SportsChannel FL "has been allowed" to carry CNN/SI
programming on a regular basis for up to 12 to 16 hours per
day, according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Dean
Jordan, Chair of Front Row Communications, SportsChannel's
parent: "We felt all along sports news was the perfect
complement for our channel." Jordan says that SportsChannel
did not pursue a deal with ESPNEWS, as, "CNN/SI is what we
wanted. The magazine will give us promotion." The HERALD's
Jackson reports that SportsChannel FL's deal "marks the
first time CNN/SI will allow a regional sports cable network
to simulcast its programming." SportsChannel FL will
deliver CNN/SI into three million homes. Jackson: "Neither
SportsChannel nor CNN/SI will pay a rights fee; both
entities will split ad revenue during hours when
SportsChannel carries CNN/SI programming." SI may put the
SportsChannel announcement on the cover of its FL issues
later this month (MIAMI HERALD, 7/14).
CORPORATE HOSPITALITY: In N.Y., Phil Mushnick writes on
ESPN's feature on the "little-known" Trans-Pac yacht race
from CA to HI, which ran on yesterday's edition of ESPN's
"SportsWeekly." Mushnick: "The race was won by a boat owned
and operated by the Disney family. ... According to sources,
ESPN producers were ordered by Disney boss Michael Eisner's
office to produce and air the piece. ... SportsCenter made
no mention that ESPN is owned by Disney" (N.Y. POST, 7/14).
