Since it began in 1977, “Inside the NFL” has changed analysts, hosts and even networks but has stuck steadfastly to its format of NFL Films highlights, player interviews, insightful analysis and spirited debate. Despite its fluid nature — the biggest change came in 2009, when the show left HBO and moved to Showtime — this iconic franchise has stayed fresh and remains one of the top shows of its type on television. So how does a show that airs on pay cable every Wednesday at 9 p.m. remain such a powerful force in the sports broadcasting industry? Well, the man behind the scenes, coordinating producer Pete Radovich, discussed his strategy.
In a world with Twitter, Facebook, scrolling news, etc., how does “Inside the NFL” keep up?
Radovich » “Let’s start with our cast. We have James Brown, Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms and Warren Sapp. Together, they are four of the strongest personalities following the NFL. When they say something, people pay attention. Because our show is on Wednesday, we have the unique advantage of reviewing the games of the past week and then really being the first to break down the Thursday to Sunday games. So via social media, our quotes get out ahead of the other shows.”
How do you keep things fresh on the show?
Radovich » “Well, it starts with my Monday morning calls to Cris, Phil, Warren and J.B. I get their observations on the Sunday games and the issues around the league. Since I speak to each of them individually, I know where they stand on issues before the group does. Then when we have our production meeting, we talk about the format of the show, but no one gives their opinion on the issues of the day. Once we hit the set and the cameras are rolling, that is the first time anyone knows the others’ thoughts about the key topics. It makes for fresher debate, and the audience finds out what is on our analysts’ minds the same time they do. ”
You really didn’t change the show’s format much from the HBO show. Why?
Radovich » “I worked on ’60 Minutes,’ and over the years the reporters and anchors have changed but the format never changes. It is a success the way it is, and people know it and understand it and most of all like it done that way. When we got ‘Inside the NFL’ from HBO, we could have changed it, but why? It has been a great show that we simply put our stamp on just like ’60 Minutes.’?”
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.
