ESPN'S EXTRA UPFRONT

ESPN ABC Sports will host its first- ever sports upfront sales presentation on Oct. 29 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York, according to Media Buyer's Daily.

ADVERTISERS DISCOVER DIGITAL NETWORKS

Discovery said it signed an advertising deal that puts Kraft, McDonald's and Procter & Gamble on the new Discovery Kids block on NBC and on the Discovery Kids network. Those advertisers haven't been on the digital networks previously. Discovery said 25 advertisers signed on for the NBC kids block.

MOODY'S INTRODUCES LIQUIDITY RATINGS

Under a new rating system designed to supplement its debt ratings and based on a company's ability to raise funds over the next 12 months, Moody's Investors Service assigned Cablevision (CVC) and RCN ?Speculative Grade Liquidity? 4, the lowest rating. Charter was given an SGL 2 rating. Separately, Moody's joined other credit ratings agencies in assigning an investment-grade rating to the combined AT&T Comcast. Moody's believes the merged entity will have enough room in its existing bank credit facilities to cover the company's capital needs.

LFAs GO TO COURT

Frank Zerunyan, a lawyer representing 17 local franchise authorities, plans to argue in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York on Tuesday that Adelphia's bankruptcy judge needs to establish an official creditors committee for municipal governments, or local franchise authorities, to participate in the cable operator's reorganization. Separately, Adelphia founder John Rigas, two of his sons and two other former company executives pleaded not guilty to fraud.

ACA TAKES RETRANS ISSUE TO FCC

The American Cable Association has asked the FCC to look into the business practices of network broadcast affiliate groups, claiming the broadcasters exert overt power over cable operators during retransmission consent negotiations.

ANNENBERG DIES

Walter H. Annenberg, the billionaire who founded TV Guide magazine, died last week at age 94. A leading philanthropist, he gave away more than $2 billion, with a focus on media and education.

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