FS Prime Ticket has "decided to end" its game-day Dodgers TV programs when the regular season ends on Sunday, as they are "moving their broadcasts to Time Warner Cable next season," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. A source said that FS Prime Ticket's decision "is strictly business." The source said that it would be "difficult to defray production costs for pregame and postgame shows based on ad sales ... because many advertisers want a package that includes commercials during the game." Under "normal circumstances, Fox would air pregame and postgame shows even at a financial loss" (LATIMES.com, 9/24).
THE VOICE: In L.A., Chris Erskine notes if the Dodgers advance in the playoffs, Fox' Joe Buck would call the World Series instead of team broadcaster Vin Scully. Erskine: "Nothing against Buck, for he's got baseball in the blood. ... Buck is a pro's pro. But he's no Scully. ... I could make a case Scully should be doing every World Series, but especially he should do a Dodgers World Series." However, Scully said that he has "no interest in getting in the way, and he's quite content to work the games only on radio." Fox said that plans are "still underway, and they need also to honor Tim McCarver, who is retiring." One possibility they have "considered is bringing other announcers into the booth to help honor McCarver, which could include Scully" (L.A. TIMES, 9/25).
