TOM HICKS ACQUIRES UNIVERSAL SPORTS AND HOST COMMUNICATIONS

          Stars and MLB Rangers Owner Tom Hicks has added what he
     considers a "key component for putting together" an RSN by
     acquiring control of KY-based Host Communications and TX-
     based Universal Sports America, two sports marketing firms
     that own broadcast rights to major college athletic events,
     according to Maria Halkias of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. 
     Financial terms were not disclosed, and Halkias reported
     that Host and Universal Sports investors -- including GE
     Capital, NBC Sports, Hunt Resources and Bull Run Corp. -- 
     will be paid cash and stock in the yet-to-be-named holding
     company that will own the RSN Hicks is forming.  Hicks'
     media company, Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst "is not involved"
     in the deal.  Host and Universal Sports, which control
     broadcast rights to events for about 50 major colleges, will
     also bring "expertise in securing corporate sponsorships"
     for all of Hicks' entities.  Hicks: "They can cross-sell the
     Rangers and the Stars" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/27).