Acquisition of NFL Network by ESPN's Announcement Draws Controversy
In a significant move, the NFL has acquired a 10% stake in ESPN, leading to speculation about potential changes in the network's NFL coverage. The acquisition grants control of NFL Media assets to the league, and the three networks - ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network - will continue to carry the NFL Draft.
However, there is no indication that ESPN's NFL coverage will change significantly due to the network's partnership with the league. Yet, the issue of objectivity has been raised, with concerns about the NFL's influence on ESPN's reporting. Walter Bike, among others, has questioned the potential impact on ESPN's coverage following the acquisition.
In light of the partnership, ESPN may be looking to retain or hire popular NFL Network personalities to enhance their combined football programming. Key personalities likely to be considered are those who have significant credibility as NFL insiders, analysts, or hosts of highly rated shows on NFL Network. Prominent figures such as hosts and analysts on "NFL Total Access," "Good Morning Football," or RedZone-related programs might be valuable targets due to their viewer recognition and football expertise.
Despite the lack of direct information, the specific NFL Network personalities ESPN might retain or hire cannot be confirmed from the available sources. Instead, ESPN will likely assess talent based on audience appeal, expertise, and fit with ESPN’s multiplatform strategy following full integration.
Some names that have been suggested include Tom Pelissero, who is known for breaking news as frequently as Schefter or Rapoport, and has filled in as host of The Rich Eisen Show. Peter Schrager is another option, with a potential new show at the 2 p.m. slot, and pairing him with Kyle Brandt could make sense.
Jane Slater and Kyle Brandt are two NFL Network personalities that ESPN should consider keeping and moving to the main channel. There is also a possibility of more appearances by Ryan Clark on ESPN. The all-women's show "Diet Coke Trade," with Elle Duncan, could potentially air on NFL Network.
Regarding the issue of diversity, the risk exists that ESPN could try to replace Colleen Wolfe and/or Jamie Erdahl with a woman of color. However, the success of these women may be affected by the perception that the success of white women comes at the direct expense of black women within ESPN. Laura Rutledge is the only white woman in ESPN's daily lineup, and every other woman is black, aside from Mina Kimes.
ESPN has been trying to regain the NFL's favor for the past seven years. The network's attempts to under former president John Skipper were met with negative responses, including the NFL tanking the Monday Night Football schedule with lackluster AFC South-focused matchups.
As the partnership between the NFL and ESPN progresses, it will be interesting to see how the network's NFL coverage evolves and which personalities will be a part of that evolution. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
[1] NFL Sells 10% Stake in ESPN for Control of NFL Media Assets [2] NFL Acquires 10% Stake in ESPN, Giving It Control of NFL Media Assets [4] NFL to Acquire 10% Stake in ESPN for Control of NFL Media Assets
- As ESPN looks to retain or hire football-related personalities, they might consider Tom Pelissero, a well-known NFL insider and frequent news breaker, or Peter Schrager, who could potentially host a new show on ESPN.
- The acquisition of a 10% stake in ESPN by the NFL has sparked discussions about the potential changes in ESPN's NFL coverage, specifically the assessment of talent based on audience appeal, expertise, and compatibility with ESPN's multiplatform strategy.
- Walter Bike and other critics have raised concerns about the NFL's influence on ESPN's reporting following the acquisition, particularly in regards to the objectivity of ESPN's NFL coverage.
