MEDIA NOTES

          In N.Y., Richard Sandomir examines Cablevision's
     ownership of the TV rights to all N.Y. sports teams except
     NFL teams.  Cablevision Exec VP Marc Lustgarten, on how the
     new partnership with Fox Sports Net will affect viewers:
     "For now, whatever's been on MSG and Fox Sports New York
     will continue on basic."  Sandomir: "Lustgarten's key words
     were 'for now.' ... Clearly, basic pricing is not forever"
     (N.Y. TIMES, 1/30).  Also in N.Y., Bob Raissman: "With Fox,
     Cablevision and MSG all aligned, fans better start paying
     close attention and get ready to speak out.  On Wednesday,
     Dolan said it was only a matter of time before you, the fan,
     will be paying a premium price to see games of almost every
     pro sports franchise in town" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/30).
          EXAMINING ISIAH: In Toronto, Marty York writes that the
     "transition from basketball to broadcasting has been bumpy
     for Isiah Thomas and media critics in the [U.S.] are
     beginning to wonder whether NBC erred" in hiring him.  "NBA
     on NBC" Producer David Neal: "He has to refine his
     mechanics."  Neal also "agreed that Thomas needs to refrain
     from repeating himself and, at times, should sound more
     excited."  Neal: "Overall, though, I'm pleased with him"
     (GLOBE & MAIL, 1/30)....Comcast SportsNet will premiere
     "Sixers Sunday Morning Jam" this Sunday.  The 76ers magazine
     show is produced by 76ers VP/Marketing & Comm. Dave Coskey,
     Dir of Marketing & Comm. Lara Price and Dir of PR Jodi
     Silverman, in association with NJ-based MediaWorks
     Communications Inc. (Comcast SportsNet).