ESPN is set to greatly expand the role of investigative reporter Don Van Natta Jr. Since signing a contract extension with the network a little over a year ago, Van Natta has continued to write for ESPN: The Magazine and make appearances on Outside the Lines. Now, he will work with ESPN Films‘ John Dahl to launch a new podcast and TV series.
The podcast will be called The Triangle. It will be an interview-focused podcast featuring Van Natta speaking with two guests per episode. Each episode will focus on a specific topic or story to which the guests can provide context.
The television project is a docu-series called Backstory. In a press release, ESPN says the show will “bring fresh reporting and perspectives by exploring what’s beneath some of sports’ biggest scandals and controversies.” The show will not just be built on Van Natta’s reporting. For instance, the first episode will focus on the 2013 fake girlfriend scandal involving New Orleans Saints linebacker Manti Te’o. The show will feature a mix of storytelling and interviews with the subjects and reporters involved.
There is no specific start date listed for either project. All that is mentioned is that both programs will launch in 2019.
