90-Game TV Schedule Is Lowest in League

The new and improved Angels remain stuck with the worst television package in the American League, at least for now and perhaps for the season.

In a meeting between the Angels and their television affiliates on Wednesday, Channel 9 selected 40 games for broadcast this year and Fox Sports Net another 50. The 90-game total, prescribed by television contracts inherited by new owner Arte Moreno, is the lowest of any team in the league.

Moreno plans to increase that number dramatically, to boost exposure and revenue, but the Channel 9 contract extends through 2005 and the Fox Sports Net contract through 2008. So long as the current deals remain in effect, Moreno must persuade the affiliates to add broadcasts and pay him for it.

Although he stirred excitement and drove ticket sales by committing $146 million to four free agents, including superstar Vladimir Guerrero, television executives warn that ratings tend to increase on a team’s performance, not promise. Those ratings determine how much advertisers pay for commercials, helping stations to figure whether they can generate enough revenue to pay Moreno a rights fee and make money too.

In addition, Channel 9 and Fox Sports Net both carry the Lakers, a complication since the NBA playoffs extend into June. Fox puts the Dodgers on Fox Sports Net 2 and carries 80 games.

In Wednesday’s meeting, the Angels’ affiliates promised to explore adding broadcasts this season. Games can be added even after the season starts.

“We’re always open to conversations with our partners,” said Steve Simpson, vice president and general manager of Fox Sports Net.

Of his station’s 40-game slate, KCAL spokesman Mike Nelson said, “We don’t have it set in stone.”

By selecting broadcast dates now, stations can start marketing efforts. So can the Angels, but spokesman Tim Mead said the team would withhold announcing the television schedule in the belief it can be significantly expanded from the current 90 games.

“We’re going to pursue every option,” Mead said.