NBC TO AIR U.S. OPEN IN PRIMETIME

While NBC remains in last place in the ratings with its scripted programming, it continues to rise to the fore with special live telecasts, particularly its sports coverage. In recognition of that presumably, it announced Monday that it intends to televise the U.S. Open during primetime on the evenings of June 17-20. The Pebble Beach golf tournament could feature a rematch between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who defeated him at the Masters tournament in Augusta, GA a week ago. The network said that it plans to air 6 1/2 hours of coverage of the third round on Sunday, June 19 (which also happens to be Fathers Day) from 4:30 to 11:00 p.m. EDT. In a statement, U.S. Golf Assn. President Jim Hyler said, “Providing primetime coverage of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach on NBC and ESPN gives the entire nation immediate access to the drama of our national golf championship. This up-to-the-minute window elevates the experience of the U.S. Open at one of golf’s most beautiful and challenging venues.”