SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Bob Costas insists he is free to speak his mind about baseball, even though he's now an employee of the new MLB Network.
"The understanding I have is that I am free to make any comment that I deem appropriate, and that's what I intend to do," the 56-year-old broadcaster said Tuesday after his hiring was announced. "When there's journalism involved or when it's topical and a point of view is called for, then I think I'll express myself in the way people have come to expect me to express myself."
Costas said he spoke about his editorial independence with baseball commissioner Bud Selig and MLB Network chief executive officer Tony Petitti, and Costas said they both gave him assurances.
Costas' agreement does not affect his relationship with NBC, where he has worked since 1980. Although NBC doesn't televise major league games, it does report on them on its news programs and those of its affiliates.
"No, we don't have a problem," NBC spokesman Brian Walker said.
Costas hosted the MLB Network's first show on Jan. 1. He had hoped to continue broadcasting Costas Now on HBO, but the premium cable channel insisted on cable exclusivity.
"Bob Costas was a terrific addition when he joined HBO Sports eight years ago, providing us with a distinct and unique presence," HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg said. "Television is about change, and we respect Bob's decision to move to the MLB Network."
Costas will occasionally broadcast games on the MLB Network's Thursday night package and will broadcast appreciations, retrospectives, interviews and commentaries. He probably will start most of his work for the MLB Network after NBC duties in May and June, and he anticipates he will average about three broadcasts per month.
