Media Notes

NFL's New RedZone Channel Earning Widespread Praise After Opening Weekend

CABLEFAX DAILY notes the NFL's new RedZone Channel "earned widespread plaudits from fans following its opening weekend," but "is it enough to spur greater adoption among major MSOs?" Comcast Senior VP & GM of Video Derek Harrar said, "We're hearing great things from our customers. Offering customers the opportunity to monitor every touchdown from all the games is something we're excited to continue to offer every Sunday." However, some Comcast subscribers have complained that the channel "isn't offered in high-def in their market" (CABLEFAX DAILY, 9/17).

STAR WATCH: NBC's Matt Lauer and Al Roker will broadcast live from Cowboys Stadium during Friday's episode of "Today" in advance of this weekend's Giants-Cowboys "SNF" game on the net, the first regular-season NFL game at the facility. The segments will include a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium with former Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith, as well as a conversation between Lauer and Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones. Other NBC Universal programming will include segments based around the game (NBC).

DROPPING THE PUCK: CSN California will televise 75 Sharks games during the '09-10 season, at least 50 of which will be offered in HD. The net also plans to increase the number of Sharks pre- and postgame shows (CSN California)....MSG Plus, along with MSG Plus 2 and MSG, will televise 76 of the Devils' 82 regular-season games this season. MSG Plus will broadcast pre-and postgame shows for "most matches this season," while also airing "Hockey Night Live" every Saturday night throughout the year (NJ.com, 9/16).