SI.com's Richard Deitsch reported ESPN college basketball reporter Andy Katz "has re-signed with the network" in a six-year deal. Katz in an e-mail wrote, "I didn't want to start over somewhere new. I've got my same responsibilities at ESPN.com, my own show on ESPNU (Katz's Korner), and I co-host a podcast (with Seth Greenberg) that has plenty of possibilities, too, as well as all the other appearances on ESPN and ESPN2 shows and contributing as much as possible on SportsCenter." Katz said that he will "continue to do games on ESPN and ESPNU, but he's added one very high-profile assignment: He'll be part of a rotation that will host Outside the Lines when Bob Ley is unavailable" (SI.com, 5/12).
LOCAL BOY MAKES GOOD: In Denver, Dusty Saunders reports broadcaster Joel Klatt on July 1 "pulls up local roots to join Fox Sports 1." Klatt signed a multiyear deal with Fox, but "isn't sure what his duties will be." Klatt said, "We've talked about work as a studio host and also a presence in college football booths. ... I could have a combination of both." Klatt previously covered college football games for Root Sports Rocky Mountain and Fox (DENVER POST, 5/13).
EUROPEAN RETREAT: ESPN America revealed that it "will suspend its TV broadcasts in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East on July 31." DIGITALFERNSEHEN noted ESPN Classic "will also stop its broadcasts in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East on July 31." ESPN said that "various sporting events will continue to be available online as a livestream." In addition, ESPN revealed that "it is willing to sell several of its sports rights to other channels" (DIGITALFERNSEHEN.de, 5/10).
