Comcast SportsNet, which airs Warriors' and NBA Kings' games, "could take a hit in ad revenue and license fees from other TV providers such as satellite services Dish and DirecTV" due to the ongoing NBA lockout, according to Susan Slusser of the S.F. CHRONICLE. CSN and KNBR-AM, the Warriors' radio outlet, "pay rights fees to air the games." KNBR Program Dir Lee Hammer said that the station "has not heard any complains from advertisers and is formulating plans for alternative programming." The lockout "might come at a delicate time for KNBR, which for the past week has been rumored to be facing job cuts, potentially including on-air talent, at the hands of corporate parent Cumulus Media." In addition, KNBR is in "its final year of its contract with the Warriors and has a new competitor, KGMZ (95.7), which is expected to make a strong play for the Warriors' rights." CSN is "ramping up its 49ers programming and is considering airing classic Warriors games if details can be arranged." Sharks' telecasts "might be an option for Comcast SportsNet advertisers." CSN Bay Area VP & GM Ted Griggs said, "There are a lot of traditional NBA advertisers. We will try to convince them, like our viewers, that hockey is a great alternative" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/20).
