THE ATHLETIC's John Walters writes CBS' production of Saturday's Alabama-Auburn matchup "was a masterpiece" and "without a doubt the best television production" of the college football season thus far. The broadcast was a "sports Emmy-worthy four hours of cameramen finding the right shots" and "talking heads keeping viewers informed and enthralled." SEC on CBS producer Craig Silver and director Steve Milton worked "seamlessly together to enhance the drama without drowning it in self-indulgence" (THEATHLETIC.com, 12/2).
THE TABLES HAVE TURNED: In San Jose, Chuck Barney noted coming into this season, the NBA and its television partners were "banking on the Warriors to be one of the prime attractions." But following a slew of injuries, the team has "hardly been must-see TV material," as they have "lost each of those five early nationally televised games" on their schedule. Barney: "Don't be surprised, however, if some adjustments are made to the national TV schedule in the coming months." The Warriors are "set to air three times on ESPN in December," while TNT "isn't scheduled to air another Warriors game until Jan. 16." But that game against the Nuggets will "mark the first of 11 appearances until the end of the season" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 11/30).
COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU: In Edmonton, Gerry Moddejonge noted the Canadian Elite Basketball League -- the country's six-team first division league -- has "inked a three-year deal with CBC Sports" beginning in '20. The CEBL, which finished its inaugural season in August, will now "offer live streaming of all 70 of its regular-season games and five playoff games on the free CBC Gem streaming service" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 11/28).
