Media Notes

In London, Saeed Shah reports NTL, Telewest and private-equity groups “will tell the Premier League it can attract up to” US$361M for live TV rights if the league “ensures that half the games are sold to a broadcaster other than” BSkyB. The three organizations “are even willing to guarantee the League a minimum payment” for the next three-year rights deal, which starts with the ’07-08 season (London INDEPENDENT, 9/21).

Court Upholds B.C. Jurisdiction In Burke’s Case Against N.Y. Post Writer

ICING ATTEMPT WAIVED OFF: In Vancouver, Keith Fraser reported the N.Y. Post’s attempt to have a suit filed by former Canucks and current Mighty Ducks GM Brian Burke against reporter Larry Brooks “tossed out of B.C.’s courts has been rejected.” Justice Grant Burnyeat ruled that there was “‘no substantial unfairness’ to the Post if B.C. courts assumed jurisdiction.” Burke sued Brooks in February over a story about Canucks RW Todd Bertuzzi’s assault on Avalanche C Steve Moore in March ’04 (Vancouver PROVINCE, 9/20).

STRESSFUL JOB: Ball State Univ. assistant journalism professor Scott Reinardy said in a new study that sports reporters suffer from burnout more than any other type of reporters. The study found “high levels of emotional exhaustion and cynical attitudes towards sources, especially among young sportswriters at local dailies.” NEWSWEEK’s Nick Summers writes “realizing athletes are people, not heroes, can be disillusioning,” and that “constant abuse from fans (it’s not uncommon for a critical piece to draw death threats), plus a grueling schedule ... all add up to burnout.” However, sports journalists “also reported high levels of personal accomplishment, indicating that while highly stressed, most aren’t about to quit” (NEWSWEEK, 9/26 issue).