Media Notes

The GLOBE & MAIL's William Houston reported the CBC "has reversed its position on the use of the term 'pansification.'" CBC Sports Exec Dir Scott Moore in a letter wrote that commentators "will not be allowed to use the word." Moore in the letter wrote while the net is "not generally inclined either to censor the language or views presented on 'Hockey Night in Canada,' we've decided to refrain from using that word in the future" (GLOBE & MAIL, 1/31). CBC announcer Mike Milbury, who coined the expression, on "HNIC" Saturday said, "Am I allowed to talk or should I put the muzzle back on?" Milbury: "I miss my word. ... Big Brother came and said I couldn't use my word without a discussion" (GLOBE & MAIL, 2/2).

Writer Says ESPN's Australian Open Coverage A Step Forward For Net

SERVE & VOLLEY: SI.com’s Jon Wertheim wrote in the wake of the Australian Open, ESPN’s selection of tennis coverage “is radically improved,” a sentiment that “extends to most networks.” Wertheim: “Tennis Channel gets better with each event. Got some nice notes about Jimmy Arias’ work on ESPN International.” But among his “quibbles,” Wertheim wrote, “Could ESPN show doubles every now and then?” Meanwhile, Wertheim writes when ESPN’s Chris Fowler “likened Elena Dementieva’s erratic serve to a case of herpes, I’m thinking he may have crossed the line” (SI.com, 2/1).

GREEN FLAG ON BIDS: NASCAR Managing Dir of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston said that the first NASCAR HOF induction ceremony, slated for May 2010, "is not packaged in the current television deal and the negotiation process on the rights is just beginning." NASCAR SCENE's Bob Pockrass noted Fox-owned Speed "would love to have that hall induction ceremony programming," and an ESPN spokesperson said that the net "also would be interested" in the ceremony (SCENEDAILY.com, 2/1).

BACK FOR TWO MORE: HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant said he will be with the net "at least until the middle of 2011." Merchant: "A year-and-a-half ago, I signed a contract for two years with a two year option on both of our parts and HBO has informed me that they're picking up my option" (MAXBOXING.com, 1/29).