Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles yesterday said that the “longtime practice of blacking out” the Indianapolis 500 locally “as it happens and broadcasting a recording that night probably won't be affected” by an FCC ruling ending its blackout policy. In Indianapolis, Mark Alesia notes the race has been on “live local television only twice” -- in ‘49 and ’50. The Indy 500's situation is “different from the NFL's” because the race is a “once-a-year event at a track that seats more than 200,000.” The Colts “haven't had a blackout” since Sept. '03 (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/1).
INSIDE LOOK: CSN Chicago yesterday announced a 30-minute, documentary-style program entitled "Bears Life presented by Xfinity" that will take viewers inside the private lives of players. The first episode will debut on Tuesday and features a behind-the-scenes look into the personal life of Bears OT Jermon Bushrod (CSN Chicago). The net is launching a similar show around the Blackhawks. Pat Boyle will host "Blackhawks All-Access," which also will launch Tuesday. The first episode will "examine the off-season contract extensions" of Blackhawks C Jonathan Toews and RW Patrick Kane and "include a one-on-one interview" with new C Brad Richards (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/30).
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS: The Dodgers and iHeartMedia yesterday announced a multiyear agreement renewing KLAC-AM's broadcast rights for Dodgers games. The new partnership will include an equity position in the station for the Dodgers owners as well as the opportunity for collaborative programming. The deal is subject to MLB approval (Dodgers).
TAKE TWO: In Oklahoma City, Mel Bracht reported the basketball version of ESPN’s “College GameDay” will "have some new faces for this season as analysts Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams join the returning duo of host Rece Davis and analyst Jay Bilas on the eight-week Saturday morning and evening program." Also new this season is a "flexible schedule that will give 'College GameDay' the option to react to storylines as the season develops to better ensure visits to top games." The site will be announced the week "prior, similar to the football version" (NEWSOK.com, 9/30).
