The GLOBE & MAIL's David Shoalts reported the morale in Rogers Media's hockey department "could not be any worse." Employees believe "changes are coming" on Monday. Shoalts: "I knew it wasn't great but depth of despair among some surprised me. They expect the worst" (TWITTER.com, 6/21).
BAD SIGN? In Austin, Kirk Bohls noted ESPN's decision to cancel Longhorn Network's "Longhorn Extra" show and not renew the contract of almost two dozen independently contracted cameramen and technicians "can't be a good sign." Up to four current LHN employees "are impacted by the programming decision and five new positions will be created." But the fault "is mostly with lagging" Texas athletics. ESPN College Networks Communications Manager Gracie Blackburn said that LHN will "employ the same number of workers (60) as before and is just shifting its emphasis to the 175 live sporting events." Bohls: "But it's never good to cancel shows and downsize on employees" (MYSTATESMAN.com, 6/21).
ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMIN: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Marisa Guthrie noted Showtime Sports will chronicle NBA Draft prospect Ben Simmons' freshman season at LSU and his entree into the league in a new documentary, "One & Done," set to "bow in October, just before the start of Simmons' rookie year." Showtime has "been quietly chronicling Simmons for the past two years," and the doc "will heavily focus on Simmons' time at LSU." The film also will "include his childhood in Australia, high school in America and the influence of his family, especially his father David Simmons," who played 13 pro seasons in Australia (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 6/21).
