SI.com's Richard Deitsch wrote he expects TV ratings to "tick back up" over Q1 of the '17 NFL season, as the league has "set itself up to control a very good ratings narrative early." NBC's "SNF" opens with the Patriots, Cowboys and Packers "over its first three games." Those are "traditionally the NFL’s most-watched teams" and "should set up a strong early season ratings story" (SI.com, 4/25).
NEW PARTNER IN CRIME: In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe noted despite losing Skip Bayless to FS1, the ratings for ESPN's "First Take" are "up as much as" 10% over last year. The uptick is "partly due to the network’s decision to move 'First Take' from ESPN 2 to ESPN." Co-Host Stephen A. Smith said, "We’re doing well in the ratings, beating all our competition, but you can’t take nothing for granted. All you can do is embrace competition, because you need to stay on your toes." ESPN "made the smart decision to fill the vacant seat left by Bayless" with Max Kellerman, who Smith "personally convinced to join him" (PHILLY.com, 4/24).
QUALITY AIRTIME: In Minneapolis, Kent Youngblood noted FS North will televise 12 WNBA Lynx games this season, "the most FSN has done." That will include a "number of games where FSN will simulcast the coverage from the affiliate covering the Lynx opponent." The Lynx, coming off an appearance in the WNBA Finals, are "already scheduled to play three games on ESPN2 this season, and it’s expected that number could grow to as many as seven when ESPN announces changes to its schedule." The FSN duo of Marney Gellner and Lea Olsen will "team up on the FSN-produced telecasts" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 4/25).
