The NHL's decision to carry Stanley Cup playoff games in the
afternoon "has been a ratings bust" for CBC, according to the
CANADIAN PRESS. Only two of seven matinee games have drawn more
than 1 million viewers. CBC Sports spokesperson Susan Proctor:
"Evening numbers on the whole are about a million higher." NHL
VP of Broadcasting Glenn Adamo: "We're trying to grow this sport
on a whole bunch of levels in both countries. ... [But] there are
weights on both sides that we have to keep playing with" (OTTAWA
CITIZEN, 6/15)....When it comes to lower ad revenue for MLB
broadcasters, "radio has been hit harder than TV," according to
ADWEEK. The Marlins' WQAM-AM has seen a 40% drop in ad sales
from '94, according to Exec Dir of Sales Ray Perry. But Ted
Ewanciw of HTS, the regional sports network arm of Group W Sports
Marketing and Orioles cable outlet, reports that they are all
sold out. In fact, Group W Senior VP & GM Bob Kunath cites a 7-
10% increase in O's ad revenues (ADWEEK, 6/12 issue)....Primestar
Partners President & CEO John Cusick resigned last week.
Primestar Chair Jim Gray will act as CEO until a new president is
found (BROADCASTING & CABLE, 6/12 issue). Primestar will serve
as video supplier to this week's U.S. Open. Coverage of the
tournament will be shown on 200 on-site TVs via Primestar's
satellite service (Primestar)....ESPN's June 19 edition of
"Outside the Lines" focuses on the phenomenon and impact of
sports talk radio (ESPN)....Starting today, tennis fans will be
able to access information on Wimbledon on a World Wide Web site
jointly established by the All England Lawn Tennis Club and IBM.
Address: http://www.wimbledon.org (IBM).
