The NFL is "borrowing some plays from the [NBA] with a
major foray into entertainment programming that targets
young viewers," according to Stephen Battaglio of the
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. In September, the league plans to
launch a weekly show on Fox called "Under the Helmet," which
will feature "music, film and TV stars with teen and young-
adult appeal," and air Saturday morning after the net's
children's lineup. In addition, the NFL has a deal with
Universal Movie Group "that will enable the program to use
music tracks to underscore" footage. Also, a half-hour show
called "The Jersey" is slated for a "13-episode run on the
Disney Channel this fall" and two "family-oriented
telefilms" are planned for primetime on CBS in January. The
NFL will partner with Toronto-based animation firm Nelvana
"to develop animated shows for Saturday mornings" which will
include "animated versions of NFL players." No network
carrier has been lined up for the shows. NFL Senior VP/
Programming & Sales John Collins said the "whole sports-
music-entertainment convergence is something we've been
quiet about, but it has been there" (HOLLY. REPORTER, 7/30).