- Idle Note: Viewers may have noticed that ESPNews is now using the same ‘single-line’ BottomLine as ESPN and ESPN2. The move was made to “accommodate the high number of SportsCenters that moved to the network during the World Cup,” and ESPNews plans to continue using that BottomLine “on a trial basis.” ESPN: “The single-line BL allows us to deliver the same amount of information in less space … and also provides more features, such as Score Alerts and Breaking News Alerts.” (ESPN)
- Ratings Game: Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia is averaging a 7.2 rating for Phillies telecasts through 50 games this season, up 16% from the comparable point last year (6.2). The network is on pace for its eighth-straight season of increased ratings for Phillies telecasts. (Comcast)
- Big Name: ESPN NASCAR analyst Rusty Wallace apologized earlier this week for using an expletive during Kyle Busch‘s post-race interview following last Friday’s Nationwide Series telecast. Wallace: “There?s no excuse and I certainly know better. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to everyone, including Kyle, for my mistake.” (Yahoo! Sports)
Netflix officially announces expanded NFL deal
The NFL has officially reached a new deal with Netflix that will see the streamer bookend the season.
