CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus yesterday at a Television Critics Association presser said that the net "would rather retain" its current deal with the NFL to broadcast Thursday night games "than share it." McManus said that the net has "submitted a bid based on a shared package as well as the semi-exclusive deal it currently has." The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Joe Flint notes "dividing games is only one of many items on the NFL’s wish list." McManus noted that the NFL also "inquired about using the facilities of one of its TV partners to possibly produce a morning show" for NFL Network. McManus said that the next deal for "TNF" will "likely be determined in the coming weeks." Last year, the NFL "announced the CBS deal on the day of the NFC and AFC Championship games" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1/13).
THE BOYS ARE BACK: In N.Y., Bob Raissman notes those "shut out of the soldout" reunion show between radio personalities Chris Russo and Mike Francesa now "will be able to access it." Francesa yesterday said that the March 30 show, beginning at 8:00pm, "will be simulcast on MSG+ TV and radiocast on WFAN and SiriusXM." Francesa added there "will be more announcements concerning the reunion forthcoming, including what celebrities will be on the show." Francesa said that the duo "has already met to discuss certain elements of the program" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/13).
HELP ME HELP YOU: Westwood One is in the market pitching its NCAA Tournament radio broadcasts to advertisers with the message that a radio schedule can complement a TV buy. In a PowerPoint presentation, Westwood One says: "On average, the typical NCAA TV viewer catches 8.6 games of March Madness. Adding Westwood One NCAA coverage adds 4.3 games...for the cost of one Final Four TV spot, an advertiser can sponsor both Westwood's NCAA regular season and March Madness" (John Ourand, Staff Writer).
