ESPN makes its case to media buyers

ESPN had its turn in the spotlight yesterday, touting metrics, its new studio, the World Cup and the SEC Network to media buyers at its annual upfront presentation. (By the way, don’t miss the Cynopsis Sports Upfront special on Friday). With competition increasing for rights and ad dollars, ESPN President John Skipper told the crowd that ESPN remained on top of the situation and had launched 80 different programs and products in recent years. Highlighting the presentation was the company’s upcoming coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will see ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC carry all 64 matches live with more than 290 hours of original programming. Execs noted that 88% of Americans consider themselves to be sports fans, with 31% dubbing themselves as “avid” fans, and that 96% of all ESPN programming is watched live.

The company also announced that a redesigned, 10,000 sq. ft. SportsCenter studio would debut at the end of June, and that Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser have each signed “multi year extensions” to continue co-hosting Pardon the Interruption. ESPN also announced yesterday that veteran NFL reporter Jim Trotter was joining the company where he will appear on Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL Insiders, SportsCenter and other programs, as well as writing for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine.

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