COMCAST SPORTSNET NEGOTIATING FOR EXPANSIVE MARKET SHARE

          Comcast SportsNet representatives "are busy negotiating
     with cable operators in hopes of extending" the new
     Philadelphia-based RSN "as far as technically possible,"
     according to Mike Bruton of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. 
     Comcast SportsNet currently has deals with Suburban Cable
     and Garden State Cable, and will be part of Comcast's basic
     cable package in the Philadelphia area.  Bruton added that
     Greater Media Cable and Wade Cablevision "continue to
     negotiate" with Comcast but they "didn't wish to comment" on
     whether they'll offer the channel.  While Comcast SportsNet
     is asking operators to pay about $1.50 per subscriber per
     month, which Bruton called, "a pricey neighborhood," he
     added that, "My guess is ... both operators will sign on. 
     Ultimately, the operators picking up SportsNet will pass the
     cost on to the subscribers."  Comcast SportsNet will not be
     available for consumers with DBS (PHILA. INQUIRER, 8/19).