ESPN’s Bill Simmons said that joining the net's “NBA Countdown” pregame show is “somewhat intimidating.” Simmons: “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little worried, in this day and age when you’re not allowed to make mistakes.” USA TODAY’s Michael Hiestand writes, "Knowing what you say on air can spread instantly, whether or not it’s quoted correctly, unsettled him.” Simmons: “Social media has been dangerous when it spreads a half-truth about something that happened” (USA TODAY, 10/24).
NEW IN NEW ENGLAND: In Boston, Ira Kantor noted WEEI-FM yesterday announced a new Red Sox-specific show called “Red Sox Hot Stove,” which will “debut Thursday night and air every Thursday" from 7:00-8:00pm ET for the next 16 weeks. Hosted by Kirk Minihane with WEEI.com's Rob Bradford and Alex Speier, the show is "designed to bring devoted fans the most comprehensive coverage of the team’s off-season moves" (BOSTONHERALD.com, 10/23).
NOTES: NESN yesterday announced that Boston’s WFXT-Fox general assignment reporter Adam Pellerin and FS North freelance reporter Jamie Erdahl will each join the net as anchor/reporters (NESN)….The NBA Kings and KXTV-ABC announced that 10 regular-season Kings games this season will be aired on the station. The remaining 72 games “will be shown on Comcast SportsNet California” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 10/24).
