NCAA COVERAGE: In Atlanta, Prentis Rogers writes that
CBS officials "would not speculate on what impact, if any,
the U.S. military action in Kosovo" would have on their NCAA
tournament coverage (ATL. CONSTITUTION, 3/26). CBS News'
VP/Communications Sandy Genelius says there are "a variety
of ways you can convey information" such as a "crawl on the
bottom of the screen" or a "special report." Genelius:
"We'll make sure our viewers are served and are kept
informed" (Bob Raissman, N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/26).
TOTAL COVERAGE: A full-page ad touting the NCAA's
official tournament Web site, at www.finalfour.net and
powered by Total Sports while supported by the NCAA's
corporate partners, appears in USA TODAY (THE DAILY).
...Total Sports, in conjunction with TRICOM, will launch
several Spanish-language interactive sports online services.
The two companies will customize the services for Latin
America ISP's and organizations, allowing Latin America and
U.S. Spanish-speaking users to access digital interactive
coverage of sporting events and personalities (TRICOM).
CRITICS CORNER: In Miami, Barry Jackson writes that the
networks are "repeatedly" grabbing "big-name coaches and
athletes" who have "no sportscasting experience and
immediately place them in high-profile roles." Jackson:
"When will they realize viewers would rather hear genuine
insight from a mediocre former player than rambling, master-
of-the-obvious diatribes by erstwhile stars?" (MIAMI HERALD,
3/26)....In Ft. Lauderdale, Michael Mayo writes that ESPN
Magazine "has some good features but wading through each
issue still makes me dizzy" (SUN-SENTINEL, 3/26).
MORE NOTES: Wescam Inc. has signed a four-year deal
with ESPN to provide in-car camera technology for motor
racing events. The contract is worth C$3M "in the current
year" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 3/26)....The Military Channel has
secured exclusive rights to telecast the National Collegiate
Boxing Championships Finals, which features 12 weight
classes competing for three, two-minute rounds. The events
will air live this Saturday (Military Channel).
