The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Eriq Gardner reported ESPN and licensing agency Broadcast Music (BMI) have “reached a settlement in principle on license fees for the performance of music by the cable network.” The deal “resolves a rate-setting proceeding that ESPN initiated a year ago when it sued BMI for allegedly not being reasonable in licensing negotiations.” The two sides will “avoid a showcase of evidence to determine the value of such music.” An ESPN spokesperson “confirmed a settlement in principle while declining to comment about the terms” (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 1/31).
COMING OUT ON TOP: The N.Y. POST examined and compared ESPN the Magazine and SI's Super Bowl preview issues. ESPN the Magazine Editor-in-Chief Alison Overholt “guided a solid offensive attack -- including story selection, layout and graphics.” ESPN and its 28-page section “puts a greater emphasis on the QBs in the game,” Tom Brady and Matt Ryan. That is “where the focus should be and that’s where ESPN outperformed SI.” The ESPN graphics, “breaking down the game every way ’til Sunday, are outstanding.” SI “doesn’t have a single graphic/stat breakdown.” However, SI “offers up a well-reported, well-written story on sex trafficking’s alleged spike in Super Bowl cities around the game” (N.Y. POST, 1/30).
EQUAL TIME? In Orlando, David Whitley wrote ESPN in the past has been “accused of becoming a left-leaning media factory.” The Women’s March on Washington "got lavish coverage from ESPNW." It “ran stories leading up to the march” and asked marchers to "submit photos and videos on social media.” However, the March for Life, an anti-abortion event in DC, "did not register a blip on the women’s-oriented website." There were "no stories leading up to last Friday's event." Whitley: "Maybe you don’t see that as a problem, but ESPN should" (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 1/30).
