Media Notes

Broadcast network researchers said that homes with DVRs “watch 12% more TV and skip commercials less frequently than was commonly believed.” Factoring in DVR playback within seven days of prime-time shows’ initial airings, “overall ratings increased 4% in seven test cities measured by Nielsen” (USA TODAY, 11/17).

Tom Brennan Joins ESPN’s College Hoops Studio

ESPN COLLEGE HOOPS: Retired Univ. of Vermont basketball coach Tom Brennan and former NBAer Hubert Davis have joined ESPN as college basketball analysts. Brennan will work in the studio for ESPN and ESPN2. Davis will work in the studio, but will also call games on ESPN and ESPN2, mainly Mountain West Conference games with Dave Pasch as part of the “Big Monday” tripleheader (THE DAILY).

SOUTHERN SPORTS: The CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL’s Erik Spanberg reports Edge Marketing and JP Sports have “formed a partnership to produce” the Southern Sports Awards, which will be taped November 30 in Atlanta and air on FSN South and Southwest, Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic and Sun Sports beginning in December. CBS Sports anchor Tim Brando, FSN’s John Salley and Democratic political strategist James Carville will host. BellSouth, Pontiac and Yamaha are on as sponsors (CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 11/14 issues).