UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETICS
UH close to KKEA deal
With less than two months left on the University of Hawaii's sports TV and radio contracts, half of the puzzle is essentially in place, with KKEA 1420-AM apparently retaining the radio rights.
But new athletic director Jim Donovan doesn't want to finalize anything until both sides of the equation are solved.
"We have talked to the current contractor in radio and come to an agreement in principle," Donovan said. "But we don't want to sign anything, pending the television deal being completed."
Donovan, speaking yesterday from Florida, where he was on university business, feels pretty good about the prospect of wrapping things up upon his return next week.
He voiced confidence about completing the first major challenge of his tenure since stepping in for interim AD Carl Clapp on March 24. Both contracts expire June 30.
"There were two projects (TV and radio) I had to get done in my first 30 to 90 days," Donovan said. "I'm satisfied with the progress we've made on both sides -- I'll just leave it at that."
While he wouldn't go into specific sticking points of the TV negotiations, some form of three-way contract extension with current rights-holder KHNL/KFVE and Oceanic Time Warner Cable (which provides Pay-Per-View service for football and other sports) is possible.
"We've had several discussions with them individually and together, and I think things are progressing well," Donovan said. "It's just that I'm on the mainland for about the next eight days."
When asked if he thought another three-way contract would be beneficial to all parties, Donovan was cautious in responding.
"Suffice it to say I think I'm doing what's in the best interest of the UH athletic department," he said. "At the same time, I realize there's partnerships out there, and of course our fans. But first and foremost, my goal is to do what's in the best interest of the UH athletic department."
The current three-year TV deal, signed in 2005 under Herman Frazier, nets UH $1.75 million to $2 million per year.