MULTICHANNEL NEWS' Todd Spangler reported Google in an FCC filing claimed Time Warner Cable has "backtracked from any willingness" to license its Metro Sports RSN in K.C. for Google’s IPTV service. Google argued that the MSO’s actions "underscore the need for the FCC to strengthen program-access rules for operator-affiliated RSNs." Google in the filing said TWC initially "signaled a willingness to contract with Google Fiber," but added that the cable operator backtracked "after delaying negotiations for months" (MULTICHANNELNEWS.com, 1/15).
FIRST TIME, LONG TIME: Blogger Ed Sherman noted CBS Sports Radio “can be heard in 250 markets,” but some of those markets “only carry the morning show” or Jim Rome’s 12:00-3:00pm ET show. CBS Sports Radio in order to be successful "needs to be available to the masses." CBS Radio Senior VP/Programming Chris Oliviero said, “Our goal is to clear every major market. ... We’re going to try to get into as many markets as quickly as possible.” Oliviero added, “We have no business plan based on being on satellite” (SHERMANREPORT.com, 1/15).
DOCTOR-PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY? Butler Univ. athletic officials and team doctor Thomas Fischer said that NBC Sports Network’s coverage of Butler G Rotnei Clarke’s injury during Saturday's men's basketball game against the Univ. of Dayton "was intrusive and inappropriate.” In Indianapolis, David Woods wrote the images broadcast “weren’t as disturbing as the microphone picking up conversation between Clarke and medical personnel.” Clarke was heard to say, “I can’t move, I can’t move.” Fischer said it was “morally, ethically wrong” to broadcast such eavesdropping (INDYSTAR.com, 1/15).
