Fox appeal to be heard quickly

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The U.S. District Court agreed Friday to expedite the hearings for the Fox Sports appeal of last week’s ruling that permits the Dodgers to sell their television rights along with the team.

The court set Dec. 22 for a hearing on whether the ruling should be stayed pending appeal and set Jan. 12 for a hearing on the appeal itself.

That timetable should allow the parties to learn whether the court will intervene before the Dodgers can negotiate with any other broadcast outlets. Fox has exclusive negotiating rights until Jan. 19, under an order issued this week by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross.

Fox wants the District Court to restore the exclusive negotiating period that extended through Nov. 30, which would prevent outgoing owner Frank McCourt from marketing the Dodgers’ television rights in an effort to boost the sale price for the team.

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-- Bill Shaikin