Fox Sports Detroit (FSD) "hasn't come to terms" with
two "major" cable operators, Media One and Comcast,
according to Bev Eckman of the DETROIT NEWS. Media One
"charges" that FSD has raised fees "drastically," while FSD
execs contend that its phone calls to negotiate "are not
being returned." Media One's Bill Black: "Fox overpaid the
state's hottest sports team (the Red Wings) to buy a way
into the market, and they would like to see their excessive
costs put on the backs of our customers." Black would not
say what FSD is charging for carriage. Fox VP/Media
Relations Vince Wladika said that FSD "has agreements with
more than 30 cable systems totaling 1 million households,
and everyone thinks [FSD] is a good channel and a good
value." FSD is in talks with Comcast (DETROIT NEWS, 9/16).
FOX DETROIT, DIRECT: DIRECTV will offer FSD as part of
its programming lineup (DIRECTV)....FSD's promo campaign,
with the tagline, "Home Teams. Fox Attitude," features
outdoor, print, radio and TV ads in the Detroit market and
includes Grant Hill and Steve Yzerman (FSD)....CA-based
WorldLink will expand its relationship with Fox Sports Net
beginning October 1 where WorldLink, the exclusive
infomercial sales reps for FSN affils, become the exclusive
direct response spot sales reps and will add infomercial and
direct response spot sales for FSD (WorldLink).
