Time Warner Cable this week "cut programs on its three Southern California sports channels and eliminated about 30 jobs," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Coverage of live games on the three channels -- SportsNet LA (Dodgers), TWC SportsNet (Lakers) and TWC Deportes -- "will not be affected." Instead, TWC has "eliminated much of the non-game coverage, including 'Dodgers Clubhouse,' 'Larry King at Bat' and 'Laker Girls.'" TWC VP/PR Maureen Huff said that the cuts "had nothing to do with the financial losses that TWC has sustained because of the Dodgers' television blackout." Huff: "It's a reaction based on lack of viewers for this programming" (L.A. TIMES, 9/18). In L.A., Tom Hoffarth cites sources as saying that "more than 30 people have been let go at Deportes, including all of its on-air talent, meaning no more pre- or post-game shows for the Galaxy or any kind of programming not related to live event coverage." A spokesperson said that the TWC SportsNet's popular “Backstage” shows, which are "produced in-house, will remain." Sources also said that because of Charter Communications' pending merger with TWC, these kind of business moves "are not uncommon in the consolidation process" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 9/18).
THREE IS A MAGIC NUMBER: In California, JP Hoornstra notes 79-year-old Dodgers Spanish-language announcer Jaime Jarrin "has an idea of where the finish line lies." Jarrin: "The Dodgers said, ‘You can stay with us as long as you want.’ Then I started playing with the 60 figure. It’s my 57th year, so three more years, I think I can do it. Then we’ll see.” Hoornstra notes while Dodgers play-by-play announcer Vin Scully has "cut one road trip from his television broadcast schedule each of the past three years," Jarrin said that he "will not do the same between now and year 60." He said, "Being away from home is tough. To leave my wife at home for such long periods of time, it’s tough. But I enjoy being with (the other broadcasters and reporters) and talking and chatting ... I like being on the road. It doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t take anything extra from my body" (INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN, 9/18).
