Episode 111: NFL problems, World Series problems, Ballys problems and streaming problems
Nov 1, 2023
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The podcast discusses streaming problems with YouTubeTV and Bally Sports' app, predicts the NBA's next rights deal, talks about MLB's successful season despite World Series ratings, and explores MLS post-season run on AppleTV+. There is also a discussion about sports media listening tour, high costs of streaming services like Bally Sports, blackouts, territorial rights, and the future of sports media.
Streaming problems highlight the challenges and frustrations faced by viewers with Bally Sports' app and YouTubeTV on game days.
Diamond Sports' financial and distribution disputes with major sports leagues and providers are threatening its success as an operator of streaming services.
Deep dives
NHL's Frozen Frenzy generates impressive viewership and boosts ESPN numbers
The NHL came up with the idea to have all 32 of its teams play on the same night, called the Frozen Frenzy. The event was a success, with the most-watched regular season game involving a Canadian team in six years. ESPN numbers for the NHL are up 26% this season.
ESPN/ABC's Mike Breen signs contract extension but faces challenges with new crew
Mike Breen, the lead NBA voice for ESPN/ABC, signed a four-year contract extension. However, with a new crew, including Doc Rivers and Doris Burke, there are some adjustments and improvements that need to be made. Breen must find a way to make the team work well together and deliver an excellent broadcast experience.
Bally Sports faces criticism and frustrations from viewers
Bally Sports, the streaming service, has been met with criticism and frustrations. Viewers are unhappy with the $25 per month pricing and the blackouts experienced during games. Many prefer a lower monthly fee and a clean, clear way to access their favorite sports events.
MLB's Diamond Sports struggles with blackout issues and financial battles
Diamond Sports, the operator of Bally Sports RSNs and streaming, faces challenges. The blackout issues during games have frustrated viewers. Additionally, Diamond Sports is currently engaged in financial and distribution disputes with MLB, NBA, NHL, DirecTV, Charter, and Comcast, which are essential to its success.
YouTubeTV experienced a lot of streaming problems on Sunday, and Bally Sports’ app was not working on Monday night. Co-hosts Andrew Marchand and John Ourand dive into what those two problems say about where and how streaming fits into the current state of sports media.
In other topics, Marchand and Ourand offer their predictions on the NBA’s next rights deal, talk about MLB’s success this season regardless of World Series ratings and dive into MLS post-season run on AppleTV+. Marchand discusses the sports media listening tour he took last week in Minnesota, where local fans had a lot of opinions about how much they would pay to stream their teams’ games.
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