TV MONITOR: Last night's 11:00pm ET editions of FSN's
"Primetime" (Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh) and CNN/SI's "Sports
Tonight" both led with Brewers-Astros, followed by Pirates-
Reds. For the third consecutive night, ESPN's
"SportsCenter" (on ESPN2 due to MLB on ESPN) led with A's-
Red Sox, followed by Mariners-Blue Jays. The first non-MLB
story on "Primetime," at 6:54 into the broadcast, was the
Heat signing President & coach Pat Riley to a contract
extension. The first non-MLB story on "Sports Tonight," at
5:38 into the broadcast, was an update on the health of
Spurs F Sean Elliott. The first non-MLB story on
"SportsCenter," at 9:32 into the broadcast, was an update on
Dolphins DL Dimitrius Underwood (THE DAILY).
DUVAL CALLING WRONG PLAYS? In Chicago, Greg Couch
writes that David Duval "is baffled" by the media, as
Duval's recent comments regarding players having a say in
Ryder Cup pay "blew up in his face entirely." Noting that
"media coaching is becoming more and more prevalent," Couch
says, "Not long ago, a media deficiency such as Duval's
wouldn't have mattered. But today, it's hard to hide from
such a huge spotlight" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/19).
MORE NOTES: DAILY VARIETY's Michael Fleming reported
that ratings for HBO's "Arli$$" are up 33% and Exec
Producers Mike Tollin and Robert Wuhl "have been given a
more positive outlook on sitcom life." Tollin, on the
request that other Presidential candidates be given equal
air time following the appearance of Bill Bradley: "We're
thinking Al Gore, George Bush, probably Elizabeth Dole, but
I don't know if we'll go further, though a Dan Quayle-
inspired episode about bad golfers is an idea" (DAILY
VARIETY, 8/18)....In Pittsburgh, Chuck Finder reports that
Nanci "The Fabulous Sports Babe" Donnellan "may well move to
another syndicator, possibly" One on One, SportsFan Radio or
Westwood One. Finder: "But will she be able to bring her A-
List guests with her?" Finder, on Dan Patrick hosting his
new radio show on ESPN: "The contention here remains that
Patrick damaged part of his credibility by doing commercials
for Coors, a company with strong sponsorship and advertising
ties to the same sports on which the ESPN newsman reports"
(PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/19). Coors sponsored last
night's "SportsCenter" update during ABC's primetime
coverage. The sports break was followed by the John
Elway/Patrick Coors spot (THE DAILY)....DirecTV will offer
Fox Sports World beginning September 1 (DirecTV).
