In Denver, Mike Singer cites a source as saying Comcast, Dish and DirecTV have been "'uncommunicative' in working toward a resolution" with Altitude Sports amid a carriage dispute that could impact fans' ability to watch Nuggets and Avalanche games. NBA League Pass and the NHL's Center Ice "aren't viable workarounds due to rights restrictions." Altitude Exec VP, GM & Exec Producer Kenny Miller said that even considering the "unusual circumstances." there was "no chance the leagues would lift the local blackouts." The NBA and NHL are "monitoring the situation" (DENVER POST, 9/13).
FOOTBALL FEVER: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar notes the NFL season "got off to a roaring start on St. Louis television last weekend, as the three contests shown on Sunday afternoon had the best combined rating for the opening slate of day games" in the four seasons since the Rams moved to L.A. Giants-Cowboys in the late window got a 11.1 local rating, while Chiefs-Jaguars drew an 8.3 in the early slot. Rams-Panthers saw a 6.6, after the Rams' opener last year drew a 5.5 on "MNF" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 9/13).
LOUD MOUTHS: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Natalie Jarvey noted The Ringer is "getting into the daily podcast game through a deal with Spotify." "The Ringer's Hottest Take" will be a Spotify original on weekdays. Each 7-10 minute episode will feature Bill Simmons and staff at The Ringer "breaking down a controversial opinion from the worlds of sports, movies, television, food, music or the Internet" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 9/10).
