Yahoo has finalized a deal with the NHL which will allow the company to stream four live NHL games each week. Yahoo Sports and Tumblr will deliver free access to live games, highlights, and more without requiring a cable subscription or authentication.
The partnership starts immediately and runs through the end of the 2016-17 season. The deal itself provides great ad revenue opportunities for Yahoo because they get to sell their own spots during the games. The company also plans to offer advertising to brands on the website stream.
Digital media companies have taken the plunge into acquiring live sports programming because the events are attractive to millennials who have a stronger interest in watching video on computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
Altogether, Yahoo now has partnerships with Major League Baseball, the PGA Tour, and German soccer club Bayern Munich. In October, they became the first major online company to stream an NFL game.
A brand’s success is often determined by the way it performs in two critical areas – Ratings and Revenue. You can include other items if you wish, but most companies care first and foremost about income generated and audience growth and engagement.
One of the advantages that the sports format has is that the audience is very loyal and passionate. Most of the on-air talent is local, and because the news cycle changes minute by minute, the programming must be consumed in real time. Listeners who enjoy sports talk often read sports websites, use social media, and in some cases receive text alerts and emails from brands they trust. They do so because they want to be informed and not miss anything.
That urgency for information, and the addiction to the content/personalities is a big reason why this format thrives. But when you analyze the radio industry’s economic future, you see some troubling signs on the horizon.
Projections though aren’t guarantees so it is possible that the growth for radio will be higher. eMarketer says radio will receive 7% or less of media ad dollars between 2017-2020, and that makes me wonder, which formats will receive the majority of that 7%? If history is any indication, music stations will benefit. News/Talk will be right behind them, and that leaves sports talk in the rear view mirror.
The one problem though, is that music radio is not bulletproof and its growth is stagnant. The urgency for the content isn’t high, the personalities are often devalued, the digital offerings for many music brands lack imagination and originality, and music discovery (which was one of its biggest strengths) occurs faster on other platforms.
The biggest advantage it has currently is that the dashboard inside of vehicles puts the listener in position to have to use them. That’s where platforms like YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and Tidal run into trouble. But as the world changes and digital dashboards get introduced to provide a better user experience, that makes music radio vulnerable.
To many in the ad buying community, these facts get overlooked. They’re not as focused on the future as they are on the present. When an agency works with a client, they direct the company’s dollars on brands who they have deep relationships with. In most cases, those brands have a track record of ratings success. By doing so, it makes it harder for the client to question their judgement.
But lost in the equation is whether or not the advertiser’s message is being heard, remembered, and acted on by the targeted audience. A buyer can show data to the client which highlights the reach of the brand and the frequency in which their message was presented but the real test is whether or not it leads to future sales, and customer loyalty.
Let’s face it, music brands perform well in the ratings in most markets, and because they do, they’re going to gain their fair share of revenue due to the way the radio business is currently measured. That’s not going to change in the next year or two. But will it still be the same in 5-10 years? That depends on who you ask.
I looked at the performance for the top revenue generating stations of 2014 and 5 of the top 10 were CHR, Lite AC and Hot AC stations. Only 1 sports talker cracked the top 10 (WFAN in New York). However, the recall of a client’s message on a music brand and sports talker isn’t even close. A music brand’s audience size may be large based on Nielsen projections, but so is the emotional detachment from the product. That doesn’t even take into consideration the client’s inability to be featured inside of the content, which is available on a sports station.
When you look at sports talk, it’s biggest strength is that it delivers passion, and creates this feeling that people and companies are bigger than they actually are. It’s the house party taking place on your street that you really want to be invited to. When that invitation arrives in your mailbox, you not only make sure to attend, but you tell everyone you know about it because being invited makes you feel important.
It’s because of that feeling that clients will spend six figures to align themselves with a personality endorsement, a weekly call-in from a top local athlete, or a local franchise’s play by play. There’s a mental image that gets built inside the minds of the audience and that’s something that can’t be duplicated by most other formats. The only exception right now would be News/Talk, and that’s due to the passion involved in the election process. Let’s see if that same fire exists with people in March of 2017.
I often wonder why businesses who hire agencies to do their ad buying don’t insist more on being featured heavily on sports radio brands. Especially if they offer a product that’s attractive to Men. Walk into any business and chances are you’ll hear someone inside the workplace talking about a local sports subject. In some locations you’ll find sports memorabilia displayed on the walls, and when you press the owners and key decision makers on anything sports related, you often find that they buy tickets, watch games, and share a passion for it.
The idea that it’s a niche format to some buyers shows how out of touch they are with reality. If it wasn’t the type of content that produced strong audience engagement and consumer activity, media groups wouldn’t spend a fortune on talent and play by play rights. Sports has become the top commodity on television, social media, and digital, and it’s not slowing down, it’s only growing larger.
If you took fifty listeners from a sports station and fifty from any other format, and put them in a room, and asked them to recite a few facts about the radio station, its talent/content and its advertisers, you won’t find stronger recall than you do with a sports talker. That awareness and connection should matter greatly to clients.
Maybe I’m biased because this is the format I’ve spent my entire career in, but I’ve seen the results with my own eyes in multiple markets. There’s a reason television has gone to the extreme investing in the content and charging premium dollars to be associated with it. Sports has MAJOR influence and power, and an unmatched ability to deliver across all platforms for advertisers.
Why the format doesn’t receive more advertiser respect is baffling to me. If radio wants 7% to turn into 8, 9 or 10%, then it has to recognize the value of the format and insist on it getting what it deserves. It’s one of the few that must be heard LIVE and is growing in ratings, FM migration, total number of stations, and on digital and social media platforms.
One person who shares a similar passion and has the unique perspective of dealing with listeners and advertisers in his current position is Mitch Nelles of the Big 920 in Milwaukee. When he suggested a column on the power of sports marketing and why it’s necessary for all brands, I was intrigued. I think you’ll find his column accurately addresses why sports advertising pays dividends and if you’re involved in sales I hope the message hits home.
Why Every Brand Needs Sports Marketing
Walk down any street in Wisconsin and ask people who Aaron Rodgers is – everyone knows.
Ask them who Bo Ryan or Barry Alvarez is, and again, everyone knows.
And odds are, not only does everyone know, but they have an opinion. And with an opinion, comes passion. And with passion… comes selling power.
Sports have a stranglehold on the human psyche. They have a way of drawing us in and making us CARE. In this world of scripted TV shows, scripted Reality shows, and yes – scripted (at least semi-scripted) political discourse, sports is still the ONE true arena where we can see – on a nightly basis – something that has never happened before.
And sports are also the escape – the diversion from everyday life. That’s a huge reason why sports are so popular. We can approach them with an “enthusiasm unknown to mankind” and still function in our day to day lives.
And THAT’S why people listen. THAT’S why they attend sporting events, and sports-marketing related events. THAT’S why not only is the “Big February Football Game” popular, but it supports a week’s worth of events, parties, and parties in EVERY city in America.
It’s why there is HUGE money in sports sponsorships. Sports are LITERALLY the last must-see/must-listen-to-LIVE opportunity on Earth.
When companies are looking to increase their brand awareness, sports are almost always at the center of that branding campaign. Getting your logo associated with a sports team/event/fundraiser is a great way to increase visibility and positivity.
At iHeartMedia Milwaukee where I work, we are the home to The Big 920 – the home of Wisconsin Badgers football and men’s basketball – easily the two most-popular collegiate sports in the state of Wisconsin.
To an advertiser, aligning their company with these brands is a (insert sports vernacular here – Touchdown! Slam dunk!). Sponsoring pregame shows, postgame shows, a weekly call-in with the play-by-play voice on a local show – all are opportunities to align a brand with the biggest collegiate sports brand in the state. And similar opportunities exist throughout the country on most local sports radio stations.
My radio station is also home to the NCAA’s March Madness tournament in the month of March, and the primetime NFL package (Thursday night, Sunday night and Monday night football).
Again – passion = selling power. Sports are your opportunity to connect with a loyal and ACTIVE audience in the world of radio.
Use this passion to your advantage. Use sports to your advantage. Set yourself apart by aligning your company with a sports radio station and you’ll find that passion being reciprocated by those who consume your message.
ESPN NFL analyst Mike Ditka has signed a two year contract extension which includes a role change according to ESPN Media Zone. Starting in September, Ditka will serve as an on-air contributor to SportsCenter. The majority of his appearances will take place remotely from his homes in Chicago and Florida.
“This new role is really a blessing,” Ditka said in a statement. “It’s something I asked for. After many years of weekend travel, I’m thrilled I’ll get to watch NFL games on Sundays and Monday nights in the comfort of my own home. I enjoy being part of the game and part of ESPN. I really do. So this is a great solution.”
ESPN senior coordinating producer of NFL studio shows Seth Markman added: “Mike talked with me late in the year about his role for next season. Thankfully we were able to come to an agreement that works for him and keeps him a part of our ESPN family. This announcement is great news for us and for our viewers, as Coach Ditka continues to be someone NFL fans everywhere respect and admire.”
Ditka has been with ESPN since 2004. His position on Sunday NFL Countdown is being replaced by the recently retired Matt Hasselbeck.
CBS Houston has extended the contract of Program Director Ryan McCredden according to All Access. McCredden, who programs Sports Radio 610 KILT-AM and CBS Sports Radio 650 KIKK-AM joined the company in March 2013 after a stint in Tucson, Arizona where he programmed 104.1 The Truth and ESPN Tucson.
McCredden said “I’m thrilled to continue working with my team at Sports Radio 610 and CBS Sports Radio 650. We strive to be difference-makers in the world of sports. The station accomplished impactful things on air, on-site and online during my time here. Our team works tirelessly to create unique and experience-driven events for our passionate listeners, all the while helping to support our community. Houston has been a great city to me and my family, and I look forward to sticking around!”
Hasselbeck, is an unrestricted free agent and had expressed interest in playing one more season but negotiations with ESPN heated up and it looks now as if he’ll be making the move into his second career.
Countdown has been getting a makeover this offseason. Hasselbeck and Charles Woodson have been added to the show, Ditka and Keyshawn Johnson have been removed. Chris Berman, Tom Jackson and Chris Carter are expected to continue in their normal roles.
Although Ditka is being dropped from Countdown, he’s not leaving ESPN. The former Coach is expected to take on another role at the network.
Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews broke down in tears when jurors announced the verdict. Her stalker, Michael David Barrett, and Nashville Marriott owner West End Hotel Partners and former operator Windsor Capital Group, were found guilty for their negligence in the popular sports media personality being videotaped naked through a peephole while staying at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University in 2008.
The jury awarded Andrews 55 million dollars. Barrett was found to be 51% at fault, and ordered to pay more than $28 million for his role in the incident. The hotel group were 49% at fault, and forced to pay more than $26 million.
The owners of the Tennessee hotel had argued that Barrett was solely to blame for the crime. Andrews, however, maintained that someone affiliated with the hotel gave out her room number to Barrett and placed him near her. Barrett was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting to stalking Andrews, altering hotel room peepholes and taking nude videos of her.
During the early days of the trial Andrews testified that she suffers from depression as a result of the video, which she said she knows people are still watching. She also shared how hurt she was by ESPN not allowing her to return to work until she publicly discussed the incident and how multiple media outlets accused her of leaking the video as a publicity stunt, causing further damage to her reputation.
“This happens every day of my life,” Andrews said. “Either I get a tweet or somebody makes a comment in the paper or somebody sends me a still video to my Twitter or someone screams it at me in the stands and I’m right back to this. I feel so embarrassed and I am so ashamed.”
Andrews’ father Steve also testified at the trial, and said she hasn’t been the same since the incident occurred.
“She’s afraid. She’s afraid of crowds, afraid of people. She doesn’t trust anymore,” Andrews said about his daughter.
How do you come out when everyone knows you? Or at least, they think they do. That’s been ESPN Los Angeles Radio host Steve Mason’s challenge, and so many other well-known people who live a publicly closeted life for quite some time.
Mason hasn’t kept his sexual orientation a secret from people in his personal and professional lives, yet something has always held him back from sharing it publicly on-air with his listeners. He tried to come out a few months ago during a recorded podcast with Ramona Shelburne, but discovered that it wasn’t his style.
Then last Friday happened. While discussing the Atlanta Falcons’ inappropriate questions about the sexual orientation of NFL prospect Eli Apple on ESPN LA 710, Mason and Ireland engaged in a “mock” interview, with Ireland asking Mason if he was attracted to men. While mocking the Falcons’ interview process, Mason decided to answer the questions as himself.
Ireland: Do you like men?
Mason: Yes. [Then later] Ask me again.
Ireland: Do you like men?
Mason: Yes.
Ireland: How about if I ask you the other way. [In another tone] Do you like men?
Mason: Either way. [Then later] Ask me again.
Ireland: Do you like men?
Mason: Yes.
Ireland: Do you like men or women?
Mason: Men.
Ireland: Why didn’t you come out in college?
Mason: Nobody asked.
Ireland: When Michael Sam came out, why didn’t you show support for him and come out?
Mason: It wasn’t my thing.
Ireland: You’re uncomfortable saying you’re gay?
Mason: No, I just don’t want it to be my thing.
Ireland: So you want us to keep it a secret?
Mason: No. I just don’t want to talk about it.
Ireland: You’re totally not rattled.
Mason: The irony here is so ridiculous in so many different ways.
For Mason, it has to feel good to no longer have to keep that part of his life a secret. Now he can return to talking about the world of sports with a clear conscience, and judging by the responses on social media, the connection between host and listener has only gotten stronger.
To read the full article visit Outsports.com where some of this information was provided
93.7 The Fan and the Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they’ve reached an agreement on a multi-year broadcast contract extension. As part of the deal, The Fan will continue to be the flagship station for Pirates baseball, airing 16 Spring Training games, all 162 Pirates regular season games, and all post-season action each year of the agreement.
The Pirates Radio Network will once again feature announcers Steve Blass, Greg Brown, Bob Walk and John Wehner calling the action for radio and television throughout the 2016 season, along with the newest broadcast addition, play-by-play man Joe Block. Brown and Block will handle the play-by-play duties while Blass, Walk and Wehner serve as color analysts.
For more visit CBS Radio Pittsburgh where this information was originally published
When you first get an opportunity to work at a sports radio station, you’re not thinking about how the lessons you learn might serve you one day down the line. You’re just hoping to remain employed and in the company’s good graces. The thought of crossing state lines and building a brand as an on-air talent in another market is the furthest thing from your mind.
Once you’ve been in the industry for a while though, it’s amazing how the people you once spoke with, met, or shared a press box with, emerge as industry friends or connections. In some cases they even become direct competitors or colleagues.
When I started my career, I worked in upstate New York, about an hour from New York City. Everyone’s goal in that market was to make it to WFAN. ESPN New York didn’t exist, sending snail mail to ESPN in Bristol, CT and being considered for employment was thought to be a pipedream, and local radio had its perks but only provided a small portion of what was possible in sports radio.
It was in local radio in upstate NY though that I became familiar with Tom Krasniqi. I was hosting afternoons on 1340/1390 ESPN Radio in Poughkeepsie and had just been promoted to Program Director of the radio station. I was determined to develop the second coming of WFAN (which was very unrealistic) and I started interviewing people who shared the same passion and vision as I did for sports radio.
As I searched for people who understood my vision, I came across Tom Krasniqi’s resume and aircheck. Although he was still new to the business, so was I, and I liked what I heard. Plus I saw that he had spent time at WFAN so I reached out and arranged a meeting.
He showed up, and three things stood out. First, he was easily the sharpest dressed guy in our building. Secondly, he towered over me, and third, he had a lot of passion for sports talk radio.
As we talked about sports, radio and professional experiences, I could tell that we had a lot in common. Tom had recently worked for WFAS in Westchester and was trying to find a spot which would allow him to develop further as a sports talk show host. After our interview ended, I spoke to my bosses about the possibility of adding him and they gave me the green light to do so but shared two things that I knew would make it difficult to attract a good candidate.
The offer had to be part time and at minimum wage
The radio station had just been sold and a format flip could be coming
Sensing that it wouldn’t be a positive situation for Tom or anyone else, I elected not to make an offer. We did speak and have a great conversation and I knew he’d end up landing in a good situation because he was young, talented, and hungry.
As luck would have it, my radio station in Poughkeepsie did flip formats a few months later from sports to spanish, so it’s a good thing that I never asked Tom to head north. That allowed him to focus his time on other opportunities, and after landing some work in New York City, he eventually migrated south to Florida where he began building his brand in Tampa.
Tom got a break in 2004 when he was hired as an anchor and host by 1010AM. Five years later that led to an opportunity at ESPN 1040am where he eventually became the station’s afternoon drive host. It wasn’t until 2012 though when he earned his biggest opportunity, working for 620 WDAE, Tampa’s leading sports radio station.
“TKras” as he’s known to his audience, started as an anchor, host, and Bucs reporter on WDAE. Two years later when the radio station had a chance to upgrade their local programming schedule, Tom was named host of the 9a-12p midday program, alongside Ronnie “Night Train” Lane, his former on-air partner at ESPN 1040.
Since teaming up, the pair have not disappointed. In the recent January ratings, “Ronnie and TKras” delivered the highest ratings on WDAE. Their show focuses primarily on the local Tampa sports scene and the chemistry and difference in the way each of them sound and approach topics is easy to detect.
Given that many in the sports format may not know Tom’s story, background, or the way his program has climbed the ratings ladder at WDAE, I thought it’d be interesting to catch up with him and get some insight on how he’s progressed over the years, and what he believes is important in creating great sports talk radio for a local audience.
Q: Who did you listen to growing up that influenced you to want to pursue a career in the sports radio business?
A:From the very first day of existence back in 1987, I grew up listening to WFAN in New York. Steve Somers, Chris Russo & Mike Francesa were the inspirations for me. When I finally got a chance to intern & work there, it was a dream come true. I was able to get an up close view as to how to be a compelling sports talk host from these guys. Being able to pick their brains was invaluable to me. It was instrumental in my development.
Q: Prior to landing at WDAE, where did you work previously and what were the best/worst parts of those career experiences?
A: Prior to WDAE, I was a sports anchor and host at Genesis Communications 1040-AM in Tampa. Before that, I spent nearly 6 years at all-sports 1010am in Tampa also as a sports anchor and host. All in all, I’ve been in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market for more than 12 years. I enjoyed the people I worked with and the opportunity to cover some of the greatest moments in Tampa Bay sports, namely the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals and the 2008 World Series. The downside? Cutbacks in recent years by corporate entities has hindered the business greatly.
Q: How did you end up landing on the airwaves of WDAE?
A: They were aggressive in pursuing me back in 2012 and that was really attractive to me. It’s a great feeling to be wanted. They had a plan for me to come in — cover the Bucs, sports anchoring and filling in as a host on occasion. Fortunately, I was able to establish myself to the point where I was able to land a regular hosting gig. I’m grateful to iHeartMedia for that.
Q: When it comes to your show, what do you read, watch and listen to in order to help you prepare and create content?
A: I’m online reading and researching about 4 hours per day, sometimes more. I’m watching games at night and always observing the mainstream sports networks, ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL, MLB & NHL Network. I’m always interested to get the national perspective to the local Tampa Bay area teams.
Q: During the span of a 3 hour show, how many topics do you try to introduce to the audience?
A: It’s a heavy emphasis on the local sports scene, Bucs, Rays & Lightning, as well as the major college sports in Florida with some relevant national topics mixed in. I’m always eager to express my opinion on the hot button issues, both locally & nationally.
Q: Why do you believe recycling/not recycling content is a smart strategy?
A: I believe recycling content is an effective strategy to a certain point. The average sports radio listener doesn’t stick around for long. Of course, we always love the P1 fanatics but they’re few & far between. What I always like to do is take a different angle to the same topic, advance the story when we touch upon it again later in the show. For example, The Lightning win last night. Early in the show we mention the big plays & analyze what happened. When we bring up the topic later in the show, I try to advance it. What’s next? Who’s playing well? Who needs to pick it up? Injury updates, that sort of thing. Recycle, but keep it fresh with updated content.
Q: How much value do you place on callers being a part of your show? Why do/don’t they matter to you?
A: I always enjoy interacting with callers. It can be highly entertaining at times but it should never be the end all, be all when it comes to hosting. You don’t want to rely on it constantly. At the end of the day, people are tuning in to hear YOUR opinion.
Q: When you lay out your 3-hour program, what’s your approach to adding guests?
A: Unless there’s a big story developing, you never want to jam your show with wall to wall guests. You want to bring people on that bring something to the table, opinions, insight & entertainment value.
Q: As it pertains to social media, how important do you think it is for an on-air talent to be accessible in the space? How do you incorporate it into your show?
A: Social media these days is very important to sports radio! You want to interact with the fans and at the same time, use it as a tool to promote your brand/show. Tease subject matters & invite them to listen in when you’re ready to make a big prediction or offer a hot take on a topic. Twitter/Facebook are great tools to push your content and reel in new listeners. You never know who’s listening.
Q: If there’s one area of sports radio today that you believe is sub-par and needs to be improved what is it?
A: I think it’s always the race to try and break news first, rather than get it right. I also believe in objectivity when it comes to local teams. You want to be fair & balanced. Do I want to see the local teams succeed? Absolutely! We’re the radio home to the Bucs, Rays & Lightning. When they do well, we do well. But at the same time, you have to remain objective & avoid being a homer. And stay away from the personal attacks and cheap shots. That’s how you gain credibility.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your broadcast career?
A: Be humble. Work hard & stay resilient. Never say no to opportunities when they come along. Be versatile. Learn how to cover the field as a reporter as well as being a producer, anchor and eventually a host. Start at the bottom and work your way up. That’s the only way you’ll learn responsibility and when that hard work eventually pays off, it’s that much more gratifying. If you can’t conquer the task in front of you (board-op, reporter, producer), what makes you think you can tackle the bigger jobs with more responsibility? My good friends Ian Eagle and Sweeny Murti of WFAN instilled that in me years ago and I’ll never forget it. Great piece of advice that I pass along to others today.
Q: As you look to the future, what is it you still want to accomplish?
A: I hope to continue doing what I do. I pride myself on being entertaining, passionate and opinionated. I’m never satisfied with status quo. I’m always striving to improve. At the same time, I’m blessed to be living a lifelong dream and I’ll always be grateful for being in this crazy business.
Tom Krasniqi aka TKras can be heard weekdays from 9a-12p on 620 WDAE in Tampa. For more information on his show with Ronnie “Nighttrain” Lane, clickhere. You can also follow him on Twitter by clickinghere.
Ian Darke, one of the most recognizable voices in global football, has signed a multi-year agreement to remain with ESPN as the company’s lead play-by-play commentator for soccer.
Darke will continue as ESPN’s primary voice for U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams’ matches, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and other tournaments and international friendlies. He will also pen a recurring column for ESPNFC.com and make periodic appearances on ESPN FC, the daily soccer television news and information program. The new contract extends through 2020.
Darke joined ESPN full-time from Sky Sports in September 2010 following his critically-acclaimed work during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Paired with legendary Liverpool FC player Steve McManaman, the duo called matches from Premier League stadiums each week from 2010-2013 – a pioneering concept, at the time, in how the league’s matches were televised in the United States.
To read more visit ESPN Media Zone where this article was originally published
