Time Warner debuts all-sports channel in WNY
by MATT KRUEGER Reporter

The sports fans in Western New York have a new outlet for catching up on their goals, hits and insights with the newly launched Time Warner SportsNet.

The all-sports channel began Monday on cable Channel 13 with a live press conference to announce its arrival, and executives of the cable provider promise several shows dedicated to local sports.

"When Time Warner came to town a year ago, we tried to do a survey, a focus group, on what people were watching on Channel 13, what they liked and what they wanted to see more of," said Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Robin Wolfgang. "The answer came back to us that they wanted to see more local sports. So we listened, and we did our best to appease them."

With that, TWSN will debut shows this month that deal with professional, college and high school sports.

"Enforcers" is hosted by popular former Buffalo Sabres Rob Ray and Matthew Barnaby and will give insights into the Sabres and NHL.

"WNY Sportz Blitz" has been airing on Channel 13 and will get extended with the new format. The show spotlights the local happenings of professional, college and high school sports with highlights and analysis.

Howard Simon hosts "Press Pass" each week and will show press conferences for the Bills and Sabres as well as locker room interviews.

"All That Matters" is a realignment of the show "Crossroads" that has been airing on Channel 13 for the past seven years. Hosted by Peter Anderson, the show delves into the area business, health news, arts, current events and politics, as well as a strong dose of sports.

The University at Buffalo will receive plenty of coverage for its athletics program with the show "Bullseye," which will feature the athletes and coaches from UB on and off the field of competition.

TWSN will air college and high school games, as well as Rochester Amerks and New York Knicks games. ESPN News will also air on the new channel.

"We're going to concentrate on local high schools and colleges," Wolfgang said. "We really want to give them full coverage, show their games in their entirety, as best we can."

e-mail: mkrueger@beenews.com