The Golf Channel signed new distribution agreements with
Intermedia Partners and National Cable Television Cooperative,
according to AD AGE ONLINE. The deals could potentially boost
TGC's subscriber base by close to 5 million cable homes. The
channel is presently in about 400,000 homes (AD AGE ONLINE,
11/9)....Raycom is reportedly close to deals for a new title
sponsor for their college basketball series formerly back by
Pizza Hut and their halftime show, which was sponsored by Foot
Locker (INSIDE MEDIA, 11/14 issue)....The Texas Rangers made a
change in their broadcast team, as Mark Holtz and former GM Tom
Grieve will replace Steve Busby and Jim Sundberg. Norm Hitzges,
on cable broadcasts for nine years, was not rehired (FT. WORTH
STAR-TELEGRAM, 11/9)....A bill in Canada current in the Senate
and passed by the House of Commons that would put an 80% excise
tax on U.S. magazines could end Sports Illustrated's Canadian
edition. The monthly magazine, "with a 125,000 circulation,
hoped to go weekly" (Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY, 11/9).