Media Notes

In Chicago, Robert Feder reports Dan Patrick, who announced Monday he was leaving ESPN after 18 years, will soon announce he is launching a "nationally syndicated [radio] program via Chicago-based Content Factory" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/12)....A Nextel Cup team insider said the reason NASCAR TV ratings "are down this year is because the networks keep pushing back the start times of races.  We've made a pitch for the West Coast audience, but the West Coast still isn't tuning in, while the East Coast fan who was a loyal viewer can't watch because he's got stuff to do with his family" (SI, 7/16 issue)...Vince Cellini is leaving Golf Channel after 3 1/2 years. Cellini said, "I believe it could have been avoided. ... I was looking for a deal that would reflect the changes in 2007" (GOLFWEEK, 7/14 issue)....SPORTING NEWS' Seth Elkin writes the "biggest change" in EA Sports' "NCAA Football 08" is the dynasty mode, in which recruiting "now forces you to pay attention to what players are looking for and make the appropriate sales pitch."  The system "requires attention to detail -- almost as if it were inspired by" EA's "NFL Head Coach," which was released last year (SPORTING NEWS, 7/16 issue).