In N.Y. Claire Atkinson notes Facebook and Twitter "are battling to win the right to stream conventional TV programming." Both companies are "eager to ramp up their capacity to deliver compelling live streaming video" and "have approached programmers about a deal for such rights." Sources said that Facebook, which is "already pitching the NFL to acquire rights to a new Thursday Night Football digital package, has been in meetings with a wide variety of TV executives." A source added that Facebook "even discussed the possibility of creating a skinny bundle." Meanwhile, sources said that Twitter has been "telling TV programmers that they can help bring younger viewers to TV networks" (N.Y. POST, 3/18).
ALL-AMERICAN: The CP's Jonas Siegel noted the potential of all seven Canadian NHL teams missing the playoffs gives a "sense of uncertainty regarding TV ratings" in the country for NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. He remains hopeful that Canadian fans "would tune in regardless. However, he admitted local teams "tend to draw better" ratings. Bettman: "As long as the hockey is entertaining and exciting and competitive we're hoping and expecting that fans will tune in" (CP, 3/17).
WHO'S YOUR PADRE: Every Padres game this season will be televised in English on either FS San Diego, FS1 or Fox. They will also air in both English and Spanish on radio. There will be 150 games televised in Spanish. Dick Enberg returns for his final year as the team's play-by-play announcer and will be joined again by analyst Mark Grant (Padres).
