BROADCASTING & CABLE's Andrea Morabito conducted a cover-story Q&A with Turner Broadcasting System Chair & CEO Phil Kent, and asked if he planned on renewing soon with the NBA because of rising sports costs. Kent said, "That timing will be determined by the NBA. We have a relationship with the NBA that's over a quarter of a century now. We're partners with them not only in television, but we manage the digital business for them. We have a terrific relationship. I have every confidence we're going to continue that relationship. Will it cost more money? I could say fairly absolutely" (BROADCASTING & CABLE, 3/25 issue).
SEEKING MORE DEMOS: NASCAR yesterday announced the Univision show "Arranque de Pasin, La Historia de Ela" will debut April 1 as the first-ever sports-themed original project for the net. The drama was shot at Homestead-Miami Speedway and also is NASCAR's first ever Spanish-language original production. Following the premiere, a new episode will debut each Monday, Wednesday and Friday for five consecutive weeks (NASCAR).
BREAK FREE: In N.Y., Larry Brooks wrote it is "not a commentary on the people on air as much as the policy guiding them, but the NHL Network would be a far more compelling watch if it didn’t act as an arm of the NHL PR office." A few hours "watching the MLB Network should be enough to teach the NHL people what they -- and the audience -- need to know" (N.Y. POST, 3/24).
