Monday will mark the end of the Versus network and the launch of the NBC Sports Network. It is a transition that has been nearly a year in the making. Many changes already have taken place, but to say the best is yet to come would be an understatement. Jon Miller is a Bethesda native, a self proclaimed Washingtonian and a proud graduate of Walt Whitman High School. He started his 34 year career with NBC at WRC-TV, and now he is the president of programming for NBC Sports. He also is in charge of the transition of Versus to the NBC Sports Network.
How has it been getting ready for the change from Versus to NBC Sports Network?
Miller » “Monday will be a huge NHL day for us. We will air both the 2010 and 2011 Winter Classics and then will have a complete postgame show hosted by Bob Costas after the Winter Classic airs on NBC. At 4:30 p.m., we debut our first documentary produced by former HBO [Sports] president Ross Greenburg, who will be doing a number of projects for the network: ‘Cold War on Ice: Summit Series ’72.’ Then comes ‘NBC SportsTalk’ at 6 p.m., ‘NHL Live’ at 7:30 p.m. and the Vancouver Canucks hosting the San Jose Sharks at 8 p.m. ‘NHL Live’ postgame and ‘NHL Overtime’ will end the NBC Sports Network’s first day.”
What will the new NBC Sports Network look like?
Miller » “We will look like NBC. Viewers have already seen some of our new programming: our project with NFL Films, who has been producing our critically acclaimed ‘NFL Turning Point.’ Many in Washington know Russ Thaler, our host for ‘NBC Sports Talk,’ and Darren Rovell’s new show, ‘SportsBiz: Game On.’ We will increase NFL coverage as the playoffs begin. Of course we will continue our studio programming for the NHL. Costas will have a monthly show starting with ‘Costas Tonight: Live from the Super Bowl.’?”
How about live programming?
Miller » “2012 will be jammed packed with, of course, the NHL coverage, which now includes our first ever total coverage of all Stanley Cup playoff games. We will continue our very successful relationships with the IndyCar series as well as the best in cycling, including the Tour de France. We are very excited about the addition of our new Major League Soccer package. Then, of course, we will play a huge role in the lead up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London with hours and hours of Olympic trials. We will also air some of the games this summer.”
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!, on washingtonexaminer.com.
