In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes when YES President & CEO Tracy Dolgin earlier this week called the net a "homer network," he also "cavalierly threw YES voices -- who have vehemently disagreed with us for years -- under the bus." Dolgin "justifies his conclusion by saying all regional sports networks are on the air for the sole purpose of serving up home cooking." Raissman: "His theory is not only debateable, it’s not true. It’s a lie." Raissman cites SportsNet N.Y. as a "current example." People who work in the TV sports industry, and those who cover it, have noted the "independent approach taken by SNY’s Mets voices Ron Darling, Keith Hernandez and Gary Cohen." Raissman: "Much of SNY’s on-air success has been attributed to their strong, unvarnished opinions, which are often at odds with Mets brass." Additionally, NFL Giants Radio Network's Carl Banks and Bob Papa will "never be accused of being cheerleaders" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/9).
POWER OF FOUR: In Miami, Barry Jackson writes there is "something different and fresh and unique and envelope-pushing about elements of national-network NBA coverage that you simply don’t see on several other sports." ABC this season has "crafted another one: the first host-less studio show, a program with four 'analysts' but not a single person trained at being an anchor." Jackson: "Give ESPN/ABC credit here: The blueprint has worked." Chris Broussard, Michael Wilbon, Magic Johnson and Jon Barry do not "generate chuckles" like Charles Barkley does on TNT, but there are "more meaty, thought-provoking debates, more spirited exchanges." None of the four analysts have "embarrassed themselves voicing over highlights, and Barry and Wilbon have capably weaved in and out of commercials" (MIAMI HERALD, 3/9).
PICTURE QUALITY: In California, John Maffei writes the picture for Thursday's San Diego State-Boise State Mountain West men's basketball tournament game on The Mtn. "was actually watchable." It was as if the net "discovered HD." Maffei: "Usually, the picture on The Mtn. looks as though it were shot through a screen door. That was certainly the case for the Aztecs women's game against Air Force on Wednesday" (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 3/9).
AUDIO SUCCESS: In L.A., Tom Hoffarth writes MLB Network's "all audio" broadcast of Wednesday's" Indians-D'Backs Spring Training game would "possibly" work in the regular season for an "otherwise late-summer contest that isn't all that important." While it does provide a "unique perspective -- and a break from constant announcer banter ... there's more put on the viewer (and listener) at home to really pay attention if they want the game's full storyline" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 3/9).
