Fox Sports News is "getting serious" in its challenge
of ESPN with the recent hirings of Keith Olbermann and Chris
Myers, and the FSN's goal is to "put a dent in the armor of
longtime knight ESPN," according to Steve Rock of the K.C.
STAR. Olbermann: "Professionally, it is a kill-them-and-
eat-them rivalry. ESPN must know we are out to defeat
them." Multichannel News Sports Editor R. Thomas Umstead
says FSN is "well behind ESPN," but "they're making inroads.
ESPN is looking over its shoulder." In a sidebar, Rock
notes that despite running a "distant third" to ESPN and Fox
Sports Net, CNN/SI is not "running low on confidence."
CNN/SI President Jim Walton, touted the net's programming:
"We're not fans. We're journalists. You know that when
it's reported on our air that it's right. It's clean.
There are no ties to anybody." But Broadcasting & Cable's
Media reporter Joe Schlosser notes that CNN/SI "is having a
lot of trouble getting launched" (K.C. STAR, 1/9).
THE OLBERMANN BRIGADE: In Boston, Howard Manly noted
FSN's heavy promotion of Olbermann's arrival. Posters are
"plastered behind hockey goals at several arenas" and during
ESPN2's recent airing of NHL highlights, Olbermann's face
"appeared about a half-dozen times." Olbermann: "I don't
think Bob Dole had as many ads when he ran for president.
It's been extraordinary" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/10).
STOP WHISPERING, START SHOUTING: In St. Paul, Scott
Miller wrote that ESPN "once was this terrific prize, a
perfect companion for any afternoon or evening," but that he
now finds the net "awful." Miller: "Now, the only way to
watch it is with the sound off" (PIONEER PRESS, 1/9).
