America Online announced that it has exceeded 3.5 million
subscribers, making it the largest online service. CompuServe
currently claims about 3.4 million subscribers, and Prodigy more
than 2 million. Delphi/MCI and The Microsoft Network have less
than 500,000 each (AD AGE ONLINE, 9/8)....CompuServe is
sponsoring CompuServe Day at the Ballpark for the Indians'
September 9 game at Jacobs Field. The promotion includes a
CompuServe display, distribution of free software and membership
kits and prizes for fans (CompuServe)....Despite SportsChannel
Florida's acquisition of U/Miami football rights, TCI and
Continental Cablevision "say they have no plans to bring back the
channel." Barry Jackson writes that SportsChannel "probably
needs to acquire one of the local pro teams to get back on every
cable system in South Florida." SportsChannel is expected to
pursue the Marlins and Panthers, whose contracts are up next
year, but getting the Lightning or Devil Rays would boost
SportsChannel upstate where the Sunshine Network "dominates"
(MIAMI HERALD, 9/8)....Still no word on Astros radio rights.
Incumbent KPRC-AM is "intent on keeping the games," but KILT-AM
is making a "big push." KTRH-AM is the "surprise contender"
(HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/8)....The Center for Media Education and
the United Church of Christ will protest the proposed sale of CBS
to Westinghouse with the FCC (WASHINGTON POST, 9/8)....Merger
talks between US West and Cablevision have reportedly broken off
(NEWSDAY, 9/7). ....MSG Network is expected to announce Monday
the signing of Kenny Albert, the 27-year-old son of Marv Albert,
to handle Rangers games and other assignments. Albert, who has
been doing Capitals play-by-play on HTS, will be replaced by Al
Koken. The Capitals also announced that radio voice Ron Weber
will continue for two more years and then be replaced when the
team moves to a new arena (WASHINGTON POST, 9/8). ....In L.A.,
Larry Stewart reports that, for now, NFL ratings in the area are
up over last year, when they actually had teams. Ratings for '95
Week 1 topped last year, 29.8 to 25.3 (L.A. TIMES, 9/8).
