MLB READY TO PASS BIDDING RIGHTS ON TV PACKAGE TO CBS/ABC?

          MLB is giving its national broadcast partners Fox and
     NBC "until June 30 to meet its demands for a new contract
     after cutting its asking price to as much as" $540M per
     year, according to sources of Scott Newman of BLOOMBERG
     NEWS.  If the units "fail to meet" MLB's asking price, "it
     will end its exclusive negotiating period," allowing CBS and
     ABC to make offers.  Sources said that MLB "began
     negotiations with a demand that NBC and Fox triple their
     $210 million-a-year agreement by June 5."  MLB has "since
     asked Fox for about" $300M per year for a deal that would
     include exclusive regular season rights on network TV,
     postseason and All-Star games. Fox is "currently paying
     about" $115M per year on its five-year deal.  Sources add
     that MLB is seeking between $200-240M from NBC for a
     postseason package.  NBC is currently paying $95M per year
     for All-Star Games and postseason play (BLOOMBERG, 6/23).