TURNER SOUTH THRASHES COMPETITION, WILL AIR NHL GAMES IN '99

          The "yet-to-be-launched" Turner South network will be
     the cable carrier of the expansion Thrashers and air up to
     46 games next season as part of a 10-year deal through 2008-
     09, according to Prentis Rogers of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION.
     The regional network also may "televise several preseason
     games."  Turner South President Bill Burke, on gaining local
     cable clearance: "We're in the thick of negotiations with
     all the key cable operators and they're very interested.  We
     don't have a firm launch date yet, but we're looking at
     going on the air by Oct. 1" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 4/24).