Time Warner Cable has "launched a website" for the Dodgers' new SportsNet L.A. RSN, but "all there is right now is a countdown clock to the launch of the channel and a form for people to ask their pay-TV providers to carry the service," according to Joe Flint of the L.A. TIMES. The headline across the top of the page reads, "Demand Your Dodgers Now." The site also has "suggested tweets for fans to send to further pressure pay-TV providers" (LATIMES.com, 1/22). In California, Bill Plunkett writes there is a "large glitch that could prevent many fans from watching Dodgers coverage" on the new RSN: TWC and the club "have yet to announce any agreements with other cable distributors throughout Southern California" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 1/23). In California, Matt Solinsky reports the RSN is "working on negotiations with other television providers," including DirecTV, Dish Network and Verizon FiOS (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 1/23).
ANNOUNCER BREAKDOWN: TWC yesterday formally announced that the RSN will launch on Feb. 25, the night before the Dodgers' first Spring Training game (TWC). In L.A., Steve Dilbeck noted Orel Hershiser will join Charley Steiner "as the new color commentator on the TV broadcasts of games Vin Scully does not broadcast." Steiner's former color man on the radio, Rick Monday, "will now become the play-by-play man," with Nomar Garciaparra doing the commentary. Jerry Hairston and Garciaparra "will do SportsNet LA’s pre- and post-game coverage," and Alanna Rizzo "will serve as the in-game reporter for games called by Steiner and Hershiser." John Hartung "will be the studio host" (LATIMES.com, 1/22).
