This week at Augusta National, CBS will broadcast the Masters for the 56th consecutive year. It is the longest relationship ever between a network and a top sports property. For the private Augusta National group, the key to longevity of the relationship with CBS has nothing to do with money or the number of holes it covers. This is all about trust.
CBS has done a brilliant job of covering the Masters, and it has been rewarded year after year with contract renewals.
“What makes the Masters so special is that it is the only one of golf’s majors that is played at the same course every year,” said CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz, who will be doing his 26th Masters. “It is the first major each year, and in some ways it is the official start of spring for many golfers watching at home. I also feel that we have had so many memorable moments at Augusta over the years that fans simply expect it to be a special tournament each year, and frankly it seldom disappoints.”
Where to find coverage?
There will be broadband coverage on Masters.com all week, including many things you can’t see on TV, including coverage before 3 p.m. All the coverage of the tournament will be produced by CBS Sports, including the live action airing on ESPN.
The Golf Channel will offer more than 50 hours of programming from the Masters, with “Live from the Masters” providing 37 hours of comprehensive wrap-around news coverage, including player interviews, analysis, up-to-the-minute leader board updates and daily features.
ESPN and ESPN HD will air 4 1/2 hours of live first- and second-round action on Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — an additional hour each day from the previous three years. An edited encore presentation will air in prime time each night from 8 to 11.
CBS Sports and Masters.com will have the weekend coverage. The third round Saturday will start at 11 a.m. with live coverage on the website and continue on CBS from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The final round at the Masters will start at 11 a.m. on Sunday with live online coverage at the website and will move to CBS from 2?p.m. to 7 p.m., including the presentation of the famous green jacket.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
