TV networks are competitive by nature, fighting over viewers, sponsors and in some cases broadcasters. But things have changed over the years. For networks, working with sporting properties has become more of a team effort as rights fees escalate.
We have seen Major League Baseball work with FOX and cable partners ESPN, TBS and the MLB Network. The NBA has deals with ESPN/ABC, TNT and NBA TV. NASCAR, the PGA and MLS all have multiple partners working together.
However, the best relationship might be between ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel, one that both networks seem to enjoy.
NBC has had a long tradition of showing the French Open women’s final live on Saturday and the men’s final live on Sunday — both at 9 a.m. But in 2010, fans are more demanding, and ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel have responded with around-the-clock coverage.
ESPN2 came to Paris with its outstanding team of broadcasters led by Cliff Drysdale — the dean of tennis play-by-play — and ever-entertaining analysts Mary Carillo, Mary Joe Fernandez, Brad Gilbert, Patrick McEnroe and Pam Shriver. This year’s French Open has been another successful slam for the gang with more than 150 hours logged on the network.
Over at the Tennis Channel, the analyst team of John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova has provided plenty of star power. Play-by-play commentator Ted Robinson is one of the most versatile in the business and has been inked to a long-term deal.
The Tennis Channel has held the early morning and late night duties, giving fans true 24-hour coverage between the two networks.
Also of note at this year’s French Open has been the coverage on ESPN3 broadband, where a number of matches were shown that were not offered on TV. More and more tennis fans are finding that option a complement to the TV.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog,Watch this!
