The GLOBE & MAIL's Bruce Dowbiggin notes some bloggers believe that the CBC's "anti-Western bias is on display again in its 2011-12 NHL broadcast schedule," as they have pointed to a "disproportionate number of games for teams in the East or Central Canada." Dowbiggin writes, "The problem lies with Canadian teams in the West not having as many Saturday dates as Eastern teams do. For various reasons (8 p.m. starts in Alberta, concert dates), Western teams aren't as fixated on Saturdays. In the East, Saturday is iconic in Toronto and Montreal. Hence, more dates for CBC to choose from." Meanwhile, CBC's "Hockey Night In Canada" Exec Producer Trevor Pilling said that with the "addition of a seventh Canadian team in Winnipeg, 'HNIC' is adding a fifth broadcast crew" (GLOBE & MAIL, 8/25).
SMARTER PHONES: StubHub has updated its iPhone, Android and Windows Mobile applications to allow purchasers to download moblie tickets directly to their mobile devices. The functionality will allow fans to avoid printing or mailing tickets at any venue that has scanners able to scan the ticket barcodes, and already is in place at AT&T Park for the MLB Giants. The mobile barcodes are designed to be a further boon to last-minute ticket purchasing on the secondary market (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal).
COMING TO YOU LIVE: In K.C., Kellis Robinett noted Kansas State Univ. freshman WR Stanton Weber "plans on occasionally taking his talents off the field and into the press box as a member of the Wildcats' radio team." Weber will "still suit up and stand on the sideline during home games, but as a walk-on stepping in at a deep position, it's unlikely he will make the Wildcats' traveling roster." Rather than staying home for road games, Weber will "continue helping play-by-play man Wyatt Thompson as an extra set of eyes that identifies opposing tacklers and other players on the field." Weber's father, Stan, is an analyst for K-State (K.C. STAR, 8/24).
ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM: MLB Network's "MLB Tonight Live" discussed Phillies announcer Gary Matthews calling the Mets a "bunch of crybabies" and Mets manager Terry Collins' angry reaction to the comment. MLB Net's Eric Byrnes said of announcers, "We're going to give our opinions. At the end of the day, who really cares? What we say doesn't affect what goes on out there." Byrnes added, "I love the broadcasters that are the ‘homers.' I think you should be a homer! If you’re broadcasting for a team, go ahead and be Hawk Harrelson. I love Hawk Harrelson! Root for your team. That’s what the fans want to hear, that’s your listening audience” (“MLB Tonight Live,” MLB Network, 8/24).
