Grizzlies Eat Up TV Time, As Nearly 70 Games Will Be Shown

The Grizzlies will have as many as 70 games televised this coming season, according to David Williams of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Grizzlies Broadcast Dir & Producer Randy Stephens: "The TV broadcast is our No. 1 promotional vehicle. We think our fans and potential fans will see the product, see how much fun it is, and want to come down and be a part of it." Williams notes the TV package, "which is being negotiated, will be split between a cable network and a local over-the-air channel." Stephens said that the team is "'deep into conversations' with two potential local TV broadcasters" — Clear Channel TV and WMC-NBC. Williams reports the team is negotiating cable rights with FSN South and Turner South. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are also negotiating a radio deal for all preseason and regular-season games. The team has "three main options for their radio package" — WHBQ-AM, WREC-AM and WMC-AM (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 8/21).