Media Notes

In Toronto, Chris Zelkovich reports with a Canadian Senate committee “proposing that the CBC get out of the sports broadcasting business ... industry insiders say the [NHL] will do everything it can to preserve the competition for rights.” That could mean keeping the league on the CBC, but “placating the CTV group by offering it a sweetened schedule that includes some lucrative Canadian playoff matchups.” Under that scenario, the NHL “would get top dollar from CBC and an increase from CTV-TSN while ensuring there will always be a battle for rights” (TORONTO STAR, 6/23).

EYE ON THE BALL: In N.Y., Andrew Marchand reports while Fox “remains the favorite to retain” MLB rights and NBC “is considered as the most likely second choice, CBS Sports has emerged as an unlikely wild card.” Sources said that CBS execs have held talks with MLB officials “about doing a package that would feature the World Series, part of the ALCS and NLCS, the All-Star Game and a limited regular-season schedule.” Marchand notes CBS “is still considered a longshot” (N.Y. POST, 6/23).

NOT GOING SOLO: In L.A., Larry Stewart reports the Pac-10 Conference is not looking at creating its own network “in the foreseeable future.” The Pac-10 has a football deal with ABC/ESPN through the 2011 season, and is “in the final negotiations on a separate football deal with FSN.” The league also has a basketball deal with FSN through the 2011-2012 season. Pac-10 Associate Commissioner of Electronic Communications Duane Lindberg said, “We are pretty firm on our new agreements” (L.A. TIMES, 6/23).

FOOTBALL FACES: Deion Sanders “has reduced his asking price” and is talking to NFL Network about a studio job. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Steve Young “wants to cut down on his travel schedule” and is talking to the net about “no longer appearing every week” on its studio shows (MIAMI HERALD, 6/23)....Univ. of Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez, the school’s former football coach, has auditioned with Fox for one of its BCS analyst positions. Fox Sports VP/Communications Dan Bell said that the net is “aiming to have a three-man booth,” and that Alvarez “was being considered” for a position with Thom Brennaman on the national championship game (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 6/23).