| As we continue to wade through the unchartered waters of COVID-19 and its impact on sports, already innovative businesses and beginning to adjust and create opportunity and engagement where it may not have previously existed, particularly in the social space where players, teams and leagues are creating direct connections with fans, and in the business world where leagues are offering up simulations of games. One opportunity that has come from Strat-O-Matic, the New York based simulation company. With now Opening Day postponed, Strat decided to use its detailed analytics to offer up to fans the simulation of the entire 2020 season, which it will start on Thursday and make available every day for fans to enjoy and engage with. Cynopsis asked Adam Richman, Board President of Strat-O-Matic Media, about the idea, the opportunity and the game business in challenging times.
Richman on the evolution of the company. We have a passionate devoted following but have continued to evolve to make our game more fun and engaged for lapsed players now coming back and wanting to play, and younger players who want a faster version. We have both of those and are expanding our digital offerings as well. We know the core audience loves all the detail and would never forget them, but our growth is with casual fans who we now service and grow with more than ever, not just for baseball but for other sports as well.
On the traditional gaming market: I think we have seen a boom in games in recent years as families look for more quality time. We are no different as we have multiple generations now playing both the board and online game and we have seen a spike in interest since we launched the 2020 game in February. We hope with one of the small things we can do with the crisis going on now is to give thousands of people a sense of normalcy through our game and baseball; it doesn’t replace watching a game by any means, but it is a fun alternative and also a great learning tool.
On the response to simulating the 2020 MLB season: Response has been tremendous. We have been flooded with requests to find out how to play and where to follow and also to follow along by creating your own teams. What has been great is that the requests are coming from non-traditional Strat players; young girls and boys who have learned about the game, current and former players, front office executives and media members who are itching to get a feel for baseball at a time of year where the sport is top of mind.
On adding media platforms to the promotion list: Yes for sure, we have had a slew of calls with not just large media platforms but from radio hosts, TV hosts and celebrities all wanting to be involved. We have also gotten calls from brands who want to tie into recreations, all of which we think shows the value of our brand and the love of baseball.
On what happens when MLB returns: Our technology allows us to play games or seasons accurately in a very short period of time. It is our hope that when MLB comes back we will wrap quickly and then let people keep playing their own versions which they have come to love. it is also a great tie to fantasy because our information is so detailed and accurate. We think this simulation will be great for baseball in general and we are elated to be able to help give all fans some positive fun in challenging times.
PROGRAMMING
The International Olympics Committee is giving itself a month to make its decision on how to handle the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics as a result of the coronavirus. The IOC announced on Sunday that it will mull multiple scenarios for modifying “existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games,” but noted that “a cancellation of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would not solve any of the problems or help anybody. Therefore, cancellation is not on the agenda.” Over the pat few days, multiple NRGs urged the IOC to postpone the event, noting that athletes were not able to prepare in addition to the cancellation of qualifiers. “These are extraordinary and unprecedented times, and we fully support the IOC’s decision to step up its scenario-planning for the Tokyo Olympics,” NBC Sports said in a statement Sunday, per Variety. “We are prepared to stand behind any decision made by the IOC, the Japanese government, and the world health officials with whom they are working regarding the Tokyo Olympics.”
Moving forward with plans to delay events due to the illness are the National Women’s Soccer League and Canadian Premier League. The NWSL season slated to kick off on April 18 and it now delayed indefinitely. The CPL, meanwhile, was set to start on April 11.
Rounding out this edition’s lineup of closures, The Scripps National Spelling Bee also won’t be held as scheduled this year. The event was set to be held on May 24, with Scripps citing state and federal recommendations against large gatherings as the reason for the scratch.
Meanwhile, the Big3 basketball league is looking to launch — under quarantine — a reality-show-style 3-on-3 tournament. Per Yahoo Sports, the preseason event would feature seven rounds of games, take place in Los Angeles and include 16 to 22 players who have tested negative for the coronavirus. Players would be under isolation in a large house with a basketball court, the report said, citing sources.
ESPN is teaming with WWE to carry encore presentations of historic WrestleMania events on ESPN and streaming via the ESPN App. The special content started yesterday and will continue over the next two Sundays with WrestleMania 32 running March 29 at 7p and WrestleMania 35 on April 5 at 3p. “This unique opportunity is a byproduct of the terrific working relationship we’ve enjoyed with WWE over the years and the unprecedented circumstances we all find ourselves in,” said Burke Magnus, executive vice president, programming, ESPN. “WrestleMania is one of the most popular global events in sports and entertainment and the spectacular content it provides will be a treat for fans.”
Starting today, NBC Sports serves up Hockey Week in America on NBCSN, presenting 12 hours of hockey programming from 3p-3a and each night focusing on a specific theme of recent hockey history. From Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29, NBCSN will showcase seven hours of themed hockey programming in primetime from 8p-3a. Theme’s include Game 7 overtime thrillers today, while Tuesday features notable playoff rivalry games, Wednesday brings NHL outdoor games, Thursday offers Stanley Cup Final clinching games, Friday spotlights Top Olympic moments. Saturday will see Sidney Crosby-Alex Ovechkin playoff showdowns and Sunday showcases Game 7 overtime thrillers.
ESPN carries an encore presentation of the Academy-Award winning 30 for 30 documentary O.J.: Made in America across four nights in primetime from tomorrow through March 26. The film originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2016, premiered on ABC/ESPN in June 2016, and won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards in February 2017.
CBS Sports Network re-airs 26 NCAA Tournament games and more than 100 hours of past Tournament coverage this week with the slate highlighting the 2019 Tournament, early-round games and then Sweet 16 (Thursday/Friday) and Elite 8 (Saturday/Sunday) games to coincide with those rounds as they would happen if the Tournament was taking place. The schedule for the following week will feature classic Final Four and National Championship games.
ESPN2 celebrates “National Puppy Day” today with six hours of dog-related programming in prime time beginning at 6p. Programming includes the AKC Agility Premier Cup, Dog Tales, 8 p.m. – ESPN Championship Pup, E:60 Pictures: Owen + Haatchi, a special dog edition of Always Late with Katie Nolan, and ESPN Great Outdoor Games Highlights. The programming was all part of the inaugural “ESPN Dog Day” held in August.
ESPNU, on the other hand, honors seniors across high school, men’s college basketball and women’s college basketball this week. Stating today, ESPNU presents 12 hours of games each day to celebrate the careers and performances of a number of student-athletes who made their mark on the sport throughout the season, but saw it end prematurely as a result of the cancellation of conference tournaments and NCAA Tournaments. Programming will spotlight several seniors across the sport, including Naismith Player of the Year Trophy finalists, Wooden Award winner (2019) and 2020 finalists, Basketball Hall of Fame’s five positional award finalists, conference players of the year, and first team all-conference athletes.
ESPN serves up the non-pay-per-view premier of the heavyweight rematch that saw WBC and Lineal Heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy” King” Fury’s victory over Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder. Today will see ESPN air the four-fight special beginning at 8p which will be preceded by a special re-air presentation of Fury and Wilder’s disputed December 2018 draw at 7p. |
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Breaking down barriers and enlivening our industry
These are the women getting things done…
The 2020 Cynopsis Top Women in Media Awards
Categories: Ad Tech Innovators, Corporate Visionaries, Directors Who Do It All, Game, Changing On Air Talent, Industry Leaders, Innovators & Disruptors, Local & National News Ambassadors, Marketing Trailblazers, Operations Front Runners, Production Pacesetters, Public Relations Gurus, Data & Research Trendsetters, Social Media Groundbreakers and Tech Leaders.
Nominate by 4/16
Sponsored by: Turnkey Search |
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SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
The NBA is leveraging its digital footprint and the voices of teams, players, coaches, doctors and others across the NBA family to launch “NBA Together” – a global community and social engagement campaign that aims to support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The program is centered on four pillars – Know the Facts, Acts of Caring, Expand Your Community and NBA Together Live – that will amplify the latest global health and safety information, share guidelines and resources, and keep people and communities socially connected through digital tools and virtual events as everyone copes with the impact of the pandemic. This week, the NBA launched its Coronavirus Information For NBA Fans webpage. During this time of social distancing, the NBA is encouraging fans to expand their communities through content, activities and virtual engagement in an effort to stay physically and mentally healthy and active, including the launch of Jr. NBA at Home, a new interactive content series for young people who are currently unable to play with their friends and teammates, but still want to be active, work on their game and connect with the NBA.
DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
The IRONMAN Group will add the IRONMAN Virtual Racing Series to its portfolio, including the IRONMAN VR Pro Challenge that will debut on April 4 through Facebook Watch. Athletes will compete in the traditional age-group categories and for select virtual races, will have the opportunity to earn qualifying slots to the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand scheduled to take place on November 28 and 29, 2020. Virtual races will begin on Fridays starting April 3. During each weekend of competition, there will also be a Women’s and Men’s IRONMAN VR Pro Challenge. Two professional female athletes will compete on Saturday and two professional male athletes will compete on Sunday for prize money.
ESPORTS
Traditional sports leagues continue to go virtual during competitive downtime, tapping into esports alternates to engage fans. Formula 1 announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring a number of current F1 drivers. The virtual races will run in place of every postponed Grand Prix, starting this past weekend. Every subsequent race weekend will see the postponed real-world Formula 1 race replaced with a Virtual Grand Prix, with the initiative currently scheduled to run until May. The series uses the official F1 2019 PC video game, developed by Codemasters, and the first virtual GP on the Sakhir track will be a 50% length race with 28 laps. During non-race weekends, Formula 1 will also be hosting online exhibition races, where fans from around the world will be given the chance to go head-to-head with F1 drivers.
Meanwhile, INDYCAR is teaming with iRacing to stage six virtual race events featuring a lineup of current NTT INDYCAR Series drivers starting March 28. Each race will be streamed live on indycar.com while the current 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is suspended in addition YouTube and Facebook Live as well as iRacing’s Twitch channel. Each virtual race event, which will last approximately 90 minutes to two hours, will begin at 4p each Saturday through May 2. To enhance the fan experience, INDYCAR will conduct a 15-minute, pre-race virtual autograph.
Collegiate StarLeague announced that the CSL Grand Finals has been postponed until further notice. The decision comes as college campuses shut down as a result of the coronavirus. “Listening to our players’ feedback regarding the current situation and the importance of their voices as representatives of the collegiate esports community has led to this decision and action,” the company said in the announcement. “In the spirit of acting responsibly, providing fair and equitable competitive environments, and with an abundance of caution for our players and fans alike, we at CSL feel it is the proper action to take at this time.”
Friday sees the NBA 2K League host the first-ever “NBA 2KL Three for All Showdown,” an online 3-on-3 tournament featuring fan-organized teams, top female 2K players and social media influencers, all competing in the NBA 2K20 MyPark game mode for the chance to play against NBA 2K League teams and a share of a $25,000 prize pool. The first stage will feature 32 fan-organized teams competing against each other in distinct XBOX and PS4 brackets. The second stage of the tournament will take place starting March 31 and will feature NBA 2K League players (teams of three will represent their NBA 2K League teams), top female 2K players, social media influencers and the top performing teams from the fan?only stage, again competing against each other in distinct XBOX and PS4 brackets.
INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is foregoing his salary indefinitely during the coronavirus crisis, according to Golfweek, with the tour canceling or postponing all events through May 21. In addition, the site states that the executive team is also taking a 25 percent pay cut also indefinitely, and all other salaries at the Tour have been frozen at 2019 levels.
Liga MX president Enrique Bonilla tested positive for the coronavirus, the league announced. “As of now, in spite of the tests carried out, I don’t have any serious symptoms and I will remain in quarantine as the authorities in the health ministry indicate,” Bonilla said in a statement. |
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On This Day
991: The first World League of American Football games are held.
In the Know
Sports in fiction week. In what TV show did people play Blernsball? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
What team is the AAA affiliate for the New York Yankees? Answer: Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Kudos: Keith Marder-Halstead Real Estate/NY; Michael Ritz-Lenox Advisors/NY; Cindy O’Connor-CoxReps/NY; Joe Brucia-AMC Networks/NY; Art Salisch-Nielsen/New Jersey; Russ DelCore-a4 Media/Oakland; Roger Furman-Sports Marketing Communications/Greentown; Ron Cioffi-USTA Southern/Peachtree Corners; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Rich Wolfe-Lone Wolfe Press/Scottsdale; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA |
SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FETV
NYC
Seeking a linear TV sales professional to generate new advertising accounts and revenue. Dvlp sales strategies for new bus. development. Bachelor’s degree; 8+ years of television selling or related advertising sales experience. Full info HERE (4/2)
SENIOR ANALYST, RESEARCH & STRATEGIC INSIGHTS >>
Bravo, Oxygen and E!/NYC: Partner with Finance, Consumer Marketing, Promo Scheduling, and Development to directly impact content strategy and audience targeting. BA degree & 2+ years of Media research experience at a broadcast or cable network, agency or vendor. Full info HERE (4/2)
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR (ADVANCED TV) >>
NBCU/NYC: Play a critical role within our fast-paced advertising sales team. 8+ years of relevant direct selling experience in advertising sales (Advanced TV) Full info HERE (4/1)
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR (ADVANCED TV) >>
NBCU/LA: Play a critical role within our fast-paced advertising sales team. 8+ years of relevant direct selling experience in advertising sales (Advanced TV) Full info HERE (4/1)
MEDIA SALES PLANNER >>
Fuse Media/NYC: Experienced candidate to join dynamic team developing customized plans and presentations for Ad Sales clients. 2-4 yrs exp media sales co., or advertising agency pref’d w/strong knwldg media math. Exc problem solving & analytical skills. Full info HERE (4/1)
Sr PUBLICITY & COMMUNICATIONS MGR >>
BABYGRANDE PR/Santa Monica: Motivated PR exec for Sr mgr or above position to dvlp strategies & implement publicity/comm campaigns for content-creators/producers. 5-7 years minimum of publicity and communications exp. Full info HERE (3/27)
MANAGER, DIGITAL SALES OPERATIONS >>
NBCU/NYC: Lead a team of Campaign Specialists responsible for setup, trafficking and optimization of Ad sales campaigns across all NBCU News properties. Min 5 yrs ad ops exp. Knwldg industry tools incl DFP, Operative, Canoe and Freewheel. Full info HERE (3/27)
ANALYST SALES OPERATIONS >>
NBCU/NYC: Help identify, evaluate & dvlp to strengthen the division, expand revenue streams that align with NBCU’s long term convergence strategy between linear & digital operations teams. Min 2 yrs of professional exp in digital advertising. Full info HERE (3/27)
MANAGING DIRECTOR, DIGITAL >>
Spectrum Networks/NYC: Lead talented team of journalist ensuring our trusted news networks engage our audience. Manage digital teams in mult locations. 10+ years relevant newsroom management experience in a fast-paced, constantly evolving digital publishing envir. Full info HERE (3/26)
MANAGING DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MID-WEST >>
Spectrum Networks/Columbus OH: Lead the pioneering approach on delivering impactful and relevant content to the communities we serve. Manage digital teams in mult locations. 10+ years relevant newsroom management experience in a fast-paced, constantly evolving digital publishing envir. Full info HERE (3/26)
MGR, CHILDRENS TV >>
The Jim Henson Co/LA: Self-starter w/ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced envir for Creative Affairs dept. Identify new projects & talent, oversee dvlpmnt of series to pitch & sell to the various ntwrks & studios. Min 2 yrs exp as a Coord in children’s TV w/exp in preschool arena. Full info HERE (3/26)
GRAPHIC OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
PAC-12/SF: Oversee the building, development and localization of studio-based Chyron package. Minimum of 7+ years in production and technical operations is necessary. Full info/apply HERE (3/26)
MGR, BRAND STRATEGY & COMMUNICATIONS >>
PEACOCK – NBCU/NYC: world-class strategist who will bring every aspect of our brand to life—from go-to-market planning, to IP, to audience development. 6 yrs brand planning/marketing strategy exp (TV/DTC) from the entertainment, advertising, or consumer products industry. Full info HERE (3/25)
VP PROGRAMMING >>
TLC/New York or Silver Spring MD: Critical thinker to drive audience growth for TLC’s content. Responsible for inventory planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cross-departmental communication. 10+ yrs relevant exp required. Apply Full info HERE (3/25)
MANAGER, CONTENT ACQUISITIONS DILIGENCE >>
ION TELEVISION/NYC: Resp for quantitative diligence & analytical support for content acquisitions. Transform data-driven insights into quantitative analysis, financial modeling and presentations. Mng Content Mkt Pipeline, incl exhibition & sales history. Full info HERE (3/25)
SPECIALIST – DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA >>
TLC/Silver Spring MD or NYC: Create and publish the best digital & social content experiences for TLC and Discovery Life. Implement effective, innovative & influential social media strategies as the brand’s voice. 3+ yrs exp in social media marketing required. Full info/apply HERE (3/25)
MEDIA SALES PLANNER >>
Fuse Media/NYC: Experienced candidate to join dynamic team developing customized plans and presentations for Ad Sales clients. 2-4 yrs exp media sales co., or advertising agency pref’d w/strong knwldg media math. Exc problem solving & analytical skills. Full info HERE (3/24)
SOCIAL MEDIA INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS CONSULTANT (PT) >>
A+E Networks/NY: Part time candidate to provide insight to inform digital monetization team, guide strategy, provide feedback on performance, & identify key opportunities to build A+E’s presence across social platforms & maximize revenue. Full info HERE (3/24)
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY >>
beIN Sports/Miami FL: Establish/maintain relationships w/ System level & Sr MSO staffs. Identify & direct mktg opps to ensure maximum revenue potential from accounts. Min 5-10 yrs exp in affiliate mktg or sales within ent/media, pref at a cable TV network w/est’d industry contacts. Full info HERE (3/24)
MANAGER, INVENTORY (TEMP) >>
Crown Media Family Networks/NYC: Mng process of monitoring and tracking all inventory through WideOrbit and Dealmaker reporting systems, while manually updating all ongoing daily changes. 2 or yrs exp in pricing and planning or advertising sales. Full info HERE (3/24)
SR DIRECTOR, INSIGHTS & POSITIONING OLYMPICS >>
NBCU/NYC: Drive research innovation, measurement opps & forward-thinking sales solutions for the Olympics. Must possess business & analytical acumen necessary to interpret and anticipate client needs & business implications. 10+ yrs exp rsrch, measurement or insights within sports ind. Full info HERE (3/24)
DIRECTOR, PROGRAMMING & PRODUCTION >>
WHYY TV12/Philadelphia PA: Oversee national & local TV programming on broadcast, cable/satellite, live linear streaming and digital video platforms. Key liaison between Content Prod, Communication & Member Relations, Development and Institutional Advancement. Full info HERE (3/24)
MGR, MEDIA RELATIONS >>
FX/LA: Mng daily implementation of public relations for assigned FX programs. Plan/implement press and PR-related objectives & programs, assisting with the strategic plan’g. 5 yr previous exp publicity at a network or agency pref’’d. Full info HERE (3/23)
SALES COORDINATOR >>
Dish Media/NY: Responsible for the daily account management and support to assigned Account Executives. Support 1-2 Account Executives and planners. Full info HERE (3/23)
MARKETING STRATEGY >>
MGR/Discovery/LA or NYC: Top creative to plan/execute campaigns on/off platforms to build awareness & drive engagement for the Discovery, Animal Planet & Science brands/shows. Analyze audience inside out to dvlp strong campaigns across on-air, cross and paid media 5+ yrs exp req’d. Full info HERE (3/23)
DIRECTOR, PAID MEDIA >>
STRATEGY/Discovery/NYC: Lead effort of all media strategy for a key group of networks, mktg counterparts & internal team to acquire consumers who will watch the Discovery networks on various devices while focusing on top level network analysis and more. 7+ yrs paid media plan’g exp req’d. Full info HERE (3/23)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DR >>
Fuse Media/NYC: Responsible for maintaining/growing our Direct Response business while working closely with internal depts to optimize inventory and maximize revenue to achieve quarterly and annual goals. Full info HERE (3/23)
DESIGNER ANIMATOR >>
A+E/NYC: Highly skilled 2d/3d Motion Designer/Animator to support growing team within Prod Operations. Create compelling, fresh design ideas and typography solutions that will help brand our Networks and be highly adept at broadcast design, branding, on-air & off-air design conventions & post-prod process. Min 5 yrs exp in Broadcast Design with a refined eye for design and extensive knowledge of Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema 4D. APPLY HERE (3/23)
ASST MEDIA MANAGER (AMM) >>
Ad Council/NY: Seeking media strategist who is passionate about using their talent for social good work. The AMM is resp for assting day-to-day management of relats with pro-bono media agencies across all campaigns. Min 2 yrs exp in the media or adv. Must thrive on being organized/detail-oriented in a fast-paced and deadline-driven envir. Full info HERE (3/23)
MANAGER, AD SALES MKTG >>
Dish Media/NY: Looking for a smart, energetic and strategic thinker to drive awareness and rev for Dish and Sling in the advertising marketplace. Min 5 yrs in Advertising Sales or Marketing field with exp managing direct reports. Full info HERE (3/23)
SUMMER INTERN >>
Dish Media/NY: Is looking the next generation of leaders. Interns will have the opportunity to work in Advertising Sales/ Marketing, Data Analytics/ Market Research, Pricing & Inventory/ Finance. Full time from 6/8-7/31. Plus competitive pay. Full Info HERE (3/23)
VP, SALES DEVELOPMENT >>
ION Media/NY: Looking for a dynamic and exp. sales leader to oversee the development of overall sales strategies in breaking new categories and bringing in new business. Min 10 yrs. of Sales Management exp. with a demonstrated ability to bring in new revenue. Full info HERE EOE (3/23)
DIGITAL MRKTG MGR >>
NBC Universal/Phila, PA: Seeking a superstar to join our high-performance sls team. Ideal candidate must have digital mrktg knowledge, excellent people and communication skills, superior “bandwidth”, and is true team player. Min 5yrs exp with a deep understanding of digital video selling. Full info HERE (3/23) |
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