CBS Scores New Online Sports Venture

CBS has made its biggest push yet onto the Internet. The network began its venture with SportsLine USA, a sports online service, with the debut of a new look and a new name, CBS SportsLine. CBS’ initial investment is $100 million of on-air promotions and programming. It will own 22% of the service. SportsLine (https://CBS.Sportsline.Com) offers game scores, “radio” broadcasts, statistics, video clips, written stories and live chat. It draws 125,000 to 150,000 visitors a day. Initially, CBS will have two seats on an expanded 11-person SportsLine board, giving it some measure of control. That can be expanded. Also, CBS has the right to increase its stake to 33% with further investment.