In N.Y., Prashant Rao notes a British regulator "provisionally rejected 21st Century Fox’s bid to acquire full control of Sky, the British satellite broadcaster." The acquisition would give Fox "broadcast rights for lucrative content" like EPL and other European leagues. Meanwhile, Pivotal Research analyst Brian Wieser said that Disney’s aspirations for Sky "could affect the role" that 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch "ultimately takes in an expanded Disney" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/24).
MAKING THE CALL: Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam said that his company is "not looking to make a large content acquisition in the foreseeable future." McAdam cited the company’s recent deals with the NFL and NBA as examples of "partnering with popular content providers and monetizing those relationships via advertising on Yahoo Sports and other Oath properties." McAdams: "We’re becoming the first screen for fans of live sports and superior partners for advertisers" (CABLEFAX DAILY, 1/24).
MAKING TWEAKS: GOLFWEEK's Forecaddie noted CBS’ PGA Tour coverage will have "TrackMan on each of the 18 tees as the network did at last August’s PGA Championship." CBS' Amanda Balionis also has "signed on as a regular contributor," meaning she will "continue to employ a high-tech mobile screen to review highlights with players, query them about key stats and, in general, bring some much-needed insight into the normally stale post-round interview" (GOLFWEEK.com, 1/22).
