 1 (SportsChannel-OH).