2 bid on UH
sports rights

Oceanic and KHNL/KFVE
are in the running

Oceanic Time Warner and KHNL/KFVE (Channels 8 and 5) met yesterday's deadline and submitted proposals for the TV rights for University of Hawaii sports.

KHNL/KFVE has held the rights the past 22 years, but exclusive negotiations for an extension ended last month, and UH sent out a request for proposals.

Earlier this week, general manager and vice president John Fink said KHNL/KFVE might not put in a bid.

"We looked at the variables, the requirements and categories and felt we could put something together so we did," Fink said. "We put a number of different ideas together and hopefully UH finds it be what they're looking for."

KHNL/KFVE has experience on its side, but Oceanic has more available financial resources. UH is looking for around $1.5 million per year.

"We feel great about our proposal. Now it's a matter of waiting," said Mitzi Lehano, Oceanic vice president of programming.

The next step is for a UH committee to evaluate the bids before awarding the contract. UH associate athletic director John McNamara said there is no timeline yet.

"We'll meet with Herman (athletic director Frazier) next week and take a look at the proposals," McNamara said.

No bid was submitted by Emmis Communications (Channels 2 and 9).

"The RFP is specific about a minimum of 70 events. ... That's a bridge too far, not that I wouldn't want to do it," said Rick Blangiardi, the general manager of the two local stations.

Blangiardi added that he would still seek involvement once the bid is awarded, as a possible over-the-air partner.

KHNL/KFVE could also be involved in such a partnership.

According to the RFP, UH is looking for a combination of cable and over-the-air broadcasts.

"The only thing stated is (some) telecasts over the air, live or delayed," McNamara said.