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FSN GOING WILD IN MINNESOTA: LANDS DEAL WITH NEW NHL TEAM

          Fox Sports Net and the NHL Wild have reached a long-
     term cable agreement that calls for FSN to carry "more than"
     40 Wild games during the team's inaugural season, according
     to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, who writes
     that the move puts FSN "one step closer to purchasing"
     Midwest Sports Channel (MSC).  Zulgad writes others believed
     to be interested in MSC include Comcast and a "potential
     joint venture between the Twins and Timberwolves."  In the
     Twin Cities, FSN is "available only on MSC, which is in the
     third year of a 10-year deal to carry much of Fox's
     programming.  But FSN's contract with the Wild is separate
     from that agreement."  The Wild deal gives FSN "an
     advantage" because if other groups buy MSC "they will be
     faced with competition" from FSN.  FSN VP & COO Bob
     Thompson: "We intend to be an active participant in the
     MSC/[Home Team Sports] sweepstakes. Obviously, if we are
     successful we would incorporate the Wild's games (into MSC's
     schedule).  If not we are weighing our other options in
     terms of distribution.  But in either case, I'm confident we
     will get full distribution."  Zulgad writes that Thompson
     "most likely means" that FSN "would start a sports network
     in the Upper Midwest," if they don't acquire MSC
     (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/19).  MSC Programming Dir Kevin
     Smith said that it "was doubtful" there would be enough time
     slots on MSC "for all the Wild games Fox wants to show." 
     But FSN spokesperson Tom Chiapetta said, "We're definitely
     confident that we'll get full distribution of the Wild
     games" (PIONEER PRESS, 5/19).  In St. Paul, Charley Walters
     cites "insiders" as saying that FSN's Wild deal "means Fox
     ultimately will buy" MSC.  Walters: "Look for Fox to honor
     MSC's existing contracts with the Twins, Timberwolves and
     Gophers, then negotiate deals that will improve revenues for
     the trio significantly" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 5/19). 

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