Media Notes

USA TODAY'S Rudy Martzke reported Tony Kornheiser "will be leaving his show on ESPN Radio at the end of March to concentrate" on ESPN's "PTI," other ESPN assignments and his Washington Post column. ESPN VP/Domestic Network Communications Mike Soltys: "For a long time Tony has wanted to lighten his responsibilities. We're already involved in the search for his replacement" ( USA TODAY.com, 2/1 ). EU MEDIA RIGHTS: The FINANCIAL TIMES' Daniel Dombey reported the European Commission Friday revealed "that it was looking at 'possible anti-competitive commercial arrangements and conduct' in the sale of sports rights to Internet and mobile phone operators." The commission is worried that "the process may be hampered by practices that may break EU competition law, such as 'bundling' [TV] with new media rights, favouring [TV] coverage over other kinds of coverage, or awarding new media rights on an exclusive basis." EU Competition Commissioner Mario Monti: "It is the task of competition regulators to ensure that access to sports rights remains open and non-discriminatory" ( FINANCIAL TIMES, 1/31 ). LET THERE BE LIGHT: Australian Open organizers announced on Sunday that for the first time, next year's men's singles final will be played at night. The decision to play the upcoming centennial anniversary of the event at night was part of a new deal with Australian Open broadcaster Seven Network ( REUTERS, 1/31 ).