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).
