02/20/18: NBA All-Star soars for Turner

Good morning. It’s Tuesday February 20, 2018 and this is your first early morning Sports briefing.

The 2018 NBA All-Star Game handed Turner Sports with boosts across all platforms – television (TNT and TBS), digital and social, including a 4.3 household rating and 5.1 million household impressions – both up 2% over 2017 and marking the best for the event since 2013, based on Nielsen Fast Nationals. In addition, the telecast generated double-digit growth across all core demos including increases of 11% among People 18-34, 10% in Men 18-34 and 6% in People 18-49 when compared with 2017. Meanwhile, TNT’s coverage of the NBA’s Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars averaged 1.4 million viewers last week was up 21% vs. last year’s comparable coverage and delivered double digit gains across all key demos, along with ranking as the net’s most-viewed Rising Stars telecast since 2015.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that the All-Star player draft could likely be televised moving forward. “When we sat with the union and we came up with this format, we all agreed, let’s not turn something that’s 100 percent positive into a potential negative to any player,” Silver said. “But then … maybe we’re overly conservative, because then we came out of there, and the players were, ‘We can take it. We’re All-Stars. Let’s have a draft.’ So it sounds like we’re going to have a televised draft next year.”

ON THE AIR

Meanwhile, Sunday saw FOX’s telecast of the Daytona 500 take a dip in Nielsen metered market numbers, averaging a 5.1 in the category with an 11 share. That is down 22% from last year’s numbers, and is on pace to mark a new low for the event when final numbers come in later this week.

In other ratings news, NBCSN reports that the channel’s first-ever live nightly Winter Olympics coverage has pushed the network to its most-watched, seven-day primetime stretch in the platform’s history, averaging 2.4 million viewers during the stretch, per Nielsen live plus same day fast national data. In addition, NBCSN ranked as the most-watched cable network in primetime from last Saturday, Feb. 10 through Thursday, Feb. 15. Meanwhile, at the midpoint of the PyeongChang Olympics, Salt Lake City now leads all US TV markets in primetime rating, with a 22.6 local Nielsen rating across NBC and NBCSN and a 41 share. Next up with the highest local ratings are Denver, Milwaukee, Seattle, Kansas City and San Diego.

ESPN says that its presentation of this season’s College Football Playoff saw significant boosts with Nielsen’s “out-of-home” and complete streaming data reported. The additions resulted in a complete total live audience figure, both the College Football Playoff National Championship and the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game historic audiences have increased their audiences by 1.5 million viewers, meaning that the CFP National Championship now netted 29,932,000 viewers (including out-of-home), up from 28,443,000, while the semifinal now tallied 28,311,000 viewers (including out-of-home), up from the 26,826,000 viewers reported on Jan. 2.

BTN announced its first ever 4K productions will be available on DIRECTV, Dish and Layer3 TV for all 10 broadcasts of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament presented by SoFi. Game Creek Video, which facilitated FOX Sports World Series broadcasts in 4K, will assume the same role in providing the technology necessary to produce games and on-site studio coverage in 4K throughout the tournament. The network also locked in on-air talent for the tournament, highlighted by Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery. The first game tips off at 5:30p on Feb. 28.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that ESPN basketball analyst Doris Burke and longtime NBA photographer Andy Bernstein would be the 2018 Curt Gowdy Media Award recipients. The two will be acknowledged for their contributions to basketball media during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement events September 6-8 in Springfield.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

The Cynopsis Short Form Video Festival

Wednesday, March 7^th | 4:45pm – 8pm | SVA Theatre, NYC

Hear from Time Inc., Volvo, NBCUniversal, CDW, Crowd Tangle, Limbik, Lyft, Viacom Velocity, eShap TV, PGA, Attn: and more in these thought-provoking panels:

The Brands Speak

Building your Blueprint for Revenue Success

Short Form Behind the Scenes

[GET TICKETS]

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

FOX Sports announced that the road to Russia for the World Cup will now go through Austin, as the company will host the FOX Sports House from March 9-12 at the 2018 South by Southwest Conference and Festivals. The activation will feature expert panels connected to social media, technology and viewership in sports and serve as a hub for some of FOX Sports’ innovative brand partnership announcements ahead of the World Cup this summer with the venue located in downtown Austin within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center at 318 Colorado Street. As a part of the house programming, Rachel Bonnetta will host a daily streaming FOX Sports show — a precursor to her Twitter show that’s set to air in Moscow during the World Cup this summer.

BTN is launching a new campaign centered on the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Presented by SoFi through the guidance of creative and media agency of record Fallon, and the creative work of Van Orton Design. Among the activations will be a pair of super towers, located at West 33rd Street and 7th Avenue, that showcase a design that blends “a distinctive Big Ten look and vibrant color scheme.” In Midtown, an “All Signs Point to BTN” art installation created by Fallon will reside in the plaza at West 48th Street and 6th Avenue, standing 20-feet high and displaying the distance to all 14 Big Ten Schools participating in the tournament on BTN. Throughout the week a branded double-decker bus will traverse New York City with official Big Ten Mascots as well as life-sized bobbleheads representing each university.

NASCAR and Axalta inked a multi-year agreement making Axalta the “Official Paint Partner of NASCAR.”As part of the partnership, Axalta joins the NASCAR Fuel for Business Council, bringing together an exclusive group of more than 50 Official NASCAR Partners to buy and sell products and services from one another. “Axalta is a category leader and we’re pleased to welcome them back to our diverse portfolio of Official Partners,” said Daryl Wolfe, Chief Sales and Partnership Officer, NASCAR and ISC. “This new agreement is largely in place due to the strong return on investment Axalta receives in the sport. This partnership will further complement that integrated approach and drive business for years to come.”

Roger Federer signed a multi-year extension of his personal endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz. According to Forbes, the new deal is estimated to be worth $5 million. The tennis staple first partnered with the brand in 2008.

DIGITAL & STREAMING

The Big 12 Conference is turning to FloSports to live stream the 2018 Big 12 championships for swimming & diving on FloSwimming.com, indoor and outdoor track & field on FloTrack.com, wrestling on FloWrestling.com, and gymnastics on FloGymnastics.com. The deal is an expansion of FloSports’ current agreement with the conference. Programming begins Feb. 21-24 with the Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championship in Austin.

Secret Golf launched a Player Channel for Brian Harman, currently sitting 21st in the Official World Golf Ranking. Harman, becomes the first southpaw on the Team Secret Golf staff. “With Brian’s win last year and almost a U.S. Open trophy as well, he has quickly become a crowd favorite for his toughness and incredible consistency. He is regarded on TOUR as a short game master and there is so much to hear and learn on his Player Channel,” said Steve Elkington, Secret Golf Co-Founder and 10-time PGA TOUR winner. “Brian was taught by a noted instructor, Jack Lumpkin who is an old school coach. He has amazing focus and clarity of his swing as well as his overall game and I think people are really going to like his channel.”

ESPORTS

Capcom mapped out the road ahead for the Capcom Pro Tour, with plans set to include the debut of Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition as the primary title for the tour. Pro Tours will be divided into three categories: Ranking, Premier, and Evo with players get gaining points as they advance in each tournament, with Pro Tour point values now adjusted to reward winners of Premier events over those who attend Ranked events, with the first set to take place at Final Round 20 in Atlanta from March 16-18.

Team Dignitas is reportedly overhauling management, with ESPN writing that parent company Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment bought out David and Michael Slan, who remained with the team after HBSE acquired their Apex Gaming in September 2016, in addition to CEO Jonathan Kemp. Kemp was hired when the organization was acquired by HBSE in October 2016. 76ers Innovation Lab managing director Seth Berger will oversee the squad as their search for a new CEO.

The Olympic Channel will be turning its eye toward esports following the Winter Games. Executive Director Yiannis Exarchos told Reuters that the channel would work with partner Intel to expand the presence of esports. “We want to explore this direction. We have now a major player as a top partner of the IOC — Intel Corp — very much into esports precisely because Intel has a vision of seeing the Games delivered in a new, smarter and more engaging way.”

THE MAIN EVENT

Women’s Downhill Skiing on NBC at 8p.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

State of the TV/Media Marketplace Survey

We want to pick your brain…it won’t take more than 2 minutes of your time.

What’s in it for you? Survey respondents will be entered and randomly selected to win one of 25 Starbucks gift cards valued at

$25 each.

TAKE THE SURVEY

(Your comments will be held in strict confidence and the results will be reviewed in aggregate only )

ON THIS DAY in 1998: Tara Lipinski wins the gold medal in Olympic figure skating.

In the Know: What is the name of Charlie Sheen’s character in Major League? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city.)

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question: Who holds the record as the youngest winner of the Daytona 500? Answer: Trevor Bayne. Kudos: Michael Ritz-BucStar Consulting/NY; Rich Boland-Oath/NY; Tom Wetzel-MMSI/Warwick; Jonny Codalata-CSM Sport & Entertainment/Zionsville; Matt Sautter-WideOrbit/Harrisburg; Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union/Burbank; Nick Monroe-Monroe Photography/San Diego

Later – Chris

Chris Pursell @VegasandVine
Roberta Caploe Publisher @robertacaploe	Diane K Schwartz Senior Vice President Media Communications Group	Cynopsis Ad Sales Mike Farina \| 203-218-6480 VP, Sales	Cynopsis Job Listings Sales Trish Pihonak \| 203-899-8459 Director of Operations

CYNOPSISJOBS – For More jobs, please visit Cynopsis.com

JOB OF THE DAY

DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
Capitol Broadcasting
Raleigh NC

Are you a digital storyteller looking for a new creative outlet? CBC Audience Development is an innovation lab seeking a digital producer to produce WRAL.com originals and create new forms of storytelling for our digital properties.

Apply HERE

JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCER/MLS/NYC: Responsible for overseeing the creation/production of video content for distribution across multiple MLS Digital, club and partner platforms incl social. Knwlg of Match Night a +. 5+ yrs exp creating compelling and engaging digital video content. Full info/apply HERE (2/27)

JOB OPENING: STUDIO PRODUCER/MLS/NYC: Oversee all video content prod for shows & various other video content for dist across mult MLS Digital a special emphasis on matchnight content. 5+ yrs of exp creating compelling & engaging digital video content, incl 2+ yrs of exp in studio prod. Full info/apply HERE (2/27)

JOB OPENING: HEAD OF SALES/PAC-12 NETWORKS/SF: Oversee digital and linear sales and vertically integrated sponsorships for Pac-12 Networks. Min of 15 yrs sales exp with proven abilities in growing advertising and sponsorship sales. Full posting/apply HERE (2/27)

JOB OPENING: TV HOST/QVC/Westchester PA: Credible while entertaining candidate w/exp hosting TV, digital, radio, spokesperson or live events. Intelligent, enthusiastic & a love for products a must. Must be quick on their feet w/ability to improv & engage as well as have an elevated sense of style. Resume HERE [email protected] (2/27)

JOB OPENING: ADVANCED TV OP SPECIALIST/clypd/MA: Grow your career by learning about advanced TV ad sales. Own the setup, management, and execution of advanced audience television advertising campaigns across multiple networks. 1-4 yrs nat’l TV ad experience, incl. workflow, quirks, nuances. More info/apply HERE (2/27)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/PGA TOUR/FL: Oversee our products, providing leadership across the TOUR to conceptualize/build/deliver our digital platforms. 8+ yrs related work exp. Knwldg of mult functional areas such as Prod Mngmnt, Engineering, Content dvlpmnt & UX/UI cust fan support. Full info/apply HERE (2/27)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR DIGITAL RESEARCH & ADVANCED ANALYTICS/A+E Networks/NY: Coordinate research efforts for dig portfolio. Application of data techniques across video to opt campaigns & drive results. Full Info/Apply HERE (2/27)

JOB OPENING: MGR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION/NBCU/LA: Develop/implement a high-impact media relations strategy to build the profile, strategy and reputation of NBCUniversal Global Distribution/International. Full info/apply HERE (2/23)

JOB OPENING: SR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/beIN Sports USA/NYC: Generate/increase revenue of new and existing accounts from an established list of advertising agencies/clients to meet annual revenue goals. BA deg Min 7+ years selling ex in Cable or Brdcst Ad Sales. Full info/apply HERE (2/23)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER/Capitol Broadcasting/Raleigh NC: Are you a digital storyteller looking for a new creative outlet? CBC Audience Development is an innovation lab seeking a digital producer to produce WRAL.com originals and create new forms of storytelling for our digital properties. Apply HERE (2/23)

JOB OPENING: COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/PAC-12/SF: In this critical role, you will drive corporate communications, executive communications and internal/stakeholder communications efforts for the Pac-12 Networks. Min 10 yrs exp in strategic communications, including corp comm. Full posting/apply HERE (2/23)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING COORDINATOR/DAYTIME TALK SHOW/NY: 1-2+yrs mktg exp in entertainment or station relations. Address all affiliate promotional needs. Assist in creating on-air, web & social media content. Write/distribute correspondence to stations. Strong writing skills a must. Resume/cover: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: NON-SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT SALES EXEC/JUMA ENTERTAINMENT (Bucks County, PA). Lifestyle & Ent Specs Prodco expanding east coast operation. Position will lead creative process from concept development to sale. Multiple years experience necessary w/track record and sales results. Full info/apply HERE (2/22)

EXPERTISE SERVICES: NEED A BUDGET DONE? EIC/Co-EP w/15+ yrs. experience- Budgets done for all formats TV/Feature/Digital. Accurate, reasonable, & quick turn around. I will deliver PDF and MMB files w/assumptions sheet. Email: [email protected] (2/28)

JOB OPENING: DIR BRAND PARTNERSHIPS/Stage 13/California: Resp for driving sales efforts & reaching target accts & agencies for Stage 13, a fearless original digital content brand. 8+ yrs exp digital media sales w/in a Ent/media or ad agency. Mobile adv. a plus. Full info/apply HERE (2/22)

JOB OPENING: CONTENT & PROD COUNSEL/A+E/NY: Provide legal counsel in the areas of pre-brdcst, IP, 1^st Amendment, risk assessment & legal analysis. 5-7 yrs legal exp with a min of 2 yrs exp in a TV law environment. JD required. Apply HERE (2/22)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT /GSNTV/New York: Preferably 1 yr. Ad Sales exp. in cble/TV and/or entertainment but not req. BA Degree; Deal maintenance, traffic, mtg. prep, and admin duties. Please visit www.gsntv.com and click careers (2/21)

JOB OPENING: VP, CONSUMER MARKETING/The First Tee/FL: Oversee mgmt & dev of mktg plans & advertising from ground up. Sprvs creation/delivery of: live events, co. initiatives & projects connected to its affiliate ntwk. mktg the brand to generate exposure & increase engagement. 10+ yrs exp. Full info/apply HERE (2/21)

JOB OPENING: VP, CONSUMER RESEARCH/The First Tee/FL: Lead team to support quantitative/qualitative rsrch to help org understand lifestyles & behaviors of our target aud to inform bus strat. Resp for conducting rsrch & relevancy of our brand, its affiliates among kids & key insights about golf. Apply HERE (2/21)

JOB OPENING: ENGINEER IN CHARGE/ALLIED SPORTS/LAS VEGAS EIC for brand new sports arena, emphasis on live broadcasting, IP and IT technology, 5-7+ yrs exp in live broadcasting esports/gaming knowledge a plus. Apply [email protected] (2/21)