"I can't tell you the NFL decline isn't a challenge" -- 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch, at the UBS Global Media & Communications Conference in N.Y. Murdoch noted ratings are down year-over year, but the NFL "remains tremendously powerful" due in part to the "scarcity of value" in live sports (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 12/5).
“Promoters and the television networks will have a big hand in shaping the images of some of these young guys. It’s about marketability, but it has to be authentic. Fans know if something is real or fake” – Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage, on the marketability of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ up-and-coming drivers (USA TODAY, 12/6).
“It was kind of surprising, but I’m a great believer that if somebody doesn’t want to play here, then it’s better that he doesn’t play here” – Yankees President Randy Levine, on Japanese P/OF Shohei Ohtani not wanting to play for the team (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/6).
“We need to make it as loud as we can. If you need an excuse later to be late for work on Friday, let me know, we’ll get that handled for you. Let’s get it turned up on Thursday” – Falcons coach Dan Quinn, on wanting fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to make more noise during games (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 12/6).
