New ESPN Internet Ventures VP/GM Steve Zales is
profiled by Richard Tedesco of BROADCASTING & CABLE. Zales,
who previously served as VP/GM of CNN/SI Interactive, said
his plans for ESPN Internet Ventures include focusing on
"exploring relationships with sports leagues to add to its
NFL, NBA and NHL connections." Zales says there is "strong
interest" to leverage ESPN's on-air assets in new ways.
Zales: "We're starting from such a strong base; it's a very
good position to be in" (BROADCASTING & CABLE, 12/7).
STILL HOT: Dallas-based Broadcast.com, which has
revenue-sharing content arrangements with the NHL and NBA,
is profiled in ELECTRONIC MEDIA. The company, valued at
"more than" $1B, is "a prime takeover target." Founders
Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner want to turn the site "into the
ultimate multimedia portal" (ELECTRONIC MEDIA, 12/7 issue).
Shares of Broadcast.com "soared" 27% after announcing a
partnership with NASDAQ to relay quarterly earnings
conference calls over the Internet. Broadcast.com rose $15
on the news to close at $69.75 (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/10).
