In N.Y., Andrew Marchand cites sources as saying that ESPN managers are "telling their most outspoken broadcasters and writers to be careful on social media" in light of Disney canceling Roseanne Barr’s TV show. A source said that the Disney-owned ESPN was "specifically reaching out to the most politically outspoken of its broadcasters," including Jemele Hill, Keith Olbermann and Kenny Mayne. An ESPN spokesperson "declined comment." While ESPN’s upper management on Thursday was "mainly focused on getting the message to its most outspoken personalities, some managers also sent the word to broadcasters and writers who have never been embroiled in any social-media controversies pertaining to politics or race" (N.Y. POST, 6/1).
ART OF THE DEAL: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Marisa Guthrie noted NBCU had the "right to match any offer" of $200M or less per year, but decided not to pursue WWE's "SmackDown" and focus instead on keeping "Raw." Fox came in with $205M, but the company was "offering more than cash." Fox Exec Chair Rupert Murdoch said that Fox would "fully embrace WWE, with 'SmackDown' promos airing across sports programming every night of the week, along with a weekly studio show on FS1." Fox co-Chair Lachlan Murdoch told WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon that the net would "herald the marriage of the Murdochs and the McMahons, rebel outsiders who had built media empires" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 5/30).
CHANGING IT UP: In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal notes the Bears are "refreshing their preseason lineup for TV." Sam Rosen is out after "nine exhibition seasons as play-by-play man" on the Bears-produced WFLD-Fox telecasts. On the way in is a "tag team of announcers in their 30s with Chicago-area roots," including ESPN's Adam Amin and NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt. Amin will "call the second, third and fourth exhibitions." Former NFLer Jim Miller will "team with Brandt on the fifth practice game against the visiting Bills" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/1).
