NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! D'BACKS TOPS IN PHOENIX TV MARKET

          In the first "head-to-head-to-head" battle of Phoenix
     pro sports teams, the D'Backs were "at the head of the pack"
     in local Nielsen TV HH ratings in going up against the Suns
     and Coyotes on April 14, according to Jim Gintonio of the
     ARIZONA REPUBLIC.  The D'Backs earned a 6.5 local rating on
     Fox Sports AZ, the Suns drew a 5.9 rating on KUTP-UPN and
     the Coyotes earned a 2.5 on KASW-WB.  For the season, the
     D'Backs have averaged a 5.8 rating on Fox Sports AZ and an
     8.4 on KTVK-TV.  The Suns have an 8.0 rating on KUTP, but
     just a 3.9 on Cox-TV. The Coyotes have a 2.4 on KASW-WB and
     1.5 on Fox Sports AZ.  But FSAZ notes that cable penetration
     in the state is at 56%.  FSAZ GM Todd Merkow: "To compare
     with over-the-air ratings, that's like a different animal.
     In Seattle, for instance, the cable penetration is 84
     percent, so their ratings are a lot higher, and it's easier
     for them to compete" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/22).