CNBC's Darren Rovell noted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has indicated that "even though the economy is tough," the NFL's blackout policy "will not be eased in any way this year." The blackout policy "could affect teams like" the Jaguars who have seen a "huge drop in season ticket holders this upcoming season." Rovell noted this year will be different than previous seasons because "teams like the Jaguars have been bailed out by sponsors, particularly Winn-Dixie who paid for thousands of empty seats in order to ensure fans could watch things at home" ( "Power Lunch," CNBC, 8/13 ). RADIO NOWHERE: MLB Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said that the team will not switch flagship radio stations "any time soon." In St. Louis, Dan Caesar notes there are rumors the team is "exploring a departure" from KTRS-AM, the station the team bought a 50% interest in and where it moved its broadcasts in '06 after 51 seasons at KMOX-AM. DeWitt: "We're locked in at KTRS through next season at least, and there are frameworks in place to extend beyond that." The team and KTRS are in the fourth season of an eight-year deal in which the Cardinals have "final say if there is a dispute" ( ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 8/14 ). DIRECT EFFECT: In L.A., Diane Pucin notes after Time Warner Cable in the L.A. area "suffered a 54-second 'glitch' that caused viewers to miss" Dodgers LF Manny Ramirez' grand slam July 22, DirecTV "took about three days to take advantage." On "several local sports-oriented radio stations, DirecTV began running an ad asking Time Warner customers who wanted to see all of Ramirez's big moments to switch their television service." The ad stated, "That's right, some Time Warner cable customer's TV froze during the bottom of the sixth, just in time to miss baseball history. So why in the name of baseball are you still a Time Warner customer? Come on, make the switch to DirecTV" ( L.A. TIMES, 8/14 ). NOTES: KFWB-AM will air Clippers games this season after previous rights holder KSPN-AM acquired the Lakers broadcast rights. Brian Sieman will maintain his role as the Clippers' play-by-play announcer ( LATIMES.com, 8/13 )....All televised Big Ten Network football and men's basketball games this season will be available live and on-demand online through the net's new int'l streaming package, the "Big Ten Ticket." Fans will be able to select from three service options ( Big Ten Network ).
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