Fang's Bites

UFC Scores in Younger Male Demographics For Fox

UFC on Fox’s official debut last Saturday scored lower than its November special premiere, but when you look inside the numbers, Fox is happy with the ratings in the 18-34 and 18-49 categories. For advertisers, that’s what they want to hear.

The final rating for the mixed martial arts tripleheader was a 2.6 with a 5 share. The broadcast garnered 4.7 million viewers for the night.

In addition, Fox beat the other broadcast networks in the 18-34 and 18-49 demographics. Fox stresses that the audience grew with each passing fight which again is encouraging for the network.

Let’s take a look at the Fox press release and the numbers for the entire card.

UFC ON FOX DOMINATES PRIMETIME IN KEY DEMOS

Saturday night’s UFC on FOX event from the United Center in Chicago posted a 2.6/5 national rating/share, according to figures released by Nielsen Media Research today. As expected, FOX dominated the night on the important younger demographics. FOX’s 2.4 among Adults 18-49 nearly beat the combined ratings of ABC, CBS, and NBC (2.5 combined) and FOX’s 2.5 among Adults 18-34 easily beat those three network competitors combined (1.4). The three-bout broadcast on FOX averaged 4.7 million viewers from 8:00 PM – 10:19 PM ET.

The two-hour event, the first official network broadcast of FOX’s partnership with UFC, is off slightly (-16%) from the UFC on FOX premiere in November (3.1/5), which was only one hour and featured a highly-anticipated heavyweight championship fight. When comparing similar time periods for the two events, FOX posted a 3.0/5 from 9:00 – 10:15 PM ET, off only a tenth from the November UFC fight.

In several meaningful demographics, the last hour of Saturday’s broadcast rated higher than November’s UFC premiere on FOX with Men 25-49 up +3%, Men 25-54 up +3%, Men 35-54 up +4%.

As anticipation to the night’s main event grew so did the ratings and viewership. The night’s first match between Demian Maia and Chris Weidman scored a 2.2/4 rating/share. The next fight between Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping grew to a 2.7/5. Fans tuned in to see former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans take on undefeated former national champion wrestler Phil Davis with that bout posting a 3.4/6. More than 6 million viewers watched the five-round bout where Evans defeated Davis by unanimous decision.

The top five metered markets for Saturday’s UFC on FOX event are: Las Vegas – 4.1/8; Louisville – 4.1/7; Indianapolis – 3.9/7; Greenville – 3.9/6; Tulsa – 3.9/6; and Knoxville – 3.9/6.

And there will be another press release coming up.

UFC on Fox Officially Begins on Saturday

Fox had a brief one fight UFC premiere in November, but on Saturday, the partnership between the two parties begins. Three fights will be seen on Fox starting at 9 p.m. ET with the prelims on Fuel at 5. Chicago’s United Center will be the venue.

Curt Menefee will be the host. Randy Couture and current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones will join Curt.

As usual, the extremely talkative Mike Goldberg and conspiracy theorist Joe Rogan will be ringside to call the action.

Jay Glazer will be the host for the UFC shows on Fuel.

Light heavyweights Rashad Evans and Phil Davis will be the main event for the night. We have the Fox Sports press release for you.

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

UFC on FOX Officially Begins Partnership with Tripleheader from Chicago Saturday Night

UFC ON FOX TRIPLEHEADER LIVE FROM CHICAGO SATURDAY NIGHT – UFC on FOX officially kicks off  its partnership with a two-hour tripleheader broadcast on Saturday, Jan. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET), live from the United Center in Chicago.  In the night’s main event, former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans (21-1-1) takes on undefeated former national champion wrestler Phil Davis (9-0-0) to determine the next challenger to the 205-pound title currently held by Jon Jones. The co-main event features middleweight contender Chael Sonnen (27-11-1) battling British star Michael Bisping (23-3-0) for the right to fight champion Anderson Silva.  The action begins with dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Demian Maia (15-3-0) taking on unbeaten Chris Weidman (7-0-0).  Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan call all the action inside the Octagon and versatile broadcaster Curt Menefee hosts pre- and postfight coverage with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture and the aforementioned Jon Jones offering their insights on the action.  During prefight coverage, fans get a special behind-the-scenes look at preparation for their big night in Chicago, including a feature on Rashad Evans as he and his family balance the excitement of being part of the main event in Chicago with the stress and tension of his brother’s impending deployment.

“This is the show that officially starts our deal with FOX and we’re bringing what the fans want – a night packed with great fights,” UFC President Dana White said. “We’re kicking this thing off with an incredible tripleheader. Rashad Evans looked fantastic in his last fight against Tito Ortiz and he wants to get the belt back. But Phil Davis is no joke. He’s undefeated at 9-0 and has stormed through guys like Brian Stann, Alexander Gustafsson and Rogerio Nogueira. He wants the title shot just as bad as Rashad.”

The weekend’s action kicks off Friday, Jan. 27 (5:00 PM ET) with the live “UFC on FUEL TV: Weigh-in.” Jay Glazer hosts the show while UFC veteran and FUEL TV’s “UFC Tonight” host Kenny Florian steps in as the analyst, commenting on all the activities from Chicago. Two-time MMA Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani interviews fighters backstage. FUEL TV coverage continues Saturday, Jan. 28 (5:00 PM ET) with three hours of live preliminary bouts. Glazer is joined by Florian to introduce the fight, while Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan call the action live inside the Octagon. Helwani will interview fighters live backstage. Following these preliminary matchups on FUEL TV and three main events on FOX Sports, coverage returns to FUEL TV for the post-fight wrap-up show (10:00 PM ET).

History was made in November when the UFC made its broadcast television debut on FOX and a record audience tuned in as challenger Junior dos Santos defeated defending champion Cain Velasquez in a first round knockout to claim the coveted heavyweight crown. More than 5.7 million viewers tuned in to make it the most-watched UFC event ever and the most-watched professional fight of any kind on any network since 2003.

FLORIAN:  IT’S TOO EARLY FOR DAVIS TO FIGHT EVANS – FUEL TV’s UFC analyst Kenny Florian doesn’t believe Phil Davis is ready to fight Rashad Evans in the UFC on FOX main event Saturday, Jan. 28 (8:00 PM ET) from the United Center in Chicago. “It’s one or two fights too early for Phil Davis to fight Rashad Evans,” said Florian. “Evans’ experience and his ability to put it all together will be the difference. He’s going to win and face [current Light Heavyweight Champ] Jon Jones later this year.” Florian also picks Chael Sonnen over Michael Bisping and Chris Weidman over Demian Maia in the other main card match-ups.

Follow the talent on Twitter at: @jayglazer; @kennyflorian; @arielhelwani

DATE	TIME	EVENT	NET
Friday, Jan. 27	5:00 PM	UFC ON FUEL: WEIGH-IN LIVE	FUEL TV
Saturday, Jan. 28	5:00 PM	UFC ON FUEL: PRELIMINARY MATCHES: Dunham vs. Lentz/Russow vs. Einemo Swanson vs. Roop/Oliveira  vs. Wisely Johnson vs. Roller/Beltran vs. Johnson	FUEL TV FOX Deportes
Saturday, Jan. 28	8:00 PM	UFC ON FOX: Maia vs. Weidman Sonnen vs. Bisping Evans vs. Davis	FOX Sports FOX Deportes
Saturday, Jan. 28	10:00 PM	UFC ON FUEL: POST-FIGHT SHOW	FUEL TV

*All times Eastern

That will do it.

Posting As Many Monday Links As I Can

Been busy again today, but I’ll try to post as many links here as possible. Don’t know if I can do a complete set, but I’ll see what I can do.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand hears from ESPN’s Brent Musburger who calls tonight’s BCS National Championship Game.

Tom Weir of USA Today says Tim Tebow mentions broke a Twitter record last night.

Michael Smith of Sports Business Journal says the winner of tonight’s BCS National Championship Game stands to cash in through licensing of its gear.

Eric Fisher and John Ourand of SBJ report that MLB has to make a decision very soon on an extra round of Wild Card playoff games and the TV network that would air them.

Sports Business Daily recaps the mixed reviews for Charles Barkley’s hosting of NBC’s Saturday Night Live this past weekend.

Eriq Gardner of the Hollywood Reporter says a lawsuit brought forth by basketball legends Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson over their likenesses used in video games now has the TV networks getting involved.

George Winslow at Broadcasting & Cable says LG Smartphone users will gain access to a new ESPN ScoreCenter app that will include exclusive HD video.

John Eggerton at Multichannel News has a quick blurb on ESPN gaining rights for the NYC Marathon.

At Adweek, Anthony Crupi looks at the NFL’s final regular season ratings for 2011.

Glen Davis of SportsGrid cannot believe the religious connotations behind last night’s ratings for Pittsburgh-Denver.

Dom Consentino of Deadspin says the NBC reporter arrested last month  on DUI charges after a party thrown by alleged child molester Jerry Sandusky’s attorney, tried to talk his way out of the arrest.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post goes after Fox’s Charles Davis and NBC’s Mike Mayock for talking too much.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette writes that Saturday’s NFL Divisional playoff action will be split among two local radio stations.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union says MSG Network will be throwing a local viewing party to drum up support in its dispute with Time Warner Cable.

Ken McMillan with the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record writes about the NYC Marathon running to ESPN from NBC.

At the DC Sports Bog, the Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg notes that Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic will begin airing a new live show modeled after NBC Sports Talk.

Tom Jones from the Tampa Bay Times reviews the weekend in sports TV.

David Barron at the Houston Chronicle notes that the Texans had their best local ratings since their inaugural game back in 2002.

John Kiesewetter at the Cincinnati Enquirer says on Saturday, the Bengals did not do as well locally as its regular season games.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that NFL Network will re-air two Giants-Packers games.

Dusty Saunders at the Denver Post writes that CBS stepped up for last night’s Pittsburgh-Denver game.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has your sports calendar for this week.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail continues to go after CBC’s Don Cherry.

Raju Mudhar from the Toronto Star says Toronto is not the only hockey hotbed around.

I’ll try to add more stuff later.

UPDATE, 5:50 p.m.: I’ll add some more links now.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that the top selling sports book of last year was not the ESPN book, but Tim Tebow’s autobiography.

Dave Zoren of the Delaware County Times notes that the NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game did well on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.

Scott Sloan from the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader says a Kentucky-based high school sports TV and online provider has filed for bankruptcy.

At the Austin American-Statesman, Kirk Bohls says despite a lack of carriage agreements and viewers, ESPN remains committed to the Longhorn Network.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News writes that legendary Dodgers voice Vin Scully finally gets his own bobblehead this season.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog says theScore has signed a deal to pick up a whole host of college sports.

Sports Media Watch tells us that the Sugar Bowl had its worst ratings in 18 years.

Sports Media Watch says the Orange Bowl had its worst ratings in the BCS era.

The Waiting for Next Year blog notes that ESPN’s Erin Andrews will replace Scott Van Pelt as host of the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. That’s a huge upgrade.

Awful Announcing has the Broncos radio call of last night’s overtime win over the Steelers.

Joe Favorito wonders if MMA fighter Gina Carano is about to crossover to become a mainstream star.

The Sports Business Digest notes that the Lingerie Bowl will be played in Las Vegas.

NBC will partner with Panasonic to air the London Olympics in 3-D which only 145 people across the country can watch.

And that will do it for the links today.

Showtime Offers Free Preview in January

Received this press release from the premium TV service Showtime which says it will offer a free preview weekend to participating cable and satellite providers in the first full weekend of January. Included in the programming will be the season premiere of one of my favorite shows from last season, Shameless along with Californiation and series premiere of House of Lies. Also, Showtime will have the pay cable premiere of the Oscar-winning “The King’s Speech” during the free preview.

But for sports fans, Showtime will have boxing as well as Mixed Martial Arts with a new Strikeforce card on January 7. Both cards will be live on the East Coast on consecutive nights. If your cable or satellite provider carries Showtime, then most likely, you’ll have this free preview starting Friday, January 6.

The details are below.

SHOWTIME^® FREE PREVIEW WEEKEND AVAILABLE TO 60 MILLION HOMES STARTING FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Viewers Nationwide Can Access The Season Premieres Of The SHOWTIME Original Series HOUSE OF LIES, SHAMELESS And CALIFORNICATION, The Primetime Premiere Of Academy Award^® Winner The King’s Speech, And Can Sample The Hit Series DEXTER^®, WEEDS, THE BIG C  And HOMELAND Among Many Others
ShoBox: The New Generation And STRIKEFORCE Mixed Martial Arts Will Air Live on Friday And Saturday, January 6-7

NEW YORK – December 12, 2011 – SHOWTIMEwill be available in 60 million households for a Free Preview Weekend from Friday, January 6 through Sunday, January 8. Viewers across the country will have the opportunity to sample the premium network’s award-winning programming on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME HD^™ and SHOWTIME On Demand^®. The Free Preview weekend will include the series premiere of the new SHOWTIME original comedy series HOUSE OF LIES, as well as the anticipated return of the critically-acclaimed hit series SHAMELESS and CALIFORNICATION, live offerings from Showtime Sports^® including ShoBox: The New Generation and STRIKEFORCE, and the primetime premium television premiere of Academy Award-winning Best Picture THE KING’S SPEECH.

Free Preview Weekend viewers will also have access to critically-acclaimed SHOWTIME original series including season one of HOMELAND, THE BORGIAS, EPISODES and SHAMELESS, season two of THE BIG C, season three of Nurse Jackie, season four of Californication, season six of DEXTER, and season seven of Weeds, all available on SHOWTIME On Demand. SHOWTIME will also air a variety of feature films and documentaries including Blue Valentine, Red, THE MECHANIC, Piranha, I Am Number Four and The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Eclipse.

Live on Friday, January 6 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), SHOWTIME will air its celebrated, prospect-oriented boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation, featuring Luis Ramos Jr. vs. Raymundo Beltran. Then, on Saturday, January 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), SHOWTIME Sports will air the STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Championship featuring defending champ Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine, with four additional mixed martial arts bouts, live from The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On Sunday, January 8 at 7 p.m. ET/PT, THE KING’S SPEECH, Academy Award winner for Best Picture, will make its primetime premium television debut. The film features an all-star cast that includes Academy Awardwinner for Best Actor in a Leading Role Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon and Guy Pearce. After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family and his government, the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle. Based on the true story of King George VI, THE KING’S SPEECH follows the Royal Monarch’s quest to find his voice.

Then, on Sunday, January 8 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET/PT, viewers nationwide will get a taste of three critically-acclaimed SHOWTIME series, with the second season premiere of SHAMELESS (9 p.m. ET/PT), the premiere of the new comedy series HOUSE OF LIES (10 p.m. ET/PT) and the fifth season premiere of CALIFORNICATION (10:30 p.m. ET/PT).

Season two of SHAMELESS finds our favorite dysfunctional family braving the heat and humidity of summertime in Chicago, trying to keep cool…and Frank (William H. Macy) out of trouble. Bearing the de facto parent badge/burden, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) spends her nights working at a nightclub and her days keeping an eye on her siblings as they run a makeshift daycare center at the house. As usual, the motley brood somehow manages to hold down the fort and make sure the bills are paid, the lights are on and there is food on the table. Based on the long-running hit UK series, SHAMELESS is executive produced by Emmy^® Award-winning television and film producer John Wells, as well as Paul Abbott and Andrew Stearn.

HOUSE OF LIES is the new dark comedy about all the screwed up ways big business is practiced these days. The series, based on the hit tell-all book from best-selling author Martin Kihn (House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Then Tell You the Time), peels back the bull to reveal a world few know exists and fewer still have experienced. Meet Marty Kaan (Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle), the big-money earner at Galweather & Stearn, along with his hot, young team – The Pod – of big-balling power players – Jeannie (Kristen Bell), Clyde (Ben Schwartz) and Doug (Josh Lawson). Marty and The Pod’s work life is all first-class, top-shelf, black Am Ex, the best suites at the nicest hotels. Wild nights on the town servicing the clients are all in a day’s work. Marty is the ultimate power player and under his direction, this ruthless, pull-no-punches team is here to stick it to the man by beating the corporate suckers at their own game. HOUSE OF LIES is created and executive produced by Matthew Carnahan. Jessika Borsiczky, Stephen Hopkins and Don Cheadle also serve as executive producers.

CALIFORNICATION stars David Duchovny in his Golden Globe^®-winning role as hedonistic novelist Hank Moody who struggles to raise his teenage daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin), while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone) This season, Hank is back in LA and in deep with mega-rich rap mogul Samurai Apocalypse (guest star RZA), who hires Hank to write the screenplay for his hot, new film property. Their friendship is tested by silky siren Kali (guest star Meagan Good), a singer who is Sam’s protégé. Guest stars this season include Natalie Zea, Drea de Matteo, Eric Stoltz, Peter Berg, Stephen Tobolowsky and Camilla Luddington, and Rob Lowe returns as the unpredictable Eddie Nero. Tom Kapinos is the creator and executive producer, along with Duchovny, who also serves as an executive producer.

The Free Preview Weekend is available to digital subscribers of participating providers only, on both SD and HD feeds. Select providers will offer the Free Preview via SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^®. The preview will be available across a number of distributors including Comcast, Charter, Cox, DIRECTV, Verizon, Mediacom and RCN. Previews may contain PG, PG-13, TV-14, TVMA and R rated programming. You must be a digital subscriber to receive video on demand and HD. Viewers who tune in and order SHOWTIME for the first time can get $25 cash back. For additional details on the offer go to SHO.com/order and for SHOWTIME Free Preview weekend (#SHOfreepreview), go to www.SHO.com/freepreview.

That’s it.

It’s Time For Mid-Week Linkage

It’s Wednesday. It’s mid-week and it’s time for some sports media links. Let’s get to them without further delay.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand talks with NBC’s Bob Costas about the “get” of accused child molester Jerry Sandusky for “Rock Center with Brian Williams”.

While NBC and Bob Costas are being praised for the Sandusky interview, Sofia M. Fernandez of the Hollywood Reporter writes CBS is being mocked for heavily promoting a disappointing “get” of Penn State assistant coach Mike McQuery.

If you didn’t see the :24 second interview, the Big Lead has the video.

Back to Michael Hiestand, he writes that two Penn State alums will be on the call for ESPN/ABC for the next two Nittany Lions games.

Patrick Rishe at Forbes says Golf Channel should see a ratings spike for the Presidents Cup for Tiger Woods and his ex-caddie Steve Williams.

Tim Baysinger of Broadcasting & Cable says despite losing UFC to Fox, Spike TV will launch a mixed martial arts newsmagazine.

George Winslow of B&C notes that HBO and Sports Illustrated will use social and digital media to promote their new documentary series premiering in 2013.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News advises NBA Communist Sympathizer David Stern to cut the “nuclear winter” rhetoric.

Mike says the Minnesota-Green Bay Monday Night Football game despite being a blowout, drew over 14 million viewers for ESPN.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says even though Fox’s UFC debut had a very brief fight, it still came out a winner.

Jason Dachman of Sports Video Group writes that mobile production companies are being hit hard by the lack of NBA games.

SVG notes that CBS Sports Network will be airing National Lacrosse League games in primetime next year.

Dave Miller at the National Football Post says ESPN analyst Bob Davies will be the new head football coach at New Mexico.

Tim Malloy and Daniel Frankel of The Wrap take a look at how the NBA’s TV partners are coping with a lack of live games this season.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the NBA Players are taking a $3.3 billion gamble.

At the Boston Herald, Michael Silverman reports that Don Orsillo of NESN will stay on as Red Sox voice while reporter Heidi Watney is apparently heading back to her native California.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe confirms Heidi’s departure.

Sean McAdam of Comcast SportsNet New England also has the story.

Sean notes that former Red Sox manager Terry Francona will take 2012 off and possibly pursue broadcasting opportunities for next season.

CSNNE’s Boston Bruins beat reporter Joe Haggerty says B’s forward Brad Marchand isn’t happy over a nickname created by a local sports radio talk show.

Greg Sullivan at the Fall River (MA) Herald says former NBA player Chris Herren has become a high demand speaker after the airing of his ESPN Films documentary “Unguarded”.

Amy Chozick of the New York Times says the NBA’s TV partners are trying to fill programming holes left behind by the lockout.

Claire Atkinson at the New York Post says NFL Network will put a full court press on Time Warner Cable during tomorrow’s Jets-Broncos game.

To Jerry Barmash and Fishbowl NY, he tells us that ESPN Radio New York broadcaster Jared Max will be honored by a gay publication.

At the Albany Times Union, Pete Dougherty has the Week 12 college football TV schedule.

Peter Van Allen at the Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski will be the local spokesman for a national tire chain.

To the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog where Dan Steinberg has CBS News’ Armen Keteyian defending his piss poor interview with Mike McQuery.

Dan says the local CBS affiliate has yet to replace sports anchor Brett Haber who left station three months ago.

Maggie Fazelli Fard of the Post looks at the ESPN Zone auction in DC.

Bob Molinaro at the Virginian-Pilot is not a fan of the ESPN College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon.

Mel Bracht at the Daily Oklahoman has the local ratings of the weekend sports action.

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer says Time Warner Cable will air a couple of high school football championship games this weekend.

Scott Suttell of Crain’s Cleveland Business says ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt will host an awards show next year.

Bill Zavestoski of the LaJolla (CA) Patch says the local ESPN Radio affiliate will pick up Cal-San Diego basketball games.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times writes that the Dodgers are suing Fox Sports for interfering in the sale of the team.

Chris Erskine of the Times reviews the new book on the late ABC Sports broadcaster Howard Cosell.

Also from the Times, Kevin Baxter and Joe Flint  report that the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS are the latest team to join Time Warner Cable’s SoCal regional sports network.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News also looks at the Galaxy’s move to TWC from Fox Sports.

Tom has the football TV schedules in both college and the NFL for SoCal.

From the Toronto Globe and Mail, Bruce Dowbiggin feels Bob Costas missed an opportunity to get real answers from Jerry Sandusky. What interview was Dowbiggin watching?

Steve Lepore from Puck The Media wonders why the Chicago Blackhawks-Vancouver Canucks rivalry hasn’t been aired nationally in either Canada or the U.S.

Sports Media Watch has the NFL overnight ratings for Fox, NBC’s Sunday Night Football, and ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Kelsey Smith at Transworld Business says NBC Sports Network will be the home of Pro Motorcross Championship in 2012.

And that’s going to do it.

Some Quickie Tuesday Links

I had surgery to remove a sebaceous cyst today so the blogging was minimal today. Trying to catch up now.

Here are some links.

Big buzz today regarding Bob Costas’ interview of Jerry Sandusky on Rock Center with Brian Williams last night.

Let’s get some links on that first.

Bob went on The Dan Patrick Show to discuss what was said, what wasn’t said and what you didn’t see on last night’s Sandusky interview.

Bill Carter of the New York Times has the story on how Costas got Jerry Sandusky on the phone.

Alan Sepinwall of HitFlix says Costas got the job done in his Sandusky interview.

Rebecca Ford of the Hollywood Reporter says Costas is being universally praised for last night’s interview.

At the Atlantic Wire, Dashiell Bennett wants to know why Sandusky agreed to do the interview.

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports recaps the interview and tells us what it all means.

Mark Perigard of the Boston Herald says the Costas interview was the best one this year to date.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun writes that Costas gave Rock Center its signature moment.

Richard Roeper at the Chicago Sun-Times says Sandusky really didn’t help himself and might have made things worse.

While the interview got a lot of buzz, Ann Oldenberg of USA Today notes that it still lost in the ratings to ABC’s heavily promoted Gabby Giffords interview.

Lynette Rice of Entertainment Weekly says CBS got the last laugh over all of the networks when all was said and done.

Brian Lowry at Fox Sports reviews ESPN’s production of Saturday’s Nebraska-Penn State game.

Philadelphia sports radio talk show host Michael Bradley writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center that the Penn State story proves the need for in-depth reporting.

Now to other stories.

Lucia Moses at Adweek notes that corporate cousins HBO and Sports Illustrated will team up for a new TV series to air in 2013.

Diego Vasquez of Media Life talks with the CEO of a sports and entertainment agency on the impact of the NBA lockout on fans and the league’s TV partners.

Carolyn Braff of Sports Video Group profiles former NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol as he’s about to be inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir says UFC is suing New York to open up the state for mixed martial arts. Currently, UFC and other MMA events are banned in New York.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at NFL Network’s new announcing team for Thursday Night Football.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the Presidents Cup TV schedule on Golf Channel and NBC.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette writes that one local radio station has released its high school basketball schedule.

At the Houston Chronicle, David Barron has the overnight ratings for some of the weekend’s sporting  events.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Steelers-Bengals game on Sunday drew big ratings locally.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal writes that the Green Bay blowout of the Vikings hurt ESPN’s ratings for Monday Night Football.

In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman tells Bulls fans there’s still hope for an NBA season.

Michael Martinez of the Reno Gazette Journal says TV station KTVN resumed newscasts Monday with tributes to the late sportscaster, JK Metzker.

Gazette-Journal columnist Dan Hinxman has some advice for Metzker’s three young sons.

Joe Favorito says “Movember” is gaining momentum.

Bob’s Blitz has the great video of Al Michaels and his son trashing CBS’ Boomer Esiason on the Howard Stern show yesterday.

And I’ll end it there for now.

UFC on Fox Scores In Key Demographics

In its first ever network television broadcast, UFC on Fox scored 5.7 million viewers, the most ever for a UFC event. And it brought in a total rating of 3.1 with a 5 share.

It apparently did not win the night though. Oregon-Stanford on ABC apparently won the overnight ratings overall and in 18-49.

As for the coveted 18-34 and 18-49 demographics, last night’s UFC Heavyweight Championship fight that lasted just barely over a minute, won for Fox. And the network says the 18-34 category brought in better ratings for every single college football game to date with the exception of last Saturday’s LSU-Alabama game on CBS. That’s quite impressive.

Las Vegas was the highest rated local market followed by Dallas and Phoenix.

Overall, I thought the UFC on Fox production was good and there was no dumbing down as with the UEFA Champions League Final (football vs. football). Here’s the press release.

UFC ON FOX DEBUT SCORES BIG

Heavyweight Championship is Most-Watched UFC Event Ever; Most Watched Pro Fight Since 2003

Los Angeles – History was made last night as the UFC made its broadcast television debut on FOX, and a record audience tuned in as the challenger, Junior dos Santos defeated defending champion Cain Velasquez in a first round knock out to claim the coveted heavyweight crown. It was the most-watched UFC event ever and the most-watched professional fight of any kind in eight years, according to fast national ratings made available by Nielsen Media Research.

The hour-long UFC on FOX premiere scored a 3.1/5 household rating/share, with 5.7 million viewers making it the most-watched UFC event ever and the most-watched professional fight of any kind on any network since 2003 when 7.0 million tuned in to watch Lewis-Klitschko on HBO. Velasquez-dos Santo is also the highest-rated and most-watched professional fight of any kind on a broadcast network for OSCAR DE LA HOYA’S FIGHT NIGHT on FOX. (4.3/6, 5.9 million viewers) in 1998.

FOX Research projects that last night’s UFC on FOX premiere broadcast to win the 9:00-10:00 PM time period across key demos including Adults 18-34 (3.2), Adults 18-49 (3.0); Men 18-34 (4.3) and Men 18-49 (4.0). Competitive fast national ratings for other networks are currently unavailable.

The UFC on FOX debuted strong opposite significant college football competition last night. ABC’s primetime Oregon-Stanford broadcast averaged a 6.0/11, while NBC’s Maryland-Notre Dame primetime broadcast averaged a 1.4/3 and ESPN averaged a 1.5/3 in prime for Alabama-Mississippi State (college football ratings are overnights – overnight for UFC on FOX event was 3.5/6). The three games combined to total 8.9/17 in primetime. Interestingly, among the Men 18-34 demographic, the UFC on FOX premiere posted a 4.3, strong enough to out-rate every college football telecast this season on any network with the exception of last week’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 LSU-Alabama match-up (through 11/5).

The most recent mixed martial arts programs on broadcast television were a series of EliteXC events on CBS in 2008. The premiere of UFC on FOX attracted an average audience +16% higher than the premiere of EliteXC on CBS (5/31/08), their most-watched EliteXC event (5.7 vs. 4.9 million viewers). UFC on FOX also out-performed the EliteXC show in household rating (3.1 vs. 3.0) and across key male demos: Men 18-34 +34% (4.3 vs. 3.2); Men 18-49 +33% (4.0 vs. 3.0); and Men 25-54 +23% (3.8 vs. 3.1).

Las Vegas led all local markets with a 5.3/9, followed by Dallas (5.1/10), Phoenix (5.1/9), San Antonio (5.1/8), Tulsa (4.9/8), San Diego (4.8/9), Greensboro (4.6/6), New Orleans (4.5/6) and Los Angeles (4.3/8).

We’ll do one more press release post that doesn’t have to deal with the NFL before moving to the Sunday pregame quotage.

Fox Announces Plans For First UFC Broadcast

The first UFC on Fox telecast comes up this Saturday as the network airs the UFC Heavyweight Championship between champion Cain Valasquez and challenger Junior dos Santos. This will not just involve the main Fox mothership, but the networks under the Fox Sports Media Group umbrella, Fuel TV, Fox Deportes and Fox Sports Radio.

Fuel TV will have pre and postfight programming hosted by Jay Glazer with UFC fighters Kenny Florian and Stephan Bonnar as analysts.

On Fox, Curt Menefee will be the host and will be joined by UFC President Dana White and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

Then when the fight begins, the familiar UFC announcing crew of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan will call the action.

We have Fox’s broadcast plans and schedules for its networks.

BELL SOUNDS FOR UFC ON FOX

FOX Sports Broadcasts Heavyweight Championship: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos Live in Primetime on Nov. 12
FUEL TV Kicks-off Four and a Half Hours of Fight Coverage Nov. 11; Network Offers Live Prefight & Post-fight Specials
FOX Deportes, FOXSports.com on MSN & FOX Sports Radio also Blanket Event

New York — No doubt about it: FOX Sports, FUEL TV, FOX Deportes, FOXSports.com on MSN and FOX Sports Radio all come out swinging for the inaugural event of the new landmark agreement between Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) and FOX Sports Media Group.

Two of UFC’s brightest stars battle in a highly-anticipated heavyweight championship bout as current title holder Cain Velasquez (UFC 7-0) steps into the Octagon with No. 1 contender Junior dos Santos (UFC 7-0). FOX Sports presents its coverage of the main event in a one hour prime time special: UFC ON FOX: LIVE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT – VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS, Saturday, Nov. 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET) from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. This historic presentation marks the first UFC event ever televised by a broadcast television network.

For FOX Sports’ live coverage of the Velasquez-Dos Santos bout, UFC President Dana White joins FOX Sports’ versatile host Curt Menefee to welcome viewers to the network’s coverage and set the scene, bringing fans all the sights and sounds of this historic event. Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, who Velasquez beat for the title a year ago, joins FOX Sports’ prefight coverage as an analyst, while UFC commentator Joe Rogan provides interviews as the final prefight moments count down. Once the battle begins, Rogan and long-time UFC announcer Mike Goldberg have the call.

In the lead-up to the main event on FOX, FUEL TV inaugurates its unprecedented UFC programming with four and a half hours of Velasquez-Dos Santos coverage beginning Friday, Nov. 11 (7:00-7:30 PM ET), with UFC VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS WEIGH-IN LIVE.

Come fight night on Nov. 12, FUEL TV re-airs UFC VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS WEIGH-IN LIVE (5:30-6:00 PM ET) and UFC PRIMETIME, a multi-dimensional look at the two fighters that first aired on FOX (6:00-7:00 PM ET). FUEL TV’s live programming sandwiches FOX’s live fight coverage, beginning with UFC ON FUEL TV: VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS PREFIGHT SPECIAL LIVE (7:00-9:00 PM ET) hosted by Jay Glazer, with UFC title contender Kenny Florian serving as an analyst and UFC light heavyweight Stephan Bonnar reporting backstage and interviewing fighters in attendance. The prefight special features an amazing champions’ roundtable including current champion Jon “Bones” Jones and former champs Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin and Frank Mir discussing the fight. In addition, Nicole Dabeau, host of FUEL TV’s weekly news show ACTION SPORTS PLUS, provides exclusive interviews from the red carpet as the athlete and celebrity turnout for the fight and gala post-fight party is expected to be stellar.

Glazer, Florian and Bonnar are back analyzing the outcome of the most historic fight in UFC history at 10:00 PM ET during UFC ON FUEL TV: VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS POST-FIGHT SPECIAL LIVE (10:00-11:00 PM ET). The hour-long special features live interviews with the fighters, plus coverage of the post-fight press conference.

FOX Deportes, the nation’s No. 1 Spanish-language sports network, is no stranger to UFC programming.  In the run up to Velasquez-Dos Santos, FOX Deportes airs the third and final installment of CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE on Friday, Nov. 11 (7:00-8:00 PM ET). On Nov. 12, the network re-airs all three episodes of CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE from 3:00-6:00 PM ET, followed by UFC LO MEJOR (Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar) from 6:00-7:00 PM ET.  FOX Deportes carries several preliminary fights, including Clay Guida vs. Benson Henderson and Dustin Poirier vs. Pablo Garza, live from 7:00-9:00 PM ET, followed by the main event, Velasquez vs. Dos Santos live from 9:00-10:00 PM ET. Rodrigo Arana, Mario Delgado and Troy Santiago call the action.

In addition to television coverage provided by FOX Sports, FUEL TV and FOX Deportes, FOXSports.com plans to live stream the press conference on Wednesday, Thursday’s open workout, Friday’s weigh-in and the nine undercard bouts that precede the Velasquez-Dos Santos showdown on Nov. 12. Editorially, in the days leading up to the bout the site plans: a profile on UFC maestro Dana White by Bill Reiter; a story on the role of religion in fighting; how UFC training has helped several NFL players; profiles on Velasquez and Dos Santos; and more.

FOX Sports Radio airs five hours of live coverage on fight night, Nov. 12, starting with prefight analysis and interviews from the red carpet at 8:00 PM ET and highlighted by a simulcast of the fight from 9:00-10:00 PM ET. The fight is followed by a three-hour post-fight interviews and call-in show with host Larry Pepe from 10:00-1:00 AM ET. During fight week, FOX Sports Radio also covers Wednesday’s press conference and Friday’s weigh-in, as well as interviews from top UFC fighters.

** FULL TELEVISION SCHEDULE

DATE	TIME	EVENT	NET
Friday, Nov. 11	7:00 PM ET	UFC VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS WEIGH-IN LIVE	FUEL TV
Friday, Nov. 11	7:00 PM ET	CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE – 3	FOX Deportes
Saturday, Nov. 12	3:00 PM ET	CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE – 1	FOX Deportes
Saturday, Nov. 12	4:00 PM ET	CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE – 2	FOX Deportes
Saturday, Nov. 12	5:00 PM ET	CAIN VELASQUEZ: BROWN PRIDE – 3	FOX Deportes
Saturday, Nov. 12	5:30 PM ET	UFC VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS WEIGH-IN (re-air)	FUEL TV
Saturday, Nov. 12	6:00 PM ET	UFC Primetime (re-air)	FUEL TV
Saturday, Nov. 12	6:00 PM ET	UFC LO MEJOR (Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar)	FOX Deportes
Saturday, Nov. 12	7:00 PM ET	Preliminary Fights	FOX Deportes
Saturday, Nov. 12	7:00 PM ET	VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS PREFIGHT SPECIAL LIVE	FUEL TV
Saturday, Nov. 12	9:00 PM ET	UFC ON FOX HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT – VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS	FOX
Saturday, Nov. 12	10:00 PM ET	UFC ON FUEL TV: VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS POSTFIGHT SPECIAL LIVE	FUEL TV

That will do it.

Unleashing Some Friday Megalinks

Ok, let’s get this done. Lots of linkage from yesterday and today. I need to catch up. Let’s go.

Check out your Weekend Viewing Picks for the sports and entertainment programming for Saturday and Sunday.

National

Mike McCarthy of USA Today wonders if there’s a glass ceiling for women in sports television.

Former Comcast SportsNet New England anchor Jackie Pepper has her take about being a woman in sports television.

Back to USA Today, Michael Hiestand looks at the casting call for the new Broadway play focusing on the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird rivalry and friendship, produced by the same people who did Lombardi on Broadway.

Hiestand writes that Fox Sports will be using some of its own talent for its UFC debut next week.

Paul Thomasch of Reuters talks with CBS head honcho Les Moonves about the network’s SEC deal.

Emma Bazilian at Adweek notes that DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket promotion over the summer paid off in droves in the third quarter of this year.

Phil Swann of TV Predictions has his take on DirecTV’s subscriber spike.

The talk of the sports blogosphere the last couple of days has been the Deadspin story by A.J. Daulerio on a former ESPN executive who’s filed a lawsuit against an employee denying several displays of odd behavior including masturbating in Erin Andrews’ presence.

Congratulations to former ESPN reporter Amy K. Nelson who leaves the Alleged Worldwide Leader for SBNation. Deadspin has that story as well.

Aaron Kuniloff and David Mildenberg from Bloomberg Businessweek co-author a story on ESPN’s Longhorn Network and its ramifications on college sports.

Rick Horrow and Karla Swatek of Businessweek talk about the alternatives to the NBA and how the league’s TV partners have lost money airing the games.

Rick Chandler of NBC’s Off the Bench explains how an ESPN.com story mushroomed into the Occupy Tebow movement.

At ESPN Front Row, network spokesman Mike Soltys notes that the Alleged Worldwide Leader has new policy on employees writing books, something that got Bruce Feldman into trouble earlier this year.

Jason Dachman from Sports Video Group looks at a new MSG Network mobile app that brings live high school sports to your cell phone.

Ariel Sandler at the Business Insider Sports Page has video of two Canadian news anchors going crazy when their sports anchor is named the winner of a $2.5 million lottery on live TV.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell reviews the results of having two In-N-Out Burgers shipped frozen across country.

Sports Media Watch says TNT’s replacement programming for the NBA’s canceled games on what would have been Opening Night of the season failed miserably in the ratings.

Joe Favorito wonders if the Bellator Fighting Championships can co-exist with UFC in Mixed Martial Arts.

Ben Koo of Awful Announcing says Brent Musburger got the job done in his cameo on an ABC sitcom.

Dave Kohl at The Broadcast Booth says it’s the subject matter, not the personalities that drive ratings for sports radio stations.

SportsbyBrooks notes that ESPN Radio hack Colin Cowherd sat with the beautiful people at last week’s Stanford-USC game.

Marisa Ingemi of In Lax We Trust reports that the National Lacrosse League has a deal in place with CBS Sports Network to air games in 2012-13.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn from the Boston Globe speaks with former ESPN MMA Live host Jon Anik who will work straight for UFC now.

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s Bill Doyle talks with Comcast SportsNet New England Celtics analyst Tommy Heinsohn who’s cooling his heels during the NBA lockout.

Newsday’s Neil Best notes that WFAN’s Boomer & Carton show has really taken off in the ratings.

Neil has more with Boomer and Carton that he could not provide in his feature story.

Scott Shifrel and Bill Hutchinson of the New York Daily News write that former ESPN executive Keith Clinkscales is claiming that he is the victim of a smear campaign.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post wonders where’s the outrage on the Detroit Lions for what he feels was mocking Tim Tebow’s religion.

Justin Terranova of the Post has five questions for Cleveland Browns franchise assassin and ESPN analyst Eric Mangini. No, I’m not bitter about his tenure as Browns coach.

Justin previews MLB Network’s special on the 1986 Postseason.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union hears from SEC on CBS analyst Gary Danielson on LSU-Alabama.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call also has quotes from Danielson regarding this year’s Game of the Century.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com has the latest in Baltimore-DC sports media news.

In the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg looks at a failed lobbyist’s efforts to get DC NFL team owner Dan Snyder to change the brand name.

And Dan has Joe Theismann’s thoughts on the whole John Beck/Rex Grossman QB controversy in Washington.

Monica Hesse of the Post says some of the items from the now-defunct ESPN Zone in DC are being sold at auction.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner finds out ESPN’s plans for this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup.

South

Sean Cartell of SEC.com has Verne Lundquist’s thoughts on LSU-Alabama.

Brian Reynolds in the Tuscaloosa News says ESPN is giving LSU-Alabama the Super Bowl treatment.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle says both CBS and ESPN are pulling out all of the stops for LSU-Alabama.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter in the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that former Bengals QB Carson Palmer will be profiled on Sunday’s edition of The NFL Today.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press says ratings for the World Series were good, but the games showed that instant replay was greatly needed.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that former Brewers radio voice Corey Provus now has a new gig with the Twins.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers in sports business and media.

Ted Gruber in Chicago Now feels ESPN gets a big fail in covering Mixed Martial Arts.

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says Corey Provus takes over for former Minnesota Twins voice John Gordon who retired this year.

Paul Christian in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin talks about Provus’ hiring by the Twins.

Dan Caesar from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch feels the national media undersold Albert Pujols’ achievement in Game 3 of the World Series.

West

Jeff Call of the Deseret (UT) News says ESPN’s partnership with BYU has been beneficial for both parties.

John Maffei in the North County Times notes how CBS obtained LSU-Alabama for primetime.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says it’s rare to get a #1 vs. #2 matchup in the regular season.

Jim says Brad Nessler is ready for primetime when Thursday Night Football begins next week.

Jim has his weekend viewing picks.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says we’re in a Golden Age of sports documentaries.

Tom has more in his blog.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says Hazel Mae is officially back with Rogers Sportsnet.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog which broke the news of Hazel’s return discusses what her duties will be.

That’s going to do it for the megalinks today.

The Friday Night Megalinks

I’ve been to Newton, MA and back, South Kingstown, RI and back and all over my hometown of North Kingstown, RI and all of this today. It’s time to do the megalinks and get them all done in one sitting.

There’s the Weekend Viewing Picks for your sports and entertainment programming.

National

Sports Business Daily goes over the UFC/Fox agreement that will put four live MMA events on network TV and plenty of ancillary programming on Fox’s cable networks.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that Fox Sports Media Group El Presidente Por Vida David Hill has done an about face on airing Mixed Martial Arts.

Sergio Non of USA Today writes that UFC will revamp its shows when they move from Spike and Versus to Fox’s networks.

Sergio has those who will take part in the first UFC on Fox card in November.

Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center that the success of the UFC on Fox all depends on whether the sport can have a breakout star.

Dave Meltzer at Yahoo! says UFC President Dana White couldn’t be happier in making this deal with Fox.

Also from Yahoo!, Kevin Iole says it will be the fighters who will benefit the most from the new UFC on Fox contract.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser has Spike announcing that the new season of UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter will be the last on its airwaves, naturally.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek looks into the particulars of the UFC on Fox deal.

Bill Cromwell of Media Life Magazine writes that the Fox contract gives UFC some instant mainstream credibility.

There will be more UFC on Fox stories sprinkled throughout the megalinks. Let’s move on to other stories now.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Tim Goodman wonders if Showtime’s “The Franchise” is bringing down the San Francisco Giants this season.

Georg Szalai of the Reporter reports that Comcast has withdrawn a lawsuit against DirecTV over an ad campaign for NFL Sunday Ticket.

David Goetzl of MediaPost notes that DirecTV plans to expand its fantasy offerings for NFL Sunday Ticket.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News looks at Versus/NBC Sports Network’s new exclusive NHL night in the first year of its new 10 year contract with the league.

Andrew McMains of Adweek looks at a new inspiring web video produced for the US Olympic Committee.

All Access says the ESPN Radio affiliate in Minnesota’s Twin Cities has chosen the hosts for its midday show.

Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy explores which teams won and lost in the new NHL TV schedules.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser writes that former voice of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Woody Durham, will be honored for his contributions to college football.

The Big Lead wonders if Jay Bilas is the most respected voice at ESPN.

Timothy Burke of SportsGrid investigates how former 2 Live Crew leader Luther Campbell managed to appear to appear on the Dan Patrick Show and the Colin Cowherd Show at the same time.

And Tim presents the Atlanta Braves’ Shake Cam and how it can make fans a bit too excited.

Sports Media Watch says the U-20 World Cup is scoring for Galavision.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing has a look at some interesting sports media typos.

Matt shows us how the Baseball Tonight crew had trouble demonstrating its new touchscreen.

Joe Favorito looks at what’s new with professional lacrosse.

Patrick Stafford of Smart Company in Australia speaks with the owner of Footytips.com about how he sold his site to ESPN.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the limited classic programming on NBA TV during the current league lockout can only take the channel so far.

Sox & Dawgs has the video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy wearing chicken hats in the booth.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes on how regional sports networks have increasing power and money to be a game changer for some professional teams.

Richard looks at the UFC on Fox deal that puts Mixed Martial Arts into the mainstream.

Dan Levin from the Times has a good story on how some athletes in Communist China are trying to buck their archaic system.

Mark DeCambre of the New York Post notes that the new Meadowlands Stadium now will have a sponsor when the new NFL season begins.

Justin Terranova in the Post looks at how Fordham University was a training ground for several NYC announcers.

Justin has five questions for SNY Jets analyst Anthony Becht.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes about Fox signing UFC for seven years.

Pete says local sports anchor Andrew Catalon’s call of tonight’s Browns-Lions game will be seen on NFL Network this weekend.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says a local radio station will air a full high school football schedule.

Ken says the NBC Sports Group is increasing its commitment to horse racing this fall.

And Ken writes that a new local sports radio talk show will be debuting soon.

To Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record who says the New York Rangers will be featured extensively on the national NHL TV schedules.

Crossing Broad has the audio of Philadelphia’s sports radio station WIP announcement that it’s taking over WYSP’s FM frequency killing off a heritage rock station.

Dan Gross of the Philadelphia Daily News says ‘YSP staffers were melancholy about CBS Radio’s announcement killing off the station.

Jeff Wolfe of the Delaware County Times writes about WIP’s displacement of WYSP just as the rocker’s ratings were increasing.

Mike White in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says two local high school games hit the ESPN family of networks this fall.

Shelly Anderson of the Post-Gazette says the Penguins TV announcing crew will return for another season.

In the Baltimore Sun, David Zurawik explains where Ravens fans can find the team on TV and radio.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that the Ravens did extremely well in the ratings in both Baltimore and Washington, DC in their NFL preseason opener.

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner talks with DC NFL Team radio voice Larry Michael.

And Jim writes that the Washington Capitals will have plenty of appearances on NBC/Versus (NBC Sports Network).

Mike Madden in the Washington City Paper says the local sports anchor is becoming a thing of the past.

Keith Loria of the Fairfax (VA) Times says native Lindsay Czarniak is about to make her debut on ESPN.

South

The Charleston (WV) Gazette notes that Root Sports Pittsburgh will carry some West Virginia and Marshall programming.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Bob Griese will be joining the Miami Dolphins radio broadcast team replacing the late Jim Mandich.

Andy Kent of the Miami Dolphins website has Griese’s thoughts about joining the broadcast team and also sharing thoughts about Mandich.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times has some thoughts on the UFC/Fox deal, the Little League World Series on TV and CBS’ production of the PGA Championship.

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel says Yahoo! Sports does a better job of investigating college sports than the NCAA.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle notes that Saturday’s US National Gymnastics championships get a network primetime slot.

Mike Finger and Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News says the Longhorn Network hasn’t given up on airing high school football games in one form or another.

The Daily Oklahoman’s Mel Bracht looks at UFC getting a big payday from Fox.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter in the Cincinnati Enquirer talks with NBC’s Cris Collinsworth who’s going into his third season as Sunday Night Football analyst.

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal now knows why DirecTV was so willing to give him a free subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket after learning that the service will be offered to Sony Playstation 3 owners.

The Grand Rapids (MI) Press’ Michael Zuidema notes that a Big Ten Network analyst feels Nebraska is a perfect fit for the conference.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is amazed at ESPN’s ever-expanding army of NFL analysts and mountain of NFL programming.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers in sports business and media.

Scott Dochterman in the Iowa City Gazette says NFL Network has picked up Mediacom for cable subscribers in the Hawkeye State.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Salt Lake Tribune says it’s not known which network will air the October 15th contest between BYU and Oregon State.

Dick Harmon of the Deseret (UT) News speaks with BYUtv’s Executive Director in a lengthy interview. Part I of which is here. Read Part II here.

Larry Bohannan at the Desert (CA) Sun says there’s evidence of not much live golf shown in a PGA Tour telecast.

John Maffei of the North County Times weighs the pros and cons of airing the Little League World Series.

In the Ventura County Star, Jim Carlisle looks at the contrasting opinions that John and Patrick McEnroe had on the state of American tennis on HBO’s Real Sports this week.

Jim explores the UFC on Fox deal.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times says Fox paid a pretty penny to get UFC into the fold.

Meg James of the Times also writes about the UFC on Fox deal.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says when it came down to it, Fox didn’t have much of a choice but to sign UFC.

Tom says one sidebar to the UFC on Fox deal is the fact that Fox Sports Radio will also air MMA events.

Tom writes that former Dodgers radio voice Ross Porter has found his latest gig, calling high school sports online.

Canada

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin feels TSN Radio isn’t getting the job done.

The Winnipeg Free Press notes that the Jets will get 22 games aired on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.

And the number of links today are hearken back to the first two years of this blog. Lots of links. That’s it.

Fox & UFC Announce Multi-Year Deal

The announcement of the Ultimate Fighting Championships moving to Fox is going on as I’m writing this post. This multi-year deal brings UFC to network television with four events on Fox starting in November of this year. It also moves the popular “The Ultimate Fighter” series from Spike to FX starting in the Spring of next year. Other UFC programming will be spread on other Fox networks such as Fuel TV. It brings the male 18-34 demographic to the Fox networks as UFC is one of the most popular sports with the younger generation.

We have the joint announcement from Fox and UFC.

UFC & FOX PACK PERFECT PUNCH
FOX SPORTS MEDIA GROUP REACHES MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-MEDIA RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP

FOX to Broadcast Four Fights Annually Beginning November 2011
The Ultimate Fighter, Featuring a New Format, Moves to FX

Los Angeles – Today, Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC), the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization and No. 1 Pay-Per-View event provider in the world, finds its perfect media match in FOX, the No. 1 television network in the country. FOX Sports Media Group, the umbrella entity representing FOX Networks Group’s wide array of sports platforms, has reached a multi-year, multi-media rights agreement with Zuffa, LLC, owner of the UFC brand.

The landmark agreement, which puts UFC on par with many of the country’s professional sports organizations, delivers four live events in prime time or late night each year to the FOX broadcast network, home to the country’s biggest sports events, including the Super Bowl, World Series and Daytona 500. The first live event airs Saturday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT. Additional programming on multiple FOX networks launches January 2012 and includes live fights, pre and post shows, countdown shows, UFC Unleashed, UFC Primetime, the UFC Knockout series, Best of Pride, weigh-in specials, and much more original content from extensive Zuffa archives. The agreement also provides for developing robust mobile and authenticated online offerings to exploit a vast array of digital platform rights.

In spring 2012, THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, UFC’s signature weekly reality show moves to FX, FOX’s general entertainment cable network now in more than 99 million homes. With the move to FX, the show will feature a newly-designed format. FX is also set to televise another four-to six-live UFC events annually, with a mixture of additional events and programs heading to FSMG cable networks including FUEL TV.

“We’re excited to be part of the FOX family,” says Dana White, UFC President.  “The UFC is finally where it belongs on the number one network in the country and aligned with the most prestigious sports properties in the world. I’ve always said that the UFC will be the biggest sport in the world and with this relationship it will become a reality.”

“My brother Frank, Dana and I always believed that our passion for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts would help us to build the UFC into a successful global brand and ultimately make it one of the premier sports properties in the world,” said Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of the UFC. “The partnership with FOX is a major step in making this a reality and also builds on the great relationship that we already have established with FOX in Latin America, Australia and Europe.”

“Mixed martial arts is not only the fastest growing sport in the world, but also the world’s most exciting form of man-to-man competition, and the UFC is the world’s premier MMA organization,” said FSMG President & Co-COO Eric Shanks.  “Since FOX Sports is America’s No. 1 sports network and FOX is America’s No. 1 network for young adults, the UFC on FOX is a perfect match.”

“UFC’s growth over the past decade is nothing short of phenomenal and it has become one of the marquee sports in this country,” said John Landgraf, President and General Manager, FX Networks.  “There is a reason for its rising popularity.  It features some of the greatest athletes in the world, and we believe it will be a terrific addition to our schedule and look forward to our relationship.”

Founded in 1993, UFC has been on a meteoric rise since 2001 when it was acquired by Zuffa, LLC, owned by Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta III and Dana White. UFC’S first brush with FOX Sports goes back to June 2002, when Fox Sports Net carried UFC’s first non-pay-per-view event on basic cable television, and delivered what was then its largest audience to date. Through cooperation with state athletic commissions, consistent rules were established and refined for competition through officiating, judging, the addition of weight divisions, length of rounds and better equipment.  Combined with an unyielding devotion to fighter safety, the UFC has vaulted to mainstream status in the minds of US sports fans attracting major sponsors such as Bud Light, Dodge and Harley Davidson.

UFC has displayed tremendous growth in digital and social media consumption. Unique visitors to UFC.com tripled between 2006 and 2010 (2.1 million to 6.3 million), and UFC established local web sites in 10 countries and Latin America.  Using a unique blend of incentives, promotions and original content, including live bouts, UFC has seen its number of Facebook friends increase from 800,000 in 2009 to 6.1 million at present, outpacing the NFL, MLB and the NHL.  UFC currently ranks second to the NBA in social media followers among the major sports organizations. Additionally, UFC President Dana White regularly interacts with over 1.5 million fans that follow him on Twitter.

Mixed martial arts skews much younger than more established US sports, which ranged from age 43 for Super Bowl XLIV to 61 for horse racing’s Triple Crown in 2010. Thus far, the median age for UFC on Spike in 2011 is 36 and 56% of UFC fans fall into the adult 18-34 demographic. Live UFC programming performs extremely well in the advertiser attractive, hard-to-reach male 18-34 demographic, with live event programing averaging a 1.53 rating, making it a top-20 cable show this year.

More on this later

Providing You With Tuesday Linkage

For some of you, it’s a back to work Tuesday after a three day weekend. Not for me as I was at the office until late on Memorial Day. But you don’t want to read my complaining, you want linkage so I’ll get it to right away.

Anthony Crupi from Adweek says expect LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Dirk Nowitzki to draw viewers to the NBA Finals starting tonight.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine writes about TNT’s record NBA ratings and the potential for a blockbuster NBA Finals for ABC.

Jeff Neff and E.J. Schultz of Advertising Age say NFL advertisers are getting nervous as the lockout is starting to effect grocery in-store displays.

Sports Illustrated editor Terry McDonell gives readers an introduction to investigative reporter George Dohrmann who wrote the expose on former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel.

Sergio Non of USA Today says UFC’s Dana White is looking to put more cards on over the air TV.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says soccer-centric Gol TV will air another edition of its signature reality show.

Carolyn Braff of Sports Video Group writes that Versus had to overcome massive mud puddles in order to bring the Tour of California to viewers.

Paul Meehan at ESPN Front Row says the network’s NBA Marketing team is spending a lot of late nights creating TV and radio promos for the Finals.

Over at Mocksession, a very interesting post on how Fox Sports Net and ABC deceived viewers in various ways.

Maggie Hendricks at Yahoo’s Cagewriter blog wishes the media would stop giving MMA fighter Quintin “Rampage” Jackson the time of day. It’s all over this video as Jackson pretends to motorboat reporter Karyn Bryant’s breasts.

The Big Lead goes into why Jackson is such a lightning rod with reporters.

MMA reporter Karyn Bryant who was the subject of Jackson’s attention last weekend tweets that she wasn’t offended.

I’ve now been told I have to run an errand. More later.

Some more links now.

Tripp Mickle and John Ourand from the Sports Business Journal report on the latest on the bidding for the US Olympic TV rights now that NBC’s Dick Ebersol is out of the picture.

Tripp teams with Terry Lefton on a story about sports marketers who plan to stay in Brazil after the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics are finished there.

And Kevin Sullivan of SBJ instructs athletes on how to tweet the right way.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser notes that ESPN/ABC NBA analyst Mark Jackson is a finalist for the Golden State Warriors coaching job.

Cam says the Sports Illustrated story on Jim Tressel caused a Twitter spat among sportswriters.

Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says the NBA’s TV partners should send thanks to LeBron James and the Miami Heat for increased ratings this season.

Gordon Cox of Variety notes that ESPN and the Tribeca Film Festival are teaming up to put three movies on Video on Demand.

Tony Barnhart of CBS Sports talks with SEC Commissioner Mike Slive about the BCS, college football TV contracts and his contract.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell cautions fans who think college football will change with Jim Tressel’s resignation.

Bill Gorman at zap2it’s TVbytheNumbers notes that Fox’s NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 zoomed past all network competition on Sunday.

Newsday’s Neil Best says former Yankees outfielder Paul O’Neill will now double his workload for YES.

Neil says NBC/Versus NHL host Liam McHugh appears to be on a fast track to stardom.

Stan Hochman of the Philadelphia Daily News looks at the ESPN book.

Former ESPN Radio host Mark Madden in the Beaver County Times feels the ESPN book doesn’t cover any new ground. How about bringing up your firing, Mark?

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog has his take on DC NFL team owner Dan Snyder making the local media rounds last week.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner says ABC expects to garner good ratings with the NBA Finals.

Shannon J. Owens at the Orlando Sentinel wonders why Urban Meyer would leave ESPN for Ohio State, especially at this juncture.

Ben Thomas of the Mobile (AL) Press-Register says a local station is dropping ESPN Radio programming in favor of Sporting News Radio.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says national announcers have to deal with fans who feel they root against their teams.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman says ESPN/ABC’s NBA crew denies that it was rooting against Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals.

WLWT-TV in Cincinnati notes that NBC’s Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth has taken a job coaching high school football until the NFL lockout ends.

And at his website, Football Pros Live, Cris explains why he took the job.

The Big Lead says it appears that ESPN2 First Take buffoon Skip Bayless was forced to apologize to Chris Broussard after yelling at him on Monday.

EPL Talk says the UEFA Champions League Final drew a 1.8 overnight rating for Fox, a 64% increase from the year before.

EPL Talk notes that Fox dumbed down its Champions League pregame show.

Sports Media Watch notes that Charles Barkley will be back in Miami for the NBA Finals working the games for NBA TV.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media looks at how Boston and Vancouver have fared in the ratings throughout the NHL Postseason.

Barry Petchesky of Deadspin notes that MLB.com is actually allowing some videos to be embedded! Hallelujah!!!

And we’re going to end it there for today.

Time For Some Tuesday Links

As the temps reach the high 70′s in Southern New England, it’s time to bring you the linkage on this Tuesday.

In Sports Business Journal, John Ourand takes away ESPN’s arch-rivalry with NBC from the new book “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside The World of ESPN.”

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy notes a couple of book tidbits which discuss Hitler references either on the air or on ESPN.com.

Also from USA Today, Michael Hiestand says ESPN’er Kevin Negandhi partied like a rock star when he learned he was hired by the Alleged Worldwide Leaer.

Rob Brunner of Entertainment Weekly has a review of the new ESPN book.

Bruce Jenkins of Sports Illustrated likes Tennis Channel’s coverage of the French Open thus far.

Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter notes that HBO will pick up a new reality series devoted to boxing trainer Freddie Roach.

Tim Baysinger at Multichannel News says Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals scored for TNT.

Anthony Crupi from Adweek tells us that the NBA Conference Finals have been averaging just about 11 million viewers for the first three games.

At MediaPost, Barry Janoff reviews last week’s ESPN Upfront presentations.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser reports that Big Lead Sports has hired a new CEO/CFO. Fang’s Bites is an independently-owned blog that is part of the Big Lead Sports network.

Phil Swann at TV Predictions wonders if DirecTV and Dish Network will merge?

Neal E. Boudette of the Wall Street Journal profiles USA Olympic Women’s Hockey player Angela Ruggiero who is working as an IOC member to bring the Games back to US soil.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at Fred Wilpon’s quotes about his New York Mets that were published in a New Yorker Magazine article.

Darren says the battle over the Mike Tyson tattoo in “Hangover 2″ is not over yet, despite a court ruling in Warner Bros. favor today.

Jason Dachman at Sports Video Group writes that the Miami Heat are providing their own postseason programming online.

Steve Collins of the Bristol (CT) Press talks with the mayor of the town to discuss some of the not-so-kind things said about Bristol in the new book about ESPN that was released to the public today.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks about the new mixed martial arts channel that launches on Cablevision systems today. Cablevision also owns Newsday.

In Fishbowl NY, Jerry Barmash talks with ESPN Radio New York’s Jared Max who came out on the air last week.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has two potential NBA Finals scenarios.

Pete talks about TNT moving the Inside the NBA show from outside AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami after an incident involving Charles Barkley.

Greg Auman at the St. Petersburg Times says the Big East is looking for a big payday when its TV rights go up for bid.

The University of Texas Athletics site has an interview with the Vice President of ESPN’s Longhorn Network, Dave Brown.

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes about the new “This is SportsCenter” ad featuring the Reds’ Joey Votto.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says ESPN has named its studio analysts for the Women’s World Cup.

Bob notes that five Brewers games have been selected for MLB Network’s June schedule.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times says Dick Ebersol’s resignation from NBC should serve as a warning shot to long-time network executives about Comcast.

The Toronto Sports Media blog wonders if the Toronto Globe and Mail spiked a story from media critic Bruce Dowbiggin about colleague Stephen Brunt’s jumping the gun on the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg.

Bob Bender of Awful Announcing notes that ESPN ripped off TNT during last night’s Oklahoma City-Dallas NBA Western Conference Final game.

Sports Media Watch notes that NBC saw ratings declines for the NHL Conference Finals this past weekend.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Final on Versus did not do well.

Joe Favorito says sports is coming together on Celiac Disease and raising awareness about gluten-free diets.

I think I’ll end it there.

Doing Some Monday Links

Let’s do some linkage on this last Monday before Memorial Day.

By the way, if you’re on Facebook, hit my fan page and click “Like”. It acts like an RSS feed. All posts should be there and you can click on the links to see the latest information. Already, 375 people have signed up and you should as well. Thanks for reading that paragraph.

Also, I hope to do the mailbag tonight. I said that yesterday, but for some reason, weekends have become busier than weekdays for me. Not sure why that is. Anyway, the mailbag will be posted tonight and two lucky people will get a $50 gift card from Nike.com. I hope to get one more gift for you as well.

To the links now.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today delves into the clip that went viral of ESPN’s and Rhode Island’s own Doris Burke mouthing a swear word during a report before the Oklahoma City-Dallas NBA Western Conference Finals on Saturday. For the record, ESPN taped that report and a techie in the production truck cued the tape to the wrong report. And forever being classy, Doris did not throw the technie under the bus.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch reviews the book, “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside The World of ESPN.”

David M. Shribman of Bloomberg also provides a review.

Jon Lafayette of Broadcasting & Cable notes that ESPN is using its upcoming fall shows as a vehicle for marketing and advertising.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry tells sports editors that they should not be afraid to link to other sites.

Mike Ozanian of Forbes.com says NASCAR’s attendance is getting hit by the economy like many businesses across the nation.

Dr. Patrick Rishe writes in Forbes that there are many reasons to doubt Lance Armstrong’s contentions that he didn’t take performance enhancing drugs.

Bill King of Sports Business Journal writes about UFC positioning itself closer to the mainstream as it begins talks with Spike and possibly other networks to be the home of the mixed martial arts organization.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says despite his world crumbling around him, accused PED-user Lance Armstrong continues to rake in the endorsements.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post decides that he’ll throw darts at MLB Walking, Talking Conflict of Interest Bud Selig.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that the Preakness Stakes received its lowest overnight rating in a little more than a decade.

At the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg tries to give a synopsis on Ted Leonsis’ mad diatribes on radio, blogs and Twitter.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner notes that TNT just fell shy in setting another ratings record for Game 3 of the NBA Conference Finals.

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that TNT will move its Inside The NBA postgame inside AmericanAirlines Arena after encountering some rowdy Miami Heat fans last night.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times reviews the weekend in sports television.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune notes that Game 3 of the Bulls-Miami Heat series is expected to do really well in the ratings when the final numbers come out.

Dusty Saunders at the Denver Post writes that Dick Ebersol’s resignation from NBC certainly ends an era in broadcast television.

Mike Klis of the Post reports that the Broncos are about to change flagship television stations.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times writes that Time Warner Cable has hired a veteran sports executive to lead its sports programming wing.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the SoCal sports calendar for this week.

Matthew Fleischer of Fishbowl L.A. notes that ESPN Deportes has launched a SoCal-centric website.

Raju Mudhar in the Toronto Star looks at the tome chronicling at the history of ESPN.

Sports Media Watch has a couple of MLS-related ratings notes.

SMW says the NBA Draft Lottery failed to catch on with viewers this year.

Last week, my Twitter friend Stefanie Gordon at Not Your Typical Girl, took the picture of the Space Shuttle Endeavor that got picked up by every news outlet. She writes about her experiences and the whirlwind media tour that followed.

Noted public relations expert Gail Sideman at Publiside has some suggestions in case you’re ever caught in a similar situation as Stefanie.

Ty Duffy at The Big Lead looks at why some college football teams play in ESPN-owned or ESPN-televised bowl games that end up costing them money.

The Big Lead also has an interview with James Andrew Miller, the co-author of “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside The World at ESPN.”

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media notes that the NHL Conference Finals are trending downward on NBC.

And that’s going to do it.

Versus Announces UFC Card in 3-D To Air on Thursday

Versus has formally announced that it will air Thursday’s UFC Live card in Louisville, KY in the third dimension. This means about 45 people across the country will be able to see this. Anyway, it marks the first UFC card ever to be carried in 3-D. It’ll be sponsored by Versus’ parent company, Comcast and will be aired on its Next Generation Xfinity 3D channel. We have the details of Versus’ plans to carry UFC Live in 3-D later this week.

UFC^® LIVE EVENT ON VERSUS IN LOUISVILLE ON MARCH 3 TO BE BROADCAST IN 3D

Marks the First UFC Event to Ever Air in 3D

New York, N.Y. (February 28, 2011) – The Ultimate Fighting Championship^® and VERSUS announced today that the UFC® event airing this Thursday, March 3, will be broadcast in 3D for the first-time ever. The highly-anticipated card, which is headlined by a welterweight clash between Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann, emanates from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky. and will air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The 3D telecast, produced by VERSUS with the UFC and sponsored by Comcast Xfinity, will feature a separate 3D production crew and equipment from the traditional HD production. The telecast will also include a separate announce team, as veteran play-by-play voice Todd Harris will team up with UFC featherweight star Kenny Florian to call all of the night’s action.

Multiple 3D cameras will be placed strategically around the Octagon^®, giving viewers access to some new camera angles not usually seen during previous UFC 2D telecasts.  The 3D telecast will be made available live to those with 3D-capable television sets through dedicated 3D channels on affiliates across the country, including Comcast’s 24-hour, Next Generation Xfinity 3D channel.

“We’re really excited to start broadcasting UFC events in 3D,” UFC President Dana White said. “UFC is ahead of the curve when it comes to introducing new technology and we think UFC fans will really enjoy seeing fights in 3D.”

A couple of more press releases coming up.

A Friday Night Megalink Thing

Let’s provide the Friday megalinks. Lots of things to get to.

We, of course, provide the Weekend Viewing Picks for your sports and entertainment weekend programming.

Now let’s get to the linkage from across the country.

National

Brian Steinberg of Advertising Age reports that NBC is already seeking $3.5 million for a 30 second spot for Super Bowl XLVI.

Mike McCarthy at USA Today writes that ESPN’s Erin Andrews will be working the red carpet during the Oscars for ABC’s Good Morning America.

Mike and fellow USA Today sport media writer Michael Hiestand debate the pros and cons of airing the NFL Scouting Combine.

George Winslow from Broadcasting & Cable writes that a tennis tournament has decided to use NeuLion’s platform to stream matches online in HD quality.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News discusses Versus’ good ratings for the NHL Heritage Classic.

Multichannel notes that Style Network will be turning a NASCAR wedding into a reality TV series.

Glenn Davis at SportsGrid has a video of Erin Andrews looking for that perfect dress for the Academy Awards red carpet.

Marcus Vanderberg from SportsNewser says Versus will air its next UFC MMA card in 3-D.

Sports Media Watch writes that MSG saw its highest ratings in 16 years for the New York Knicks with Carmelo Anthony’s debut.

SMW says NASCAR’s Nationwide Series got off to a slower start in the ratings from last year.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says the NHL on Versus continues to be red hot in the ratings

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says outsourcing has helped smaller teams stay in contention.

Awful Announcing notices the notorious “Schwab” making a cameo in the new Hooters ad featuring ESPN’s Dick Vitale.

SportsbyBrooks gives the legendary voice of Mississippi State football and basketball Jack Cristil a very nice tribute as he had to step down immediately due to health issues.

In Examiner.com, Evan Weiner looks at the NFL lockout and what it means to the league’s TV partners.

All Access says the embattled Charlie Sheen called into a Fox Sports Radio show to once again rant against CBS, Warner Brothers and Global Warming.

East and Mid-Atlantic

The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn reviews the week in Boston sports media news.

Bruce Allen at Boston Sports Media Watch notes that WEEI buried the news of the naming of its new midday show late Friday.

In SB Nation Boston, Bruce has a look at the WEEI shakeups and a tumultuous week for the once-dominant sports radio station.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks about a local part-time radio reporter who has been reporting on the Red Sox for almost two decades.

Richard Sandomir from the New York Times writes about MSG’s boffo ratings for Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks debut.

Richard discusses how a panel takes over as the ESPN Ombudsman.

Richard and Pat Borzi team up for a story on the NFL Players Association trying to prevent the NFL from collecting its TV rights fee during a potential lockout.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with Steven A. “A is for Amiable” Smith who’s happy to be back with ESPN.

Bob Glauber of Newsday says both New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and HBO will not be back on Hard Knocks at least this year.

It’s official. Phil Mushnick from the New York Post really hates Madison Square Garden and Cablevision Chairman James Dolan.

Justin Terranova of the Post has five questions for MLB Network’s Al Leiter.

As of today, I’m am no longer linking to Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News over his extreme hate. He went after Friend of Fang’s Bites Tina Cervasio the other night and that was it. He’s persona non grata as far as I’m concerned.

Pete Dougherty from the Albany Times Union has ESPN releasing its Big East football schedule.

Ken Schott at the Schenectady Gazette says the local Fox affiliate will have an extra high school sports highlight show this weekend.

In the New Jersey Newsroom, Nicole Pride talks with an ESPN producer who felt a story on paralyzed Rutgers football Eric LeGrand really hit home.

Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the Pirates have announced their spring training TV and radio schedule.

At the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg has ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt ripping the students of his alma mater once again.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner says NASCAR is back in full swing on TV.

South

Bob Molinaro of the Virginian-Pilot says there’s too much speculating in the sports media today.

Erin Barnett of WSLS-TV in Roanoke, VA reports on College GameDay’s visit to the Virginia Tech campus.

Barry Jackson at the Miami Herald says like them or not, the Miami Heat are among the top of the heap in the local and national NBA TV ratings.

Carlos Frias of the Palm Beach Post talks with Pam Tebow, mother of Tim, about life after the controversial Super Bowl ad she and her son did last year.

Clarence E. Hill, Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaking about how he felt Super Bowl XLV went.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle talks with syndicated radio host Paul Finebaum about now infamous confession from the Alabama fan who said he poisoned the Auburn tree. That confession occurred on Finebaum’s show.

Mel Bracht at the Daily Oklahoman talks with the new TV voice of the Texas Rangers.

In his media notebook, Mel says the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to be featured nationally this weekend.

Midwest

Kevin Bull of the Detroit Free Press has highlights of an ESPN.com chat conducted by former Michigan Fab Five standout Jalen Rose regarding the new ESPN documentary on the 1992-93 team.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes that a local radio host is making sure that high school sports gets its due.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has former Brewers manager Ken Macha responding on MLB Network Radio to one of his former player’s comments.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers in sports business and media.

The Des Moines (IA) Register reports that Iowa State’s football game against UConn has been scheduled for a Friday night on ESPN2.

From Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals spring training games will be pre-empting Rush Limbaugh on KMOX.

West

Jay Posner at the San Diego Union-Tribune has CBS’ Clark Kellogg looking forward to seeing San Diego State and BYU square off tomorrow.

John Maffei of the North County Times says it’s BYU and Jimmer Fredette as to why San Diego State is on national TV on Saturday.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News looks at the Poynter Institute panel that will play the role of ESPN Ombudsman.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times also looks at the new ESPN Ombudsmen.

Ben Bolch of the Times says Fox Sports Net will honor the late UCLA coach John Wooden during Pac 10 basketball games this weekend.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin at the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that TSN continues its TV rights shopping spree, this time at the expense of one of its competitors.

And that is going to do it for the megalinks. Enjoy your sports weekend

MTV2 To Add Bellator Fighting Championships To Its Schedule

MTV2 continues to add to its sports portfolio. It just completed airing the Lingerie Football League and will apparently do so again next season. Now we get word that the music channel will pick up some Mixed Martial Arts starting in March. The Bellator Fighting Championships will air Saturday nights over a 12 week period on MTV2. It’ll be full cards and involve all weight classes. We have the details from MTV2.

Bellator Fighting Championships to Air New Season Live Saturday Nights on MTV2

2011 Events Kick Off On March 5 At Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

CHICAGO, Ill. and NEW YORK, NY (February 2, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships’ highly anticipated fourth season will premiere Saturday, March 5, at 9:00pm ET/PT and air weekly on MTV2 featuring live fights from venues around the country with many of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world. This season will feature a welterweight, lightweight, light heavyweight and featherweight tournament with bouts airing live every Saturday night for 12 weeks on MTV2. The first Bellator event will originate from the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, CA on Saturday, March 5.  Tickets will be available at www.tachipalace.com and the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino box office as the date approaches.

“With our spectacular partnership with MTV2, MMA fans now have a place to watch Bellator live every Saturday night,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Our fourth season is absolutely loaded with talent, and I can’t wait to get the action started at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino when we return to California on March 5.”

Bellator showcases a unique format of world-class fighting with 12-week, eight-man tournaments featuring some of the most dynamic fighters in the world, including lightweight world champion Eddie Alvarez, middleweight champion Hector Lombard, featherweight champion Joe Warren, welterweight champion Ben Askren, bantamweight champion Zack Makovsky, heavyweight champion Cole Konrad and Women’s 115-pound champion Zoila Frausto. The Season 4 debut in Lemoore will mark Bellator’s 35^th televised event in less than two years.

The first Bellator light heavyweight champion will be decided during Season 4 live on MTV2. The first fighter made official for the Bellator Season 4 light heavyweight tournament is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and member of the legendary Gracie family, Daniel Gracie.

Bellator’s third welterweight tournament is one of the most talent-filled in mixed martial arts to date.  Fighters confirmed for the upcoming 170-pound tournament include former Bellator welterweight world champion Lyman Good; MMA veteran Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron; Season 2 finalist Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle; undefeated Judo Olympian Rick Hawn; fast rising Brent Weedman, undefeated knockout artist Chris “The Assassin” Lozano; British standout “Judo” Jim Wallhead, and hard-hitting Iraq War veteran Steve Carl.  The tournament winner will challenge Olympian and Bellator world champion Ben Askren for the welterweight world championship later this year.

The featherweight tournament includes Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Eric Larkin, Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan, Daniel Straus, Wilson Reis, Kenny “Tooth Fairy” Foster, and Zac George.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.

That will do it.

Versus Expands Its Relationship With UFC

Last week, Versus announced it was solidifying its relationship with UFC and will air four live fights in 2011. This is good news for MMA fans who are extremely loyal to the sport. Here’s the Versus press release.

VERSUS EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH UFC® TO AIR FOUR LIVE FIGHTS IN 2011

NEW YORK, N.Y. -VERSUS has announced it will expand its partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) to feature four UFC events as part of its live programming in 2011, following the announcement that the UFC will be adding championship divisions at bantamweight and featherweight next year. VERSUS will air two remaining live WEC events this year, scheduled for November 11 and December 16, and the network’s 2011 schedule will include classic WEC fights and other taped programming.

“The WEC on VERSUS has been a hugely successful property since its launch on the network in 2007 and the addition of the two live UFC fights in 2010 really solidified VERSUS as a destination for some of the best MMA action on television,” said Jamie Davis, President of VERSUS. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the UFC and take our relationship to the next level.”

The UFC began its relationship with VERSUS in 2010, marking the first time that live UFC events aired on a national sports cable network. VERSUS’ two UFC fights this year, both featuring Pay-Per-View quality cards, averaged more than 1.1 million viewers and made VERSUS a top cable network in the country among key male demos.

“We have a great relationship with the VERSUS network, and we look forward to working with them to give UFC fans even more free fights in 2011,” said Dana White, President of UFC.

The WEC was founded in 2001 and in 2007, announced a television deal with VERSUS, which has since televised 23 live events. The WEC on VERSUS has seen viewership growth each year since 2007 and in 2010 alone, 3.7 million viewers have so far tuned in to the five live WEC events on the network. VERSUS’ two most notable WEC fights, which featured a Urijah Faber/Jens Pulver showdown in June 2008 and championship re-match between Urijah Faber and Mike Brown in June 2009, averaged more than 1.4 million viewers and made VERSUS the top cable network in the country among all key male demos for both telecasts.

VERSUS has also featured other WEC programming, including WEC WrekCAGE, a series featuring an explosive mix of VERSUS’ best live events and the top matches from WEC events never before seen on television, as well as Best-of-Year shows and Greatest Knockouts specials.

We’re done here.

The NFL Season Opening Links

Well, the morning of NFL regular season opener is like Christmas. You’ve been waiting all night to unwrap the presents and you’re high in anticipation. And when the kickoff occurs, it’s like getting that toy or game you’ve been wanting for months. It’s like that with the NFL. The Super Bowl ends, then there’s the anticipation for the season to begin. The waiting is over and the games begin for real tonight.

And the NFL has made the season opener a very good matchup involving the Super Bowl defending champions which is a very good thing. Tonight’s Minnesota Vikings-New Orleans Saints game should do quite well in the ratings. So let’s go to the linkage which has a lot of NFL slants which is understandable.

The great Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated provides all of the pregame and game announcing crews for all of the NFL TV partners.

Sports Business Daily’s John Ourand says NBC and DirecTV have teamed up to produce Sunday Night Football promos sponsored by NFL Sunday Ticket. 

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says new Fox Sports NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira will be on TV to help fans understand the league’s regulations.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says the NFL will provide a delayed webcast for markets where local games have been blacked out.

Mike says Dan Hampton who apologized for comments about Hurricane Katrina in last week’s Pro Football Weekly show will have to make another apology for another wild analogy in the same program.

The Nielsen Wire blog notes the Dallas Cowboys are still America’s most popular NFL team.

Georg Szalai in the Hollywood Reporter says while an NFL lockout looms next season, the league’s TV partners won’t lose much financially even though they’ll still be paying rights fees if games aren’t played.

Milton Kent of Fanhouse writes local blackouts blot the record of NFL Commish Roger Goodell.

Milton says Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Joe Montana told Dan Patrick that the movie Rudy was not very accurate. I’ve always doubted the validity of some of the events in that overrated movie.

Noah Davis of SportsNewser recaps a CBS Sports NFL Today conference call from Wednesday.

Todd Spangler of Multichannel News says despite high interest from consumers, not many people are running out to buy 3-D TV sets. The price is too high and the glasses are a hindrance.

Todd says ESPN will showcase its 3-D programming next week to help sell more TV sets.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at Mr. America, Tim Tebow, creating his own social networking empire. I think we have a new glossary term, but Tim Tebow is not in the sports media.

Darren writes about a $300 pair of athletic shoes.

Andrea Kremer of NBC Sports writes for the Today show that women can get into football too.

Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo’s Cagewriter blog says Mixed Martial Arts fans have trouble seeing some events on TV.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe notes that CBS’ NFL “A” announcing team spends plenty of time calling Patriots games.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says HBO’s Hard Knocks helped to transform the attitude surrounding the New York Jets.

John Martin of the Times wonders if 3-D TV can be used as a training tool for tennis players. 

Neil Best sighting! Neil Best sighting! Newsday’s Neil Best also looks at the season finale of Hard Knocks.

To Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says MSG+ has hired Butch Goring to replace Billy Jaffe on Islanders game broadcasts.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg in the DC Sports Bog writes that all regular season Capitals and Wizards games will be aired in HD on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times tells Tampa Bay Bucs fans how they can watch Sunday’s blacked out game.

The Tampa Tribune’s Ira Kaufman talks with Bucs’ cornerback Ronde Barber who remembers the last time the team was blacked out on TV locally.

Shannon Owens of the Orlando Sentinel says a local man beat the Inside the NFL crew to win a visit to the show’s set and NFL Films headquarters in New Jersey.

Dave Walker of the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes that former Saints coach Jim Mora, Sr. will join a local NBC affiliate’s pregame show in anticipation of today’s season opener. 

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle has the weekly football shows and appearances on local radio for the season.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman recaps the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson’s appearance on the Dan Patrick Show.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the Bearcats’ home opener on Saturday will be seen on local over the air TV.

John talks with Bengals radio analyst Dave Lapham who’s starting his 25th season in the broadcast booth.

John has more with Dave in his blog.

John says Fox Sports Ohio may not show the entire pregame ceremony honoring Pete Rose on Sunday. 

John Fay of the Enquirer says former Reds announcer George Grande will return to Fox Sports Ohio this month to call 7 games.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business talks with the editor of the latest SB Nation local site.

Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says Vikings-Saints is true primetime drama.

Over to Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who writes that NFL TV analysts like the progress of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the NFL games on TV in SoCal this week.

Tom says today is the 45th anniversary of Sandy Koufax’s perfect game for the Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs.

Sports Media Watch notes that the PGA Tour’s Deutsche Bank Championship sank in the ratings from last year.

SMW says Labor Day Weekend didn’t bring viewers to the U.S. Open on CBS.

SMW has various ratings news and notes.

SMW says ESPN saw a slight increase for last Sunday’s NASCAR race.

For some reason, Chris Berman is sporting a porn mustache. 

Joe Favorito notes that Mercedes Benz is getting high brand activation in New York City.

Plenty of linkage on this Thursday. Enjoy the NFL season opener.

Doin’ The Monday Links

Let’s do some Monday links today. Here’s a note for you all. Starting from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday, I won’t be here. I’ll be attending a wedding in Boston. I will have some stuff for you that will publish on Thursday and Friday so you’ll see fresh content here, but I won’t be able to post press releases, breaking news or links. I’ll be back Sunday. I’ll post reminders from now until Wednesday just so you know.

In addition, I’m joining the great lineup of blogging talent that Dan Levy of On the DL has assembled at his new site, Press Coverage. I’ll be contributing one post a week, mostly on Mondays or Tuesdays. I’ll be writing about the sports media and I’m honored to be a part of the site. Dan has commitments from some of the greatest talent in the sports blogosphere including Matt Sebek of JoeSportsFan, Bethlehem Shoals from FreeDarko.com and Fanhouse, Dan Shanoff, Jamie Mottram of Yahoo! Sports, Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus and so many others. I’m not quite in that company, but I’m happy to be asked to be a part. I’ll be providing my thoughts on the sports media and review what happened in the previous week. And I’ll link to the posts from here so you’ll be able to read it if you forget to visit the site. Very happy to be part of the site.

Now to our links.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand talks about Fox hiring Jim Mora, Jr. and Kurt Warner for NFL coverage and reviews CBS’ coverage of the PGA Championship.

You can review ESPN’s Outside the Lines story on umpires’ missed calls here. 

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry talks with a blogger who has a full season NHL media credential.

Marisa Guthrie of Broadcasting & Cable writes that ESPN is about to give its high school sports brand a weekly series.

The Radio & TV Business Report notes that NBC’s coverage of the U.S. National Gymnastics Championships finished second in primetime on Saturday. 

Gregg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk notes that two media members asked for Tim Tebow’s autograph after last night’s Denver-Cincinnati preseason NFL game. Not smart.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post actually gives praise today to CBS for coverage the PGA Championship controversy at the 18th hole when Dustin Johnson grounded his club in a bunker.

The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg reviews the double apology issued by MASN’s Rob Dibble.

Missy Frederick of the Washington Business Journal says the closing of the ESPN Zone in DC will mean the loss of over 150 jobs in the city. 

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times looks back at the sporting weekend on TV.

Richard Mullins of the Tampa Tribune says Bright House cable is dropping CBS College Sports, MLB Network, Versus and others from its older systems while keeping them on its digital cable tiers.

Mark Lorando of the New Orleans Times-Picayune says the city will have a Mardi Gras-type parade before the NFL opening night kickoff between the Vikings and the Saints.

Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune says ESPN ends its criss-crossing national NFL training camp tour with both Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter stopping at Saints camp today.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business says Manchester United of the English Premier League now has a Windy City connection.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post feels a local sports TV anchorman should not yuk it up.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News has the SoCal sports calendar for this week.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star notes that mixed martial arts is heading to Ontario and Canadian TV will be all over it.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says Blue Jays fans are up in arms over the launch of Rogers Sportsnet One which is leaving them in the dark for now.

And that will conclude our links for today.

ESPN2 To Continue Carrying MMA Live

Received a press release today from ESPN that ESPN2 will continue carrying the ESPN.com-produced “MMA Live” through August. The network started airing the series this month and judging from this release, feels comfortable taking more shows through the summer.

Here’s the release.

ESPN2 to Continue Televising ESPN.com’s MMA Live Show

After airing episodes for the first time this May, ESPN2 will continue to televise ESPN.com’s produced and distributed weekly MMA Live series dedicated to news, highlights and analysis from the sport of mixed martial arts through August, 2010. ESPN2 will continue to provide the first airing of the weekly MMA Live series Fridays at 1 a.m. ET (Thursday at 10 p.m. PT) with the ESPN.com version, featuring additional content, available shortly after the ESPN2 telecast.

As previously scheduled, ESPN2 will simulcast ESPN.com’s MMA Live at UFC 114 Sunday, May 30, at 1 a.m. (Saturday at 10 p.m. PT). Future simulcasts of MMA Live specials originating from event sites are to be determined. MMA Live host Jon Anik, analysts Kenny Florian and Randy Couture, ESPN.com MMA Insider Franklin McNeil, and correspondent Molly Qerim will work the telecasts. Couture is an analyst in place of Rashad Evans who will compete in the UFC 114 event.

MMA Live launched on ESPN.com in 2008 and ESPN2 first began televising the popular series in May 2010 with four episodes of the weekly news and highlights program, on-site pre- and post-event specials surrounding UFC 113 on May 8 and May 9, and the post-event show following UFC 114.

In addition to ESPN.com, ESPN has offered mixed martial arts news, interviews, highlights, stories, discussion and weigh-ins across multiple platforms, including ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Radio, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN International, SportsCenter, E:60, SportsNation, First Take and more.

So MMA fans continue to have a weekly destination for the next few months.

Sunday’s Linkage

Let’s do some links for you on this Sunday. Lots of stuff to go over now.

Starting with Barry Wilner of the Associated Press writes that the NFL is helping to produce a Broadway play on the late Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi.

Dave Anderson of the New York Times writes about the NFL Draft going to primetime.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News feels this season’s Hard Knocks on HBO featuring the Jets will be quite colorful.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says MLB is doing Jackie Robinson Day for the wrong reasons.

Jackie Majerus at the Bristol (CT) Press looks at ESPN hiring its own security guards rather than outsourcing them as has been the case. 

Laura Nachman tells us to watch HBO’s documentary, Broad Street Bullies next month.

John Gonzalez of the Philadelphia Inquirer says the national media is unfairly blaming the city for the now-infamous incident of a Phillies fan attempting to intentionally vomit on an off-duty policeman and his two daughters. 

Mike Prince from the Montgomery (PA) Newspapers speaks to an area native who is now calling the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league team on radio. 

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner speaks with TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley about the postseason.

Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution interviews Showtime’s Nick Charles about his battle with cancer. 

Scott Sloan of the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader notes that Kentucky loves its basketball, even when the Winter Olympics are on.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News notes that TNT is not sending its top team to the Dallas-San Antonio NBA playoff series.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says the NFL Draft is getting to roll out the red carpet as it goes primetime.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reviews Jon Gruden’s ESPN quarterback special.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News notes today is the 60th anniversary of Vin Scully beginning his Dodgers broadcasting career.

Cecil Conley of the Vacaville (CA) Reporter speaks with the head of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area which recently celebrated its 2 year anniversary.

Artie Gigantino of the San Francisco Examiner says a primetime NFL Draft will make for Must See TV.

The Sports Media Watch notes that Fox got off to poor start for its MLB Game of the Week series.

SMW says the NHL on NBC ended the regular season last Sunday on a down note.

SMW has some various ratings news and notes.

SWM has its weekend ratings predictions.

The Big Lead has the video of a post-fight brawl that took place during CBS’ coverage of Strikeforce’s MMA card.

Sean Leahy of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog tells us why the Buffalo Sabres are able to show their playoff games on an outdoor screen at HSBC Arena when the Pittsburgh Penguins were not last year.

Joe Favorito feels the NHL is in the midst of its most critical playoff season.

Jesse Chula at EPL Talk notes that ESPN the Magazine and Sony are teaming up for a unique contest for a trip to the World Cup in South Africa.

Those are the links for today.

Tonight’s Strikeforce on CBS Open

Thanks to CBS, we have the open for tonight’s Strikeforce card. Gus Johnson voices it as he’ll call the action for CBS. The theme is “What are champions made of?”

The Strikeforce on CBS card airs tonight at 9 ET/PT.

Thursday’s Links

After a day in which I dealt with a flooded basement and buying filters for my wet vac, it’s time to bring back the linkage.

USA Today’s Game On blog looks at a new PBS documentary on legendary New Jersey high school basketball coach Bob Hurley.

Bob Velin of USA Today profiles an announcer who will call his 20,000th consecutive horse race over a span of almost 36 years.

Georg Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter says Univision will be airing all 64 World Cup games this summer over a variety of platforms.

Sports Business Daily compiles reaction to the MSG Network’s 3-D production. 

Glen Dickson of Broadcasting & Cable says Cablevision and MSG executives are declaring last night’s 3-D production of the New York Rangers-New York Islanders game a success.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says Versus received its highest NHL audience of the season on Monday.

Dan Lamothe of the Red Sox Monster blog at the Springfield (MA) Republican looks at recent NESN hire Jade McCarthy quickly becoming a favorite on the channel by taking over the anchoring duties on SportsDesk.

John Altavilla of the Hartford Courant says UConn’s women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma will be profiled on ESPN’s Outside the Lines this weekend. 

John Koblin of the New York Observer notes that the Wall Street Journal will launch its sports section next month.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times reviews MSG Network’s first 3-D telecast.

Dan Martin of the New York Post says the 3-D production was popular with fans and players alike.

Peter Botte of the New York Daily News has a similar story on the fans who watched the Islanders-Rangers game in 3-D.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette has the NCAA Hockey Tournament TV schedule.

The Washington Examiner’s Jim Williams says CBS is back with the NCAA Tournament tonight.

John Boyette of the Augusta (GA) Chronicle says Tiger Woods will be talking to reporters at The Masters on April 5.

Noell Barnidge of the Savannah (GA) Morning News says ESPN’s Outside the Lines is in town to do a story regarding an incident at Savannah State University. 

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks at one person who has a perfect NCAA Tournament bracket.

Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram says TCU has chosen a new flagship radio station for football and basketball.

General John McClain of the Houston Chronicle says the Texans and the New York Jets want to be the Thanksgiving Night game on NFL Network.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman writes that TNT plans to go interactive tonight for the Miami-Chicago game.

Tyler James of the Columbus Dispatch says a local teenager tops ESPN.com’s NCAA Tournament bracket challenge. 

Anthony Schoette at the Indianapolis Business Journal feels Bob Knight is mellowing in his old age.

Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star writes that Good Morning America co-host and former ESPN anchor Robin Roberts will be driving the Indianapolis 500 pace car on May 30. There’s no corporate synergy in that decision as ESPN/ABC airs the Indy 500 that day.

In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman feels the NCAA should allow arena advertising during its games.

Jim O’Donnell of the Chicago Sun-Times laments the potential end for a long-running WGN-AM sports show.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has ESPN’s Orel Hershiser and Rick Sutcliffe talking about various MLB issues.

Bob Mayhall of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat talks with CBS’ Verne Lundquist who will be calling the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Regional this weekend.

The Denver Post reports that the MLS’ Colorado Rapids are moving a majority of its games to free TV this season.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times interviews Fox Sports El Jefe del Mundo David Hill about bidding for the Olympics, the MLB All-Star Game in 3-D and trying to get a younger halftime act for the Super Bowl.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News previews his Friday column on Friend of Fang’s Bites Victor Rojas and his new social networking project, Yakcy.

Kevin Iole of Yahoo’s Cagewriter blog writes that an ESPN.com MMA show is moving to ESPN2.

The Sports Media Watch says MLB has eliminated the off day between Games 4 and 5 in the League Championship Series.

SMW has some various news and notes.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media feels that last night’s Pittsburgh-Washington game should have been on Versus and not NHL Network. Agreed.

The great Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball says the MLB At Bat iPhone/iPod Touch app finally has live streaming video of Spring Training games as of today.

Phillip Badger of EPL Talk gives us an update on the latest with Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Soccer Channel HD.

We’ll end it there for now.

Some Sunday Links

Doing a Sunday linkage thing for you today. Let’s get to the links now.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that the Versus-DirecTV dispute remains at an impasse, but talks could get jump started soon.

Mike reports that Setanta Sports US has signed for exclusive rights to several worldwide rugby tournaments.

Wayne Friedman of Mediapost says sales for the 2010 Winter Olympics got off to a slow start, but NBC could be seeing a change of momentum now.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News has a second straight column critical of MLB Network, this time for not using Bob Costas more.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post feels ESPN’s Sunday conversations are promos for upcoming programming. So what?

Pete Dougherty provides the college football TV schedule and adds that ESPN/ABC is cheating viewers.

Carl Kologie from the Indiana (PA) Gazette writes that a local native was instrumental in bringing Fox NFL Sunday to Afghanistan this week.

Terry Toohey of the Delaware County Daily Times says someone swore into an open microphone at the end of yesterday’s Richmond-Villanova game on Comcast SportsNet.

Here is the clip:

Michael Kruse and Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times write that the NFL is seeing an increasing number of Hispanics watching football.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News points out a stat that gives Cowboys fans hope.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla’s comments about Wisconsin’s chances.

Brian Murphy of the Idaho Statesman appeals to ESPN’s College Gameday to pay a visit to the Potato State.

The Statesman’s Chadd Cripe says ESPN is considering bringing Gameday to Boise State.

Brian Gomez from the Colorado Springs Gazette writes that Gameday’s visit to the Air Force Academy brought an electric atmosphere to the campus.

The San Francisco Examiner’s Artie Gigantino for the most part enjoyed Fox’s coverage of the World Series.

The Sports Media Watch has its usual Weekend Ratings Predictions.

And SMW has some news and notes.

Joe Favorito says Mixed Martial Arts is hoping to gain a foothold in the mainstream.

Steve Lepore has the video of last night’s Satellite Hotstove on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada which certainly made some waves due to a demonstration of a new helmet.

That’s going to do it for now.

Boxing and MMA Releases

Saturday night is a busy night for fight fans whether it be boxing or mixed martial arts.

Starting with HBO Sports and its World Championship Boxing card.

HBO SPORTS^® PRESENTS A LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH WHEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®: CHAD DAWSON VS. GLEN JOHNSON II AND ALFREDO ANGULO VS. HARRY JOE YORGEY IS SEEN LIVE SATURDAY, NOV. 7 ON HBO^®

HBO Sports presents a highly anticipated rematch between two accomplished ring warriors when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: CHAD DAWSON VS. GLEN JOHNSON II AND ALFREDO ANGULO VS. HARRY JOE YORGEY is seen live SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT) from the XL Center in Hartford, Conn. Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman and Emanuel Steward will be ringside for the event, to be presented in HDTV and in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Hailing from New Haven, Conn., undefeated Chad Dawson (28-0, 17 KOs) first won a world title in 2007, dominating undefeated Tomasz Adamek and subsequently compiling an impressive list of victories that includes two unanimous decisions over former world champ Antonio Tarver and a controversial victory over Glen Johnson by unanimous decision in April 2008. Putting his perfect record on the line once again, the 27-year-old Dawson looks to silence any doubters and reaffirm his place at the top of the sport.

A former light heavyweight champion and Boxing Writers Association of America “Fighter of the Year” selection, 40-year-old Glen Johnson (49-12-2, 33 KOs) is one of the top competitors in this deep division. The Jamaican-born resident of Miami, Fla. captured a world light heavyweight title in 2004 and has lately experienced a career renaissance, winning seven of his last nine bouts, his only losses being close decisions to Clinton Woods and Dawson.

The opening bout is a potentially explosive battle, as rising star Alfredo Angulo (16-1, 13 KOs) of Coachella, Cal. meets Harry Joe Yorgey (22-0-1, 10 KOs) of Bridgeport, Pa. in a 12-round junior middleweight encounter. Angulo has been climbing the 154-pound ladder quickly; Yorgey is a crafty, all-action fighter seeking to slow down the power-hitting knockout artist.

The live doubleheader will be accompanied by the debut of the third episode of “24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT). The new episode of “24/7” will also air immediately after the doubleheader on HBO.

All WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING events are broadcast in HDTV.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Marc Payton.

Before the live boxing, HBO airs another installment of 24/7 Pacquaio/Cotto.

24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO NOV. 7 EPISODE

Episode #3

Debut: SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (9:00-9:30 p.m. ET/6:00-6:30 p.m. PT)

Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) focuses on his training regime amidst personality clashes in the camp, while Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) and his team prepare to move training camp to Las Vegas a week early to further prepare him for the Nov. 14 megafight.

Episode #3 of 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO debuts prior to the live presentation “World Championship Boxing: Chad Dawson vs. Glen Johnson II and Alfredo Angulo vs. Harry Joe Yorgey” at 9:30 p.m (ET)/6:30 p.m. (PT).

The finale of 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO debuts FRIDAY, NOV. 13 (9:30-10:00 p.m.), just one night before the fight. All four episodes have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series is also available on HBO On Demand.

On Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), HBO Pay-Per-View presents “Pacquiao vs. Cotto,” live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The executive producers of 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer, Dave Harmon; producers, Scott Boggins and Bentley Weiner; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

CBS stations will air the Fight Camp 360 special that originally aired on Showtime previewing Saturday’s Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers card.

CBS STATIONS TO BROADCAST ENCORE PRESENTATION OF THE SHOWTIME SERIES “FIGHT CAMP 360°: FEDOR VS. ROGERS”

NEW YORK, Nov. 6 — As a preview to MMA’s return to broadcast television on CBS this Saturday, Nov. 7 with STRIKEFORCE/M-1 GLOBAL: FEDOR VS. ROGERS (9:00 PM, Live ET/delayed PT), CBS affiliates and owned stations will broadcast an encore presentation of the SHOWTIME series FIGHT CAMP 360°: FEDOR vs. ROGERS starting today (check local listings for times). The series offers fight fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the world’s Number One ranked MMA heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko and his opponent, undefeated, American Brett Rogers, who will square off in Saturday night’s primetime main event.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: FEDOR VS. ROGERS originally premiered on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 PM ET/PT on SHOWTIME and is now being made available for broadcast on CBS affiliates nationwide.

CBS stations carrying the Showtime special include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver and Miami.

STRIKEFORCE/M-1 GLOBAL: FEDOR VS. ROGERS is being produced by SHOWTIME sports. The announce team for the four-fight event includes Gus Johnson, Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo.

More releases coming up.

CBS’ Open for Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers

Here’s the open that you will see tomorrow night for CBS’ re-entry into the Mixed Martial Arts arena. Gus Johnson voices it. I totally forgot Screamin’ Gus was doing the MMA card because when I saw the announcing schedule, I thought he might have been suspended for his comments during the Jacksonville-Tennessee game last week, but it turned out that was not case (Thanks to The Big Lead for setting me straight).

Speaking of The Big Lead, Cousins of Ron Mexico has a good breakdown of Saturday night’s card.

So here’s the open for Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers and it’s quite good.

Pretty good. Gets my blood flowing. Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers airs Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

A Few More Releases

I saw a few more releases to post.

First from MLB, we have the announcement of who’s singing the national anthem before tonight’s World Series Game 2.

Five-time Grammy Award winner John Legend will sing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to Game Two of the 2009 World Series. The performance will coincide within the overall dedication of Game Two of the World Series to celebrating the legacy of Roberto Clemente and the spirit of community service.

Legend has sold more than five million albums world wide and garnered multiple hit singles, received countless awards and has been called one of the most compelling and important singer/songwriters of this generation. In 2007, Legend and his team launched the Show Me Campaign whose mission is to fight poverty through fostering sustainable development. Legend has recently been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2009 and has been honored with the 2008 Humanitarian Award from CARE and the 2008 Difference Award from OneXOne.

Legend will sing the National Anthem after New York natives Jay-Z and Alicia Keys perform of their hit single “Empire State of Mind” on FOX with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Next, Florida coach Urban Meyer appears on CBS College Sports on Friday.

FLORIDA COACH URBAN MEYER SITS DOWN FOR SPECIAL EPISODE OF CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK’S “ONE2ONE” INTERVIEW SERIES

“ONE2ONE: URBAN MEYER” Airs Friday, Oct. 30 at 8:00 PM, ET

CBS College Sports Network airs a special edition of the network’s in-depth interview series ONE2ONE on Friday, Oct. 30 (8:00 PM, ET), featuring Florida football coach Urban Meyer. CBS College Sports Network contributor and USA Today columnist Christine Brennan sits down with Meyer in advance of Georgia taking on No. 1-ranked Florida this weekend on CBS Sports.

Meyer discusses a range of topics, including starting the season 7-0 (the first time Florida has done so since 1996), his special relationship with Tim Tebow, growing up in Ohio and his love for Ohio State, his place alongside college football coaching legends and why the Georgia game is special.

To see a clip of Meyer discussing Tim Tebow’s concussion and the emotional affect it had on him, click here.

Christine Brennan is an award-winning sports columnist for USA Today, an ABC News and NPR commentator, a best-selling author and a nationally-known speaker. Twice named one of the country’s top 10 sports columnists by the Associated Press Sports Editors, she has covered 13 consecutive Olympic Games, summer and winter. Brennan, one of the nation’s most-read sports columnists, was the first woman sports writer at The Miami Herald in 1981 and the first woman to cover the Washington Redskins as a staff writer at The Washington Post in 1985.

ONE2ONE features personal sit-down interviews with the biggest names in sports. Since the show’s debut in December 2004, guests have included NFL Legend Dan Marino, Louisville coach Rick Pitino, NBA Commissioner David Stern, legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno and Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, among others.

CBS College Sports Network is available across the country through local cable operators and via satellite on DIRECTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 152. For more information on how to get CBS College Sports Network, go to www.cbscollegesports.com.

Here’s quotage from NFL Network’s Gameday Highlights and Gameday Final from Sunday.

Week 7 (Oct. 25, 2009) – Quotable from NFL GameDay Final & NFL GameDay Highlights on NFL Network

(Airs Sundays at 7:30 PM ET & 11:30 PM ET)

**NEXT WEEK: SPECIAL 2-HOUR NFL GAMEDAY FINAL AT 7:30 PM ET**

FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS & FULL POSTGAME COVERAGE OF BRETT FAVRE’S RETURN TO GREEN BAY

“Usually when a quarterback throws three picks he goes into a shell. Not Drew Brees.”

– Deion Sanders on Saints QB Drew Brees, who led New Orleans to victory after throwing three interceptions

“Ugly win in some regards. But a fantastic win in other regards”

– Steve Mariucci on Saints victory despite an 18-point deficit, five sacks allowed and three interceptions

“That’s an Earl Campbell move.”

– Deion Sanders on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson running over a Steelers defender on a 29-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter

“This combination of [Tony] Romo to Miles Austin…look out.”

– Steve Mariucci on Cowboys QB-WR duo, which has combined for 421 yards and four touchdowns in the last two games

“He can go deep, he can go short, and he can make the tough catches.”

– Deion Sanders on Cowboys WR Miles Austin, who had 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns vs. Falcons

“The wrong guy might have been benched. Patrick Crayton has been one of the most consistent Cowboy receivers in the last several years. He dropped one ball in the playoffs which he caught a lot of flak for. If I’m going to put my best 11 out there, Patrick Crayton should be one of those guys.”

– Deion Sanders on Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton

“He should be mentioned with the top tight ends in the game.”

– Deion Sanders on Texans TE Owen Daniels, who leads NFL tight ends with 497 receiving yards

“All-rookie team.”

– Steve Mariucci on Bills S Jairus Byrd, who had two interceptions vs. Panthers. He is tops among rookies and second in the NFL with five interceptions.

“This is a good defense. Look out for the Cincinnati Bengals.”

– Steve Mariucci on 5-2 Bengals

“This is Cedric the Entertainer now.”

– Rich Eisen on Bengals RB Cedric Benson, who leads the NFL with 720 rushing yards

“When this offense gets it together, you can see the makings of something special with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.”

– Michael Irvin on the San Francisco 49ers offense

“They do a great job of selecting running backs.”

– Deion Sanders on the Indianapolis Colts and RB Donald Brown

*** Additional exclusive video clips from Sunday’s NFL GameDay are available on NFL.com. Click on the video segments. These videos include:

- Cowboys QB Tony Romo’s 311-yard, 3 TD performance vs. Falcons

- http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d813b1018/WK-7-Tony-Romo-highlights

- Deion Sanders’ “Let’s Go Primetime”

- http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d813b4903/Let-s-Go-Primetime

- And many more Week 7 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com.

**SPECIAL 2-HOUR NFL GAMEDAY FINAL AT 7:30 PM ET NEXT WEEK**

FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS & FULL POSTGAME COVERAGE OF BRETT FAVRE’S RETURN TO GREEN BAY

7:30 PM -8:30 PM ET: NFL GameDay Highlights

Host: Rich Eisen Analysts: Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin

Following the late afternoon games, NFL GameDay Highlights offers analysis of the events of the day. Includes highlights from all completed games, insider commentary, on-field interviews and post-game press conferences.

11:30 PM -1:00 AM ET: NFL GameDay Final

Host: Rich Eisen Analysts: Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucci

NFL GameDay Final is the definitive exclamation point on Sundays providing unlimited highlights of all the games, plus post-game press conferences, interviews from the field and locker room, audio captured throughout the day and expert analysis.

The NFL Network also gives us quotes from “The Head Coaches” on Monday.

Quotable from Week 7 Edition of The Coaches Show on NFL Network

(Airs Mondays at 6:30 PM ET with replays at 8:30 and 10:00 PM ET)

Quick Quotes:

“They have weapons galore and they are balanced on offense and defense…The Saints don’t run because they have to, they run it because they want to.” – Steve Mariucci on the New Orleans Saints and they’re balanced offense

“They were down 21 points and they didn’t blink.” – Steve Mariucci on the New Orleans Saints

“Embrace the job of being the head coach. Get excited about it, get this group motivated on both sides of the ball and get them rolling.” – Mike Martz on Redskins head coach Jim Zorn and the Washington Redskins

“They’re a real tough football team, but in the fourth quarter, they’re bending an awful lot in each game we’ve seen them play.” – Mike Martz on the Pittsburgh Steelers

“He’s really taken over this football team. His personality is imprinted on both sides of the ball.” – Mike Martz on Bengals QB Carson Palmer

“This is why they’re going to contend for this division championship.” – Steve Mariucci on Martz’ thoughts regarding Bengals QB Carson Palmer

“The guys that can do this are the guys that stay in the league the longest.” – Steve Mariucci on the importance of running backs who are successful executors in pass protection schemes (see first video link below)

*** Additional exclusive video clips from Monday’s The Coaches Show and highlights from Week 7 are available on NFL.com. These videos include:

- Steve Mariucci and Mike Martz break down how a running back is crucial to pass protection

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches/09000d5d813ba4ec/The-Coaches-RB-pass-protection

- The coaches analyze the Cowboys big win against the Falcons

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches/09000d5d813ba2fc/The-Coaches-Cowboys-big-win

- Selected video clips from the entire season of The Head Coaches

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches

- And many more Week 7 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com.

6:30-7:00 & 8:30-9:00 PM ET Monday: The Head Coaches Show (HD)

Host: Charles Davis Analysts: Mike Martz and Steve Mariucci

The Head Coaches takes an inside look at the previous Sunday’s games, analyzing the big plays and tough decisions made by NFL head coaches on the sidelines in a 30-minute, roundtable program (Replays at 8:30 and 10:00 PM ET Mondays).

And Showtime will get us ready for next Saturday’s Strikeforce card with a new installment of its Fight Camp 360 series.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS WITH NEW INSTALLMENT:

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers

Premieres Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®;

For The First Time Ever, Film Crew Captures The Athlete, The Family Man and The Mystique of MMA’s # 1 Fighter, Fedor, in Russian Training Camp

NEW YORK (Oct. 22, 2009)—In the wake of the critically acclaimed debut of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, SHOWTIME Sports® turns the spotlight to mixed martial arts with FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will feature unrestricted access to one of the most enigmatic professional athletes of today, Fedor Emelianenko and his next opponent, the undefeated Brett Rogers, as they prepare to headline “STRIKEFORCE/M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights” to be broadcast LIVE on Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will premiere on SHOWTIME® on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The CBS Television Network will also make the show available to its 203 affiliated stations for broadcast in advance of the fight.

From director Ron Yassen, who is embedded in Fedor’s training camp in Stary Oskol, Russia: “Fedor is beyond captivating as a fighter, and more so, as a man. It’s a pure joy to film him so intimately as he strives for perfection in life and sport with grace and charm. While training for this most important match, he kindly opened up his life to us in and out of the ring, without the ego that often comes with being the very best at one’s craft.”

Produced in conjunction with Roadside Entertainment, FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will showcase both fighters as they prepare for this historic fight. Nov. 7 marks the first time Fedor, widely considered the sport’s No. 1 fighter, will appear in front of a national broadcast television audience. Despite his iconic status within the sport, Fedor (30-1) remains shrouded in mystery, living and training in seclusion in a remote mining village in Russia far away from the spotlight afforded the sports’ very best.

Rogers lives and trains in Minneapolis, and enters the fight with an impressive 10-0 record after most recently dismantling former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Rogers, a quiet, soft-spoken giant outside the cage, who earlier this year quite his job as a tire technician at Sam’s Club, has the opportunity of a lifetime to dethrone the sport’s greatest in front of a national television audience.

“The response to our inaugural episode of Fight Camp 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic chronicling the boxing tournament has been overwhelming,” said SHOWTIME Sports General Manager Ken Hershman, who commissioned the project. “Because of the subjects involved—the mysterious world champion set to fight a man living the American dream—we had to turn our lens in this direction. Special thanks to M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE for affording us a level of access to both men that has been unparalleled in their respective careers.”

Scott Coker, president of STRIKEFORCE, added, ”This is a one of a kind opportunity for fans to go behind the scenes and take a close look at the extraordinary, number one fighter in the world – Fedor – and his opponent who has become a symbol of The American Dream.”

Below are the air dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME 2®.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 9:30p (premiere) SHO

Tuesday, Nov. 3 10:00p SHO2

Wednesday, Nov. 4 11p SHO2

Thursday, Nov. 5 10p SHO2

Friday, Nov. 6 10p SHO2

Saturday, Nov. 7 4:30p SHO

Note: all times ET/PT

Versus tells us that Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall will be a guest host of “Sports Soup” on November 3.

PRO BOWL WIDE RECEIVER BRANDON MARSHALL TO CALL THE PLAYS ON NOV. 3 EPISODE OF SPORTS SOUP

NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 28, 2009)-VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country, today announced that Brandon Marshall, Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, will be guest hosting an episode of Sports Soup on Tuesday, November 3, at 10 p.m. ET. Marshall, one of the NFL's top wide receivers, will take the ball from Sports Soup starter, Matt Iseman, for one episode.   

Each week on Sports Soup Matt Iseman takes viewers around the entire world of sports to find the clips that are the most ridiculous, extreme and memorable for all the right and wrong reasons. Since the show launched on VERSUS in October 2008, it has gained a tremendous following among sports fans, celebrities and athletes alike. Shaquille O'Neal, Will Ferrell, Mike Tyson, Michael Irvin, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are just a few of the high-profile athletes and celebrities who have been interviewed on Sports Soup. With the NFL season well under way, the start of the NBA season having just tipped-off and the baseball playoffs in full swing, there will be no shortage of material for Marshall.    

"I'm excited to have Brandon Marshall guest host Sports Soup - it's not every day you get a Pro Bowl receiver filling in for you," said Matt Iseman. "Plus, he promised to return the favor and let me start the next time the Broncos play the Raiders. He thinks I should be good for at least a couple of touchdowns."

Marshall was selected by Denver in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. After three impressive seasons, his career totals include 255 receptions for 3,231 yards and 19 touchdowns, including 29 receptions, 332 yards and four touchdowns so far this year. His unbelievable 2008 season earned him a starting spot in his first Pro Bowl with 104 catches, 1,265 receiving yards, 12.2 yards per reception and six touchdowns. In addition to his on-field contributions, last year Marshall also became involved with the "Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives" after-school program in Denver. His weekly visits on Tuesdays throughout the season have given him a chance to reach out to kids in need, provide encouragement and motivation, and help them with homework.

Finally, Fox Soccer Channel lists the UEFA Champions League games it’ll air next week.

TRIO OF UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REMATCHES FEATURED ON FOX SOCCER CHANNEL’S COVERAGE OF MATCHDAY 4

Los Angeles, CA (October 27, 2009) – Live UEFA Champions League Group Stage coverage continues on Fox Soccer Channel with Matchday 4, highlighted by three intriguing rematches of recently played contests.

The world’s most prestigious club soccer competition resumes Tuesday, Nov. 3 on Fox Soccer Channel with the live 30-minute UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET, simulcast on FSN. Following a breakdown of all the day’s up-coming action from host Max Bretos and analysts Warren Barton and Bobby McMahon, Fox Soccer Channel viewers will enjoy the second Group D match-up in a two-week span between Atlético Madrid and Chelsea at 2:45 p.m. ET.

On Wednesday Nov. 4, Fox Soccer Channel will showcase a live UEFA Champions League doubleheader, beginning with the pregame show at a special time of 12 p.m. ET. Fresh off its improbable upset at the Nou Camp on Oct. 20, Rubin Kazan hosts FC Barcelona at 12:30 p.m. and looks to hand the defending champion a second straight loss. Immediately after, Lyon faces a Liverpool side eager to avenge a rare European defeat at Anfield.

Comprehensive coverage of every UEFA Champions League Group Stage match is available to U.S. viewers for the first time ever, thanks to a unique content-sharing agreement between Fox Soccer Channel, FSN, Fox Sports en Español, Setanta Sports and DirecTV. For a complete telecast schedule visit championsonfox.com, where links to live online video streaming of all UEFA Champions League contests are also accessible. Available on a subscription basis for $14.95 per month or $99.95 for a season pass, matches can also be purchased individually for $9.95 each.

WHAT: Live Coverage of UEFA Champions League Group Stage

Matchday 4 on Fox Soccer Channel

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3

Atletico Madrid (ESP) vs. Chelsea (ENG) 2:45 p.m. ET

(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, November 4

Rubin Kazan (RUS) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP) 12:30 p.m. ET

Lyon (FRA) vs. Liverpool (ENG) 2:45 p.m. ET

(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 12 p.m. ET)

*For a complete telecast schedule, visit championsonfox.com

WHERE: Fox Soccer Channel, America’s Soccer Network

I think we’re done for now. Linkage and perhaps a special feature coming up. Keep your feeds updated.

Doing the Friday Megalinks

Ok. After hardly doing links this week, it’s time to make up for it today. And I hope to finish this during the day. Let’s get to it.

First, the Weekend Viewing Picks.

College Football has good matchups this weekend including USC at Washington on ABC, Michiga State at Notre Dame on NBC, and Texas Tech at Texas in primetime on ABC. ESPN College Gameday is in Austin, TX to preview the Aggies-Longhorns game. The College Football Viewing Picks in full are right here.

To the NFL where we have some intriguing games in Week 2. CBS has the doubleheader this week and a good early game with the Patriots at the Jets especially in the wake of coach Rex Ryan’s trash talking. The showcase late game for CBS will be Pittsburgh at Chicago. For Fox, it’s regional coverage and New Orleans at the Eagles will be called by Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver. On Sunday night, it’s the regular season debut of the new Cowboys Stadium on NBC with the Giants and the Cowboys facing off. The entire Sunday schedule along with announcer assignments, DirecTV channels, satellite radio channels and anything else I wanted to add are in the NFL Viewing Picks.

For baseball, Cubs-Cards and Angels-Rangers will be featured on the national networks this weekend. You can see what’s being covered in Baseball Viewing This Weekend.

Other programming notes of interest include Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Miguel Marquez on HBO pay per view called by Jim Lampley, Emanuel Steward and boxing charlatan Max Kellerman and UFC 103 on pay per view.

NASCAR is in New Hampshire for the Sprint Cup Series on ABC at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Weekend Viewing Picks in full not only have your sports picks, but primetime viewing as well.

Let’s get to your links.

National

Michael Hiestand of USA Today writes about Fox Sports unveiling new programming online and from what I hear, some nudity in the weekly “Cubed” series.

Sports Business Daily looks into the beginning of Fox Sports’ online initiative and the nudity on “Cubed”.

Brian Helfrich of SBD writes about Fox Sports not only cutting out the nudity in “Cubed” but also cutting down the web show from 16 minutes to under 2.

Eric Fisher in Sports Business Daily writes that the NFL has brought increased traffic to various sports news websites.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated reviews the Week 1 performances of several new NFL TV analysts.

The Nielsen ratings Wire blog says the early returns show ratings success for both college and pro football.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek says ESPN, Fox and NBC all saw ratings jumps for their first offerings of the NFL regular season.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that the Cubs are feeling the effects of the recession.

Darren looks at how MillerCoors is getting notice for its brand at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Nick Saint of the Silicon Valley Insider notes that CBS Sports will stream its entire 15 game SEC football schedule online.

Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog reports that DirecTV and Versus are talking to bring the sports channel back, but it appears it won’t be in time for the NHL season openers.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News also writes about the DirecTV/Versus negotiations.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel says Spike is seeing excellent ratings for “The Ultimate Fighter” season premiere.

Michael Malone of Broadcasting & Cable says Bright House Sports will be picking up a slate of SEC games thanks to a new deal with ESPN Regional Television.

Ben Grossman of B&C writes that CBS is back in the Mixed Martial Arts business signing a deal to air Strikeforce bouts starting in November.

Steve Schwankert of the Hollywood Reporter notes that the NFL is expanding its broadcasts into Communist China and in democratic Taiwan.

Diego Vasquez of Media Life Magazine writes about a successful opening to the NFL season on the league’s TV partners.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media notes that ESPN is already releasing the opener to next year’s college football season.

Chris has the video of former Detroit Tigers voice Ernie Harwell saying thanks to his fans. Ernie was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and there has been a huge outpouring of support from all over baseball for Ernie.

The Big Lead talks with ESPN.com college football reporter Joe Schad.

The Sports Media Watch looks at the ratings of the recently completed US Open.

SMW tells us that of the NFL TV partners, only CBS saw a decrease in ratings for Week 1.

Here’s the first edition of a podcast I did with Sports Media Journal’s Keith Thibeault.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes about some of the latest developments in new media in Boston.

Amanda Bruno of the Batter-up with Bruno blog notes that the Boston Globe has made a new hire to cover the Red Sox.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette talks with Ron Jaworski of ESPN’s Monday Night Football about the Patriots’ performance against the Bills.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that YES is not producing a postgame for the entire Yankees schedule.

Neil writes a feature on Newsday’s owner, Cablevision, increasing its commitment to high school sports.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News writes that CBS’ Phil Simms seems to be the only one not jumping on the Jets’ bandwagon.

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post rips the NFL replay rule.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with ESPN Radio’s Freddie Coleman who got his sports radio start in New York’s Capital Region.

Pete also has five questions with Freddie.

In Press Box, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com talks with WNST’s Nestor “Nasty” Apricio.

South

To the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson says the Dolphins are excited about having their home opener on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Gary Smits in the Florida Times-Union says the DirecTV/Versus dispute is preventing Florida State fans from seeing Saturday’s game against BYU.

Jeff Caplan in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes that NBC will be ready to cover the punts and the now-infamous video board at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Ray Buck of the Star-Telegram says NBC will showcase the new stadium this weekend.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says Michael Irvin will be all over the place on Sunday and Monday.

Barry writes that a local sports radio station will talk with former President George W. Bush next week.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says College Gameday is back in Texas on Saturday.

In his blog, David looks at the football segments on local radio this weekend.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says a Fox Sports Net college football analyst can feel Oklahoma University QB Sam Bradford’s pain.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press feels there are too many retired NFL players on his television.

Michael Hunt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that you won’t be seeing the Packers on HBO’s Hard Knocks.

Bob Wolfley in the Journal Sentinel says Milwaukee viewers will see up to 8 Minnesota Vikings games with former Packer Brett Favre this season.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers.

In the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin, Paul Christian writes about the return of MMA to CBS.

Paul says a popular Twin Cities sports radio show makes a local appearance this weekend.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Joe Buck’s second HBO show has been retooled.

Dan writes that the ratings for the Rams’ season opener were up from last year.

Tom Timmerman of the Post-Dispatch reports that the Big 12 Conference is looking to expand its TV footprint similar to what the SEC did this year.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News feels ESPN’s Bob Griese is a BCS lackey.

Jay Posner in the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the US Open fireworks helped to prepare CBS’ Dick Enberg for the new NFL season.

Jay says Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton returns to the local airwaves in October.

John Maffei of the North County Times pays tribute to a colleague who recently passed away.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star writes that football brings in the ratings.

Jim says the new Cowboys Stadium gets a real public Open House this Sunday.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says fans are truly ready for some football.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News says don’t count out newspapers yet.

As usual, Tom has his extensive media notes in his blog.

And that’s going to conclude this edition of the megalinks.

Even More Monday Links

We have a bunch of links this evening and let’s get to them before I start watching Weeds on Showtime.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe gives his impressions on NESN’s Jim Rice who finally got into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Neil Best of Newsday notes that Mets GM Omar Minaya called out a New York Daily News beat writer during a press conference to announce Tony Bernazard’s firing. Following that on Twitter, people were commenting on what a train wreck the press conference was. You can see video of Minaya calling out reporter Adam Rubin and Rubin’s reaction to SNY right here.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says backup Orlando Magic center won’t be wearing Reeboks next season after criticizing the company for not paying him enough.

Darren writes that Jack Nicklaus is not optimistic for golf course design next year.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette looks at MLB Network’s upcoming schedule of live games.

P.J. Harmer of the Oneota (NY) Daily Star says Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster Tony Kubek totally winged it during his induction speech yesterday.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes about the Bengals getting ready to be on HBO’s Hard Knocks this summer. Thanks to Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News for the link.

Richie Witt of the Dallas Observer says popular sports personality Dale Hansen is dropping his radio show.

Baxter Holmes of the Los Angeles Times says fans can Tweet questions to the Pac 10′s football coaches during the conference media days.

Zennie Abraham of the San Francisco Chronicle cannot believe that Erin Andrews topped a media listing on Mediate.

Ryan Leong of the San Francisco Examiner raves about Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s SportsNet Central programs.

Evan Weiner warns that Jacksonville could be losing the Jaguars to Los Angeles down the line.

Mike Fleming of Variety reports that ESPN Films, NFL Films and a Hollywood production company are teaming up on a feature on the late Packer coach Vince Lombardi.

Rich Thomaselli of Advertisting Age says with newspapers reducing their motorsports coverage, NASCAR is handpicking 28 motorsports blogs and credentialing them to help cover races starting this month.

The Sports Media Watch has caught ESPN. A week after refusing to initially report the civil suit against Ben Roethlisberger saying it doesn’t report on civil suits, ESPN is now reporting the civil lawsuit against Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison.

SportsbyBrooks reports that Fox Sports Radio demotes J.T. the Brick and replaces him with Tony Bruno.

Jay Busbee of Yahoo! Sports wondered why Golf Channel did not air the entire rain-delayed final found of the Canadian Open today.

Mike Bailey of World Golf says the estranged son of former New York City Rudolph Giuliani will be on the next edition of Big Break.

Deadspin says USA Today’s Christine Brennan continues to make statements against Erin Andrews.

MLB Network’s Victor Rojas who has his own MLB.com blog called “The Spoils”, talks about his experience at the Baseball Hall of Fame over the weekend.

Joe Favorito talks about Affliction getting out of the event production business to do what it does best.

Christopher Byrne of Eye on Sports Media talks about legendary Georgia football voice Larry Munson writing about his days in the broadcast booth.

Rafat Ali of paidContent.org talks about Fox Sports buying a stake into OpenSports and furthering its commitment into fantasy sports.

A photographer is suing ESPN for using one of her images without her consent.

Amanda Bruno (linked twice in one day!) of the Batter-up with Bruno blog discovers the actual height of Red Sox All-Star and reigning American League MVP Dustin Pedroia.

This has nothing to do with sports media or my Browns, but I promised Steelergurl I would link to her training camp preview if she would put me back in her blogroll after she redesigned her site. She did and thus I give you the link.

I found more links than I thought. That’s it. See you back here tomorrow.