ABC'S "MNF" CROSS-PROMOS FOR ESPN DRAWING IRE OF ABC AFFILS

          ABC "has annoyed some station managers by promoting an
     ESPN post-game show during 'Monday Night Football,'"
     according to Jon Lafayette of ELECTRONIC MEDIA.  ABC
     Affiliate Board Chair David Barrett "said he was surprised
     to hear the 'Monday Night Football' announcers [on ABC's
     season opener September 7] tell viewers to tune to ESPN
     after the game instead of watching their local newscasts." 
     Barrett said other ABC affils also registered their concern
     over the promo.  ABC had no comment "on the affiliates'
     complaints," but an ABC Sports spokesperson said the net
     planned to continue the promos: "ESPN promotes us, and we
     promote ESPN" (Jon Lafayette, ELECTRONIC MEDIA, 9/14).
     Al Michaels, concluding last night's ABC's "MNF" broadcast:
     "A reminder, you can stay tuned to ABC, you'll either see
     your late local news or other programming, or go over to
     ESPN for the Monday Night Football post game show --live
     reports and continuing analysis" (ABC, "MNF," 9/14).