In L.A., Joe Flint wrote NBC Sports Group Chair Dick Ebersol's resignation last week "sent shockwaves through the network and the media industry," but it also "sent a not-so-subtle message to other top NBCUniversal executives: Get with the program or hit the road." Comcast officials viewed Ebersol as "something of a know-it-all." Flint: "Although his prowess as a producer was not questioned, his willingness to be a team player was" (LATIMES.com, 5/23). Meanwhile, Pilson Communications President Neal Pilson said he would keep NBC "the favorites to get the rights" for the '18 and '20 Olympics next month despite Ebersol's impending departure. Pilson: "Dick had a solid staff and they're known to the Olympic people. I think the Olympics would have preferred that Dick stay on, but he had his reasons" ("Bloomberg Bottom Line," Bloomberg TV, 5/23).
MOVING ACROSS THE DIAL: In Denver, Mike Klis reports the Broncos and KCNC-CBS "have severed their flagship relationship after seven seasons." KCNC "televised at least three of the Broncos' four preseason games each year and produced a weekly head coach's show during the season." The net also "had in-season shows." The move is "surprising because CBS is scheduled to televise 12 of the Broncos' regular season games this year." The Broncos are in talks with KUSA-NBC "about becoming their flagship station again." KUSA severed as the Broncos' flagship station until KCNC "took over that role in 2004" (DENVER POST, 5/24).
HORSE SENSE: NBC earned a 5.6 rating and 8.8 million viewers for the race segment of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday from 5:56-6:41pm ET, up 6% and 5%, respectively, from a 5.3 rating and 8.4 million viewers for last year’s race. This year’s figures also mark the second-best audience for the Preakness during the last five years, topped only by Rachel Alexandra’s win over Mine That Bird in ’09 (THE DAILY).
INSPIRING OTHERS: In Philadelphia, John Gonzalez noted ESPN's Kevin Negandhi was chosen as Josh Elliott's "replacement for the coveted morning 'SportsCenter' anchor gig" when Elliott left to join ABC's "GMA." Negandhi is the "first Indian American to serve on a national sports network." He said, "Being on a national network is something foreign to the community. Mothers will say to my mom, 'Your son has inspired my son to be in sports.' That, to me, is so big. You're breaking down walls. I'm the first Indian sportscaster on ESPN. That's pretty cool" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 5/22).
