Beadle, an outspoken critic of the NFL, leaves "Get Up" as it becomes more football-centricESPN IMAGES
Michelle Beadle is leaving ESPN's N.Y-based morning show "Get Up" to return to L.A. so she can "concentrate on an expanded NBA role" with the net, according to Andy Clayton of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Her last show "will be Wednesday." ESPN execs are "banking on the morning talk show getting a boost once football season starts," and that football-focused strategy "wasn't going to be a good fit for Beadle, an outspoken critic of the NFL" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/26). Also in N.Y., Andrew Marchand reported Beadle "never really wanted to do 'Get Up.'" Sources said that former ESPN President John Skipper kept offering her the spot and "continued to up the ante" until, at $5M a year, Beadle "couldn't say no anymore." Anyone who "knows anything" about Mike Greenberg or Beadle "knew it wouldn’t work." They are "too different in so many ways." The pair did "not look like they enjoyed being on set together -- and it was even less enjoyable to most viewers." Greenberg will now "fully pilot the show," with Jalen Rose "hanging on to his seat." The show will also "resemble 'SportsCenter' a little more, with Greenberg the clear leader of the program that will have more highlights and scores to go along with analysis" (N.Y. POST, 8/25). VARIETY's Brian Steinberg noted "Get Up" has been "plagued by criticism from the start." The hosts' "chemistry has been called into question," and ESPN has "seemed particularly eager to keep 'Get Up' from crossing into the lifestyle and entertainment territory" like "GMA" or "Today." ESPN's Maria Taylor, Laura Rutledge, Dianna Russini and Jen Lada, "each of whom has worked as a guest host" on "Get Up" since its launch, will "make appearances on the show and also continue with their other duties" (VARIETY.com, 8/24).
WHAT IS SHOW'S RAISON D'ETRE? THE ATHLETIC's Richard Deitsch wrote Beadle's move is "clearly a Hail Mary move given multiple ESPNers with a relationship to the show have told this column for weeks that the show’s long-term future is now tied to its viewership performance during the NFL season." But the "main issue" for “Get Up” remains the "same since prior to the debut." Deitsch: "What is the compelling reason to watch?" But Beadle is "now off a show that has little chance of game-changing its ratings" and she "gets an even bigger foothold" with the NBA (THEATHLETIC.com, 8/27).
NOT A FAN OF THE SHIELD: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote there was "plenty of speculation" that Beadle's recent "powerful anti-football soliloquy would lead to her demise on the show." While this "might be a big deal, her vowing to never watch football again was one of the most powerful moments on a program, 'Get Up,' that hasn’t had many and now will be get cut back to two hours, which is still too much." It is "doubtful her anti-football stance was the sole reason for Beadle’s departure from the early morning production." Beadle's commentary was "insightful, passionate and painful" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/26). Deitsch tweeted, "Now out of Bristol we keep hearing a similar refrain from Jimmy Pitaro and his PR posse: Our NFL partnership is sacrosanct. We have been 'very clear with employees here that it is not our jobs to cover politics, purely'" (TWITTER.com, 8/26).
RUN IT BACK: Ryen Russillo has reached a new agreement to remain with ESPN and expand upon his current role. He will continue with his weekly eponymous podcast, in addition to appearing on select studio shows such as "SportsCenter," "The Jump" and "Get Up" (ESPN). The Ringer on Friday also announced that the "Dual Threat With Ryen Russillo" podcast will debut Wednesday. Weekly installments will "focus on the NFL and NCAA football" (THERINGER.com, 8/24).
