Playoffs headed to cable; World Series still on FOX

TNT and TBS will televise the Division Series.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- FOX Television will remain the home of the World Series through the 2013 season.
But Turner Broadcasting will become a postseason player for the first time in 2007 when cable channels TBS and TNT will televise the Division Series.
And in a major twist, the World Series will begin on Tuesdays beginning next year in an effort to pump up television ratings. For decades, the World Series has opened on Saturdays, television's least-watched night.
"These agreements are another indication that baseball today is more popular than at any time in it history," Commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday at PNC Park. "FOX has been a wonderful partner.
"They have demonstrated a great commitment to the game and we are delighted to continue our excellent relationship," Selig said.
Changes
FOX's current package has changes. In recent seasons, FOX has been baseball's postseason exclusive home. But in 2007, FOX's playoff telecasts will be reduced to one of the League Championship Series and the World Series.
The new format will have World Series Games 1 and 2 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Games 3-5 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. If necessary, the World Series will use Tuesday and Wednesday nights for the final games.
FOX will televise the ALCS in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 and the NLCS in the other years.
Selig said baseball hasn't determine what network or cable channel will televise the Championship Series not televised by FOX.
The FOX package also includes up to 26 regular season Saturday afternoon telecasts. FOX has been baseball's Saturday partner, but usually didn't begin broadcasting games until June.
More TBS coverage
The TBS package includes all regular season tie-breaker games, all Division Series games (up to 20) and the All-Star Game Selection Show that has been on ESPN.
Beginning in 2008, TBS will telecast baseball games on 26 Sunday afternoons.
Next year, TBS also will carry 70 Braves games.
"Turner Sports has long been familiar to baseball fans and we are excited that their coverage will extend to all of our clubs in the regular season," Selig said.
David Levy, Turner Sports president, said, "Our company has valued our MLB partnership for more than three decades, and this deal will make it four decades and beyond.
"We're very pleased to be the first cable network to exclusively air MLB playoff games," Levy said. "Having all of the Division Series air on one single network for the first time, this package clearly fits Turner Sports' focus on top quality sports properties."
On dates where all four series are being played in the Division Round, TNT will carry at least one game.
williams@vindy.com