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| Home Front: Culture Wars |
| Could ESPN Bail On The NFL? |
| 2017-10-30 |
| If they did, I think this would be the end of ESPN and would serve as a lesson in business schools for decades on how corporations commit suicide. [HollywoodReporter] It’s not outlandish to entertain a previously unthinkable prospect: Might ESPN elect to go without rights to NFL games? In a span of less than five years, industry giant ESPN has seen its narrative transformed from that of a mighty colossus into the hard-luck tale of a ragtag warrior. As it struggles to regain heretofore heroic heights ‐ levels of growth that are probably no longer attainable ‐ ESPN has had to endure a slew of significant workforce layoffs (with more reportedly on the way) and a once-doting Wall Street that has turned a skeptically cold shoulder. Astonishing increases in earnings, previously viewed as faits acomplis, now seem like fantasies from another world, thanks to the now-familiar combo of cord-cutting and burgeoning rights fees. With so much of ESPN’s universe asunder, it’s not outlandish now to entertain a previously unthinkable prospect: Might ESPN elect to go without rights to NFL games after the expiration of its eight-year deal for Monday Night Football in 2021?! |
| Posted by:Raj |
| #6 To be fair, both entities are doing the dog. Basic camera work, sounds of the game, and few info graphics would do wonders as we have gone from sportscasters who know the game in and out and love it, to commentators who live off cue cards and piss off viewers. Seriously, Joe Buck's greatest broadcast in his career was last night when he just STFU for almost an inning. I think he was a little pissy the game went extra. Watched KSU@KU football game last weekend. Real low prestige game to host, right? Had to dig up a couple old guys. They were sportcasters of the olde school and were fantastic. Also a flat blunt reminder how low, boring, and vanilla sports coverage has become. |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2017-10-30 18:54 |
| #5 You cannot fix stupid. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2017-10-30 17:48 |
| #4 Why not, they think they have joined the news ranks with CNN... |
| Posted by: 49 Pan 2017-10-30 17:29 |
| #3 It would be a good time for someone to get a group together to buy the bits and pieces and contracts. Change the name and add the tagline "No politics, just sports!" |
| Posted by: rjschwarz 2017-10-30 17:13 |
| #2 Shutter the entire NFL and be done with them. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2017-10-30 16:39 |
| #1 I doubt they will even last until 2021 without declaring bankruptcy. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2017-10-30 15:43 |