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The Air by Laura Nachman Bucks County Courier Times February 6, 2004 Super Bowl Stuff "The Super Bowl" had a 44.1 rating/61 share in Philadelphia. Of course, in Boston the game had a humongous 52.2 rating/78 share and in Charlotte it had a 49.7 rating/72 share. Lost in the halftime controversy was the fact that CBS did a solid job of broadcasting the game. It didn't try any gimmicks like last year's "Mic'd Up" feature which flopped for ABC. It relied on the experienced team of Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms, and didn't clutter up the broadcast with those insipid sideline reports. Sideline reporters Armen Ketayian and Bonnie Bernstein were limited to one report apiece per half. However, the tribe has spoken - too many promos for "Survivor" and every other CBS show under the sun. Finally, the strange relationship between MTV and CBS can be summed up by this question. Can anyone imagine Jim Nantz listening to Nelly or Kid Rock music? False Start Since Dan Marino has decided not to join the Miami Dolphins front office, he'll remain with HBO's "Inside the NFL." (Maybe Tony Soprano gave him an offer he couldn't refuse). It will be fun to see what Wanda Sykes, who gave him a hard time on the show will say about his career move next season. No word yet from CBS on whether Marino will continue with "The NFL Today." Evidently CBS is too busy apologizing for the "Super Bowl" halftime show. "Playmakers" won't make the cut for ESPN next year. Though it got high ratings, the series about a pro team infuriated the NFL. It's a shame, because it was a good drama. Maybe MTV will pick it up. They seem to have no problem infuriating the NFL. Didinger Gets a Vacation Ray Didinger will get some much-deserved time off, as he'll take a break from his WIP 610-AM Saturday afternoon shift until the NFL draft in April. Didinger worked a seven-day week (Monday through Friday at NFL Films, Saturday at WIP, and Sunday at Comcast SportsNet) since September. A rotating group of substitutes will work with co-host Glen Macnow from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. It's All About Soul Philadelphia Soul owner Jon Bon Jovi rocked the dial last week, appearing on almost all the radio and television stations including WMMR 93.3-FM, WIP 610-AM, CN8, and Comcast SportsNet to promote the Soul's first game this weekend. How interesting that Leslie Gudel handled the Bon Jovi interview for CSN's "Spotlight," rather than regular "Spotlight" host Sean Murphy (smart move, Leslie). Gudel is expecting her first child at the end of the month. The Soul's first game against the New Orleans Voo Doo is Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC. Some of the AFL announcers are Michael Irvin, Tom Hammond, Mike Breen, Dan Hicks, John Riggins, and Pat Haden. I wouldn't be surprised if it beats the "NHL All-Star Game" on ABC at the same time in the ratings. Phillies Fun and Games guy John Brazer will be on ESPN2's "Cold Pizza" this morning at 7 a.m. talking about the Vet and the "Final Pieces Memorabilia Auction and Sale" event being held at the Wachovia Center from noon to 10 p.m. By the way, those new Phillies commercials with a few of the players prancing in the grass are better than most of the overpriced "Super Bowl" commercials. Someone Forgot to Send Phil Andrews the Memo Weekend sports anchors Steve Bucci of KYW and John Clark of WCAU were wearing identical Black blazers with Black T-shirts for their Saturday sportscasts. |