The Season with Peter Schrager: Crafting the 2024 Season Schedule with Mike North, NFL VP of Broadcast Planning
May 16, 2024
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Mike North, VP of Broadcast Planning at the NFL, discusses the process behind crafting the 2024 season schedule. Topics include the impact of Taylor Swift's tour, Netflix Christmas Day games, how Tom Brady's first game was decided, and the evolution from manual to algorithm-driven scheduling.
Netflix partnership enhances NFL broadcasting with Christmas Day games.
NFL prioritizes team storylines and matchups for national coverage.
Balancing holiday games with player well-being and fan engagement challenges NFL schedule makers.
Deep dives
Decision-Making Process for NFL Schedules
The podcast delves into the intricate process behind finalizing NFL schedules. The episode highlights the involvement of key stakeholders like the vice president of broadcast planning in making crucial decisions. The challenges of predicting team performances and fan engagement over an eight to ten month period are discussed. The importance of commissioner approval and the constant reevaluation of schedule options to ensure the best matchups are emphasized.
Innovative Changes for Broadcasting Partnerships
The podcast explores innovative changes in broadcasting partnerships, focusing on the historic deal with Netflix for streaming NFL games. It discusses the logistics and planning involved in scheduling games on unusual days like Christmas and partnering with global platforms. The episode highlights the significance of adapting to new platforms and global audiences while aligning with traditional broadcast partners for production quality and audience reach.
Focus on Team Storylines and Matchup Dynamics
The episode sheds light on the strategy behind showcasing compelling team storylines and dynamic matchups throughout the NFL season. It illustrates how certain teams earn more national television coverage based on their performance and potential storyline arcs. The discussion includes examples like the Cleveland Browns' rising popularity, the Houston Texans' revamped presence in the schedule, and the balancing act of distributing prime matchups across various time slots for maximum audience engagement.
Impact of Holiday Games on Teams and Fans
The discussion delves into the impact of scheduling holiday games like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's on teams and fans. The dilemma arises from balancing the competitive advantages for teams playing on these holidays with considerations for player well-being and fan engagement. The debate revolves around the challenges of assigning games on consecutive holidays and the potential strain on players and fans, questioning the fairness and practicality of such scheduling decisions.
Challenges and Considerations in NFL Schedule-making
The conversation touches on the intricate process of creating the NFL schedule, considering various factors like team preferences, stadium availability, and fan experiences. The complexity lies in balancing revenue generation, competitive fairness, and logistical constraints to ensure an equitable and compelling schedule for all teams. The use of analytics and technology aids in optimizing scheduling decisions, but human input and a nuanced understanding of team dynamics and external factors remain crucial in enhancing the schedule's quality and integrity.
Peter sits down with Vice President of Broadcast Planning at the NFL Mike North for their annual schedule rundown. North gives us a behind the scenes look at how it all came together, what to expect from the Netflix Christmas Day games, how Tom Brady's first game was decided, and the impact of Taylor Swift's tour on the NFL schedule.