Wayne Huizenga is set to buy SportsChannel Florida, adding
the cable network to his ownership of the Dolphins, Marlins and
Panthers, according to the MIAMI HERALD. Barry Jackson reports
that Huizenga's purchase of 50% of the network from Rainbow
Communications "will provide a huge boost" for Sports-Channel,
which has "been unable to beat" Sunshine Network to rights for
many of the area's pro teams. ALL IN THE FAMILY: Sunshine's
Panthers contract expires later this year, and Jackson notes if
Huizenga does sell the team to a local buyer, he will insist new
ownership makes a deal with SportsChannel. The Marlins will be
televised on Sunshine for '96 in the final season of a four-year
deal, after which Huizenga can place their games on SportsChannel
beginning in '97. Some Dolphins-related programming "also moves
to SportsChannel," including the "Miami Dolphins Monday Night
Magazine" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/21). OTHER DETAILS: As part of the
deal, which will be announced later this week, while Huizenga
will hold only 50% of SC initially, he will reserve the right to
purchase an additional 20% "at any time." SportsChannel was
recently dropped by three major South FL cable operators -- TCI,
Continental and Jones Intercable -- due to its failure to land
any pro team rights. Jackson writes, "SportsChannel officials
are hopeful all three operators will bring SportsChannel back
once Huizenga's teams officially shift to the network" (MIAMI
HERALD, 2/21).
