MLB lawyers last week decided that other business interests
of cable operator TCI will prevent the Home Shopping Network
(HSN) from investing $10M in the Devils Rays. TCI has an
ownership stake in HSN, as well as a 24% stake in Turner
Broadcasting, which owns the Braves. MLB has ruled that is a
violation of rules prohibiting a company from owning an interest
in more than one team, according to the TAMPA TRIBUNE.
Therefore, HSN has been instructed to take back its investment in
the Devils Rays. Home Shopping Network President Gerald Hogan:
"Neither the team nor HSN anticipated that our investment in the
Devils Rays would be considered a problem" (Lisa Blackman, TAMPA
TRIBUNE, 8/15).
BUCS EXPANDING MARKETING EFFORTS: After two decades of
maketing only in the immediate Tampa-St. Pete area, it seems "The
Times They Are A 'Changin'" for the Bucs, writes Ira Kaufman in
the TAMPA TRIBUNE. Pete Graffagnino, who coordinates sports
events at Pasco County's Lane Glo Bowl, has noticed a "genuine
change" in the Bucs' strategy. Under late owner Hugh
Culverhouse, Graffagnino said he had "little success" attracting
Bucs personnel for promotions. Graffagnino said the Lightning
know "this area is a gold mine. The Bucs are learning" (TAMPA
TRIBUNE, 8/15).
