In Detroit, Bill Halls profiled ESPN Magazine, as the
10-by-12 format, the same size as Rolling Stone, is designed
to "make generous use" of photos, graphics, "often droll
lists, short commentary and longer pieces written by some of
the nation's top sportswriters," as well as members of
ESPN's TV staff (DETROIT NEWS, 2/18).
AT FOX: Fox Kids Worldwide reached a preliminary
agreement to acquire a stake in Fox Kids Network, previously
owned by Fox affils, in the "first step by Fox to help pay
for its massive" NFL contract (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 2/19)...
Time Warner Cable of Pittsfield announced that it will begin
providing Fox Sports New England (FSNE) as part of the
system's "Standard Service" beginning March 1 (FSNE)....Fox
Sports Americas has surpassed the 9 million subscriber mark,
more than tripling its Latin American distribution to 7.2
million since launching in November '96 (FSA).
NOTES: Tommy John was added to the Yankees' broadcast
booth on WPIX-NY (N.Y. TIMES, 2/19)....The Warriors agreed
to a three-year radio extension with KNBR-AM, currently in
its 12th season as the team's flagship (OAKLAND TRIBUNE,
2/18). ...Germany's highest court ruled Tuesday that TV
stations should not be allowed to show short highlights of
pro sports events without paying broadcast rights. But the
court "insisted," that the cost of the rights "should not be
excessive" to ensure broadcasters access (REUTERS, 2/18).
