Several cable networks "announced high-profile sports
programming initiatives and plans" at Thursday's TV Critics
Association press tour, according to Scott Hettrick of the
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, who notes that the announcements came
"on the heels of the record-setting Women's World Cup
rating," MLB's All-Star Game and the WNBA All-Star Game.
HBO "is considering" a new sports magazine series "to
complement 'Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel.'" Time Warner
Sports President Seth Abraham said that the network is
"mulling several ideas" for the new series "that would most
likely be hosted by a woman and could be a weekly program in
the mold of ABC's 'Nightline.'" Abraham added that "no
decisions have been made about proceeding with such a
series," but Gumbel would not be available as "he begins his
daily hosting duties soon for CBS' new morning show."
Meanwhile, The Disney Channel's new series "The Jersey" is
based on last year's special that featured Jerry Rice, Steve
Young and Charles Woodson. Tommy Lynch, the show's Exec
Producer, said that the series "began talking with Mia Hamm
... three months ago and is interested in any other members
of the" U.S. women's soccer team to appear on "The Jersey."
Lynch said that they are "also considering a program for"
Angels DH Mo Vaughn, as well as Cubs RF Sammy Sosa,
Cardinals 1B Mark McGwire and Venus and Serena Williams.
ESPN also "provided details about its upcoming three-hour
20th anniversary special and a new ESPN SportsCentury coffee
table book" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 7/16). Hyperion will
release the ESPN table book on September 22. David
Halberstam wrote the introduction of the book, while ESPN's
Chris Berman contributed the foreword. The book is edited
by "The Franchise" author Michael MacCambridge (ESPN).
