Media

Private German media giant Kirch Group is in talks to acquire a majority stake in EM.TV & Merchandising AG, the Munich-based firm, industry sources said on Tuesday.

The race to secure the terrestrial and interactive media to rights to UK horse racing is close to being won by Go Racing, the consortium made up of Channel 4, BSkyB and Arena Leisure.

Stefan Gehrke has been named head of the new media department of WIGE MEDIA AG in Germany.

UK commercial radio station talkSPORT has, for the first time, negotiated Premier League soccer rights.

French pay-TV group Canal Plus has resumed its buy-out discussions with UK online sports portal Sportal.com, according to a UK-based advertising industry publication.

Brazilian club Vasco da Gama were accused of dictatorial behaviour on Tuesday after banning some media from entering the club and talking to their players.

Canada ?based Rogers Communications Inc. has taken its fight to gain control of Sportsnet, an all-sports specialty television channel, to the federal broadcast regulator.

The legal advisor behind the Racecourse Association?s (RCA) imminent sale of terrestrial and interactive media rights to all the UK?s 59 racecourses believes the UK competition authorities could approve a ten-year deal.

Bortz Media & Sports Group is broadening its business services and expanding the company's presence in Europe by opening an office in Paris.

The organisers of the Rugby League World Cup have revealed that the tournament made a profit of more than #2million ( $2.83 million )

Scottish soccer giants Glasgow Rangers have recorded pre-tax losses for the 12 months to June 30 of #25million ($35.5million), despite an increase in turnover from the club?s Champions League campaign.

Churchill Downs has established a record for total wagering during its 2000 Fall Meet, which ended its 24-day run on Saturday.

Speculation is growing that the US-based TV Guide Channel is to launch a "Sportsview" segment to be hosted by Fox Sports Net anchors.

OFEX quoted betting organisation Firststake Plc is to take on Bowman International Sports Ltd from founder Gary Bowman in a deal worth #12 million ($19m).

European internet TV company Kamera, has recruited Andrew Kaza as a new member of the board.

John Deere, a manufacturer of commercial and consumer lawn care equipment, has been named as the preferred golf & turf equipment supplier for the 2001 Ryder Cup.