CBS Sports will move its NFL pregame show, "The NFL
Today," to the network's glass-enclosed studio located near
Central Park, according to Nick Fortuna of BLOOMBERG NEWS.
The studio is also used for CBS' "The Early Show." CBS
Sports Exec Producer Terry Ewert, on the move: "We want to
shake things up a little bit, and this will add a spark to
our telecast" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 7/13). The HOLLYWOOD
REPORTER's Michelle Greppi notes that NBC Sports "took a
stab a few years ago at adding an audience to its NFL
pregame show," but Ewert said that "he has an idea why that
did not work and CBS' move will." Ewert: "(The NBC show)
was kind of a pristine setting. They just marched people
in. ... It had more of game show feel to it. I think this
is different." Greppi notes that CBS hopes the move will
increase ratings, as last season, "NFL Today" averaged a
3.0/8 rating, up 3% from the previous season (HOLLYWOOD
REPORTER, 7/14). USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke writes that the
fans will be able to "look through the windows at the set"
of the show. In addition, an outdoor set "will be built for
use in good weather." CBS Sports President Sean McManus: "I
wouldn't be surprised if half our show is done outside if
the weather's accommodating. ... There's no question part of
our motivation is to get people to watch and close the
ratings gap with Fox. I think a live audience will make our
show different and attract new viewers" (USA TODAY, 7/14).
McManus: "If the Millionaire and Survivor shows have taught
us anything, it's that people want to be on TV and want to
express their opinions" (Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM, 7/14).
REAX: In CA, Evan Tuchinsky: "CBS has decided to make a
spectacle of itself in the name of improvement. ... Seems
like a needless change. [New analyst Mike] Ditka and the
returners have enough to say, and there is a reason some
people get TV jobs and others just go on 'Big Brother'"
(PRESS-ENTERPRISE, 7/14). In St. Petersburg, Ernest Hooper
writes talent, rather than location, is what will really
help the show's ratings. Hooper: "CBS has to hope Ditka can
create better chemistry on the set. If that doesn't work,
it may decide after this season that four analysts are too
many" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 7/14). In N.Y., Bob Raissman:
"Perhaps the 'NFL Today' cast should now consider wearing
helmets on the set. You never know if fans will bring fresh
fruit to this soiree" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/14).
BOOMER'S BACK: Meanwhile, Raissman and Martzke both
report that Boomer Esiason has signed with Westwood One's
CBS Sports Radio Network to be an analyst on its "MNF"
coverage. Esiason will join Matt Millen and Howard David in
a three-man radio booth (N.Y. DAILY NEWS/USA TODAY, 7/14).
A SUPER LOCATION? In Tampa, Carter Gaddis notes debate
over whether the 103-foot replica pirate ship at Raymond
James Stadium should remain or be removed during Super Bowl
XXXV to add temporary seats. Although Bucs VP Joel Glazer
said that the issue is "still being looked at," an NFL
source said that the ship "will stay where it is." McManus:
"If the pirate ship is in, that is our No. 1 choice for
locations for (pregame) and postgame" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 7/14).
