Fox Sports National Networks President Jamie Horowitz continues to believe that opinion-based programming is the kind of content that will make FS1 a "more serious competitor to ESPN," according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. Horowitz said, "We're making big bets on three types of programming: live events, pre- and postgame programming and opinion-based programming. And we're making an equally big bet against traditional news and information shows." Sandomir notes average viewership for all live editions of ESPN's "SportsCenter" from '10-15 has "fallen by one-quarter to 552,000," and Horowitz can be heard "pronouncing last rites" for the show. However, ESPN execs are "protective of 'SportsCenter' and claim they are not too concerned" about Horowitz and his plans at FS1. ESPN Senior VP/SportsCenter & News Rob King said, "I remember when FS1 launched, the story was that people were tired of ESPN and that it wasn't fun. Now they have a new story." King "acknowledged the declining viewership." But he said that "SportsCenter" has "adapted by adding more features and tailoring some of its editions to suit various personalities, such as the midnight version hosted by Scott Van Pelt." King: "There's nothing wrong with debate and discussion as a tactic. But there's not much new about it, either" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/9).
TALENT INPUT: ESPN Exec VP/Production Norby Williamson said Stephen A. Smith "will have input into his new partner" for "First Take" once Skip Bayless departs for FS1, but ultimately, it "is management's decision." SI.com's Richard Deitsch wrote he thinks the "final call will be made by ESPN executives but Smith is going to have major input on the choice." Deitsch: "Just as important, I'll predict the show will center around him in the post-Bayless era given Smith has become one of the faces of the network." The name that "keeps popping up amid ESPN circles" is the net's Will Cain, who "has roots in conservative outlets and would give ESPN some cover when it faces criticism for having too many left-leaning front facing talent" (SI.com, 5/8).
WATCH & LEARN: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wondered if viewers "give a damn" about the exodus of some of ESPN's on-air talent, such as Skip Bayless and Mike Tirico. The answer is a "resounding 'no,'" as it is a "simple conclusion if you believe the majority of viewers watch ESPN not for its personalities, but its packages of NFL, NBA, MLB, college football and basketball games." Broadcasters are "highly paid yet ultimately replaceable," while the games "are not." Nonetheless the games "are expensive," and with ESPN's subscriber base "eroding over the past few years, belt tightening is necessary." A source said, "ESPN has finally found its calculator." But the "perception left by the defections bothers" the net. ESPN President John Skipper recently "talked about the more than 1,000 members of the network's current talent roster, calling it a 'remarkably stable group' but adding change is always inevitable" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/8).
