|
|
| Tuesday September 8, 2020 |
| The NFL is back as broadcasters finetune a production that will serve up an unprecedented season amid the pandemic. Sunday sees FOX Sports kick off its 27th season of in-depth NFL coverage as FOX NFL Sunday makes its season debut at noon on the broadcast channel. Curt Menefee hosts the Emmy Award-winning pregame show, and a game lineup this year that includes 109 regular-season and four postseason games with Sunday and Thursday packages once again on deck. Cynopsis Sports asked Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer for FOX Sports, about preparing for the season, lessons learned from its other sports, and what we can expect this year.
Shanks on producing sports during a pandemic: First and foremost, and I can’t state this enough, I am so proud of the entire FOX Sports organization. I also want to thank all of our clients and advertisers for their partnership, collaboration and flexibility as we collectively acclimate to this situation. The production, operations and digital teams at FOX Sports have learned to adjust to their new production environments so quickly while continuing to deliver top-notch content. What I personally have taken from this pandemic is the ability to communicate and adapt more than ever in our company’s history.
Even though we work in the media/communications industry, the past six months have taught us the importance of connecting when you don’t have the luxury of being together. At FOX, our business is about communication and chemistry. It’s hard to have chemistry when you have producers, directors, broadcasters, and various functions in different places around the country and not together. I’m so proud of the team for taking this challenge head on and putting out the quality of product FOX Sports continues to deliver to our viewers. Even though we have proven we can handle this out of necessity, the best product on TV is when we have our team and on-air personalities together, and we’re looking forward to resuming that togetherness when our NFL coverage kicks off on Sunday.
On approaching the 2020 NFL season: FOX is football. So, fundamentally, our approach is the same as always – we celebrate the game. Our entire company is combining its resources to celebrate and promote the NFL all season long – but in a way only FOX can. We are also looking forward to continuing to amplify stories from these athletes with powerful voices to bring about true and lasting social change. As it relates to the pandemic, we hope that the NFL season can further provide a move toward normalcy for our country and serve as a much-needed escape during these times.
On the production front, it goes without saying that we have an incredibly deep on-air talent roster featuring award-winning veterans and gifted new voices who will deliver unrivaled coverage of Thursday Night Football and our slate of games every Sunday.
On viewership expectations for the 2020 season: As the leader in NFL programming with more games than any other network, including the Thursday and Sunday packages, plus America’s Game of the Week, we’re anticipating another strong year. It was an impressive accomplishment to deliver increases across our game viewership and our studio lineup. In another landmark milestone, after finishing the 2019 season as America’s most-watched NFL pre-game show for the past 26 seasons, FOX NFL SUNDAY was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
While we aren’t in the business of predicting ratings, the one thing we know for sure is the NFL delivers unmatched viewership. With the much-awaited inclusion of Out of Home viewing being factored in for the first time, there will now be a more accurate measurement of our total viewership.
On tech enhancements during COVID-19: Our production philosophy is and always will be to bring fans closer to the game and to the players they love. With that in mind, we knew viewers are tuning in to sports for a much-needed respite during these times. So, whether that’s adding in dynamic audio in a way that hadn’t been done before thru an award-winning sound designer, or incorporating virtual fans, what we’re going for is normalcy and authenticity. If there are a few seconds where we can make it feel like a full Major League Baseball stadium, that’s what we’re going for. WWE has also done a tremendous job with ThunderDome and virtual fans, which has certainly brought more energy to the telecast. It’s extremely important for us to provide viewers a sense of normalcy and we believe we are accomplishing this in a variety of ways.
On a crowded sports schedule this fall: As much as anyone, and since it’s so unique, I’m interested in seeing the Masters and the NFL on the same Sunday. That said, the fall has always been a strength of FOX Sports’ schedule and this year will be no different. We’ve created a must-watch slate of programming for viewers where FOX owns the long weekend at the most coveted time of the year for advertisers. From TNF and our slate of Sunday NFL games – highlighted by America’s Game of the Week – to MLB postseason and World Series to our widely successful Big Noon Saturday college football strategy combined with WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Our production teams are ready for and accustomed to balancing multiple productions while delivering unparalleled programming to our viewers and clients.
PROGRAMMING
NBC Sports’ offering of the rescheduled Kentucky Derby handed the company with a preliminary Total Audience Delivery of 8.4 million viewers across NBC and NBC Sports Digital, which ranks as the most-watched sporting event since Super Bowl LIV in February and the most-watched sporting event on Labor Day Weekend since 2017, based on fast national data from Nielsen and digital data from Adobe Analytics. Approximately 9.8 million viewers watched on NBC as Authentic crossed the finish line 1¼ lengths ahead of favorite Tiz the Law. Afterward, Game 7 of the New York Islanders-Philadelphia Flyers Second Round series averaged a preliminary TAD of 2.57 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Preakness Stakes will officially go sans fans when the race is run on Oct. 3 in Baltimore. The move echoes those of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes as a result of the pandemic. “While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 145 years, the health and safety of our guests, horsemen, riders, team members and the community at large is, and will always be, our top priority,” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of race owners Stronach Group.
In NFL news, with NFL Kickoff this week, the league will showcase defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on NFL Network the night before the season begins. On Wednesday at 8p, the channel delivers America’s Game: 2019 Chiefs, narrated by Paul Rudd, while 9p will feature Time’s Yours: Andy Reid and the 2019 Chiefs.
Meanwhile, UK commercial broadcaster Channel 5 entered into a three-year deal to carry NFL’s Monday Night Football, according to SportBusiness. The deal is non-exclusive and runs from 2020 to 2022. Channel 5 will also broadcast a weekly magazine program on Sunday mornings aimed at younger audiences, which will run through the season.
In other deal news, Athletes Unlimited unveiled agreements with MSG Networks, New England Sports Network (NESN) and Altitude Sports to re-air seven Monday games from its 2020 softball season. The rebroadcasts bolster Athletes Unlimited Softball’s live distribution agreements with a combination of CBS Sports Network, ESPN and the Olympic Channel.
John Coates, VP of the International Olympic Committee, told Agence France-Presse that the Tokyo Olympic Games will move forward in 2021, no matter the status of the Covid-19 pandemic. He continued by noting that the theme of the 2020 Games will be “the Reconstruction Games.”
RIP to longtime poker broadcast pillar Mike Sexton, who died Sunday of prostate cancer. He was 72. He was a 2009 inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame, and partnered with Vince Van Patten to call the World Poker Tour from the tour’s first TV broadcast in 2003 through 2017, when Sexton retired to become the chairman of online poker platform partypoker. |
 |
| CYNOPSIS TOP WOMEN IN MEDIA AWARDS: DISTINGUISHED COMPANIES
In addition to celebrating individual Top Women in Media, Cynopsis is recognizing two distinguished companies who champion women in media the week of October 13.
We can’t wait to highlight:
Ampersand + Starz
>> REGISTER TO ATTEND <<
(It’s free! And sponsored by Turnkey Search) |
|
| SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
ESPN released new creative promoting the 2020 season of the NFL on ESPN, launching a new “Ready for Football” spot across ESPN platforms with a theme acknowledging the “unmistakable truth that fans are, now more than ever, ready for football.” ESPN worked with agency Arts & Letters Creative Co. to invite fans to celebrate the season with the Celine Dion ballad, “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” and features ESPN talent, NFL fans, players and coaches joined by characters from across the Disney universe, all set to the 90’s classic. Cameos include characters from Remember the Titans, Family Guy, and The Lion King. NFL players featured in the spot include Titans running back Derrick Henry, Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin and cornerback Shaquill Griffin, Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan. Grammy Award-winning producer DJ Khaled also makes a guest appearance in the spot.
DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
Fantasy sports platform Monkey Knife Fight is teaming with the San Francisco Giants in a move to donate at least $50,000 to the Giants Community Fund. An outfield tarp and cutouts of MKF’s logo, Furious George, will be placed in Oracle Park. Monkey Knife Fight will donate $10,000 each time a ball hits either the “Hit It Here” tarp or one of the cutouts. “It’s important for Monkey Knife Fight to give back to our communities, especially those that struggle with access to resources,” said Bill Asher, Founder and CEO of Monkey Knife Fight. “The Giants Community Fund does amazing and impactful work in San Francisco and throughout Northern California, and we wanted to be a part of that.”
Athletes Unlimited announced an agreement with The Topps Company to create an online exclusive trading card set commemorating the inaugural softball league. The Athletes Unlimited Softball limited edition trading cards sell for $20 and feature 56 of the world’s best players including 17 Olympians from four countries (USA, Canada, Mexico and Italy) and players like Cat Osterman, Jazmyn Jackson, AJ Andrews, Victoria Hayward, Amanda Chidester, Aleshia Ocasio, Haylie Wagner, Samantha Show, Tori Vidales and Jessica Warren among others who are competing at Parkway Bank Sports Complex. “Topps has always been on the forefront of sports, producing cards that represent the athletes,” said David Leiner, Topps General Manager. “Topps is thrilled to partner with Athletes Unlimited to produce trading cards that will allow millions of fans around the world the opportunity to celebrate the inaugural softball league featuring the top players in their respective sports, for the first time in our history.”
ESPORTS
Insight TV is tapping G2 Esports to co-produce the first televised version of their online esports talent search series, Making the Squad: FIFA Edition. The eight-part series is based on the new FIFA 21 game from Electronic Arts and is currently in pre-production. Meanwhile, Pringles will sponsor and offer auds special experiences featuring the contestants and the audience that will be included as interstitials in the programming and on social media. “What makes this series so unique is the fact that it bridges the virtual and real football (soccer) worlds, tasking competitors to apply the skills they learn in each challenge to win,” said Arun Maljaars, Vice President, Content & Channels, Insight TV. “G2’s founder and legendary esports player turned CEO, Carlos ‘ocelote’ Rodriguez will be bringing his unmatched energy and passion as a judge, challenging contestants to fight for success, all the time balancing entertainment and skill.”
Formula 1 opened the doors to a second esports series, with the new venture dedicated to mobile gaming. Qualification leagues will run over the next three months, with top performers from each of the leagues qualifying for the finals, a nine-day tournament.
CLG and Chess.com are partnering to launch the first-ever “CLG Chess Arena” Tournament, a “first of its kind hosted by a major US esports organization” that will take place today at 5p. CLG Nemo, a content creator and chess player who holds the titles of FIDE Master and Woman Grandmaster, hosts on the CLG Twitch channel.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his latest tech venture, Stardam Images, are launching an exclusive branded tournament series in Skillz mobile games with fans able to compete for Mayweather-branded prizes including a virtual meet and greet, a Las Vegas getaway, autographed boxing gloves, and more. “When you’re undefeated there isn’t a moment where you can accept anything less than perfection. And so I’m partnering with the best mobile gaming company out there in Skillz, while bringing my latest tech venture Stardam Images to knockout advertising,” said Floyd Mayweather. “The best of the best, with the best. Who’s ready to make some money in my tournaments?” |
|
Cynopsis Presents: That Big TV [Virtual Experience]
Sept 22-24 | 1-4PM ET
SESSION SPOTLIGHT > THE NEW POWER OF LOCAL NEWS
The increasing popularity of OTT streaming content provides local & regional advertisers with a powerful opportunity to reach a growing streaming audience at scale, and to target their consumers like never before in every DMA. This panel, sponsored by Gamut Total, on Wed. Sept 23, will provide an insider’s look at how the leading players in the OTT space are meeting the growing demand.
VIEW FULL AGENDA > REGISTER NOW |
|
On this Day
1979: Tracy Austin becomes the youngest US Open champion.
In the Know
Who is the all-time sack leader for the Chicago Bears? (Email cpursell@cynopsis.com with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Who is the all-time leading receiver (in yards) for the NY Giants? Answer: Amani Toomer. Kudos: Denis Barry-CBS/NY; Michael Dittelman-Dedicated Sports Marketing/NY; Art Salisch-Nielsen/NJ; C.J. Bottitta-Big Picture Productions/Apex; Mark Lehman-Braves/Atlanta; Greg Moloznik-GLM Media/Scottsdale; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank |
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER >>
GLASS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP/PHILA, PA: Seeking highly motivated, self-starter to work with producers and management on company and show-specific messaging and branding to be promoted online and over social media. Min 3 yrs of social media exp and position can work remotely. Full info HERE (9/18)
DIR, DIGITAL CONTENT & EMAIL MKTG >>
INSP, LLC/CHARLOTTE, NC: Seeking ideal candidate with proven, successful exp in managing creative digital-first content, creating websites and digital prop. Min 5yrs exp in mngmt of a website prop and/or other digital products in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Full info HERE (9/18)
VP, CONTENT >>
MAGNOLIA/NY, KNOXVILLE, AUSTIN: Strong content leader with a mix of linear & digital experience to create & produce original programming for Magnolia alongside Chip & Joanna Gaines. Guide creative & editorial decisions across varying platforms. Min 10 yrs exp req’d. Full info HERE (9/17)
ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER >>
GLASS ENTERTAINMENT GRP/PHILA, PA: Seeking full-time, in-house legal counsel. Must have min 5 yrs of legal exp with 3 yrs of entertainment law exp. Responsibilities include overseeing all legal matters, working directly with the management team on all business legal affairs, as well as tracking and completing all contracts with networks, talent and clients. Full Info HERE (9/17)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE; CTV PARTNERSHIPS >>
FUTURE TODAY INC/CHICAGO, LA, NYC: Seeking salespeople to represent our CTV portfolio spanning kids/family, entertainment and lifestyle content. Ideal candidate will have exp within Retail, Insurance, and/or CPG verticals as well as existing relationships with major agencies. Minne relationships are essential for the IL role. Full info HERE (9/17)
SR. ANALYST, RESEARCH – Freelance >>
NBCUNIVERSAL/NY, NY: Seeking an individual who is looking for the opportunity to learn and grow in an exciting, evolving research environment supporting ELG Research team. Min 2 yrs exp in research, advertising, or media outlet. Prefer exp at a cable network. Full info HERE (9/16)
CHIEF INCLUSION OFFICER >>
TWIN CITIES PBS/ST. PAUL, MN: New, FT position, that will design and implement a holistic and enterprise-wide inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) strategy into all of our programs and business initiatives. Min 10ys exp in IDEA in a nonprofit, educ and/or media preferred. Full info HERE (9/16)
AD SALES PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR >>
GLASS ENTERTAINMENT GRP/Phila, PA: Seeking motivated, self-starter to join our podcast team. This individual will be responsible for securing ad campaigns across our slate of podcasts. Must have podcast, audio or digital ad sales experience. Full info HERE (9/16)
M&A and INT’L PARTNERSHIP COUNSEL >>
A+E/NY: Support Int’l, Corp Dev and Corp Divisions, incl domestic & int’l mergers & acquisitions and general corp matters in addition to support of relationships with int’l channel partners & int’l content sales. YOU NEED: JD, min 7 yrs legal exp at a major law firm or in-house counsel at a media company, exp in an active M&A practice, content licensing exp & strong negotiation & drafting skills. Full info HERE (9/15)
DIRECTOR, CONTENT >>
Magnolia/New York, Knoxville, Austin: CD w/a strong eye to oversee dev of original programming for Magnolia partnering with Chip & Joanna Gaines. Build new talent and concepts across varying platforms. 7+ yrs network/production exp req’d. Full info HERE (9/15) |
|
|
