Media Notes

Writer Thinks "Kings Ransom" Delivered

SPORTINGNEWS.com's Chris Littmann reviewed ESPN’s "Kings Ransom," the documentary directed by Peter Berg that kicked off the network's "30 for 30" documentary series last night. Littmann: "I felt like ‘Kings Ransom’ delivered. In a week where everyone is killing the network for its slobbering over Brett Favre, Berg’s documentary offers us a shining example that it can still do good" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 10/6).

STRONG START: Through Sunday, unique visitors to NHL.com were up 68% compared to the first four days of October last year. Video starts on NHL.com for the opening week climbed 130% compared to the same period last year, and orders for NHL GameCenter Live were up 70% through the opening weekend compared to last year (NHL).

PLAYING WITH MATCHES: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the EPL on multiple platforms in 18 markets across Asia. For the first time, all 380 matches of the EPL season will be available live on various platforms including TV, Internet and mobile devices, while up to 190 matches will be available on an on-demand basis (ESS).

THEY'RE IN THE GAME: YAHOO SPORTS’ Eamonn Brennan reported EA Sports has added CBS announcer Gus Johnson to its "NCAA Basketball 10," and Johnson’s energy on broadcasts is “transferable to pixilated format.” CBS analyst Bill Raftery “will join Johnson” in the game. Brennan: “My dream college hoops broadcast duo will finally be realized” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/6).