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At the midpoint of 2024, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro has presented his “reflections at halftime” on the sports network’s achievements in the first half of this year. The reflections came with a public memo that included an engaging video and detailed timeline. Among the noteworthy accomplishments were the launch of Venu Sports, a collaborative streaming initiative alongside Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery; significant rights extensions and prominent talent signings; as well as record ratings for NFL, Formula 1, the WNBA, and women’s college basketball broadcasts. ESPN has had a tremendous first six months of 2024, shared Pitaro. I could...
- 7/3/2024
- by Steve Delickson
- TVovermind.com
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Aaron Laberge, who helped oversee Disney’s expansion into streaming during two stints totaling 20 years, is exiting the company.
On July 1, the exec will become Chief Technology Officer at Penn Entertainment, holding the same title he did at the end of his Disney run.
Penn is largely known for its gaming operation. In 2023, the company teamed with ESPN and rebranded its sports book as ESPN Bet.
The news was conveyed to Disney employees by Laberge as well as a separate message from Disney Entertainment Co-Chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman as well as ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. (Read the full memos below.)
As Disney’s Cto, Laberge oversaw a number of product rollouts, including the integration of Hulu into Disney+ and the planned launch of an ESPN streaming app.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Penn CEO Jay Snowden said. “Having...
On July 1, the exec will become Chief Technology Officer at Penn Entertainment, holding the same title he did at the end of his Disney run.
Penn is largely known for its gaming operation. In 2023, the company teamed with ESPN and rebranded its sports book as ESPN Bet.
The news was conveyed to Disney employees by Laberge as well as a separate message from Disney Entertainment Co-Chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman as well as ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. (Read the full memos below.)
As Disney’s Cto, Laberge oversaw a number of product rollouts, including the integration of Hulu into Disney+ and the planned launch of an ESPN streaming app.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” Penn CEO Jay Snowden said. “Having...
- 4/22/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
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Disney has lot one of its top streaming executives.
Aaron Laberge, the chief technology officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will leave at the end of June to become the Cto of Penn Entertainment, the gambling company that is partnered with Disney on the ESPN Bet sports betting platform.
According to a memo to staff Monday from Disney Entertainment chiefs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, the move was a “personal decision,” and they are beginning to look for a new Cto, witjh Chris Lawson taking over in the interim.
At Penn, Laberge will be tasked with leading technology and execution for the company’s digital efforts, including the nascent ESPN Bet platform. Penn announced ESPN Bet last year, in a $2 billion deal with ESPN.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” said Penn CEO Jay Snowden.
Aaron Laberge, the chief technology officer for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will leave at the end of June to become the Cto of Penn Entertainment, the gambling company that is partnered with Disney on the ESPN Bet sports betting platform.
According to a memo to staff Monday from Disney Entertainment chiefs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, the move was a “personal decision,” and they are beginning to look for a new Cto, witjh Chris Lawson taking over in the interim.
At Penn, Laberge will be tasked with leading technology and execution for the company’s digital efforts, including the nascent ESPN Bet platform. Penn announced ESPN Bet last year, in a $2 billion deal with ESPN.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Aaron’s caliber join our Penn executive team,” said Penn CEO Jay Snowden.
- 4/22/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Aaron Laberge, president and Cto of Disney Entertainment and ESPN, will leave the company this summer after a cumulative total of more than 20 years, after which he will join casino and sports-betting operator Penn Entertainment as chief technology officer.
In a note to Disney staff Monday, Laberge said he made a personal decision to leave the company to devote more time to his family as they go through a challenging period. (Read the memo below.)
At Disney, Laberge has been responsible for leading all technology and product development in support of Disney’s two media divisions — Disney Entertainment and ESPN — including the teams that build and run Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. In the role, he has helped set the vision and strategic leadership for how the company uses technology to drive its business. Laberge reports to Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
In a note to Disney staff Monday, Laberge said he made a personal decision to leave the company to devote more time to his family as they go through a challenging period. (Read the memo below.)
At Disney, Laberge has been responsible for leading all technology and product development in support of Disney’s two media divisions — Disney Entertainment and ESPN — including the teams that build and run Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. In the role, he has helped set the vision and strategic leadership for how the company uses technology to drive its business. Laberge reports to Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, as well as ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
- 4/22/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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Updated with ratings data: The University of South Carolina overwhelmed the Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday in a rollicking NCAA Women’s College Basketball Championship game that capped an unprecedented run for women’s sports. The game that ended 87-75 saw University of Iowa megastar Caitlin Clark wrap her collegiate career and the birth of not one but two WNBA stars, as Clark and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso head off to next week’s WNBA draft.
The game delivered 18.7 million viewers for ESPN and ABC, according to preliminary Nielsen ratings. That means the game qualifies as the second most-watched women’s sporting event ever on U.S. television behind only the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final in July 2015, which grabbed 25.4 million viewers.
“With a record-setting audience of 18.7 million viewers, Sunday’s Iowa-South Carolina title game was a fitting finale to the most-viewed ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
The game delivered 18.7 million viewers for ESPN and ABC, according to preliminary Nielsen ratings. That means the game qualifies as the second most-watched women’s sporting event ever on U.S. television behind only the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final in July 2015, which grabbed 25.4 million viewers.
“With a record-setting audience of 18.7 million viewers, Sunday’s Iowa-South Carolina title game was a fitting finale to the most-viewed ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
- 4/7/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
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A day after Disney declared victory over activist investor Nelson Peltz, CEO Bob Iger said the board is proceeding with “urgency” in trying to identify the next chief executive with the “distraction” of the proxy fight over.
“This was decisive in terms of how shareholders voted,” Iger said in an appearance Thursday morning on CNBC from Disney’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, about the results of the April 3 meeting.
Succession “is the board’s No. 1 priority,” Iger said, saying the board’s search committee to find a CEO successor met seven times in 2023 and plans to meet even more frequently this year. “They’re treating it with a sense of urgency because it is so important,” Iger said. The board is “taking it very, very seriously” because “I’m not going to be here forever.” Iger declined to provide a timeline for the selection of a new CEO; his contract extension...
“This was decisive in terms of how shareholders voted,” Iger said in an appearance Thursday morning on CNBC from Disney’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, about the results of the April 3 meeting.
Succession “is the board’s No. 1 priority,” Iger said, saying the board’s search committee to find a CEO successor met seven times in 2023 and plans to meet even more frequently this year. “They’re treating it with a sense of urgency because it is so important,” Iger said. The board is “taking it very, very seriously” because “I’m not going to be here forever.” Iger declined to provide a timeline for the selection of a new CEO; his contract extension...
- 4/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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Speaking with Axios, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said that he believes the two leagues will continue negotiating as a single unit.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro doesn’t want the WNBA to be the one that got away. He also doesn’t expect the league’s games to be going anywhere; the WNBA played 25 games across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 last season, and though it’s in line for a big raise from the $60 million per season that it currently collects from its broadcast partners, Pitaro confirmed to Axios recently that he does not believe the league will change its negotiating style or partners before signing its next contract.
The WNBA has been negotiating its deal jointly with the NBA, but recent reports have suggested it may try to break away and make a deal of its own. The WNBA’s current deal with broadcasters expires concurrently with the NBA’s after the 2024-25 season.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro doesn’t want the WNBA to be the one that got away. He also doesn’t expect the league’s games to be going anywhere; the WNBA played 25 games across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 last season, and though it’s in line for a big raise from the $60 million per season that it currently collects from its broadcast partners, Pitaro confirmed to Axios recently that he does not believe the league will change its negotiating style or partners before signing its next contract.
The WNBA has been negotiating its deal jointly with the NBA, but recent reports have suggested it may try to break away and make a deal of its own. The WNBA’s current deal with broadcasters expires concurrently with the NBA’s after the 2024-25 season.
- 3/27/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
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The deal will see ESPN retain Cfp rights all the way through the 2031-32 season.
A twisting, turning saga that saw ESPN’s own reporting refuted by College Football Playoff officials at one point is now ending. ESPN and the Cfp have officially agreed to an extension of their broadcast rights agreement through the 2031-32 season, allowing the worldwide leader in sports to retain exclusive control over Cfp broadcasts even as the playoffs are set for a huge expansion.
The Cfp will expand to 12 teams in 2024, and potentially again to 14 teams in 2026. ESPN’s deal with the Cfp allows it to sublicense games to other broadcasters. Starting in 2026, ABC will air the Cfp National Championship game alongside the traditional Megacast of the game. Sign Up Now $10.99+ / month espnplus.com
ESPN first reported it had agreed to a new deal with the Cfp way back in January, but the report was...
A twisting, turning saga that saw ESPN’s own reporting refuted by College Football Playoff officials at one point is now ending. ESPN and the Cfp have officially agreed to an extension of their broadcast rights agreement through the 2031-32 season, allowing the worldwide leader in sports to retain exclusive control over Cfp broadcasts even as the playoffs are set for a huge expansion.
The Cfp will expand to 12 teams in 2024, and potentially again to 14 teams in 2026. ESPN’s deal with the Cfp allows it to sublicense games to other broadcasters. Starting in 2026, ABC will air the Cfp National Championship game alongside the traditional Megacast of the game. Sign Up Now $10.99+ / month espnplus.com
ESPN first reported it had agreed to a new deal with the Cfp way back in January, but the report was...
- 3/20/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
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As the College Football Playoff gets set to expand to 12 teams this fall, the postseason tournament has reached a $7.8 billion extension with ESPN through the 2031-32 season.
Disney’s sports division and the Cfp set a pair of media deals ensuring that ESPN remains the exclusive global rights holder through the 2031-32 season. The extension had been expected, though other suitors expressed interest during the interval when the Cfp was exploring alternatives to ESPN, which was its media partner when the playoff debuted at the end of the 2014-15 season.
ESPN will expand its current package for the final two years (through the 2025-26 season), adding all four of the new first-round games each year to ESPN’s existing New Year’s Six package, which will now be the Cfp’s quarterfinals and semifinals. Those initial rounds will be followed by the Cfp National Championship game, which will start being...
Disney’s sports division and the Cfp set a pair of media deals ensuring that ESPN remains the exclusive global rights holder through the 2031-32 season. The extension had been expected, though other suitors expressed interest during the interval when the Cfp was exploring alternatives to ESPN, which was its media partner when the playoff debuted at the end of the 2014-15 season.
ESPN will expand its current package for the final two years (through the 2025-26 season), adding all four of the new first-round games each year to ESPN’s existing New Year’s Six package, which will now be the Cfp’s quarterfinals and semifinals. Those initial rounds will be followed by the Cfp National Championship game, which will start being...
- 3/19/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
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ESPN has locked up rights to the College Football Playoff through the 2031-32 season, it was announced Tuesday.
ESPN, which has been the exclusive home of the Cfp since its inception in 2015, will expand its current package for the final two years (through the 2025-26 season), adding all four of the new first-round games each year to ESPN’s existing New Year’s Six (now quarterfinals and semifinals) and the Cfp National Championship rights in the new 12-team playoff that will launch this fall.
In addition, the Disney-owned sports giant clinched a new, six-year agreement — worth $7.8 billion, or $1.3 billion per year, according to ESPN — for the entire Cfp, which includes exclusive rights to all rounds of the expanded playoff, as well as continued exclusive rights to all ancillary programming connected to the playoff series, such as the Cfp Selection Show and weekly top 25 rankings shows.
Under the expanded rights deal,...
ESPN, which has been the exclusive home of the Cfp since its inception in 2015, will expand its current package for the final two years (through the 2025-26 season), adding all four of the new first-round games each year to ESPN’s existing New Year’s Six (now quarterfinals and semifinals) and the Cfp National Championship rights in the new 12-team playoff that will launch this fall.
In addition, the Disney-owned sports giant clinched a new, six-year agreement — worth $7.8 billion, or $1.3 billion per year, according to ESPN — for the entire Cfp, which includes exclusive rights to all rounds of the expanded playoff, as well as continued exclusive rights to all ancillary programming connected to the playoff series, such as the Cfp Selection Show and weekly top 25 rankings shows.
Under the expanded rights deal,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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In the biggest sports rights deal of 2024 so far, ESPN has snagged a six-year extension for the College Football Playoff, a critical deal (valued at a reported $7.8 billion) that will keep ESPN as the home of the playoffs through 2031-2032.
The Cfp will expand this year from four teams to 12 teams, with another expansion to 16 teams possible in 2026. Also beginning in 2026, the national championship game will be broadcast on ABC, in addition to ESPN’s traditional “MegaCast.”
Notably, the deal also “includes expansive rights to simulcast or MegaCast Cfp games across all Walt Disney Company platforms, including Twdc Direct-to-Consumer offerings,” per ESPN. That would presumably include ESPN’s Dtc offering, as well as possibly Hulu and Disney+, should the company choose to do so.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro announced the deal at an Axios conference Tuesday.
“From my perspective, a good deal is when both sides are happy. We feel really good about the deal.
The Cfp will expand this year from four teams to 12 teams, with another expansion to 16 teams possible in 2026. Also beginning in 2026, the national championship game will be broadcast on ABC, in addition to ESPN’s traditional “MegaCast.”
Notably, the deal also “includes expansive rights to simulcast or MegaCast Cfp games across all Walt Disney Company platforms, including Twdc Direct-to-Consumer offerings,” per ESPN. That would presumably include ESPN’s Dtc offering, as well as possibly Hulu and Disney+, should the company choose to do so.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro announced the deal at an Axios conference Tuesday.
“From my perspective, a good deal is when both sides are happy. We feel really good about the deal.
- 3/19/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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ESPN and the NCAA reached a new, eight-year sports rights agreement worth about $920 million over the term of the deal — more than four times the previous pact with the Disney-owned sports giant.
The new media-rights deal commences Sept. 1, 2024, for NCAA championship events. The pact includes domestic rights to a record 40 NCAA championships — 21 women’s and 19 men’s events — and international rights to those same NCAA championships plus the March Madness Division I men’s basketball tournament.
NCAA president Charlie Baker said the new ESPN deal has an average annual value of $115 million, an increase of more than 300% over the previous 14-year deal with ESPN, the AP reported.
The NCAA said that with “the significant increase in value of the new agreement,” its members will explore “revenue distribution units for the women’s basketball tournament.” According to the collegiate sports organization, the Division I board of directors finance committee “began discussion...
The new media-rights deal commences Sept. 1, 2024, for NCAA championship events. The pact includes domestic rights to a record 40 NCAA championships — 21 women’s and 19 men’s events — and international rights to those same NCAA championships plus the March Madness Division I men’s basketball tournament.
NCAA president Charlie Baker said the new ESPN deal has an average annual value of $115 million, an increase of more than 300% over the previous 14-year deal with ESPN, the AP reported.
The NCAA said that with “the significant increase in value of the new agreement,” its members will explore “revenue distribution units for the women’s basketball tournament.” According to the collegiate sports organization, the Division I board of directors finance committee “began discussion...
- 1/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWY3ZWJjYjAtZDljYy00ZmExLTgwZWUtNWU5Mzg2NDJiZjE3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
ESPN and the NCAA have agreed to an 8-year media rights deal, extending a run for college sports that began in 1979 when the all-sports cable network was in its infancy.
The pact, which takes effect September 1, was valued at $920 million in multiple media reports. ESPN declined to comment on the financial terms when contacted by Deadline. The new contract includes rights to 21 women’s and 19 men’s championships and exclusives for all rounds in sports like women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s gymnastics, softball, baseball and Fcs football. Division II and Division III coverage will be expanded under the new agreement.
Men’s championships covered by the deal include soccer, football, cross country, water polo, indoor track & field, swimming & diving, wrestling, ice hockey, gymnastics, fencing, volleyball, lacrosse, outdoor track & field, tennis, baseball and basketball (including Dii semifinals & Diii semifinals and championship). Women’s championships include soccer,...
The pact, which takes effect September 1, was valued at $920 million in multiple media reports. ESPN declined to comment on the financial terms when contacted by Deadline. The new contract includes rights to 21 women’s and 19 men’s championships and exclusives for all rounds in sports like women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s gymnastics, softball, baseball and Fcs football. Division II and Division III coverage will be expanded under the new agreement.
Men’s championships covered by the deal include soccer, football, cross country, water polo, indoor track & field, swimming & diving, wrestling, ice hockey, gymnastics, fencing, volleyball, lacrosse, outdoor track & field, tennis, baseball and basketball (including Dii semifinals & Diii semifinals and championship). Women’s championships include soccer,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzRjYzY0NTctOTI2Yy00YzEzLTk2OGEtYjYwNzAwNWNiYmVmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
The NCAA has decided to team with ESPN for a further eight years to broadcast championship events in football, basketball, soccer and more.
The worldwide leader in sports is keeping some of its most important content on its airwaves. ESPN and the NCAA have announced a new eight-year broadcast deal that encompasses 40 championship events in the United States in both men’s and women’s sports. With this deal taking effect this fall, it is clear that college sports will continue to be a cornerstone of ESPN programming as Disney looks to launch a standalone streaming version of the sports conglomerate next year.
ESPN’s new deal with the NCAA takes hold on Sept. 1, 2024. The deal covers the annual NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Fcs playoffs, Division II and Division III football championships, full rights to the Nit, and more. The deal is a crucial item for ESPN to check...
The worldwide leader in sports is keeping some of its most important content on its airwaves. ESPN and the NCAA have announced a new eight-year broadcast deal that encompasses 40 championship events in the United States in both men’s and women’s sports. With this deal taking effect this fall, it is clear that college sports will continue to be a cornerstone of ESPN programming as Disney looks to launch a standalone streaming version of the sports conglomerate next year.
ESPN’s new deal with the NCAA takes hold on Sept. 1, 2024. The deal covers the annual NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Fcs playoffs, Division II and Division III football championships, full rights to the Nit, and more. The deal is a crucial item for ESPN to check...
- 1/4/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWVkODFjOWItMzg4OS00YjZlLWI0NDAtOTQwMDgzY2JiZjJkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
A day after revealing on New Year’s Eve on Fox that the newly formed United Football League will kick off in June, co-owners Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia took to ESPN to unveil the cities and coaches for the inaugural season.
The Ufl, the pro spring league created via the merger of the Usfl and XFL, will comprise two four-team conferences, Johnson and Garcia said today during an appearance on ESPN College GameDay.
ESPN and Fox are co-owners of the new league.
In the new Ufl, the Usfl Conference will hold the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats and Michigan Panthers. The XFL Conference will hold the Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders, San Antonio Brahmas and St. Louis Battlehawks.
Houston had franchises in both the Usfl and XFL in 2023; those were combined to create the Roughnecks.
Out of the mix are former XFL teams in Orlando, Seattle and Las Vegas,...
The Ufl, the pro spring league created via the merger of the Usfl and XFL, will comprise two four-team conferences, Johnson and Garcia said today during an appearance on ESPN College GameDay.
ESPN and Fox are co-owners of the new league.
In the new Ufl, the Usfl Conference will hold the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats and Michigan Panthers. The XFL Conference will hold the Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders, San Antonio Brahmas and St. Louis Battlehawks.
Houston had franchises in both the Usfl and XFL in 2023; those were combined to create the Roughnecks.
Out of the mix are former XFL teams in Orlando, Seattle and Las Vegas,...
- 1/1/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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The merger of the spring football leagues is official.
The XFL, owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital’s Gerry Cardinale, will merge with the Usfl, owned by Fox, to create a new league called the United Football League, or Ufl for short.
The new league was announced by Johnson and Garcia during the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show.
“I think in the Ufl … these players are gonna play hard-nosed, intense football, passionate football,” Johnson said, adding that the hope is for the league to become a springboard to the NFL, citing his own experience playing for the University of Miami and being player “54” (a reference to the 53-man NFL rosters).
“Imagine all those 54s out there, and you tell them you’ve got one more shot in the Ufl and then to go on to the NFL potentially, how do you think they’ll play?...
The XFL, owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital’s Gerry Cardinale, will merge with the Usfl, owned by Fox, to create a new league called the United Football League, or Ufl for short.
The new league was announced by Johnson and Garcia during the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show.
“I think in the Ufl … these players are gonna play hard-nosed, intense football, passionate football,” Johnson said, adding that the hope is for the league to become a springboard to the NFL, citing his own experience playing for the University of Miami and being player “54” (a reference to the 53-man NFL rosters).
“Imagine all those 54s out there, and you tell them you’ve got one more shot in the Ufl and then to go on to the NFL potentially, how do you think they’ll play?...
- 12/31/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYWE3ZTE3NDItZWVhZC00Y2IyLWFhODAtODgyZTg5Y2ZiNTZjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
A year into the run of Bob Iger 2: Return of the CEO, the Walt Disney Co. has not yet rediscovered its mojo.
For most of Iger’s initial 14-year stint in the corner office, Disney was the pace-setter in media and entertainment, pulling off stunning M&a deals and amassing a sizable competitive advantage. Now, the company has fallen back to the pack as a Biblical series of challenges have come to define a centennial year that many staffers would just as soon forget than commemorate.
On Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Pt, Iger and a handful of top executives will convene a town hall for cast members (read: employees). There should be no shortage of questions on the minds of those listening to management frame the current circumstances. In addition to Iger, the event will feature top execs Alan Bergman (film), Josh D’Amaro (parks), Jimmy Pitaro (ESPN) and Dana Walden...
For most of Iger’s initial 14-year stint in the corner office, Disney was the pace-setter in media and entertainment, pulling off stunning M&a deals and amassing a sizable competitive advantage. Now, the company has fallen back to the pack as a Biblical series of challenges have come to define a centennial year that many staffers would just as soon forget than commemorate.
On Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Pt, Iger and a handful of top executives will convene a town hall for cast members (read: employees). There should be no shortage of questions on the minds of those listening to management frame the current circumstances. In addition to Iger, the event will feature top execs Alan Bergman (film), Josh D’Amaro (parks), Jimmy Pitaro (ESPN) and Dana Walden...
- 11/28/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
![Robert A. Iger at an event for Brave (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQyMjA4MTA3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY4Mjc5Nw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR2,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Robert A. Iger at an event for Brave (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQyMjA4MTA3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY4Mjc5Nw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR2,0,140,207_.jpg)
Despite much speculation on Wall Street and in the media that Apple should buy Disney, one analyst believes that there’s a simpler solution that could benefit both parties: a strategic partnership or acquisition of ESPN.
In a research note to clients on Wednesday, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said that an ESPN deal would be a “no brainer.”
“We believe Apple would be much more interested in the ESPN asset than Disney overall as Cupertino is focused on a number of other key strategic initiatives with an acquisition of the Mouse not making a ton of sense in our view,” Ives wrote. “That said, acquiring ESPN ($50 billion+ price tag likely) would make a ton of strategic sense, gain valuable sports content, major TV rights across each of the major professional and college sports packages, and change the cross-sell opportunities and attractiveness of Apple TV looking ahead while putting Apple on the sports map globally speaking.
In a research note to clients on Wednesday, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said that an ESPN deal would be a “no brainer.”
“We believe Apple would be much more interested in the ESPN asset than Disney overall as Cupertino is focused on a number of other key strategic initiatives with an acquisition of the Mouse not making a ton of sense in our view,” Ives wrote. “That said, acquiring ESPN ($50 billion+ price tag likely) would make a ton of strategic sense, gain valuable sports content, major TV rights across each of the major professional and college sports packages, and change the cross-sell opportunities and attractiveness of Apple TV looking ahead while putting Apple on the sports map globally speaking.
- 8/17/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
![Kevin Mayer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTc0MTljODAtNWJmNi00NDBjLWFkYWUtNDI2ZGZmYjU1MzU4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDc2NTEzMw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR5,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Kevin Mayer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTc0MTljODAtNWJmNi00NDBjLWFkYWUtNDI2ZGZmYjU1MzU4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDc2NTEzMw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR5,0,140,207_.jpg)
Activist investor Nelson Peltz has increased his stake in the Walt Disney Company after dropping a proxy fight against the entertainment giant earlier this year.
According to a 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Peltz’s firm Trian Partners held 6.42 million Disney shares valued at $573.6 million as of the second quarter of 2023, up from 5.92 million shares in Q1.
A spokesperson for Trian did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Peltz and Trian ended the proxy battle against Disney in February after the company announced it would be restructuring its business and launching an effort to reduce costs by approximately $5.5 billion, including $3 billion on the content side and another $2.5 billion in non-content spending. That effort has included layoffs of 7,000 employees and content write-offs.
“We made important management changes and efficiency improvement to create a more cost effective, coordinated and streamline approach to our operations. We...
According to a 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Peltz’s firm Trian Partners held 6.42 million Disney shares valued at $573.6 million as of the second quarter of 2023, up from 5.92 million shares in Q1.
A spokesperson for Trian did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Peltz and Trian ended the proxy battle against Disney in February after the company announced it would be restructuring its business and launching an effort to reduce costs by approximately $5.5 billion, including $3 billion on the content side and another $2.5 billion in non-content spending. That effort has included layoffs of 7,000 employees and content write-offs.
“We made important management changes and efficiency improvement to create a more cost effective, coordinated and streamline approach to our operations. We...
- 8/15/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOWRkMzdkZjgtNWM3ZS00YjU4LTliMjUtMWFkODk4YzMyYjY0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Wrestlemania 39 was a big hit for Peacock. How big? According to Deadline, the event generated the most hours watched of any live event in the service’s history other than the Super Bowl.
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Overall, this year’s edition of Wrestlemania saw a 32% increase in users reached, and a 29% increase in hours viewed over last year’s stream of the event. NBCUniversal did not release specific numbers regarding how many fans tuned in, but the data it has made public shows that there can be no doubt that this year’s Wrestlemania was a success.
That success carried over to ancillary WWE programming, as well. Monday night’s episode of “Raw” on USA Network saw a ratings bump thanks to Wrestlemania, drawing the highest rating in the 18-49 year old demographic in three years. It drew around 2.26 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched episode of “Raw” in three years.
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Overall, this year’s edition of Wrestlemania saw a 32% increase in users reached, and a 29% increase in hours viewed over last year’s stream of the event. NBCUniversal did not release specific numbers regarding how many fans tuned in, but the data it has made public shows that there can be no doubt that this year’s Wrestlemania was a success.
That success carried over to ancillary WWE programming, as well. Monday night’s episode of “Raw” on USA Network saw a ratings bump thanks to Wrestlemania, drawing the highest rating in the 18-49 year old demographic in three years. It drew around 2.26 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched episode of “Raw” in three years.
- 4/5/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BN2FmZTUyOTEtMjZlYi00MDBmLTljOTgtNzcxN2E5MTZlZmE2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Rob King, a senior executive at Walt Disney’s ESPN who had oversight of much of the company’s sports journalism, has abruptly left the Disney-backed sports-media giant.
“After nearly 20 years with ESPN, I have decided the time is right for me to leave the company,: King said on Twitter on Tuesday “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends, and wish the company continued success.”
The New York Post reported Tuesday that King departed after complaints were made to ESPN about harassing social-media posts. An ESPN spokesperson said the company would not comment on personnel matters.
King held the title of ESPN’s executive editor in chief, special projects, and in an ESPN corporate bio, which has since been removed, was described as “responsible for the company’s overall journalistic direction, working closely with leaders across ESPN Films and original content, digital content,...
“After nearly 20 years with ESPN, I have decided the time is right for me to leave the company,: King said on Twitter on Tuesday “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends, and wish the company continued success.”
The New York Post reported Tuesday that King departed after complaints were made to ESPN about harassing social-media posts. An ESPN spokesperson said the company would not comment on personnel matters.
King held the title of ESPN’s executive editor in chief, special projects, and in an ESPN corporate bio, which has since been removed, was described as “responsible for the company’s overall journalistic direction, working closely with leaders across ESPN Films and original content, digital content,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
![Burke Magnus](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmI3ZGM4NDMtMmMwMC00YTYxLWEyMWUtOGNiYWMzNGQxMWUxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEzNTE3MjE4._V1_QL75_UY207_CR18,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Burke Magnus](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmI3ZGM4NDMtMmMwMC00YTYxLWEyMWUtOGNiYWMzNGQxMWUxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEzNTE3MjE4._V1_QL75_UY207_CR18,0,140,207_.jpg)
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has tapped Burke Magnus and Rosalyn Durant to help lead the network as part of its reorganization under returning Disney CEO Bob Iger.
According to a memo to staff, Magnus, a 28-year ESPN veteran who most recently served as president of programming and original content, will now lead the newly formed content organization as president, with oversight of studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, original content/ESPN Films, the Talent Office, audio, digital, and social media. Effective immediately, Stephanie Druley, David Roberts, Norby Williamson, Brian Lockhart and Kaitee Daley will all report to Burke.
Meanwhile, Rosalyn Durant will return to ESPN as executive vice president of programming and acquisitions. Durant has served as senior vice president of Disney Springs, Water Parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports since early 2020 and previously served as ESPN’s senior vice president of college networks, overseeing Espnu, SEC Network...
According to a memo to staff, Magnus, a 28-year ESPN veteran who most recently served as president of programming and original content, will now lead the newly formed content organization as president, with oversight of studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, original content/ESPN Films, the Talent Office, audio, digital, and social media. Effective immediately, Stephanie Druley, David Roberts, Norby Williamson, Brian Lockhart and Kaitee Daley will all report to Burke.
Meanwhile, Rosalyn Durant will return to ESPN as executive vice president of programming and acquisitions. Durant has served as senior vice president of Disney Springs, Water Parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports since early 2020 and previously served as ESPN’s senior vice president of college networks, overseeing Espnu, SEC Network...
- 3/1/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
![The Masked Singer (2019)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmUxYmZmZjktMzU1YS00OGVlLWJkMjYtMjZiZmRlZTlmZjU2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE3MTMwODEy._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
![The Masked Singer (2019)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmUxYmZmZjktMzU1YS00OGVlLWJkMjYtMjZiZmRlZTlmZjU2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE3MTMwODEy._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
Former Maverick USA President John Hesling has been tapped to lead Fox Alternative Entertainment, the broadcaster’s in-house unscripted studio arm.
Hesling will oversee the development and production of all unscripted series owned by Fox Entertainment, TheWrap has confirmed. Those series include “The Masked Singer,” “Next Level Chef,” “Crime Scene Kitchen” and “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” among others, alongside productions for third-party buyers in the U.S. and abroad, including “Love Trip: Paris” for Freeform and “The Big Deal” for Ireland’s Virgin Media Television in partnership with Dublin-based BiggerStage.
The veteran executive will report to Fox Entertainment President of Unscripted Programming Allison Wallach, who was elevated to the position in December 2022 after Rob Wade was promoted to CEO.
Also Read:
Kristen Bell Comedy Series Greenlit at Netflix
“I am so excited for John to join Fae and lead the incredible team we have assembled,” Wallach said. “His...
Hesling will oversee the development and production of all unscripted series owned by Fox Entertainment, TheWrap has confirmed. Those series include “The Masked Singer,” “Next Level Chef,” “Crime Scene Kitchen” and “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer,” among others, alongside productions for third-party buyers in the U.S. and abroad, including “Love Trip: Paris” for Freeform and “The Big Deal” for Ireland’s Virgin Media Television in partnership with Dublin-based BiggerStage.
The veteran executive will report to Fox Entertainment President of Unscripted Programming Allison Wallach, who was elevated to the position in December 2022 after Rob Wade was promoted to CEO.
Also Read:
Kristen Bell Comedy Series Greenlit at Netflix
“I am so excited for John to join Fae and lead the incredible team we have assembled,” Wallach said. “His...
- 3/1/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzI0YjMzZTQtMGM1Yy00NTZjLWI3ZDEtOTQ1NzQ0YzQ2MzQ1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
ESPN, which is now one of three corporate divisions of Disney, has reorganized its executive ranks accordingly, elevating content chief Burke Magnus and welcoming back Rosalyn Durant to a key role after a stint in the parks unit.
Jimmy Pitaro, who was elevated to chairman last month amid a larger revamp under Disney CEO Bob Iger, announced the new org structure in a staff memo. (Read it in full below.) The update gives Pitaro a more streamlined structure as the company continues to dismantle the Media and Entertainment Distribution infrastructure put in place by former CEO Bob Chapek. While speculation has swirled about the potential for a spinoff or divestiture of ESPN, Iger last month affirmed it is not for sale and will remain a “differentiator” as part of the Disney portfolio.
Magnus, a 28-year company vet who had been President, Programming & Original Content, will now hold the title of President,...
Jimmy Pitaro, who was elevated to chairman last month amid a larger revamp under Disney CEO Bob Iger, announced the new org structure in a staff memo. (Read it in full below.) The update gives Pitaro a more streamlined structure as the company continues to dismantle the Media and Entertainment Distribution infrastructure put in place by former CEO Bob Chapek. While speculation has swirled about the potential for a spinoff or divestiture of ESPN, Iger last month affirmed it is not for sale and will remain a “differentiator” as part of the Disney portfolio.
Magnus, a 28-year company vet who had been President, Programming & Original Content, will now hold the title of President,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTM3ZDgzN2EtNDQwMS00M2M5LWFmYjUtYTBkMjFlODlhMzk1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTM3ZDgzN2EtNDQwMS00M2M5LWFmYjUtYTBkMjFlODlhMzk1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
With ESPN now its own division within The Walt Disney Co., ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro is restructuring his senior leadership team.
Among the changes: Burke Magnus, a 28-year veteran of ESPN who was most recently president of programming and original content will now be president of content, overseeing ESPN’s studio shows, newsgathering and journalism, live events, talent, audio, social media, digital, and films.
“He is a strong relationship builder, both internally across Disney, and externally with our league partners, and will bring valuable institutional and industry knowledge to his new role as he builds upon our history of developing unparalleled storytelling across platforms.,” Pitaro wrote in a memo to staff Wednesday.
Pitaro also announced that Rosalyn Durant will join ESPN as executive vp of programming and acquisitions, overseeing rights negotiations, ESPN+, and ESPN International, among other ventures. Durant is an ESPN veteran, but was most recently at Disney’s parks and experiences division,...
Among the changes: Burke Magnus, a 28-year veteran of ESPN who was most recently president of programming and original content will now be president of content, overseeing ESPN’s studio shows, newsgathering and journalism, live events, talent, audio, social media, digital, and films.
“He is a strong relationship builder, both internally across Disney, and externally with our league partners, and will bring valuable institutional and industry knowledge to his new role as he builds upon our history of developing unparalleled storytelling across platforms.,” Pitaro wrote in a memo to staff Wednesday.
Pitaro also announced that Rosalyn Durant will join ESPN as executive vp of programming and acquisitions, overseeing rights negotiations, ESPN+, and ESPN International, among other ventures. Durant is an ESPN veteran, but was most recently at Disney’s parks and experiences division,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTQ0N2VhZDgtNTFhNi00ZTBmLWIwZGQtOTM0MTNlNjI2MDJkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
ESPN is getting in on the biggest game at corporate parent Disney: shuffling top executive ranks in the wake of the return of CEO Bob Iger.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro handed oversight of content and newsgathering to Burke Magnus, a veteran executive who has helped the sports-media giant strike sports-rights deals with most of the major sports leagues as well as set in motion new content initiatives. Magnus has been named president of content, according to a new memo from Pitaro reviewed by Variety, and will supervise studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, original content/ESPN Films, talent, audio, digital, and social media.
Meanwhile, Rosalyn Durant, a Disney veteran who has been overseeing Disney facilities in its parks division, will return to ESPN as executive vice president of programming and acquisitions, the ESPN position that negotiates for the rights that keep a significant chunk of live sports on Disney’s media portfolio.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro handed oversight of content and newsgathering to Burke Magnus, a veteran executive who has helped the sports-media giant strike sports-rights deals with most of the major sports leagues as well as set in motion new content initiatives. Magnus has been named president of content, according to a new memo from Pitaro reviewed by Variety, and will supervise studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, original content/ESPN Films, talent, audio, digital, and social media.
Meanwhile, Rosalyn Durant, a Disney veteran who has been overseeing Disney facilities in its parks division, will return to ESPN as executive vice president of programming and acquisitions, the ESPN position that negotiates for the rights that keep a significant chunk of live sports on Disney’s media portfolio.
- 3/1/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
![Dana Walden](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzU5MjAxOTktMDFmMS00Yzc1LTgyZDktYmI1MTI3Y2YzNGY3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA3MzQ4MTc0._V1_QL75_UY207_CR8,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Dana Walden](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzU5MjAxOTktMDFmMS00Yzc1LTgyZDktYmI1MTI3Y2YzNGY3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA3MzQ4MTc0._V1_QL75_UY207_CR8,0,140,207_.jpg)
Disney Entertainment co-chairperson Dana Walden has solidified her senior leadership team, extending the purview of John Landgraf and Simran Sethi.
Under the reorganization, the FX boss will add National Geographic and Onyx Collective to his oversight. Tara Duncan, formerly president of Freeform and Onyx Collective, will focus exclusively on Onyx, which remains a “huge priority” for the company as its roster of creators and series continue to grow. Meanwhile, National Geographic president Courtney Monroe will continue to focus on Nat Geo, including its digital footprint and iconic magazine, along with its original content strategy.
As part of the changes, Sethi will now oversee Freeform programming and development, which will be combined with ABC Entertainment. Sethi will report to ABC Entertainment and Hulu originals president Craig Erwich.
Also Read:
Ron DeSantis Signs Law Stripping Walt Disney World of Special Privileges: ‘A Corporate Kingdom Comes to an End’ (Video)
Ayo Davis, who...
Under the reorganization, the FX boss will add National Geographic and Onyx Collective to his oversight. Tara Duncan, formerly president of Freeform and Onyx Collective, will focus exclusively on Onyx, which remains a “huge priority” for the company as its roster of creators and series continue to grow. Meanwhile, National Geographic president Courtney Monroe will continue to focus on Nat Geo, including its digital footprint and iconic magazine, along with its original content strategy.
As part of the changes, Sethi will now oversee Freeform programming and development, which will be combined with ABC Entertainment. Sethi will report to ABC Entertainment and Hulu originals president Craig Erwich.
Also Read:
Ron DeSantis Signs Law Stripping Walt Disney World of Special Privileges: ‘A Corporate Kingdom Comes to an End’ (Video)
Ayo Davis, who...
- 2/28/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BM2U1YzhlOTQtNDA5ZS00MTUxLWIwYTMtOWNmZmI0NmI5YjBjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
With Bob Iger back in the CEO seat at Disney, will he look to grab full ownership of Hulu from Comcast — or will the company sell its stake as it looks to refocus its streaming portfolio?
Iger, not yet 90 days in his reprise as Disney’s CEO, was noncommittal on the question of Hulu’s future when asked in an interview Thursday on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street.” Disney currently owns 67 of Hulu, and Comcast owns the remaining 33.
“Everything is on the table right now, so I am not going to speculate whether we are a buyer or a seller of [Hulu],” he said. “But I obviously have suggested that I’m concerned about undifferentiated general entertainment, particularly in the competitive landscape that we are operating in, and we are going to look at it very objectively and expansively.”
Comcast and Disney inked their deal in May 2019, which gave Disney control of Hulu.
Iger, not yet 90 days in his reprise as Disney’s CEO, was noncommittal on the question of Hulu’s future when asked in an interview Thursday on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street.” Disney currently owns 67 of Hulu, and Comcast owns the remaining 33.
“Everything is on the table right now, so I am not going to speculate whether we are a buyer or a seller of [Hulu],” he said. “But I obviously have suggested that I’m concerned about undifferentiated general entertainment, particularly in the competitive landscape that we are operating in, and we are going to look at it very objectively and expansively.”
Comcast and Disney inked their deal in May 2019, which gave Disney control of Hulu.
- 2/9/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOGNhZTRmOTUtNDQwZS00YTlhLWEyODItZGNjMjAxOWM5ZjkwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
On September 7 — otherwise known as the Day Before Disney+ Day — Disney execs made a hard sell at the Bank of America Securities Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference for the studio’s advertising (coming soon to Disney+!), film slate, and parks. This weekend was three days of D23. Along the way, Mickey Mouse made a lot of cheese: 7.41 billion in market capitalization, to be exact.
The money will come in handy soon as Disney+ (market cap: 212.19 billion) takes on Netflix (market cap: 105.19 billion) in the next phase of the streaming wars: AVOD. It’s especially important Disney capitalize on the build-up, because it looks like its planned December launch for ad-supported Disney+ will come a month after Netflix ads make their debut. Disney+ may lose that sprint, but it may have an edge in the marathon for revenue — and the momentum.
Disney was “in a good position to begin with,” Whip Media...
The money will come in handy soon as Disney+ (market cap: 212.19 billion) takes on Netflix (market cap: 105.19 billion) in the next phase of the streaming wars: AVOD. It’s especially important Disney capitalize on the build-up, because it looks like its planned December launch for ad-supported Disney+ will come a month after Netflix ads make their debut. Disney+ may lose that sprint, but it may have an edge in the marathon for revenue — and the momentum.
Disney was “in a good position to begin with,” Whip Media...
- 9/13/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzA4Y2EwMGEtN2YxMi00ZjY0LTk4ZTQtNDFkYzgyYTVlYzM4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzA4Y2EwMGEtN2YxMi00ZjY0LTk4ZTQtNDFkYzgyYTVlYzM4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
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When activist investor Dan Loeb announced a new stake in The Walt Disney Co. last month, his list of suggested changes included a mammoth one: a sale or spinoff of ESPN.
Loeb, through his firm Third Point, told Disney CEO Bob Chapek in a letter that spinning off ESPN would give the sports media giant “greater flexibility to pursue business initiatives that may be more difficult as part of Disney, such as sports betting.”
Now, however, as Disney comes off of a successful D23 Expo in Anaheim, Loeb is backing off of that particular suggestion.
“We have a better understanding of ESPN’s potential as a stand-alone business and another vertical for Disney to reach a global audience to generate ad and subscriber revenues,” Loeb said in a pair of tweets Sunday. “We look forward to seeing [ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro] execute on the growth and innovation plans,...
When activist investor Dan Loeb announced a new stake in The Walt Disney Co. last month, his list of suggested changes included a mammoth one: a sale or spinoff of ESPN.
Loeb, through his firm Third Point, told Disney CEO Bob Chapek in a letter that spinning off ESPN would give the sports media giant “greater flexibility to pursue business initiatives that may be more difficult as part of Disney, such as sports betting.”
Now, however, as Disney comes off of a successful D23 Expo in Anaheim, Loeb is backing off of that particular suggestion.
“We have a better understanding of ESPN’s potential as a stand-alone business and another vertical for Disney to reach a global audience to generate ad and subscriber revenues,” Loeb said in a pair of tweets Sunday. “We look forward to seeing [ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro] execute on the growth and innovation plans,...
- 9/11/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTU2NjUzZTMtZjliNS00NTQ3LWJiOWMtOWZhN2UxZWRkMjA2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: ESPN has added more lacrosse to its linear and streaming offerings via a new rights deal with the Premier Lacrosse League, whose initial years on the air were with NBCUniversal.
The four-year deal will put all 47 of the Pll’s games, including playoffs, across ESPN, ESPN+, ABC and ESPN2 from June through September. Since the Pll’s inaugural season in 2019, it had been carried by NBCUniversal, initially on NBC Sports Network but increasingly on Peacock.
While the official announcement of the agreement did not specify a value, multiple people familiar with its terms said it fell in the range of eight figures. While that’s far from the multi-billion-dollar outlays for the NFL at the top end of the market, for both ESPN and the burgeoning league, it is a deal with considerable upside.
“We would like to really put our shoulder behind connecting the sport at all levels,...
The four-year deal will put all 47 of the Pll’s games, including playoffs, across ESPN, ESPN+, ABC and ESPN2 from June through September. Since the Pll’s inaugural season in 2019, it had been carried by NBCUniversal, initially on NBC Sports Network but increasingly on Peacock.
While the official announcement of the agreement did not specify a value, multiple people familiar with its terms said it fell in the range of eight figures. While that’s far from the multi-billion-dollar outlays for the NFL at the top end of the market, for both ESPN and the burgeoning league, it is a deal with considerable upside.
“We would like to really put our shoulder behind connecting the sport at all levels,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTQxZTc1N2MtYzA3Zi00YjYwLWJhMjEtOGUwY2NlMGYwNzc1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,55,500,281_.jpg)
Disney’s Media & Entertainment Distribution Technology group has promoted and hired a handful of executives and realigned it business to better support the entertainment giant’s continued growth, the company said Monday.
The sweeping division known as Dmed, is responsible for next-gen direct-to-consumer and linear distribution, advertising technology, engineering, operations and Disney’s digital product portfolio. A new structure creates eight core groups: Advertising Platforms; Business Operations; Consumer Experiences & Platforms; Content Operations; Content Platforms; Design; Engineering Services; and Media Engineering.
Those tapped for new or expanded roles include Mike Andrews, Tagu Kato, Chris Lawson and Michael Pollard. Jeremy Helfand continues to lead Ad Platforms in collaboration with Disney Advertising Sales.
Andrews was named SVP of the new Content Platforms group after several decades leading some of Disney and ESPN’s most challenging engineering projects. Kato, who worked at Nike before joining Disney in 2017, will run the new, centralized Design team as VP.
The sweeping division known as Dmed, is responsible for next-gen direct-to-consumer and linear distribution, advertising technology, engineering, operations and Disney’s digital product portfolio. A new structure creates eight core groups: Advertising Platforms; Business Operations; Consumer Experiences & Platforms; Content Operations; Content Platforms; Design; Engineering Services; and Media Engineering.
Those tapped for new or expanded roles include Mike Andrews, Tagu Kato, Chris Lawson and Michael Pollard. Jeremy Helfand continues to lead Ad Platforms in collaboration with Disney Advertising Sales.
Andrews was named SVP of the new Content Platforms group after several decades leading some of Disney and ESPN’s most challenging engineering projects. Kato, who worked at Nike before joining Disney in 2017, will run the new, centralized Design team as VP.
- 5/24/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
![Raina Kelley](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOGQ3MjA3NTQtY2I2ZS00MTI5LTk4NjgtOWJiMTBlN2EwZTRjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEzNTE3MjE4._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Raina Kelley](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOGQ3MjA3NTQtY2I2ZS00MTI5LTk4NjgtOWJiMTBlN2EwZTRjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEzNTE3MjE4._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Merida left to join LA Times on Monday
Raina Kelley has been promoted to vice president and editor-in-chief of ESPN-owned sports and culture website The Undefeated, ESPN announced Monday.
Kelley, who served as managing director of The Undefeated beginning in November 2015, succeeds Kevin Merida and will report to Epsn senior vice president of content business development and innovation, Mark Walker.
“Raina is a committed, collaborative and creative presence who has been part of the visionary leadership for this platform from the star. We know The Undefeated will continue to thrive with Raina in this role,” ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.
Kelley also leads ESPN’s Black History Always content initiative, highlighting “the contributions of African Americans through long- and short-form storytelling.”
Kelley’s appointment comes the same day Merida was announced as the new executive editor of the Los Angeles Times.
“Kevin has been an outstanding leader,...
Raina Kelley has been promoted to vice president and editor-in-chief of ESPN-owned sports and culture website The Undefeated, ESPN announced Monday.
Kelley, who served as managing director of The Undefeated beginning in November 2015, succeeds Kevin Merida and will report to Epsn senior vice president of content business development and innovation, Mark Walker.
“Raina is a committed, collaborative and creative presence who has been part of the visionary leadership for this platform from the star. We know The Undefeated will continue to thrive with Raina in this role,” ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.
Kelley also leads ESPN’s Black History Always content initiative, highlighting “the contributions of African Americans through long- and short-form storytelling.”
Kelley’s appointment comes the same day Merida was announced as the new executive editor of the Los Angeles Times.
“Kevin has been an outstanding leader,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
![Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr, and Scottie Pippen in The Last Dance (2020)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BY2U1ZTU4OWItNGU2MC00MTg1LTk4NzUtYTk3ODhjYjI0MzlmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,1,140,207_.jpg)
![Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr, and Scottie Pippen in The Last Dance (2020)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BY2U1ZTU4OWItNGU2MC00MTg1LTk4NzUtYTk3ODhjYjI0MzlmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,1,140,207_.jpg)
ESPN will give two spins to “Last Dance.”
After moving up the premiere date for the much-anticipated documentary series about Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls to this Sunday, ESPN plans to air two versions of the ten-part project: one, with all the athletes’ rough language intact, will air on the company’s flagship cable network; the other, with profanity edited out, will air simultaneously on ESPN2.
“We take a lot of pride in sports as a communal viewing experience. All members of the family get to watch this,” says Connor Schell, executive vice president of content at ESPN, in an interview. “We felt this was the right thing to do.” Hearing the unedited interviews, he adds, “makes it feel more honest and more authentic and raw.”
On ESPN, viewers will hear every ‘F,’ ‘Mf’ and ‘S.’ On ESPN2, those letters (when attached to words that are deemed scurrilous...
After moving up the premiere date for the much-anticipated documentary series about Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls to this Sunday, ESPN plans to air two versions of the ten-part project: one, with all the athletes’ rough language intact, will air on the company’s flagship cable network; the other, with profanity edited out, will air simultaneously on ESPN2.
“We take a lot of pride in sports as a communal viewing experience. All members of the family get to watch this,” says Connor Schell, executive vice president of content at ESPN, in an interview. “We felt this was the right thing to do.” Hearing the unedited interviews, he adds, “makes it feel more honest and more authentic and raw.”
On ESPN, viewers will hear every ‘F,’ ‘Mf’ and ‘S.’ On ESPN2, those letters (when attached to words that are deemed scurrilous...
- 4/15/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
![Rob Gronkowski at an event for Ted (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTc2NDA2NTYyOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzU5OTg5Nw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR8,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Rob Gronkowski at an event for Ted (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTc2NDA2NTYyOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzU5OTg5Nw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR8,0,140,207_.jpg)
Of all the sports ESPN has shown over the years, professional wrestling matches from WWE haven’t really been on the list. That will change this weekend.
For three Sundays, the Disney-owned sports-media giant will air classic WrestleMania events on its flagship cable network and stream them on its mobile app. The initiative commences this Sunday at 7 p.m. eastern, when ESPN airs WrestleMania 30 from April, 2014. The colorful headlocks, figure-four leglocks and sleeper holds mark the latest example of ESPN working to fill its schedule with unorthodox content in the wake of the nation’s coronavirus crisis, which has put a stranglehold on all kinds of communal gatherings, including sports events.
“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, in a prepared statement.
For three Sundays, the Disney-owned sports-media giant will air classic WrestleMania events on its flagship cable network and stream them on its mobile app. The initiative commences this Sunday at 7 p.m. eastern, when ESPN airs WrestleMania 30 from April, 2014. The colorful headlocks, figure-four leglocks and sleeper holds mark the latest example of ESPN working to fill its schedule with unorthodox content in the wake of the nation’s coronavirus crisis, which has put a stranglehold on all kinds of communal gatherings, including sports events.
“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, in a prepared statement.
- 3/20/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
![John Skipper](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDVlMTUxYjYtZDIwYS00NjAyLTlhY2QtNTBhMzcyNTNkYjhkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjUxMjc1OTM@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
![John Skipper](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDVlMTUxYjYtZDIwYS00NjAyLTlhY2QtNTBhMzcyNTNkYjhkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjUxMjc1OTM@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
ESPN plans to explore a new business plan for The Undefeated, its site devoted to exploring sports, culture and race that will expand the outlet to other parts of the sports-media outlet’s parent company. Walt Disney.
The Undefeated, which was launched in 2016 under the auspices of John Skipper, previous president of ESPN, was envisioned as a digital hub for stories that examined some of the hottest topics in sports. The site was expected to combine long-form and short-form storytelling, original reporting and provocative commentary aimed at African-American consumers as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.
Now the company intends to try to expand its coverage to fashion, music, arts and technology, said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s president, in a memo to staffers Tuesday. Citing such efforts as a season long series in 2019 looking at African-American quarterbacks and a Caldecott Medal...
The Undefeated, which was launched in 2016 under the auspices of John Skipper, previous president of ESPN, was envisioned as a digital hub for stories that examined some of the hottest topics in sports. The site was expected to combine long-form and short-form storytelling, original reporting and provocative commentary aimed at African-American consumers as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.
Now the company intends to try to expand its coverage to fashion, music, arts and technology, said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s president, in a memo to staffers Tuesday. Citing such efforts as a season long series in 2019 looking at African-American quarterbacks and a Caldecott Medal...
- 3/3/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
![Robert A. Iger at an event for Brave (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQyMjA4MTA3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY4Mjc5Nw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR2,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Robert A. Iger at an event for Brave (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQyMjA4MTA3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY4Mjc5Nw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR2,0,140,207_.jpg)
Disney CEO Bob Iger sees ESPN eventually becoming “far more of a direct-to-consumer product” as the streaming eruption continues to alter the entertainment landscape.
The executive shared that outlook and touched on topics like the launch of Disney+, sports rights negotiations and Kobe Bryant’s death, during a podcast conversation with Bill Simmons, who spent 16 years at ESPN. The discussion was posted overnight Sunday on Simmons’ Bs Podcast on The Ringer, his upstart media outfit that announced last week it is being acquired by Spotify.
Iger touched on his memoir, which was published last fall, and summed up his strategic view of running a media company in a turbulent era. “If you’re running a business in a dynamic world … and you try to maintain any kind of status quo, you will become irrelevant,” he said.
Case in point: ESPN, which has lost about one-quarter of its traditional subscribers over the past few years.
The executive shared that outlook and touched on topics like the launch of Disney+, sports rights negotiations and Kobe Bryant’s death, during a podcast conversation with Bill Simmons, who spent 16 years at ESPN. The discussion was posted overnight Sunday on Simmons’ Bs Podcast on The Ringer, his upstart media outfit that announced last week it is being acquired by Spotify.
Iger touched on his memoir, which was published last fall, and summed up his strategic view of running a media company in a turbulent era. “If you’re running a business in a dynamic world … and you try to maintain any kind of status quo, you will become irrelevant,” he said.
Case in point: ESPN, which has lost about one-quarter of its traditional subscribers over the past few years.
- 2/10/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Executives at ESPN had high hopes in the Spring of 2018 when they launched a new morning program called “Get Up!” Within weeks, they were wondering whether they ought to put the show down.
The Disney-owned sports network saw the new program as a way to give viewers something other than another hour of its near-ubiquitous “SportsCenter,” and as a bid to offer colorful analysis and opinion in an era when sports facts and stats can be called up on a smart phone at a moment’s notice. The network even took up space in a waterfront studio in New York’s South Street Seaport; mounted cameras outside to get shots of the rolling surf; and set up little studio nooks where hosts and guests could hold one-on-one conversations. And then ESPN dispatched three top prospects – popular radio host Mike Greenberg; outspoken and unflappable Michelle Beadle; and former Indiana Pacer Jalen Rose...
The Disney-owned sports network saw the new program as a way to give viewers something other than another hour of its near-ubiquitous “SportsCenter,” and as a bid to offer colorful analysis and opinion in an era when sports facts and stats can be called up on a smart phone at a moment’s notice. The network even took up space in a waterfront studio in New York’s South Street Seaport; mounted cameras outside to get shots of the rolling surf; and set up little studio nooks where hosts and guests could hold one-on-one conversations. And then ESPN dispatched three top prospects – popular radio host Mike Greenberg; outspoken and unflappable Michelle Beadle; and former Indiana Pacer Jalen Rose...
- 1/30/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Before the 2019 U.S. Open starts, ESPN wants to take viewers back to 2018’s.
In the premiere episode of the new series “Backstory,” the sports-media giant will delve into tennis ace Serena Williams’ controversial skirmish with umpire Carlos Ramos last year. Her back-and-forth would result in a point penalty and a loss of game that contributed to her ultimate defeat by challenger Naomi Osaka in the 2018 women’s final.
“We wanted to do more stories that get behind the scenes, get to that next layer that people don’t often see or rarely see,” explains John Dahl, vice president and executive producer, ESPN Special Projects and Original Content, in an interview.
The executive likens “Backstory” to a mix of the network’s long-running “30 For 30” magazine and a detective working his or her way through the “cold case” file. “Backstory” debuts on Sunday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. eastern on ABC,...
In the premiere episode of the new series “Backstory,” the sports-media giant will delve into tennis ace Serena Williams’ controversial skirmish with umpire Carlos Ramos last year. Her back-and-forth would result in a point penalty and a loss of game that contributed to her ultimate defeat by challenger Naomi Osaka in the 2018 women’s final.
“We wanted to do more stories that get behind the scenes, get to that next layer that people don’t often see or rarely see,” explains John Dahl, vice president and executive producer, ESPN Special Projects and Original Content, in an interview.
The executive likens “Backstory” to a mix of the network’s long-running “30 For 30” magazine and a detective working his or her way through the “cold case” file. “Backstory” debuts on Sunday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. eastern on ABC,...
- 8/7/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The newly merged suite of Disney networks held its first ever “Disney Upfront Experience” on Tuesday, featuring segments devoted to ESPN, FX, Freeform, ABC News and ABC. Highlights included comedic bits from ESPN’s Kenny Mayne and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, while singer John Mayer closed the show with two numbers. Here are some tidbits gleaned from the festivities:
FX reveals Chris Rock’s “Fargo” character name: There’s still plenty of secrecy behind Noah Hawley’s long-awaited fourth season of “Fargo,” but we now know the name of the character that Rock will be playing: Loy Cannon. Cannon is the head of a Kansas City crime syndicate in the 1950s. According to FX Networks CEO John Landgraf, production starts this fall on the new “Fargo,” with an early 2020 premiere.
In a pre-taped video, Rock said he had long been a fan of the “Fargo” TV show, and even his...
FX reveals Chris Rock’s “Fargo” character name: There’s still plenty of secrecy behind Noah Hawley’s long-awaited fourth season of “Fargo,” but we now know the name of the character that Rock will be playing: Loy Cannon. Cannon is the head of a Kansas City crime syndicate in the 1950s. According to FX Networks CEO John Landgraf, production starts this fall on the new “Fargo,” with an early 2020 premiere.
In a pre-taped video, Rock said he had long been a fan of the “Fargo” TV show, and even his...
- 5/14/2019
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Ufc — in a major jump to digital away from traditional pay TV — inked an expanded pact with ESPN under which all of the mixed martial arts promoter’s pay-per-view events will be available exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. for the next seven years.
Under the agreement, the ESPN+ subscription streaming service will be the only way for Mma fans in America to purchase and watch the Ufc’s 12 annual PPV tentpole events through 2025. The deal kicks off with Ufc 236 on April 13, featuring a lightweight title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Ufc will continue to sell its PPV events to commercial establishments (like bars and restaurants) but individual fans will need to be ESPN+ paying customers to buy the pay-per-views going forward.
Ufc, majority owned by Endeavor, originally struck a $1.5 billion, five-year deal last year with the Disney-owned sports programmer, which nabbed the TV rights from Fox Sports.
Under the agreement, the ESPN+ subscription streaming service will be the only way for Mma fans in America to purchase and watch the Ufc’s 12 annual PPV tentpole events through 2025. The deal kicks off with Ufc 236 on April 13, featuring a lightweight title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Ufc will continue to sell its PPV events to commercial establishments (like bars and restaurants) but individual fans will need to be ESPN+ paying customers to buy the pay-per-views going forward.
Ufc, majority owned by Endeavor, originally struck a $1.5 billion, five-year deal last year with the Disney-owned sports programmer, which nabbed the TV rights from Fox Sports.
- 3/18/2019
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
ABC will broadcast all three nights of the NFL draft for the first time next year, the network announced on Monday.
Scheduled for the three nights beginning Thursday, April 25, the NFL draft will be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network as usual, with ABC airing its own primetime coverage of the first two nights.
Distinct from ESPN’s traditional coverage, the ABC broadcasts will have an “added focus on the personalities and backstories of the draft picks and the overall spectacle of the draft, including live musical acts,” according to the company.
For the third and final day, ABC will simulcast ESPN’s coverage as it did earlier in 2018.
Also Read: Sorry, President Trump: NFL TV Ratings Have Improved Over Last Year So Far
“We are excited that the ABC stations will be the only broadcast home for every round of the 2019 NFL Draft,” said Brian Lawlor, chairman of the...
Scheduled for the three nights beginning Thursday, April 25, the NFL draft will be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network as usual, with ABC airing its own primetime coverage of the first two nights.
Distinct from ESPN’s traditional coverage, the ABC broadcasts will have an “added focus on the personalities and backstories of the draft picks and the overall spectacle of the draft, including live musical acts,” according to the company.
For the third and final day, ABC will simulcast ESPN’s coverage as it did earlier in 2018.
Also Read: Sorry, President Trump: NFL TV Ratings Have Improved Over Last Year So Far
“We are excited that the ABC stations will be the only broadcast home for every round of the 2019 NFL Draft,” said Brian Lawlor, chairman of the...
- 11/26/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
![SportsCenter (1979)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmVmYzhiOTgtMjcyZS00YmUzLWEzODktNjFlMDI0ZDgwZjhmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTIxMDUyOTI@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
The world’s top female athletes, leaders in sports media and industry influencers gathered this week not only to talk about their love of the game but also issues central to the current cultural environment.
The ninth annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit was held at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California, and hosted by “SportsCenter” co-anchor Sage Steele featured keynote speakers including Danica Patrick, Candace Parker, Michael Ian Black, and the gold medal-winning U.S. national ice hockey team.
With the #MeToo movement having launched shortly after the 2017 Summit and the Kavanaugh hearing still dominating headlines — gender equality, sexual assault, workplace harassment and female empowerment steered the discussion more than ever.
Also Read: ESPN+ Passes 1 Million Paid Subscriber Mark in Less Than 6 Months
Despite addressing serious issues impacting women, ESPN talent such as Sarah Spain, Julie Foudy, Hannah Storm, Cari Champion and Mina Kimes added some light-hearted fun...
The ninth annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit was held at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California, and hosted by “SportsCenter” co-anchor Sage Steele featured keynote speakers including Danica Patrick, Candace Parker, Michael Ian Black, and the gold medal-winning U.S. national ice hockey team.
With the #MeToo movement having launched shortly after the 2017 Summit and the Kavanaugh hearing still dominating headlines — gender equality, sexual assault, workplace harassment and female empowerment steered the discussion more than ever.
Also Read: ESPN+ Passes 1 Million Paid Subscriber Mark in Less Than 6 Months
Despite addressing serious issues impacting women, ESPN talent such as Sarah Spain, Julie Foudy, Hannah Storm, Cari Champion and Mina Kimes added some light-hearted fun...
- 10/4/2018
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
When “Monday Night Football” debuts on ESPN on this evening, fans may do a double-take after they see what executives at the network refer to as “The Boogermobile.”
That’s an elevated chair set up on the line of scrimmage and pulled back and forth along the sidelines by a cart. Booger McFarland, the former NFL defensive tackle, will sit atop the contraption, interacting with an all-new team of announcers and analysts. It’s supposed to give him a unique view of the sidelines that he can then share with viewers of the Disney-owned cable network. “Yes, there’s a seatbelt,” says McFarland, during a recent talk with reporters. “I’m asking for another one.”
A lot of people will want to buckle up this year when it comes to broadcasting NFL games.
It’s no secret that even NFL broadcasts – far and away the most-watched thing on television...
That’s an elevated chair set up on the line of scrimmage and pulled back and forth along the sidelines by a cart. Booger McFarland, the former NFL defensive tackle, will sit atop the contraption, interacting with an all-new team of announcers and analysts. It’s supposed to give him a unique view of the sidelines that he can then share with viewers of the Disney-owned cable network. “Yes, there’s a seatbelt,” says McFarland, during a recent talk with reporters. “I’m asking for another one.”
A lot of people will want to buckle up this year when it comes to broadcasting NFL games.
It’s no secret that even NFL broadcasts – far and away the most-watched thing on television...
- 9/10/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Rita Ferro, after a 2017 promotion to lead the consolidated ad-sales efforts of the Disney-ABC Television Group, will add ESPN to her portfolio.
Ed Erhardt, who spent 20 years as head of sales for ESPN, has announced his retirement in early 2019.
The moves were announced by direct-to-consumer and international chairman Kevin Mayer, to whom Ferro reports.
Already in charge of sales for cornerstone properties such as ABC, its eight owned local TV stations and the Disney cable networks, Ferro will now also oversee the entire ESPN multi-platform portfolio. She takes that heavy baton at a critical time for the network, which has long been a growth engine for Disney but has entered more uncertain territory this decade amid the re-bundling of the pay-tv landscape. Although still a dominant force in sports media, ESPN has shed video subscribers and seen some volatility in ratings in some dayparts.
Like its TV programming peers,...
Ed Erhardt, who spent 20 years as head of sales for ESPN, has announced his retirement in early 2019.
The moves were announced by direct-to-consumer and international chairman Kevin Mayer, to whom Ferro reports.
Already in charge of sales for cornerstone properties such as ABC, its eight owned local TV stations and the Disney cable networks, Ferro will now also oversee the entire ESPN multi-platform portfolio. She takes that heavy baton at a critical time for the network, which has long been a growth engine for Disney but has entered more uncertain territory this decade amid the re-bundling of the pay-tv landscape. Although still a dominant force in sports media, ESPN has shed video subscribers and seen some volatility in ratings in some dayparts.
Like its TV programming peers,...
- 9/5/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN ad sales executive Ed Ernhart is set to retire in early 2019, with ABC’s Rita Ferro to add oversight of the sports media brand as lead of advertising sales for all of Disney.
Ernhart has led ESPN’s ad sales efforts for two decades, during which time ABC and ESPN have been sold separately. Moving forward, Ferro will handle all ESPN and Disney|ABC properties, including digital and the company’s eight owned local stations.
The shift comes after Disney reorganized its global advertising sales efforts into the newly created direct-to-consumer and international division, under the leadership of Kevin Mayer, earlier this year.
Also Read: How Will Edgier FX Shows Like 'Mayans Mc' Fit Inside Disney's 'Family-Friendly' Brand?
“Uniting our advertising sales efforts gives advertisers and marketers a one-stop shop for reaching audiences across all of The Walt Disney Company’s media properties, providing clients with the best and most...
Ernhart has led ESPN’s ad sales efforts for two decades, during which time ABC and ESPN have been sold separately. Moving forward, Ferro will handle all ESPN and Disney|ABC properties, including digital and the company’s eight owned local stations.
The shift comes after Disney reorganized its global advertising sales efforts into the newly created direct-to-consumer and international division, under the leadership of Kevin Mayer, earlier this year.
Also Read: How Will Edgier FX Shows Like 'Mayans Mc' Fit Inside Disney's 'Family-Friendly' Brand?
“Uniting our advertising sales efforts gives advertisers and marketers a one-stop shop for reaching audiences across all of The Walt Disney Company’s media properties, providing clients with the best and most...
- 9/5/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Ed Erhardt doesn’t do sports coverage for ESPN, but he’s managed to make a few interesting calls of his own in the two decades he’s worked there.
During his time as the head of ad-sales at the Walt Disney owned sports-media giant, ESPN has unveiled the “double box,” a split-screen execution that allows viewers to watch live action even as an ad unfurls on screen. He has pushed advertisers to accept a single audience measure that takes into account both streaming and linear viewers – a dynamic that has accounted for ratings gains at ESPN. Under his aegis, ESPN launched its own in-house creative agency. He also was the first TV executive to place a cable network into TV’s glitzy “upfront” week, previously dominated by broadcasters. After ESPN appeared there in 2007, other cable networks tried to follow.
Sports programming often serves as a first place for new TV-commercial formats to surface,...
During his time as the head of ad-sales at the Walt Disney owned sports-media giant, ESPN has unveiled the “double box,” a split-screen execution that allows viewers to watch live action even as an ad unfurls on screen. He has pushed advertisers to accept a single audience measure that takes into account both streaming and linear viewers – a dynamic that has accounted for ratings gains at ESPN. Under his aegis, ESPN launched its own in-house creative agency. He also was the first TV executive to place a cable network into TV’s glitzy “upfront” week, previously dominated by broadcasters. After ESPN appeared there in 2007, other cable networks tried to follow.
Sports programming often serves as a first place for new TV-commercial formats to surface,...
- 9/5/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s Chief Media and Business Officer, said the league would defer to the TV networks on how anthem protests will be handled during 2018 game telecasts.
“You’ll have to talk to them,” he told a handful of reporters from outlets including Deadline after the NFL’s season preview event at the NFL Experience in New York’s Times Square. “It’s their decision about what they do or don’t do. Traditionally, they haven’t really covered the anthem. There’s this perception that it’s always covered, but it’s actually not, other than certain cases, which they decide.”
The ongoing protests over police brutality have seen many players continue to take a knee, even though the NFL in the off-season approved a policy that includes fines for protesting players. The demonstrations have roiled some fans and President Donald Trump, and some network executives have...
“You’ll have to talk to them,” he told a handful of reporters from outlets including Deadline after the NFL’s season preview event at the NFL Experience in New York’s Times Square. “It’s their decision about what they do or don’t do. Traditionally, they haven’t really covered the anthem. There’s this perception that it’s always covered, but it’s actually not, other than certain cases, which they decide.”
The ongoing protests over police brutality have seen many players continue to take a knee, even though the NFL in the off-season approved a policy that includes fines for protesting players. The demonstrations have roiled some fans and President Donald Trump, and some network executives have...
- 8/30/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s Chief Business and Media Officer, called the runup to 2022 an “inflection point” for the league’s lucrative TV rights, with the current broadcast deals expiring and tech giants likely to flex their financial might.
Even so, he said the NFL is taking a wait-and-see approach to dealmaking with Silicon Valley, primarily because of streaming capacity concerns.
Rolapp spoke during a league-hosted preview event ahead of next week’s regular-season kickoff. Because of the format — with NFL Network anchors moderating sessions and series of short segments breezing through a few topics — the event was no fountain of new insights. Notably, there was no mention of the national anthem controversy. Even so, it was a rare degree of access for a league whose commissioner, Roger Goodell, has been granting about as many interviews lately as the Cleveland Browns have been winning games.
Rich Greenfield, an analyst with...
Even so, he said the NFL is taking a wait-and-see approach to dealmaking with Silicon Valley, primarily because of streaming capacity concerns.
Rolapp spoke during a league-hosted preview event ahead of next week’s regular-season kickoff. Because of the format — with NFL Network anchors moderating sessions and series of short segments breezing through a few topics — the event was no fountain of new insights. Notably, there was no mention of the national anthem controversy. Even so, it was a rare degree of access for a league whose commissioner, Roger Goodell, has been granting about as many interviews lately as the Cleveland Browns have been winning games.
Rich Greenfield, an analyst with...
- 8/30/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
![Jemele Hill](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZWU1NjEwZDYtMGE2Zi00N2JkLWJkZjMtMTQyNjk1NThhOTBlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTI5NjIyMw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Jemele Hill](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZWU1NjEwZDYtMGE2Zi00N2JkLWJkZjMtMTQyNjk1NThhOTBlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTI5NjIyMw@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
Jemele Hill and ESPN are parting ways as of Sept. 1, nearly a year after the commentator got swept up in a two-pronged social-media imbroglio that resulted in her brief suspension.
As first reported by “Origins” podcaster James Andrew Miller, the “amicable” split involves a buyout of Hill’s remaining contract, and came on the heels of a meeting she requested with Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s president of five months.
Perhaps of note, Pitaro last week told reporters, “I have been very, very clear with employees here that it is not our jobs to cover politics, purely.” He also made clear...
As first reported by “Origins” podcaster James Andrew Miller, the “amicable” split involves a buyout of Hill’s remaining contract, and came on the heels of a meeting she requested with Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s president of five months.
Perhaps of note, Pitaro last week told reporters, “I have been very, very clear with employees here that it is not our jobs to cover politics, purely.” He also made clear...
- 8/26/2018
- TVLine.com
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