Off The Field: CBS To Go Without NFL Sideline Reporters

ESPN To Use Two Sideline Reporters For "MNF" Games

CBS Sports VP/Communications LeslieAnne Wade confirmed that the net “does not plan to use sideline reporters during the NFL’s regular season,” according to Andrew Marchand of the N.Y. POST, who notes CBS Sports “did away with sideline reporters until the Final Four” of the men’s NCAA basketball tournament this year. NFL Network is also “seriously considering going without a sideline reporter on its late-season Thursday and Saturday-night game package.” NFL Network Communications Dir Seth Palansky said, “We are leaning that way, but we have not made a final decision. We believe that [announcers Bryant] Gumbel and [Cris] Collinsworth can keep our viewers adequately informed.” Fox, NBC and ESPN will use sideline reporters, with ESPN utilizing two for “MNF” (N.Y. POST, 7/7).

SHOES TO FILL: Fox Sports President Ed Goren said that “no decision has been made about who, if anyone,” will replace “Fox NFL Sunday” co-host James Brown, who left the net to join CBS (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/7).