In Illinois, Barry Rozner reported Cubs TV play-by-play announcer Len Kasper, who was "in the final year of his current deal," has "signed a five-year extension to remain" through '16. Kasper "has been a huge hit in Chicago since arriving and teaming with color man Bob Brenly in 2005." Kasper and Brenly "have found a terrific rhythm and have the ability to tell the truth about their club even when times are bad, and without beating the Cubs senseless." Rozner notes Brenly is "signed through the end of the 2012 season" (DAILYHERALD.com, 6/22).
TEAMING UP: In Montreal, Pat Hickey reports the Canadiens and CKGM-AM Team 990 yesterday formally announced that they have "reached a seven year agreement to broadcast all 82 regular-season games as well as preseason games and any playoff games." CKGM "also plans to offer extensive" pre- and postgame shows. The deal is "all about synergy." The release announcing the deal "came from the Canadiens' offices and the Toronto head office of BellMedia, which is the Team 990's parent company." The Canadiens and Bell "have been doing business for years and the long-term radio deal extends the relationship." Hickey notes the "next task" for CKGM GM Wayne Bews "will be to line up some talent for the broadcast" (Montreal GAZETTE, 6/23).
HE USED TO COACH, TOO: The NATIONAL FOOTBALL POST's Jeff Fedotin wrote like Pro Football HOFer John Madden, ESPN "MNF" analyst Jon Gruden "may be remembered more for his television analysis than his head coaching career." The "SportsCenter Special: Gruden's QB Camp" features where he "grills QB draft prospects has become an annual event," and it also is "one of the best shows ESPN ever has produced." Some viewed Gruden as "nothing but a 24/7-football grinder" before he joined "MNF" in '09, but he has "displayed a good sense of humor." Fedotin: "Perhaps Gruden will fill Madden's shoes as the voice of the NFL" (NATIONALFOOTBALLPOST.com, 6/22).
POISED FOR TAKEOVER: News Corp's bid to buy out BSkyB has "edged closer to resolution" after U.K. media regulator Ofcom "submitted a revised report to Jeremy Hunt that paves the way for the Culture Secretary to formally approve the deal." Hunt "looks set to green-light the takeover next week, although he is obliged to launch a consultation, lasting seven days, to gauge responses to Ofcom's amended undertakings" (LONDON TIMES, 6/23).
