As the regional sports network business model continues to go the way of the do-do bird, companies like Scripps and Tegna are chomping at the bit to assist however they can.
Tegna CEO Dave Lougee said on a recent earnings call that the implosion of RSNs has really opened the door for companies like his to get involved.
“With the existing RSN and cable model in the final innings, the move of local sports from cable to broadcast is in the first inning of a new era,” Lougee said. “Professional sports teams and leagues are more acutely aware than anyone of this seismic shift in reach and distribution and are excited about the chance to reach all consumers, not just a smaller and smaller percentage of their addressable market.”
With Tegna affiliates like KENS in San Antonio having agreements with pro sports teams like the Spurs to air games locally on broadcast TV, Lougee sees plenty of opportunities for his stations to swoop in when the RSN bubble goes pop.
Lougee added that Tegna is going to be on the offensive.
“As the current RSN bankruptcy proceeding plays out, look for more announcements to come,: he said. “Given our large portfolio of strong stations in big sports home markets, we are very, very well positioned for the shift and opportunity in local sports.”
