In L.A., Joe Flint cites sources as saying that Fox Sports 2 "will launch around the same time and perhaps even the same day as Fox Sports 1," which is scheduled to debut Aug. 17. FS2 "will take the place of Fuel TV." While FS1 is "getting a big marketing push behind it," FS2 will have "a much softer launch." It is "unclear what sports will be on the new channel initially" besides MMA (LATIMES.com, 5/14).
CROSSING THE ATLANTIC: In Pittsburgh, Sam Werner writes the biggest question stemming from ACC schools granting media rights to the conference is the "possibility of an ACC television network." ACC Commissioner John Swofford said the conference and ESPN would begin an "analysis phase" of creating its own network. That will "involve studying the fledgling SEC Network." Swofford: "The answer will be there when it's there. We don't want to let any grass grow, and I don't think ESPN does either. But we also want to be very thorough with it and we also understand that our partner is initiating something similar with a colleague conference" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 5/14).
ROCKET LAUNCHER: In Houston, David Barron reported Mayor Annise Parker will "meet next Monday afternoon with representatives of Suddenlink Communications and Comcast SportsNet Houston to discuss carriage issues that have kept the Rockets and Astros games from being seen in most Houston-area homes this season." A Parker spokesperson said that the mayor hopes the meeting with Suddenlink "will be followed by similar meetings with other TV providers that do not carry the channel" (CHRON.com, 5/13).
AN APP FOR THAT: In Toronto, Brendan Kennedy notes MLB "continues to expand its mobile gaming initiatives with this month’s launch of the MLB.com Home Run Derby game for the iPhone and iPad." The game was developed by MLBAM, "which also runs the popular Gameday app." It features "every player that has participated in the home run derby" since '10 (TORONTO STAR, 5/14).
