Jim Jackson will not be back as Phillies radio pre- and postgame show host next season, saying the team informed him that he is a "luxury the organization can no longer afford in such uncertain times." In Philadelphia, Scott Lauber notes this comes a few weeks after the Phillies "offered a buyout package to full-time employees," and with "further staff reductions likely looming." Jackson said that he will "continue as the Flyers' lead TV play-by-play announcer" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/15).
CUBS NET TO SHOW BEARS: In Chicago, Jeff Agrest noted Marquee Sports Network will air a weekly Bears program "followed by a replay of the team’s previous game." The show, "Bear Essentials," will premiere at 7:00pm CT Wednesday, hosted by Cubs pre- and postgame anchor Cole Wright and "joined by Bears personnel and analysts." At 7:30, a replay of Bears-Bucs will be a "two-hour director's cut." The pairing "typically will air Tuesday nights" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/14).
