In Nashville, Alex Daugherty wrote the Predators are “seeking TV options for 2024-25 and beyond” in case their rights-holder -- Diamond Sports Group, who is currently in bankruptcy proceedings -- is unable to carry games. A source told Daugherty that one option for the Predators includes “broadcasting on a free, over-the-air station in Nashville.” Another option is the “direct-to-consumer model,” which would give fans both a “free, over-the-air broadcast and a direct-to-consumer paid option for non-local fans” (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 6/20).
NOT DONE YET: In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers confirmed “longtime radio play-by-play man” Gene Deckerhoff will return for his 36th season and “will remain teamed with veteran analyst Dave Moore and sideline reporter T.J. Rives.” Speculation has “abounded about Deckerhoff’s long-term future with the Bucs” since his retirement as Florida State radio play-by-play voice “after 34 seasons in 2022.” The Bucs also “have agreed to a multi-year extension” with NIA Broadcasting to continue their “Spanish-language alternate broadcast of every game” on WTMP-FM (
TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/20).
A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW: In Boston, Chad Finn noted that NESN will “feature 10 alternate Red Sox telecasts on NESN+” over the remainder of the season. The alternate broadcasts “will be called ‘Unobstructed Views,’ and will be hosted by Jared Carrabis, with a rotating cast of cohosts.” The first broadcast is “scheduled for next Tuesday,” with each of the remaining alternate broadcasts also “scheduled for Tuesdays.” Carrabis “will be joined by NESN analyst Jonathan Papelbon” for the inaugural edition (
BOSTON GLOBE, 6/20).
