In Detroit, Tony Paul reported Tigers TV analyst Craig Monroe "will return for a second season" with FS Detroit. Monroe, who joined the on-air team prior to last season, "was green at first, struggling to find the right camera and occasionally stumbling over words." But "by season's end, he was more smooth -- even if he seemed uneasy criticizing the team, which still consists of some of his former teammates" (DETROIT NEWS, 12/8).
INTERNET TRAFFIC: The AP's Jenna Fryer noted Lucas Oil President & CEO Forrest Lucas in June "plans to launch Lucas Oil Network, an Internet television network that will offer a heavy dose of race programming." Lucas Oil spokesperson Stuart Rowlands said, "In a time when motorsports are a little down, we are going forward just full bore." He added that the network would "immediately increase the company's reach." Lucas "expects MAVTV to remain successful, but he's preparing for the day that television becomes less prominent" (AP, 12/7).
RADIO FLYERS: TOM TAYLOR NOW reports Houston-based Gow Broadcasting has acquired "sports update service Sports Flash." Sports Flash Founder Mike Sinnott will become Yahoo Sports Radio VP, "specializing in the 'sports updates business.'" Gow said that its network "is thriving." Gow: "Since we announced our partnership with Yahoo Sports on August 1, 2011, the company has more than doubled its affiliate base, from 170 to over 360" (TOM TAYLOR NOW, 12/11 issue).
GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: The '13 WNBA Draft on April 15 will be held live in primetime for the first time in the league's 17-year history. ESPN2 will provide coverage of the first round starting at 8:00pm ET, with ESPNU televising the second and third rounds starting at 9:00pm (WNBA).
