In Raleigh, Chip Alexander noted one of the Hurricanes' 10 new partners named last week is Capitol Broadcasting, which owns WRAL-CBS, WRAZ-Fox and "several area media outlets." Hurricanes Owner Peter Karmanos “smiled when asked if the Canes, whose games are broadcast locally by Fox Sports Carolinas, might look to start their own regional network.” Karmanos: "I'm sure people at Fox Sports Carolinas are worried about a sports network. Right now, we'd like to concentrate on hockey. Starting a sports network is really a hard thing to do.” He added, “The people who pay us for our local TV rights are very aware of that. I think we're going to probably work out a deal with them early, because they don't like the fact that might be a possibility. As long as we can get a decent deal from Fox Sports, we're not going to worry about setting up a network" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 11/5).
MIKE CHECK: In N.Y., Bob Raissman noted it is unclear if Wayne Hagin is “out as one of the Mets radio voices.” Hagin’s current contract expires Dec. 31, and “no decision on his future in the Mets/WFAN booth has been made.” Sources said that WFAN and Mets officials “are already in consultation, exploring broadcast booth options.” This means they are “looking at Hagin, as well as other candidates, to join Howie Rose at the Mets radio mike” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/6).
NEW DIGS: In Milwaukee, Bob Wolfley noted new Twins play-by-play announcer Cory Provus will be “an employee of the Minnesota Twins, not the radio station that carries Twins games, KSTP-AM.” The hire is “unlike his deal in Milwaukee, where he was employed by WTMJ-AM.” Provus said that “it never entered his thinking that he would take over” for former WTMJ partner Bob Uecker should he decide to retire. Provus said, "I would have had a hard time working with Bob each and every day when he is two feet away knowing hey, the second Bob retires that’s my job.” Wolfley noted, “As he has before, Uecker will play a big role in choosing Provus’ replacement” (JSONLINE.com, 11/5).
AGING GRACEFULLY? In Toronto, Cathal Kelly noted the CBC’s Don Cherry is 77 now and “while he still sets the agenda for our national hockey conversation, he is more of a cult figure than a trailblazer.” Fans either “do or do not like Cherry -- there isn’t enough middle ground to plant a flagpole in.” Most people “see the man in binary terms -- love or hate,” and the “latter group -- using the always shrill voice of reason -- has grown emboldened in recent months.” But Cherry’s “cheerful xenophobia and loony political outbursts are no longer eccentric or laughable.” They are “anti-Canadian” (TORONTO STAR, 11/6).
