AM Radio: Magic Fans Listening To Games Due To Cable Dispute

Magic's Radio Flagship Station Benefiting From FSN-Bright House Carriage Dispute

The failure of FSN and Bright House to reach a deal over carriage of Magic games has caused "a boost for the broadcast ratings of Magic radio partner [WDBO-AM], which carries every game," according to Tim Povtak of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. WDBO GM Steve Holbrook said he is "hearing a lot of people say they are listening on radio now for the first time, and it's because of the TV situation." Holbrook attributes "at least part" of the increase to the conflict, and said that Arbitron ratings from last season "have increased 41[%]." Povtak notes 13 games remain this season for FSN, but "neither FSN nor Bright House left much hope that a deal would be reached soon." Sun Sports and FSN GM Cathy Weeden said while "there have been talks [recently] ... nothing real substantive" has come out of them as of late. Weeden: "The ball is definitely in Bright House's court." Bright House VP/Public Affairs Sara Brady on Monday said that "negotiations still are continuing," but "gave no indication that any deal was coming before" the end of the season (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 1/29).