TCI has held discussions with News Corp. regarding
selling its interest in sports properties to News Corp.,
according to Chuck Ross of AD AGE. Such a deal is valued at
over $1B. Through TCI's Liberty Media Group division, TCI
owns up to 50% stakes in 15 RSNs. Ross notes the talks
"come at a time of some tension between TCI and News Corp.,"
with TCI "unhappy" about News Corp.'s recent alliance with
EchoStar in the DBS business (AD AGE, 3/24 issue).
ON THE STANDS: The USTA and Quarton Group Publishers
will launch "Topspin," a magazine aimed to increase interest
in tennis among young people. Advertisers that have bought
space include adidas, Fila, Nike and Wilson Sporting Goods.
The magazine, to be published three times this year, will
have a cover price of $2.95 and ad space for a full-page
will cost $12,500....AD AGE's Keith Kelly examines potential
buyers for New York Times Co.'s magazines, including Tennis.
K-III Communications, Petersen Publishing Co. and Meigher
Communications are "among those that officially said they
are interested." SI publisher Time Inc. is also "expected
to take a look" (AD AGE, 3/24 issue).
