Sports Media with Richard Deitsch The rise of Scripps Sports, owner of ION, as a player in sports television
Mar 25, 2025
Brian Lawlor, the President of Scripps Sports, plays a pivotal role in broadcasting women's sports through ION and local stations. He shares insights on the network's strategy for WNBA and NWSL coverage, emphasizing the importance of consistent visibility and the impact of standout athletes like Caitlin Clark. Lawlor discusses ION’s innovative game scheduling and the growing audience for women's sports. He also reflects on Scripps' commitment to enhancing accessibility and engagement in sports, signaling a bright future for women's sports broadcasting.
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ION's Women's Sports Strategy
- ION aims to be the go-to channel for professional women's sports in the U.S., focusing on consistent visibility and accessibility.
- They provide national and local broadcasts to ensure fans can easily follow their teams, especially for WNBA Friday night doubleheaders.
Caitlin Clark's Impact on ION
- Scripps Sports committed to women's sports before Caitlin Clark's rise, seeing consistent annual ratings growth.
- Caitlin Clark's breakout helped validate their early investment, accelerating league visibility and audience engagement.
ION's Wide Reach Advantage
- ION can reach any household in America with a TV, boasting a wider reach than ESPN.
- This over-the-air distribution greatly enhances the visibility of the women's sports they broadcast.