AXIOS' Sara Fischer cites a source as saying that The Athletic will "begin experimenting with putting some of its audio content in front of its paywall in an effort to expand its audience." The company will "start by offering one episode a week to non-subscribers in front of the paywall and one behind." The company today is "launching 40 new podcasts," bringing its "total podcast count to around 80." By years end, The Athletic "hopes to have around 120 podcasts in total" (AXIOS.com, 8/27).
NOT A GREAT ANGLE: In Pittsburgh, Adam Bittner wrote "fans and media types" on social media "panned" NBC's use of Skycam as the primary camera angle for Steelers-Titans on "SNF" this past week. The "goal, ostensibly, was to show parts of the game that traditional broadcasts typically miss, like coverages and defensive positioning -- nuts and bolts stuff that football junkies love." Bittner: "Unsurprisingly, the angle was popular with that crowd." But the "bulk of viewers are not tuning in to see how the quarterback reads the safety." They are "tuning in to watch a well-produced TV show, one that brings the energy and intensity of the game to life." It appears Skycam "failed that test" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/27).
PATRIOT ACT: In Boston, Chad Finn noted NFL Network will "air a pair of documentaries" on the Patriots' '18 season. On Sept. 4 at 8:00pm ET, the network will "premiere 'Do Your Job Part III: Bill Belichick and the 2018 Patriots.'" That will be "followed by 'America’s Game: 2018 Patriots,' part of an annual celebration series about the reigning Super Bowl champion" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/24). Meanwhile, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss wondered if there is another team in the NFL that "produces as many sports broadcasters as the Patriots." Former player Shane Vereen has been "hired by Fox to be part of its college football coverage." Vereen "joins a roster of former Patriots who have impressively transitioned" to media careers (ESPN.com, 8/24).
