The opening panel discussion of the ’16 NeuLion Sports Media & Technology Conference ran the gamut of important topics related to the future of media, including the evolving habits of viewers, making money from social and digital, demographic shifts and changing technologies. NBC Sports Regional Networks and NBC Sports Group Platform & Content Strategy President David Preschlack said, “We have to embrace where fans are going and give them content that is reflective of their lifestyle.” Facebook Head of Global Sports Partnerships Dan Reed said distributing content in a mobile/social environment is “definitely a way to grab incremental audience.” He cited a recent example of USA Basketball exhibition games being simulcast on the platform that had a separate presenting sponsor. Turner Sports Exec VP & GM Matt Hong discussed the net’s recent extension with the NCAA for the men’s basketball tournament. He said the topic that took the “most time to deal with was what does this ecosystem look like in the year 2032, much less the years in between now and then.”
STUDY ABROAD: Univision Exec VP/Content Distribution Eric Ratchman raised the changing demographic landscape of the U.S., noting the country could be a “majority minority” nation in 30 years. Ratchman also cited strong audience figures for the net’s Liga MX soccer coverage. Ratchman: “It’s a passionate connection back to the home country. Much like I grew up in Wisconsin and will always be a Packers fan, our viewers are tied to their cultural touch point in Mexican league soccer.” NASCAR Senior VP/Broadcasting & Production Steve Herbst was pleased to hear that motorsports was among the most-followed sports globally among Facebook users, but admitted the series “needed to grow its footprint internationally.” Herbst also cited the logistical issues that still exist with running a NASCAR race abroad.
QUICK HIT:
Hong, on Turner’s extension with the NCAA Tournament in ’16 vs. the original deal in ’10: “We happily conceded the DVD rights back to the NCAA.”
