The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Alex Ben Block reported Time Warner has "worked out separate agreements with Dish Network for carriage of HBO and Turner networks' programming after months of negotiations." Last October some Time Warner channels "went dark on Dish." If Turner "had pulled the network before the Final Four games on Saturday, it could have upset Dish customers, though it's not clear the NCAA Tournament actually impacted finalizing the deals." There was no announcement of financial details (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 4/1).
SHARING CONTENT: ADWEEK's Michelle Castillo noted AOL yesterday "unveiled a multi-year video content partnership with Fox Sports." The new deal includes "original Fox Sports digital properties like @TheBuzzer and Garbage Time, game highlights and the potential for co-produced content around tentpole sporting events," including the Olympics and FIFA Women's World Cup. Meanwhile, AOL "has been expanding its sports presence through publisher partnerships, including one with The Players' Tribune" (ADWEEK.com, 4/1).
D-TRAIN: Maxx Sports & Entertainment recently signed former MLBer Dontrelle Willis for broadcast work and is in talks with networks about an analyst role for the recently retired pitcher. Maxx President Mark Lepselter said, "He is a World Series champion and a former (NL) Rookie of the Year. I am confident he will have a network job this season" (Liz Mullen, Staff Writer).
