Cynopsis: Sports
10.04.13

Good morning. It’s Friday, October 4, 2013, and this is your first early morning Sports briefing. 

Sports news/blog network Bleacher Report is getting a new face at the top with the announcement that Matt Hong, Turner Sports Senior VP and General Manager of Sports Operations, will take the helm of the platform. Company officials confirmed that Hong will add executive responsibility for B/R to his existing oversight of his division’s sports operations and digital portfolio with the departure of CEO Brian Grey. Turner Sports EVP/COO Lenny Daniels informed staff of the change yesterday. Co-Founder & Chief Content Officer Dave Finocchio and Chief Technology Offer Sam Parnell will now report to Hong, with Finocchio overseeing Bleacher Report’s day-to-day operations.

“As we began planning for 2014 and beyond, Matt Hong and I spent a considerable amount of time with Brian Grey discussing the future structure of Bleacher Report,” Daniels wrote in the memo to staff. “After much consideration and successfully leading B/R through its yearlong transition with Turner, we all agreed that now is the right time for Brian to take a step-back from his role as CEO of B/R and svp of Turner Sports to pursue the next chapter in his professional career,” Daniels wrote. “Brian has been a great advocate for Bleacher Report and played a key role in helping to build its business model. I have enjoyed working with Brian and appreciate all of his efforts on behalf of the company.”

On the Air

TBS’ coverage of the 2013 MLB Wild Card presented by Budweiser outpaced 2012 numbers, with the two games averaging 4.7 million total viewers for an uptick of 2% over the two games a year ago. Based on Nielsen Fast Nationals, this year’s 3.0 household rating is running even with last year. In home markets, the game drew a 33.7 DMA household rating in Pittsburgh, a 25.2 in Cleveland, a 16.6 in Cincinnati and a 15.5 in Tampa Bay.

NBCSN continued its hot, early start for the NHL season, with Wednesday night’s Buffalo/Detroit matchup averaging 583,000 viewers, according to Nielsen, up 22% from the average NBCSN exclusive NHL game from 4Q11 (with no comparable 2012 comparison available due to the shortened season). The rating for the game delivered the highest-ever rating for a regular-season Red Wings game on NBCSN in the Detroit market with a 6.45.

Meanwhile, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada drew more than 9.4 million viewers – or more than one-in-four Canadians – for the season opening doubleheader, who watched at least part of the channel’s coverage. Ratings data from the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) show an average audience for the Toronto/Montreal game topped 2.3 million viewers.

ESPN is pulling the plug on its international X Games forays, announcing that the company would not continue the events in Barcelona, Munich, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil and Tignes, France. “We are proud to have run world-class competitions for both the athletes and spectators; however the overall economics of these events do not provide a sustainable future path,” the company said in a statement. “The company remains fully committed to the X Games brand and its full-scale competitions in Aspen, Colorado and Austin, Texas  its newest host city  and we will continue to distribute these premier events around the world.”

The NFL announced that the October 20 Houston Texans/Kansas City Chiefs game will shift from 1p to 4:25p on CBS. The league said the move was made to accommodate regional broadcast patterns.
 
ESPNU tips off the basketball season with over four hours of ESPNU Midnight Madness coverage on Friday, Oct. 18, at 9p. This year’s programming will feature on-site coverage from nine basketball programs, including Kentucky, Duke, Syracuse, Oklahoma State, Wichita State, Memphis, New Mexico, UConn and Florida Gulf Coast. ESPN analysts will provide commentary from each site, with additional previews and interviews live from the ESPNU studio in Charlotte, N.C. In addition, ESPN3 will carry six Midnight Madness events live in their entirety, beginning today at 7:30o with Late Night in the Phog featuring the Kansas men’s basketball team.

NBA TV’s Open Court is back on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6p with the first of four episodes airing each Tuesday throughout the month. The show will be hosted by Ernie Johnson with a combination of analysts that includes Charles Barkley, Isaiah Thomas, Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins; Steve Kerr, Kenny Smith, Steve Smith, Brent Barry, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady and Dennis Scott. The first show of the season will reflect on the dynasties and dramatic moments of the 1990s. 

CBS Sports Network returns to the ice for the 2013-14 college hockey season starting Oct. 18 at 7p as the exclusive national home of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The opening game will pit North Dakota/Miami, followed by Minnesota Duluth/Colorado College. Overall, the channel will showcase 18 NCHC contests, as well as two games from the Atlantic Hockey Association. In addition to the regular season schedule, CBS Sports Network also will air the NCHC Tournament semifinals (Friday, March 21) and finals (Saturday, March 22) from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. Play-by-play announcer Ben Holden teams with lead analyst Dave Starman, and rink-side reporter Shireen Saski to call the action.

WestwoodOne, the exclusive radio network of the NFL national primetime package, announced that the network will carry four consecutive NFL games this Sunday, October 6, 2013, culminating with a special Sunday Night doubleheader. The slate of games is due to a shifted Chargers/Raiders game that will now be played on Sunday night. The action begins with Seahawks/Colts at 12:30p, followed by Broncos/Cowboys, Texans/49ers and Chargers/Raiders.

Discovery’s first sports show premieres tonight. NFL In Season – Steelers vs. Vikings “was a dream opportunity to see how two big-time NFL teams approach a must-win game,” exec producer Christo Doyle tells Cynopsis. “These two teams approached this game with very different strategies, from the Vikings coming to London a week before the game to get acclimated, to the Steelers treating it like a typical away game.” Doc kicks off tonight at 10p; part two, with the 49ers versus the Jaguars, airs Friday, November 10.

On the local scene…
ESPNLA and the Los Angeles Lakers inked an agreement to extend their radio play-by-play relationship for seven more seasons and running through the 2019-2020 season. ESPNLA (710 AM) will broadcast all 82 regular-season games as well as the entire preseason and every playoff game. ESPNLA has served as the official radio broadcast home of the Lakers for the last four seasons.

WFAN is set to become the first radio provider to broadcast MLS in English in New York City. The channel penned a deal to broadcast all of New York City Football Club’s MLS matches, in addition to the option to air any friendly matches played during the multi-year partnership timeframe. The club will be Major League Soccer’s 20th expansion club and is slated to start play in the 2015 season.

Chicago’s Comcast SportsNet is set to examine the triumph and heartbreak of the 2003 Cubs season with a new documentary dubbed 5 Outs. The special will run on the exact date of the ten-year anniversary of the Chicago Cubs season-ending defeat to the Florida Marlins in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series on Oct. 15 at 9p. The 90-minute production is narrated by William Petersen and takes an in-depth focus on the “players and manager’s perspective” on exactly what went right and eventually what went wrong on that fateful day.

Time Warner Cable SportsNet announced that Lakers legend Byron Scott and Lakers favorite Luke Walton are joining the network’s on-air team and will cover the Lakers for the channel. The two players will contribute to the network’s studio programming including franchise shows “#LakeShow,” “Access SportsNet,” the “Access SportsNet: Lakers” pre-and post-game shows and more.
 

 A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Sponsorship & Promotion

The ING New York City Marathon will bear a new name next year with race officials announcing that Indian technology company Tata Consultancy Services will replace ING as title sponsor. The deal spans eight years, beginning with the 2014 race.

Bud Light released the results of its NFL Fan Superstition Survey, gathering opinions from nearly 10,000 adult NFL fans over the summer, took an in-depth look at the fan bases of each of the 32 NFL teams and how their superstitions and rituals impact their enjoyment of the game to form an NFL Fan Superstition Index. According to the survey, the top-5 most superstitious fan bases in the NFL are (in order) Baltimore, Arizona, New Orleans, Oakland and Philadelphia. The study also showed such quirks as “New York Jets fans are the most likely to sit in the same lucky seat every game” and “New Orleans Saints fans are most likely to engage in their superstitious activity every single game.”

Bellator MMA and Everlast Worldwide are supporting breast cancer research and prevention by debuting pink-inspired fight gloves on the October 4thBellator fight card that will be shown live on Spike TV. Each fight on the card will feature the new gloves, which will shed the traditional black and red color scheme for black and pink as a sign of support.

Digital & Technology

Thuuz Sports announced the Glassware release of its Thuuz sports app, marking one of the first sports Glassware to be available on Google Glass. The new service is designed to alert Glass owners to trending games in their favorite sports as well as provide them with score updates for their favorite teams. Glass Explorers can enable Thuuz Sports via MyGlass.

The Main Event

Luck vs. Wilson as the Seahawks visit the Colts on FOX at 1p.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

ON THIS DAY in 1987: “Scrub” players take the field for the NFL.

In The Know: Actor/Athlete Chuck Connors is often credited as the first professional basketball player to break a backboard. What basketball team did he play for? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: Only the second four correct answers from each time zone will be mentioned; and once you’ve been mentioned in any of the Cynopsis editions, you can’t be mentioned again that calendar week.)

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question: What number did Troy Aikman wear for the Cowboys? Answer: 8. Kudos: Mitch Burg-Syndicated Network Television Association/NY; Keith Marder-Halstead Property/NY; Pete Gautieri-A&E Networks/NY; Lewis Blaustein-Lewis Brand Solutions, Inc./NY; Tim DeLaney-Showtime Networks Inc./NY; Joe Guarnieri-ESPN Remote Operations/Bristol; Tim McGhee-MSP Sports/Summit; Chris Faulds-Bell Media Digital/Toronto; Chad Conwell-Sinclair Broadcast Group/Dayton; Gretchen Brady-KDAF/Dallas; Lucie Prann-The Richards Group/Dallas; Ryan Nolan-Sportsman Channel/New Berlin; Austin Smith-Big Ten Network/Chicago; Greg Moloznik-GLM Media/Scottsdale; Mary Downey-Mary Downey Casting/Burbank; Jack Simmons-FOX Sports/LA; Brendan Murphy-Direct Avenue/San Diego; Marci Polzin-Clear Talent Group/Studio City.

Later — Chris
Chris Pursell for Cynopsis | Sports
10.04.13

Roberta Caploe: Editorial Director
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mike Farina | VP Sales & Marketing | 203-218-6480
Classifieds Sales: Trish Pihonak | Director of Operations & Content | 888-702-3858

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
To unsubscribe from this edition, click here. Or for further assistance please email [email protected].

 A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from our experts on these highly rated webinars! Register today and receive access to the 90-minute discussion and speaker presentations!

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL: Next Generation Digital Programming Models
CYNOPSIS: Reaching Millennials: New Ways to Activate Viewership & Revenue
CYNOPSIS KIDS: How to (Really) Increase Kid Brand Revenue through Licensing
CYNOPSIS SPORTS: Second Screen: Driving Fan Engagement & Brand ROI

Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here.

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/NBC/DC: Exec Asst to support GM of NBC station in Washington DC. Min 5 years admin experience. Must be organized, adaptable to shifting priorities, and thrive in fast pace environ. Apply HERE (10/11) 

JOB OPENING: VP, CRM/Viacom/NYC: 8-10 yrs operational exp in dig. Media buying. Working knowledge of mobile display environment. Dvlp/execute detailed media plans in display. Thought leader team player. Apply HERE  (10/10)

JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST/VIACOM/NYC: Resp for collecting, organizing & analyzing Nielsen data, prod of ongoing reports for TV Land as well as on the competition. 2+ yrs exp w/Nielsen data analysis is key. BA req. Full info & apply HERE (10/10)

JOB OPENING: SVP, PROGRAM PLANNING/BETN/NY: 12+ yrs TV Prgmg. Reports to EVP, Program Strategy. Oversees scheduling, prgrm analysis, acquisitions & ops teams. Works w/all depts to ensure ratings goals are hit. Resumes to: [email protected] (10/10)

JOB OPENING: COPYWRITER/Discovery/MD: Quick-thinking creative to craft original on-air and print promos for flagship brand. 3-6 yrs agency and/or broadcast marketing exp. Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or Avid exp a plus. APPLY HERE (10/10)

JOB OPENING: SR. WRITER/PRODUCER/AMC/NYC: Proven experience writing and producing outstanding on-air promos at a broadcast or cable network required. Send CV and link to online reel to http://tinyurl.com/pmpzfjs (10/10)

JOB OPENING: PROMO EDITOR/AMC/NYC: Seeking self-motivated Avid editor with extensive experience creating on-air promos or trailers. Send CV and link to online reel to http://tinyurl.com/nc8pc8x (10/10)

JOB OPENING:  ASST PROFESSOR FT FACULTY POSITION IN WRITING FOR TV/FALL 2014/Boston University’s College of Comm. Teach 3 courses/semester, primarily in writing for half-hour & one hour scripted TV series & orig TV pilots. Send CV HERE (10/10) 

JOB OPENING: VP,GLOBAL DIGITAL ACCTS (AMAZON)/LA CA: The VP Global Digital Accounts is responsible for creating and driving revenue and profitability plans for selected digital accounts. Sales Representative, Services Apply: HERE (FFE0002006) (10/10) 

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, AD SALES/REELZ/Chicago: Exp’d ad sales professional w/outstanding relationships to lead sales effort in Chicago. Apply: [email protected] (10/9)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/FX NETWORKS/LA: Analyze ratings trajectory of FX Networks and key competitors. Service all FX Networks & partner on custom requests and ad hoc needs. 2 yrs. exp. http://bit.ly/143jbMF (10/9)

JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST AD SALES RSCH/NBC UNIVERSAL/NY: 1-3 yrs media rsrch exp, supp Sports & Olympics sales research, proficient w/research software, able to visually communicate insights. Click Here (10/9)

JOB OPENING: DIR PRGM, SERIES/Hallmark Channel/LA: Develop scripted series & current programs & oversee projects. 7+ yrs. exp. in prgmng at cable/brdcst co or prod co. Apply: www.hallmarkchannel.com/jobs (10/9)

JOB OPENING: SR TECH OPS DIR/CSI SPORTS/NY: Min 10 yrs TV Network exp. Resp. incl. overall workflow mgt, liaison to orig. facility/operator ops, tech & prod staff. Transmission/distribution exp req. Res/cvr to Rose: HERE (10/9)

JOB OPENING: FULFILLMENT SPECIALIST/A+E Networks/NY: Account mgmt. & customer service. Non-staff position. Full Info/Apply: http://www.aenetworks.com/careers (10/8)

JOB OPENING: DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE/PRODUCER: Established NY prodco. Develop, cast, shoot, edit sizzles. Proven hit making ability at network and/or prodco. Amazing opportunity. [email protected] (10/8)

JOB OPENING: SR PRDCR NONFCTVDVLPMNT/NYC/LA: Talented dvlpr w/general cable exp. 5 yrs dvlpmnt/prod exp pref’d. Strong kwldg of Net Mandates. Will produce tapes, cast talent, prep pitches and manage systematic development. Resumes HERE (10/8)

JOB OPENING: SALES COORDINATOR, SALES PLANNING/Fox Broadcasting Co/NYC: Commercial inventory coordinator. 1-3 years network or agency experience required. http://bit.ly/1ask5CV (10/8)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DIGITAL SALES PLANNING/Fox Broadcasting Co/NYC: 5+ yrs linear &/or digital sales planning exp req. Campaign & invent management of VOD & digital platforms, forecasting, reporting. http://bit.ly/11MJTHL (10/8)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASST/Sportsman Channel/WI: Provide support to Account Exes for Network Cable Commercial Spot Sales, maintain spot schedules, work with Traffic Dept. Strong Excel skills req’d. Agency/TV Sales exp helpful. Apply: www.thesportsmanchannel.com (10/5)

JOB OPENING: DIR NON-FICTION PRGM/Lifetime/NY: Develop & pilot new non-fiction programming & oversee current prods. 5+ yrs exp in prgmng at cable/brdcst co or prod co. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (10/5)

JOB OPENING: EXEC DIRECTOR/CINE/DC: Strategy, fundraising & oversight of film/TV awards & education nonprofit. 5+ years leadership exp in media, w/marketing exp pref’d. Resume to [email protected] (10/5)

JOB OPENING: DIR MKTG STRATEGY/Discovery Channel/MD: Innovator w/strategic 360 approach to ad cmpgns. Strong brand mgt/consumer mktg exp.Work w/rsrch to identify prtnrshps/manage mktg events. Exp. driving top TV brands. APPLY HERE (10/5) 

JOB OPENING: SENIOR AD SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/ESPN/NYC: 1-2 Yrs exp in media research. Candidate must have strong analytical and problem solving ability. Apply HERE (10/5)

EXPERT SERVICES ADS: These ads are for companies or people who offer an expertise in the field of media by way of production, voice over artistry, writing, set development, etc. For information on rates and specs for posting an Expertise Service ad email Trish at [email protected]

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at [email protected].

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RLTV (NYC): seeks intern to support the Ad Sales and Marketing departments with research, marketing ideation, presentations and sales materials. Min 10 hrs/week. Submit resume/cover letter to: [email protected] (10/8)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED… There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad… for more information contact Trish Pihonak at [email protected].

SITUATION WANTED: CREATIVE BROADCAST MARKETING EXPERT: 13+ years in advertising, marketing & broadcast companies. Hispanic & GM. Senior Management Experience. OAP Writer/Producer: http://rllera.prosite.com/ Contact: [email protected] (10/11)

SITUATION WANTED: Emmy-nominated TV PRODUCER with two decades worth of experience in news, talk, lifestyle, docu, & other non-fiction. Good with AVID & FCP. Email: [email protected] (10/11)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 888.702.3858 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

Copyright Cynopsis 2013

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2013