The debut of I, Max –Max Kellerman’s new talk show on Fox Sports Net – put up a zero rating in New York on Monday. But Tuesday’s second show made a modest gain, logging in at .24 (17,520 New York homes).

Like Pardon The Interruption and Around The Horn, Kellerman’s I, Max will be an acquired taste, not easily digested in just one sitting.

An excellent idea is the final segment, in which e-mail supporting or ripping Kellerman is read, depending on whether he wins the show’s 15-round debate against sidekick Michael Holley and guests.

At the end of the first show, after Kellerman lost, an e-mail read on the air said, “You make me sick. Who are they going to give a show to next? William Hung [the American Idol wannabe]?”

If self-deprecation is appreciated by the viewers, Kellerman’s show owns a puncher’s chance.

As for Kellerman, he thought ESPN, his old employer, spread the news about the show’s poor ratings debut.

“I’m flattered by their attention,” Kellerman said.

I, Max airs at 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

* With the Rangers moving to 1050-ESPN Radio next season – assuming there is a next season in the NHL – the Islanders are close to a deal with WBBR-1130 AM, NYP TV Sports has learned.

The deal will likely end up being for two years.

Tim McCarthy, GM of ESPN/ABC Radio in New York, wanted to keep the Islanders, but Knick and Ranger spillover games will move to 770-WABC.

WBBR is the logical choice because it has an especially strong signal on Long Island.

“We’re still in negotiations,” said Chris Botta, the Islanders’ public-relations head.

* Many industry insiders think NBC will make a strong push to get back in the NFL. However, the company line is that the network will only make a move if it makes financial sense.

“NBC was the No. 1 network with the NFL and it has remained the No. 1 network without the NFL,” NBC Sports spokesman Kevin Sullivan said.

Fine, but there’s little doubt NBC wants back in, and some see it going hard after ABC’s Monday Night Football or possibly ESPN’s Sunday night package.

TNT and USA could also be players for ESPN’s Sunday night deal.

* The Houston-based Chris Wragge – hired by WCBS-2 but not announced as its new lead sportscaster – will start in July. A WCBS-2 spokeswoman had no comment. . . .

Ex-Met GM Steve Phillips still hasn’t decided if he will do a weekend talk show for 1050-ESPN Radio, according to the station’s program director, Mike Thompson. …

Joe Girardi hosts YES’ new show Kids on Deck (Sunday, noon). Hillary Duff has a segment.