Seattle-Tacoma led all local markets for Vikings-Seahawks with a 39.7 ratingGETTY IMAGES
ESPN last night drew a 7.9 overnight rating for the Seahawks' 21-7 win over the Vikings, which was 3-0 headed into the fourth quarter. That is the lowest overnight for a Week 14 "MNF" game since Rams-Seahawks in '11, which drew a 7.0. Last year, ESPN drew an 8.5 in Week 14 for the Dolphins' 27-20 win over the Patriots. Two years ago, the net drew a 9.1 for Ravens-Patriots. Last night's game peaked at an 8.9 rating from 10:30-11:00pm ET in the middle of the fourth quarter. Seattle-Tacoma led all markets with a 39.7 local rating (11.1 on ESPN, 28.6 on KIRO-CBS). Minneapolis-St. Paul drew a 38.4 local rating (13.1 on ESPN, 25.3 on WCCO-CBS) (Austin Karp, THE DAILY).
MAD MAX: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Marisa Guthrie reported ESPN has re-signed Max Kellerman to a multiyear extension that "includes an expanded role" with boxing. He will "preside over the network's top boxing matches from the broadcast desk position in the arena, rather than from ringside." He also will host a "weekly boxing show on one of ESPN's linear networks." Kellerman also will retain his daily role on "First Take." There had been "much speculation about Kellerman's role on ESPN's boxing coverage, since HBO announced in August that it was getting out of the boxing business." He had been a ringside analyst for HBO for several years (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 12/7).
BRITISH INVASION: EPL announcer Jon Champion will become ESPN's "lead announcer" for MLS beginning with the '19 season. Champion has called English soccer since '88 and is "heard around the world calling games for Premier League Productions." He has worked part-time for ESPN "during international fixture breaks," but he will begin an "exclusive contract with the network on Feb. 1." He will partner with Taylor Twellman on ESPN's top MLS crew. Adrian Healy had been ESPN's main MLS voice, and he "will still be a major presence in ESPN's soccer coverage." Champion's hire "signals ESPN's commitment to soccer" under network President Jimmy Pitaro (AP, 12/10).
LANDING SPOT: ESPN Radio next month will take over Jacksonville-based WOKV-AM and make the news talk outlet a "24-hour sports station." ESPN Radio 690 Jacksonville will carry the "national radio lineup, with plans to develop a local weekday show" from 3:00-6:00pm ET (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/10).
