New Cubs television partners WLS-ABC and WGN-TV are "reaching out to markets to syndicate their games outside" of the Chicago area following Tribune Co.'s decision "not telecast Cubs games on WGN America," according to Mark Gonzales of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said, "If there's a market they can't serve or get an agreement with, we could go to [MLB] and ask them to lift the blackout in that community only. MLB should want to see distribution occur everywhere there's a fan who wants to see the game as long as we respect our local partners" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/18). Kenney said that the first option is for an affiliate of WLS to "pick up the games in its local community." ESPN CHICAGO's Jesse Rogers noted, for example, the ABC channel in Des Moines, Iowa, "would have that option." In WGN-TV’s case, it "would be the local CW channel." Kenney agreed there "probably isn’t a downside" for MLB, as it will "get new subscribers to MLB.TV." The "bottom line, though, is those markets that were getting games on WGN America will now have to pay a fee to watch online ... if deals for local syndication fall through." Kenney also said that he is "hopeful that in the very near future, local games will be streamed online within markets, so fans can view the Cubs on their personal devices, including phones and tablets" (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 1/17).
LOOKING FOR A FREEBIE: In N.Y., Bob Raissman reported YES Network is "looking for a 'free' over-the-air TV home" for the Yankees after the contract with current over-the-air partner WWOR-TV "has expired." Sources said that WWOR execs, who "likely lost money on their last Yankees TV deal, don’t want to pay the rights fee that YES, which owns rights to all Yankees games, is asking for." What makes this "highly unusual" is both YES and WWOR "are owned by Fox" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/18).
