Both ESPN and Fox Sports hold press conferences today on the
launches of ESPNEWS and Fox Sports Net (THE DAILY).
ESPNEWS: Michael Hiestand writes in USA TODAY that when
ESPNEWS debuts tomorrow, those who see it will see more than
"highlights and talking heads; they'll see a media giant
leveraging its global brand." ESPN spinoffs range from equity
stakes in 19 foreign networks to a "widely used" Internet service
to the ESPN Club theme-park. Pilson Communications CEO Neil
Pilson: "I'm sure the programming will be good, but the question
will be about demand" (USA TODAY, 10/31). ESPN's "SportsCenter"
ads are examined in the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. ESPN Dir
/Programming & Advertising Alan Broce says the ads are to
"familiarize viewers with the anchors and convey the impression
that they are so close to the people and issues they cover, they
can make fun of it" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 10/31).
FOX SPORTS NET: Fox Sports Net is using the Lakers'
Shaquille O'Neal to promote its Fox Sports News launch tomorrow.
A new TV spot shows O'Neal "racing through the production
facilities of the news program to find out what the excitement is
about." O'Neal sticks his head through the doors of a closed
set: "Hey, I play for Fox. What's going on in there?" Howie Long
and Terry Bradshaw will also appear in spots to "underline the
connection between Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports" (ADWEEK,
10/28).
