RATINGS: Nielsen Media Research has tabbed Raleigh-
Durham, NC, the 29th ranked market in the U.S., as the sixth
market to receive electronic measurement service in '98 from
Nielsen Station Index. That now brings the total number of
NSI metered markets to 44, or 62.5% of the U.S. (NSI).
PERSONALITIES: ESPN and Dick Vitale agreed to a seven-
year contract extension through 2004 (ESPN)....NBC has added
Mark Rolfing to its golf announcing team. Rolfing returns
to the net after six years at ABC. NBC Sports Exec Producer
Tommy Roy said that Rolfing "would get a chance to host some
early-round telecasts in addition to his on-course duties"
(GOLFWEEK, 11/8 issue)....ABC signed Cindy Crawford to a
three-year deal. She will appear on various ABC shows,
including sports coverage (Mult., 11/13).
GENERAL: The Reds and WLW-AM extended their radio
broadcasting contract for three years, with an option for
two additional years. WLW has been the Reds' flagship
station since '69, with 50 affils in eight states
(CINCINNATI BUSINESS JOURNAL, 11/10 issue)....In DC, Bijan
Bayne reviews Dan Bickley's "No Bull: The Unauthorized
Biography of Dennis Rodman." Bayne calls the book "a well-
researched, insightful look" at Rodman, "whose lack of
childhood identity led him to become a chameleon"
(WASHINGTON POST, 11/13)....GreatOutdoors.com, a venture
between Cox Interactive Media and the Outdoor Life Network,
launched this week offering original content on outdoor
gear, travel, technique, nutrition, and fitness for outdoor
adventure sports and expeditions (GreatOutdoors.com).
