Media Notes

The GLOBE & MAIL's Bruce Dowbiggin reported the CBC, with its "recent loss" of MLS rights, "has industry insiders wondering if it is going out of the sports business." Dowbiggin: "CBC is left to compete against well-capitalized communications giants that can amortize rights purchases and talent raids against their cellphone or cable TV businesses. Plus, the federally subsidized broadcaster is finding it hard to justify to the Conservative government using tax money to take assets from the private side. The CBC talks brave, but the clock is running on its traditional model of having 'Hockey Night' underwrite its other operations" (GLOBE & MAIL, 2/7).

TIME FOR A CHANGE: GOLF WORLD MONDAY's Ron Sirak writes new Golf Channel President Mike McCarley "understands sweeping changes are not likely to occur until next season." But the "fact a 10-year veteran of NBC and developer of the network's 'Big Event' strategy emphasizing top-drawer competitions ... is running the show is a clear indication of the impact the peacock network is going to have on the 16-year-old golf network." NBC's golf programming will be rebranded as "The Golf Channel on NBC," and Sirak writes, "Think of the ESPN/ABC synergy and apply it to golf. Should be interesting days ahead, with next year even more fascinating" (GOLF WORLD MONDAY, 2/8 issue).

NBA All-Star Game will feature the T-Mobile Magenta Carpet at Staples Center

WALK OF FAME: The Feb. 20 NBA All-Star Game in L.A. will feature the first-ever T-Mobile Magenta Carpet, which will include performances by Bruno Mars and Keri Hilson, with Nick Cannon hosting the stage show. Live coverage of the T-Mobile Magenta Carpet will begin on NBA TV at 5:00pm ET, leading into TNT's live pregame show at 7:00pm. All 24 NBA All-Stars will walk the carpet in the first hour on their way to Staples Center, followed by a guest list including current and former NBA players and celebrities (NBA).