In N.Y., Richard Sandomir reports that the NHL "is
proceeding" with a TV deal "believed to be worth" $250M from
ABC and $350M from ESPN and ESPN2. NHL VP/Media Relations
Frank Brown: "The 10-business-day period for Fox to match
the outstanding offer has run and lapsed. We are finalizing
our broadcast arrangements" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/18)....ESPN VP &
Managing Editor Bob Eaton, on whether the media perpetuates
bad sportsmanship through repeated mentions and highlights:
"It's certainly something we think about and discuss, but we
think our first responsibility is to report what happened.
We get very uncomfortable when we make social judgments"
(STAR-TELEGRAM, 8/18)....For seven games in August, the
Astros are averaging a 7.0 on Fox Sports SW, "more than
double the 3.3 season average entering the month." August
has featured the three top ratings in Astros history on the
net. For the season, the team is averaging a 3.8 on FSSW,
up 15% from last year's 3.3 (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/18)....The
Lightning yesterday did "what last week it said it wouldn't
do," re-hire radio play-by-play announcer Larry Hirsch.
Team Owner Art Williams said that Hirsch will receive a
raise, from $105,000 to $110,000, in a one-year deal (ST.
PETE TIMES, 8/18)....The Cubs will wear a patch on the left
sleeve of their uniforms in honor of Jack Brickhouse, the
longtime voice of the team (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/18).