Gaudelli (l) said that they will not have any specific gambling messages on the air this seasonGETTY IMAGES
The NFL and its broadcast partners have a "curious new dilemma to grapple with this season," as networks and their on-air talent "must decide whether gambling references have a place in game broadcasts and related programming, much as fantasy football content has for years," according to Rick Maese of the WASHINGTON POST. Network producers and execs have said that it is "too early to expect the broadcasts to feel or sound significantly different, even if the interest and availability of sports gambling will be higher this season." For starters, there is "language in the contracts between broadcast partners and the league that bars overt discussions of sports gambling." NBC Sports Exec Producer Fred Gaudelli said, "At this point, we're going to honor the deals and there [won't] be any specific gambling messages on our air this year." CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus said, "Right now we're not planning to discuss gambling information in our broadcast. Whether it's lines or over-under -- we're just not." Maese notes outlets like ESPN have been "actively discussing how gambling could reshape their products." ESPN Exec VP/Content Connor Schell: "We're going to be really thoughtful about it. We know there's a huge intersection of sports fans and those who bet, and now that they can do that legally, we'll think about if we want to inject content inside existing shows, if we want to create some stand-alone programming. I think those things under consideration, but no decisions have been made." CBS' Jim Nantz said, "Fantasy football has in its DNA a gambling component. Whether you like it or not, maybe it's not full-blown gambling, but it is gambling" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/30).
A NEW ERA: In DC, Ben Strauss noted The Action Network and media outlet Cadence13 are "partnering to launch a podcast network this fall dedicated to sports gambling, as the race to capitalize on legalized sports betting heats up with football season approaching." The first podcast, scheduled to "debut in early September, will be called 'The Favorites.'" Cadence13 Chief Content Officer Chris Corcoran and Action Network Head of Media Chad Millman "envision a series of gambling podcasts featuring Action Network talent, dedicated to individual sports, such as college football and the NBA" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/28).
CHANGE OF SCENERY: McManus said that former NFL referee Gene Steratore, who will work as a CBS rules analyst this season, "reached out several years ago and said that while he had no plans to retire in the near future, he had interest in pursuing a career in television when the time came." On Long Island, Neil Best noted there should be "no shortage of chances for Steratore to weigh in, what with several major rules changes in play, none bigger or more controversial than the crackdown on leading with one’s helmet." Steratore said, "It’ll change a little of the culture of maybe the way the game is played. ... I really do honestly believe the players will adjust." He added that he has spoken to Fox NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira "about the job." Steratore: "Because of Mike’s success he has opened up the door for these positions to be available, so I kind of thank him for probably being so good" (NEWSDAY, 8/29).
