05/01/18: NBC stretches Derby Day

Good morning. It’s Tuesday May 1, 2018 and this is your first early morning Sports briefing.

As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby nears, NBC announced coverage plans that include 14 hours throughout the week and a record five hour telecast on NBC on Saturday beginning at 2:30p, with programming starting at noon on NBCSN. Highlights will include live coverage of 20 races across Thursday, Friday and Saturday with ten live races during NBCSN and NBC Derby Day coverage including five live races in the NBC show. For first time ever at Triple Crown race, NBC Sports will utilize an aerial camera over the full backstretch, which will offer a perspective of 15-18 feet above the track and travel up to 80 MPH with more than 50 additional cameras will be used overall, including a helmet camera on the outrider.

Bob Costas hosts with Mike Tirico, NBCSN host Laffit Pincay, II, analysts Randy Moss and Jerry Bailey, the Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner, handicappers Eddie Olczyk and Britney Eurton and race caller Larry Collmus. Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski reprise their roles as fashion and lifestyle experts along with NBC News weather anchor and correspondent Dylan Dreyer; and NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR features reporter Rutledge Wood returns. Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated will also contribute to NBC Sports Group’s coverage.

ON THE AIR

ABC’s coverage of Game 7 between the Cavaliers and Pacers on Sunday generated a 5.4 metered market rating, to rank as the highest-rated first round NBA Playoffs telecast in 14 years, according to Nielsen. The 5.4 rating was up 29% over last year’s comparable game. In the Cleveland market, Game 7 generated a 24.6 rating, making it the highest-rated first round NBA Playoffs game since 2010. In Indianapolis, Game 7 drew a 21.6 rating, which is the best rating ever for a first round game in the market. Through six broadcasts, the 2018 NBA Playoffs on ABC is averaging a 4.2 metered market rating, up 11 percent from 2017.

The International Motor Sports Association locked in a deal with NBC Sports Group to serve as the new US broadcast home for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, what is currently known as the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and the IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda. The six-year partnership begins with the 2019 season and will include a “significant” increase in network coverage of the WeatherTech Championship over 2018. Three races will broadcast on NBC with more than 45 hours of WeatherTech Championship action televised on NBCSN throughout the season. NBC Sports will present more than 100 hours of IMSA coverage across its broadcast, cable, and digital platforms.

PBR Canada has significantly expanded its broadcast deal with TSN. Starting May 1 and running for 32 weeks, TSN will broadcast the weekly, one-hour highlight show “2018 Monster Energy Series” featuring events from four of PBR’s tours. “As PBR continues to grow in Canada, our fans are asking for more event coverage,” said Sean Gleason, PBR, CEO. “PBR’s expanded partnership with TSN increases our Canadian broadcast footprint more than six-fold, giving our growing fan base the opportunity to view action from more than 30 PBR events spanning four different tours, both in Canada and abroad.”

With more numbers in, the NFL reports that the 2018 NFL Draft – spanning NFL Network, FOX, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes – saw the combined rating and viewership spike by 25% and 20% respectively over 2017. Saturday’s combined TV viewership resulted in an average of 2.9 million viewers making it the most watched Draft Day 3 ever.

Showtime Sports is unleashing Bipolar Rock ‘N Roller on May 25 at 9p, a new documentary film about combat sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with the mental illness Bipolar Affective Disorder. The film explores Ranallo’s career, including his work on the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history, and his pursuit of a childhood dream despite the odds.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Attention all College and Graduate Students:

2018 Future Now Media & Entertainment Conference

5/31 -6/01 – The New School, NYC

If you’re serious about pursuing a career in the Media/Entertainment industry, this is an incredible opportunity for you to hear from, network with and be mentored by top execs and industry professionals, and connect to your next job!

Admission is FREE, but students MUST apply by 4/30. Learn More

For sponsorship opportunities, contact: Margaret Kim at 646-421-9024

POWERED BY: iSTANDtv | SPONSORED BY: Cynopsis Media

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

The AVP revealed its 2018 Pro Beach Tour season sponsors, with first-time national sponsors now set to include: Kona Brewing Co., Hydro Flask, KT Tape, and Paramount & Co. The new partners will join returning national sponsors Wilson, Truly Spiked & Sparkling, Kona Deep, and Rox Volleyball when the tour travels the country from May through September 2018. The 2018 AVP season begins this year with a special hybrid event in “Surf City,” California from May 2 – 6 for the FIVB Huntington Beach Open with stop in Austin, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach before wrapping up in Chicago in early September.

DIGITAL & STREAMING

Twitter is teaming up with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company to create live content and advertising opportunities from across the entire Disney portfolio on the Twitter platform. As part of the new deal, Twitter and ESPN are announcing live shows in development this week at their NewFront presentations. Already, Twitter announced SportsCenter Live, with ESPN set to bring fans coverage in Twitter Moments and video; and Fantasy Focus Live.

In addition, Twitter showcased sports programming that includes: Formula 1, with access a post-race show exclusively live on Twitter, featuring highlights, analysis, and interviews; the weekly live stream MLB game and highlights package in addition to a brand new show on Twitter around the MLB All-Star Game and Postseason; adding to its MLS deal with the 2018 MLS Homegrown Game presented by Energizer; Bleacher Report’s House of Highlights; The Players’ Tribune #Verified returning for the second straight season; and Barstool Live, an 8-episode series exclusively on Twitter featuring live, original content from top sporting events across the country.

The Professional Fighters League and ViewLift locked in a partnership to utilize ViewLift’s technology to power the PFL digital platforms and deliver content such as bouts, behind-the-scenes footage and stats to fans around the world. This partnership between the PFL and ViewLift will enable PFL to share OTT content, in-depth athlete stories, streaming video and 360-degree comprehensive coverage across all digital platforms, including mobile devices.

Whistle Sports announced the season 2 premiere date and released the trailer of a short-form docu-series No Days Off coming to Facebook Watch and YouTube today at 5p. The series spotlights outstanding Gen Z kids and teens who possess extraordinary athletic talent and spirit.

ESPORTS

The Boston Uprising cut a partnership with Gillette, naming the razor brand the team’s official shaving product supplier. The deal will feature Gillette branding on Boston Uprising practice jerseys and throughout the team’s practice facility. A number of digital and social content initiatives are also included in the agreement. “For more than a century, Gillette has worked with leading professional sports leagues and athletes,” said Greg Via, global head of sports, esports and entertainment marketing at Gillette. “As the esports world continues to grow, we’re looking forward to expanding our partnership with the Kraft Sports & Entertainment and our roster of esports athletes to include Boston Uprising.”

The NBA 2K League and HyperX inked a new partnership that will make HyperX the Official Gaming Headset of the NBA 2K League, which debuts today with 17 teams. During the season, HyperX gaming headsets will be used during all live gameplay, which includes weekly matchups, three in-season tournaments, playoffs and the NBA 2K League Finals. Both players and casters will wear the latest HyperX gaming headsets. In addition, during the season, HyperX will have prominent branding throughout the NBA 2K League Studio powered by Intel. HyperX will also connect with the gaming community via promotions and sweepstakes on NBA 2K League social channels, offering fans a chance to win various HyperX prizes.

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, announced a one-year partnership with 100 Thieves, that will see the team outfitted with Razer’s peripherals including mice, keyboards, headsets, and surfaces for all training and tournament purposes for the next year. “100 Thieves is a team to be reckoned with as we’ve seen with their solid performance this year alone. They are a welcomed new addition to our growing Team Razer roster of talent,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “The team is bound for high achievements and we are thrilled to support them every step of the way.”

The Twitter Newfront presentations also saw the platform unveiled its lineup of gaming and esports-themed programming on the schedule. Content is set to include the Call of Duty World League including highlights and finals from CWL Anaheim Open (June 15-17), CWL Pro League- Stage 2 Playoffs (July 27-29), and the 2018 Call of Duty Championship (August 15-19); the Game Awards; Gamespot; IEM; and IGN

ROSTER MOVES

Charlotte Wilder, Shemar Woods and Emma Baccellieri will be joining the Sports Illustrated staff, working with the editorial, digital and programming teams. Wilder joins the team as a Senior Writer and Video Host, taking on a number of roles with Sports Illustrated TV ranging from modular studio-based programming to long-form documentary. Woods will serve as a Senior Editor, leading the nights-and-weekends desk, responsible for the editorial oversight and leadership of the night staff and its content.

Meanwhile, Terez Paylor is heading to Yahoo Sports as its newest senior NFL writer. Paylor comes to Yahoo after serving as the lead Chiefs writer for the Kansas City Star, where he worked the past 12 years.

THE MAIN EVENT

Cavaliers/Raptors on TNT at 8p.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

ANNOUNCING: THE 2018 CYNOPSIS MEASUREMENT & DATA CONFERENCE

August 2^nd, 2018 | 9:00am – 2:30pm | NYC

Sponsored by TV Time

“Data breaches and privacy rights have risen to the forefront. What does the future hold for data driven targeting for publishers and advertisers? Who should own the data? What rights will consumers have? What role should the government have in securing a consumer’s right to their own data? These are just a few questions that will be addressed at the Cynopsis Measurement & Data conference.” – Brad Adgate

ON THIS DAY in 2012: Guggenheim Partners buys the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.1 billion

In the Know: What number did the Dodgers retire to honor Pee Wee Reese? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city.)

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question: Which movie features the fictional South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs? Answer: The Waterboy. Kudos: John Ferlazzo/London; Lauren Varga-FOX Station Sales/NY; Mike Polvere/Optimum Sports/NY; Alex Randall-FOX/NY; Frank Costa-CBS/NY; Mark Lehman-Atlanta Braves/Atlanta; Brianne Maciejowski-Miles/Sarasota; Willy Gibson-WTG Sports/Columbus; Troy Perlowitz-ESPN/Bristol; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Kyle Krebs-KXAS-TV/Dallas-Fort Worth; Tom Doherty-Starcom Media/Chicago; Lance Phegley-Texas Runner & Triathlete magazine/Houston; Adam Lisiewski-Baby First TV/LA; Greg Dudsic/Venice; Tom Tyrer-Circle Change Media/LA; Jim Bernard-VER/LA

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

DIRECTOR, SALES SYSTEMS ANALYSIS & DEVELOPMENT
The CW Network
NYC

For the Media Sales & Planning dept. Provide advance systems analysis, development, project management, and acts as liaison between business/technology areas. 5+ yrs related exp.

Full info/apply HERE

JOB OPENING: ASSOC EDITOR-PROD/iN DEMAND/NYC: Editing promos, trailers, social & long form. Writing scripts/producing projects. Expert in Adobe Premiere & familiar w/After Effects. Prof editing exp req in broadcast/entertainment. Resume & reel to: [email protected] (5/9)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING/EXECUTIVE ASST/Cause+Effect/NYC: Creative content agency seeks intelligent, driven & extremely organized candidate to mng social media & assist in the day-to-day operations of the studio. Prior exposure to ad/TV industry & extensive exp w/social media. PDF Resume to: [email protected] (5/5)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMATIC SALES PLANNER/NBCU/NYC: Partner w/Sales & internal constituents to achieve marketers’ objectives within our leading edge Audience Studio team; incl pitch-to-pay workflow for programmatic guaranteed. Programmatic tech exp is a must! 2+ yrs dig media exp media plan’g or client service role. Apply HERE (5/5)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, SALES SYSTEMS ANALYSIS & DEVELOPMENT/The CW Network/NYC: For the Media Sales & Planning dept. Provide advance systems analysis, development, project management, and acts as liaison between business/technology areas. 5+ yrs related exp. Full info/apply HERE (5/4)

JOB OPENING: SR PARALEGAL/Sesame Workshop/NYC: Temp contract position. Exp’d detail-oriented person w/1st-rate comm skills to work w/a tight knit legal team on a variety of matters incl those related to TV dvlpmnt & prod. 5+ yrs relevant paralegal exp working in an in-house or prod co enviro req’d. Full info/apply HERE (5/4)

JOB OPENING: BOOKER, VARNEY/FOX Business Network/NYC: Book dynamic and high-profile guests for top-rated business program daytime bringing in new guests. 4+ yrs TV news exp. Identify/pitch stories and guests appropriate for the show and each individual hour. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: BOOKER, HANNITY/Fox News Channel/NYC: Pitch unique story ideas. Book top tier guests for show. Compile rsrch and pre-interviews from the guests. An extensive rolodex & ability to book everyone from high-profile guests, politicians & people at the center of major news stories. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/BOOKER, Hannity/Fox News Channel/NYC: creative and highly motivated Associate Producer to book top-tier guests. high interest in politics, current events & cultural stories that generate buzz on social media. 3-5 yrs exp in brdcst TV or the political world. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: SR ANDROID DEVELOPER/Fox News Channel/NYC: play a key role in building our native mobile architecture, influencing our mobile development stack, and developing enterprise-level applications .Focus is phone, tablet & other OTT platforms. 5+ yrs android dev incl JAVA a must. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/Fox News Channel/NYC: Exceptional story teller & exp’d assoc prod/writer for fast paced daytime and weekend newscasts. Monitor constantly for major breaking news. 3+ yrs national or large market local news exp. Solid news judgement & grasp of politics a must. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/Fox Business Network/NYC: Highly motivated, creative & proactive assoc prod to work closely with a reporter on daily stories and be asked to help do background reporting on those stories. 2 yrs exp TV background. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: MULTIPLATFORM EDITOR/E! NEWS & ONLINE/Universal City CA: Resp for programming content on the front doors of E! News on desktop, mobile web, daily email newsletter & in app. Ensure the right content is reaching the right aud. 5+ yr dig media exp, incl some cross-platform prgrmmng using CMSs. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL SALES MGR/Nexstar Media Group WRBL-TV 3/Columbus, GA: Must be an expert in digital & cross platform sales, have a solid understanding of the marketplace & effective asset packaging solutions to maximize our revenue. Min 3 yrs exp dig mktg exp. Full info/create acct/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR/Eko/NYC: Serve as a leader/liaison between Eko’s strategic partners & internal teams; continue building current relationships with dist and content partners to grow. Min 7 yrs exp w/dist and/or content partnerships at a media co. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: MGR, MULTIPLATFORM ANALYTICS/NBC Universal Kids/NYC: Experience analyzing, interpreting and presenting data a must. 4+ yrs exp in research at a media or advertising org. Full info/apply HERE (5/3)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, DIGITAL MEASUREMENT STRATEGY/NBC Entertainment/NYC: provide metric implementation strategy on a variety of digital products including websites, apps, and video, and ensure accuracy. 3-5 years of digital analytics experience. Full info/apply HERE (5/2)

JOB OPENING: SEGMENT PRODUCER/Spectrum/NYC: Ensure that all necessary elements in segments, packages and live shots are delivered accurately, creatively in a timely fashion. Min 4 yrs editorial experience working in news production (broadcast network or cable morning shows pref’d). Full info/apply HERE (5/2)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER/Spectrum/Syracuse NY: Responsible for producing newly-created, live, morning local newscast, including daily content creation & decision-making. 3+ yrs TV news exp preferred live news programming (or show relaunch exp. Knowledge of social media platforms. Full info/apply HERE (5/2)