Some Tuesday Afternoon Links

Let’s give you an update this afternoon.

First, as pointed out by Neil Best of Newsday in his blog, MLB and Fox co-authored a study which shows kids are staying up late to watch Major League Baseball postseason games and ratings actually increase as the hour gets closer to midnight. John Ourand and Eric Fisher of the Sports Business Journal have the story which also quotes some sportswriters who refute the story. It’s an interesting story, but the numbers do bear this out over the past few years. In the SBJ, Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says, “The networks must be talking about kids who work the night shift. Which kids watch the ninth inning? Show them to me.” But then again, Mushnick is closer to his golden years and probably needs his sleep. I don’t know if this story will grow legs, but we’ll keep an eye on it.

Best also blogs that he wouldn’t be surprised to see ESPN back in the NHL business next season. And Best says Chris Russo of WFAN butchered Ashton Kutcher’s name during the Mike & the Mad Dog show today.

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune blogs about the MLB/Fox study. And Bill Conlin of the Philadelphia Daily News apparently didn’t read the study because he contends the late games disenfranchise the youth of America.

The ALCS on Fox finished third in the network overnight ratings last night.

The Sports Media Watch expands on a link I provided to you earlier today which focused on Turner Sports wanting to buy NBA.com and the rights to NBA League Pass.

In his blog, Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star has the story of the Los Angeles Dodgers changing flagship radio stations.

Darren Rovell of CNBC wonders if the Colorado Rockies are the Greatest Sports Underdog ever.

This goes back to last week, but here’s the Fashion Roundup from the great Leave the Man Alone blog.

Jeff Meade of the Monroe (MI) News says the Big Ten Network is all about greed. And on October 27, the Big Ten Network will air three games.

Chip Cosby in the Lexington (KY) Herald-Journal says ESPN’s College Gameday will be setting up near the University of Kentucky’s library for this Saturday’s live broadcast.

From the Miami New Times, ESPN’s E:60 newsmagazine will investigate a cover-up involving a city high school football team and a sexual tryst with an underaged girl.

Steve Adamek of the Bergen (NJ) Record writes a tongue-in-cheek article about ESPN airing The Masters.

For those of you who care, Fox Soccer Channel has announced its game schedule for the Major Indoor Soccer League.

NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol, actually Chairman of NBC Universal Sports and Olympics Dick Ebersol will be honored by the Paley Center for Media next month.

CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada received several Gemini Awards or the equivalent of the Emmy Awards up north.

I think that will do for tonight. If I can remember to fire up my DVD recorder, I’ll have a review of ESPN’s E:60 later tonight.