ESPN, ESPN2 Busy With Production Of Original Programming
ESPN is in the “early stages of production on a boxing drama that would be paired
with a new season” of “The Contender” next spring or summer, according to Don
Kaplan of the N.Y. POST. The as-yet-untitled show will “focus on the trials and
tribulations of the denizens of a hard-core boxing gym and, for the moment, is
set in” L.A. It would likely air on Tuesdays. Pairing the two boxing shows could
“open the possibility of airing some sort of fight-related sports programming,
possibly ‘Contender’-related bouts, on ABC.” ESPN Original Entertainment Exec
Producer Will Staeger said, “We’re open to that, and it’s possible. ... Our hope
is to give it (boxing) a real chance with our fans, and the sky’s the limit” (N.Y.
POST, 7/27).
ON THE DEUCE: TV WEEK’s James Hibberd notes that in addition to “ESPN Hollywood”
and “Quite Frankly” –- the Stephen A. Smith-hosted show that debuts Monday —
ESPN2 is “set to announce a daily prime-time version of ‘Teammates,’ which originally
ran as a six-episode special, and a high school documentary series called ‘Full
Ride.’” ESPN2 will then have three daily prime-time shows exclusive, and execs
also are “developing as-yet-undefined late-night companion programming.” ESPN
Senior VP/Programming & Acquisitions David Berson said, “We’ve set out to create
an identity for ESPN2 beyond what’s been out there previously. It’s been in the
shadow of ESPN.” While execs declined to specify the budget, Berson said, “It’s
fair to say it’s a major company priority and we are very much willing to invest
to continue to grow ESPN2” (TV WEEK, 7/25 issue). The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
wrote that Mario Lopez will be co-anchor of “ESPN Hollywood,” joining Thea Andrews
(HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 7/25).
COMPETITION: With Comcast reportedly interested in recasting OLN as a competitor
to ESPN, ESPN Exec VP/Programming & Production Mark Shapiro said, “The last time
I checked, OLN was a hunting, fishing and camping network with some cycling and
boats thrown in. To now try to transform yourself into a major sports network
that resonates with the fans is an uphill climb. ... It won’t happen overnight
and we’re not going to sit still.” But OLN CEO Gavin Harvey said, “There’s room
for two in many ways. We don’t want to just shuffle the deck chairs. We want to
offer things that are available on a unique basis” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/27).
SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL’s Andy Bernstein cites sources as saying that Comcast VP
Programming Jeff Shell has had discussions with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
about a TV deal for a Comcast-owned network. Shell “has been given a mandate by
Comcast to grow OLN and develop a programming strategy that could take OLN into
traditional team sports” (SBJ,
7/25 issue).
|
