PBA'S COMEDY CENTRAL APPROACH GETTING NATIONAL NOTICE

          The PBA's new nationwide ad campaign is examined by
     David Adams of the AKRON BEACON JOURNAL.  Adams: "Humor and
     personality are what the PBA is peddling in hopes of
     attracting a younger audience to the pro tour.  The first
     round of print ads will be aimed at generating sponsor
     interest. ... The second round of print and TV ads will
     likely be more consumer friendly and fan focused."  Adams
     adds that the PBA has decided to spend $500,000 to $1M of
     its $13M annual budget on the new ad campaign, created by
     Partners and Shevack, NY, and assisted by The Marquee Group
     (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 2/5).  In Milwaukee, Paul Drzewiecki
     reviewed the new bowling and spectator format used to "liven
     broadcasts" up this year on ESPN.  PBA Assistant
     Commissioner Kevin Shippy said the new TV format, which
     includes fans sitting along the bowling lanes and closer to
     the action, has received a "positive reaction from players"
     and from ESPN (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 2/4).