FOOTBALL-HUNGRY BROADCASTERS EAGER FOR NEW NFL DEAL

When the NFL announced last week that it would sell half of the Thursday-night games it carries on its own channel, it placed so many restrictions on the deal that many observers were wondering whether anyone would be interested. For example, it insisted on being able simulcast the games that were sold to another broadcaster or cable channel. And it insisted that whoever bought the games also produce the other games that would air on the NFL Network. Who would want such a deal. Well, plenty, as it turns out. According to TVbytheNumbers.com, ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS and Turner Broadcasting have each submitted bids for the football package.