UH plans to open TV bidding to outlets

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

After failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension during more than four months of negotiations with KHNL and KFVE, its television sports rights holder for 22 years, the University of Hawai'i-Manoa announced it will open bidding to "all interested parties."

UH has set a May 6 deadline for proposals, athletic director Herman Frazier said in a prepared statement.

KHNL and KFVE's exclusive negotiating window for a two-year renewal of their $700,000-a-year deal expired Feb. 28 but had been extended until yesterday.

"While the discussions were productive, we were also keenly aware of the interest by other entities in the TV rights," Frazier said. "Therefore, in order to be fair and determine what's best for the university and athletic department, we have decided to review proposals from all interested parties. It is important that we test the marketplace and evaluate what other opportunities might be available to us."

John Fink, vice president and general manager of KHNL and KFVE, expressed disappointment in the decision, adding, "We would have liked the productive meetings to reach a conclusion, and we'll see what happens next. I'm still optimistic KFVE can provide, with partners, the best college sports package of any school in America."

Rick Blangiardi, general manager of KHON and KGMB, which are both owned by Emmis Communications, said he would have to see the UH specifications before commenting on his plans. Officials from Oceanic Time Warner Cable were not immediately able to respond to questions about their intentions.

KFVE has aired approximately 100 events per year. UH was known to be considering cutting back on free, live TV of its weekend events in an effort to boost stadium and arena ticket sales.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.