Sports Media Beat

The long time radio voice of the Boston Red Sox, Joe Castiglione, is stepping back on the number of games he will broadcast in 2023. Other topics we explore in this latest episode: USFL and Fox reach a labor deal XFL ready to roll College football games on the big screen NBA in primetime a slam-dunk for ABC

College football ratings on television are a success, according to the latest numbers. I give the rundown in this latest episode. The NFL numbers are not too paltry either, and we take a look at that. And if you are the New York Yankees' YES network, Dec. 7 turns out to be a good day for you. We run it all down in Episode 48 of the Sports Media Beat.

Soccer ratings in the United States for the World Cup are through the roof. Millions are tuning in on FOX to watch the matches, including USA vs. Iran and USA vs. England. Not all is well with the numbers of those, watching sports on linear TV, however, as I detail in this latest episode.

The New England Patriots will battle the Buffalo Bills in a huge AFC East football game on Thursday night. The event will be televised on Amazon Prime, leading me to speculate whether a record will be set for an Amazon Prime game. I also examine some other ratings numbers for televised NFL and college football games.

This is the final episode of the Sports Media Beat podcast. Host Dan Lovallo explains why the podcast is coming to an end and what is in store for the future. Links to Dan's other podcasts and websites: The Baseball BeatThe Sportscaster Dan podcastBrad Field WeatherSportscaster Dan Newsletter

Melanie Newman made history on Aug. 4, becoming the first female to broadcast play-by-play for the Baltimore Orioles in their game against the Miami Marlins. Also, PGA ratings remain solid for CBS. All that and more is discussed in the latest SMB. Below are the show notes for the podcast: PGA Tour on CBSWGC-St. Jude's Classic- Sun., Aug. 2- 2.1/3.2M- Up 31% in ratings and 39% in viewership- Tour on CBS has averaged 2.46M- 3rd round lead in on Golf Channel (.45/635,000 viewers)- 4th round lead in on GC on Sunday (.6/952,000) Melanie Newman-Newman makes history-first woman in Orioles broadcast history to broadcast a regular season game-on the call for the O's-Marlins game, calling play-by-play-among women, currently broadcasting MLB games, she joins the Rockie's Jenny Cavnar, the Yankees Suzyn Waldman and ESPN's Jessica Mendoza-she is also the fourth woman to call play-by-play for an MLB game, joining Cavnar, Waldman and Gayle Gardner Yankees-Red Sox- Ratings down- FOX, Sat., Aug. 1 (1.25/2.07M)-smallest Yanks-Red Sox audience since Sep. 2016, but it turned out to be 4th most watched MLB game this season, with the Yanks playing in three of those games- ESPN, Sun., Aug. 2 (1.2/1.91M) Red Sox-Mets- Thu., July 30 on FOX- 1.2/1.88M NASCAR race from New Hampshire- Sunday, Aug. 2/NBCSN- 1.4 rating/2.21 million- lowest rated edition of the race since 1998 and least watched since at least 2000- Brad Keselowski was the winner NBA on ABC- Blazers-Celtics (1.1/1.66M) Sunday, Aug. 2 NHL on NBC- Sunday, Aug. 2- Flyers-Bruins (0.8/1.42M)- NHL on NBCSN- Blues-Avalanche, Sun., Aug. 2 (.4/684,000) Formula 1 British Grand Prix on ESPN- Sun., Aug. 2 (.47/736,000)- Largest audience for race since it last aired on broadcast TV since 2012 WTT on CBS- Sun., Aug. 2 (.39/556,000 viewers)- Largest audience in league history ABC, Saturday, Aug. 1- aired 1990 fight between Buster Douglas and Mike Tyson- .47/616,000 WNBA on ESPN- Sun., Aug. 2- NY Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury- .17/248,000 Monday Night Football- No formal announcement- several reports indicate the crew will be Steve Levy on PBP, and former NFL players Louis Riddick and Brian Griese on commentary- succeeding Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland- bigger piece of the pie for NFL football ESPN stat cast

There are reports that the Pac-12 bought coverage for its conference in a deal with the Los Angeles Times. In almost a quid-pro-quo relationship, the flagging conference bought advertising from the newspaper in return for sports coverage. Has this opened a Pandora's Box? Also, among the stories covered: ESPN hires new voiceNotre Dame football joins ACCCBS adding drones and fly cams to PGA coverageDavis Love III leaves CBS golf coverage teamESPN planning record PGA Championship coverageNHL and Twitter sign deal

After a nearly four-month delay, Major League Baseball began its truncated 2020 season on July 23 and the sport played to record ratings. By the weekend, however, baseball's ratings had weakened. Meanwhile, the Google News Initiative is prepared to challenge the subscription-based sports website, The Athletic. Working in conjunction with newspapers across the USA, Google is looking to breath life into the flagging newspaper industry, by whetting the appetite of sports enthusiasts with access to local sports coverage. As the pandemic worsens, those who operate cameras at sporting events, such as baseball games, are worried about their jobs. A story in the New York Times details the concerns. All that and much more discussed in the latest Sports Media Beat podcast.

When the major league baseball season launches its truncated 2020 season on July 23, fans will not be allowed in the stands, because of COVID-19. That is not stopping FOX Sports from being innovative, however. When the network carries the Yankees-Nationals game on Saturday, there will be virtual fans in the stands. FOX will also have broadcasters Joe Buck and John Smoltz in separate studios far away from where the game will be played. Other topics discussed on this podcast: It appears likely there will be no NFL preseasonRatings for Memorial Tournament solidBraves broadcaster Jeff Francoeur has COVID-19NASCAR ratings from Texas lukewarmTNT names NBA broadcastersSports contributes to network ratings decline

As they prepare to start a truncated season in the Covid-era, Major League Baseball will take its already high tech television production to the next level. MLB plans to become even more interactive in an effort to appeal to a younger demographic. Meanwhile, shaken to its core over allegations of sexual harassment by 15 former female employees, the Washington NFL franchise is beginning to make changes. The club has announced the hiring of Julie Donaldson to lead its new radio broadcast team. Among the other stories discussed: Baseball summer camp ratings solidBob Costas joins CNNMore MLB broadcasters opt outNASCAR ratings dip slightly

Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Tim McCarver will not broadcast baseball games in 2020. In this latest edition of the Sports Media Beat, host Dan Lovallo explains why McCarver will not be behind the microphone. Lovallo also discusses other sports-related media news, including what happened to the archives of the Mike and the Mad Dog Show on WFAN radio in New York. Ratings for golf and NASCAR continue to rise and the WNBA is going to be televised on CBS. Lovallo has that story too.

Mike Golic is out on ESPN radio and radio takes a major ratings hit. In his latest podcast, host Dan Lovallo explains why radio ratings are down 40% in the Boston market and how it has impacted sports talk radio. That said, the sports ratings war in Boston seems to have take a one-sided turn. Plus the numbers are in for NASCAR and Formula 1 racing and they are encouraging. But what of baseball? Will the games be played? All that, plus NBA media news and more are discussed in the podcast.

Conjecture seems to be growing that the NFL will reduce its preseason from four to two games because of Covid-19. Although no official announcement has been made at the time of this podcast, various stories seem to indicate the NFL could get a later summer start, because of the virus. Such a move would obviously effect the NFL's TV contracts with the major networks. Meanwhile, the virus will impact 79-year-old legendary sportscaster Marv Albert. The long time play-by-play broadcaster of NBA games on Turner Sports is not expected to return to that role, when the NBA resumes its season later in July under the Orlando "bubble." Dan Lovallo discusses that and more in his latest podcast.

There seems to be conjecture the NFL will reduce the number of preseason games from four to two because of Covid-19. If that happens, what will the television impact be? Plus, it appears 79-year-old Marv Albert will not be calling games on Turner Sports, when the NBA resumes. Dan Lovallo explores that and more in his latest podcast.

The effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt, as the NFL announces it will cancel the 2020 Hall of Fame game scheduled for Canton, OH, along with the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. The exhibition game is the first of the NFL season, but the league announced on June 25 there would not be a game on Aug 6. The enshrinement ceremony and game will return in 2021 and the game will feature the same clubs scheduled for 2020, Dallas vs. Pittsburgh. Also in the podcast, I talk about Major League Baseball and much more.

The effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt, even as Major League Baseball attempts to launch a truncated season. On June 25, the NFL announced it was cancelling its annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, OH. Dan Lovallo talks about that and more on the latest Sports Media Beat.

Major League Baseball's cheating scandal, which led to the dismal of three managers, has dominated the sports media landscape this week. But other stories also made news, including high ratings for the college football national championship game between LSU and Clemson. Plus the top 10 advertisers on NFL television coverage in 2019 are revealed. In addition, sportscaster Dan Lovallo covers several other sports media topics.

Despite what some may say is a deal between Major League Baseball and the players association, there is no agreement yet and that could mean no major league baseball on television for awhile in 2020, if at all.  As sports return in the USA, during Covid-19, those that are making it to TV are turning out to be a ratings hit, including the PGA Tour.  Dan Lovallo discusses all of this and more on the Sports Media Beat. 

Despite what some may say is a deal between Major League Baseball and the players association, there is no agreement yet and that could mean no major league baseball on television for awhile in 2020, if at all. As sports return in the USA, during Covid-19, those that are making it to TV are turning out to be a ratings hit, including the PGA Tour. Dan Lovallo discusses all of this and more on the Sports Media Beat.

It might not have been the NFL, but the MLB draft was a hit June 10 in the TV ratings.  In the return of the Sports Media Beat, I review the ratings and also comment on the unrest that has occurred in the United States.  Here is the link to the interview I did with the late, great Buck Leonard. Dan Lovallo interviews Buck Leonard

It might not have been the NFL, but the MLB draft was a hit June 10 in the TV ratings. In the return of the Sports Media Beat, I review the ratings and also comment on the unrest that has occurred in the United States. Here is the link to the interview I did with the late, great Buck Leonard. Dan Lovallo interviews Buck Leonard

Covid-19 is impacting sports at all levels and in this podcast I touch on some of the effects. I also look at the latest ratings, the new PGA TV deal and more.

Covid-19 is impacting sports at all levels and in this podcast I touch on some of the effects. I also look at the latest ratings, the new PGA TV deal and more.

Is the future of NBC Sports radio hanging in the balance? And what about the Summer Olympic games in Tokyo. I talk about that, plus the latest XFL ratings and much, much more in this podcast. And don’t forget to visit https://sportsmediabeat.com where I link to all of the stories I talk about in the show notes.

Is the future of NBC Sports radio hanging in the balance? And what about the Summer Olympic games in Tokyo. I talk about that, plus the latest XFL ratings and much, much more in this podcast. And don’t forget to visit https://sportsmediabeat.com where I link to all of the stories I talk about in the show notes.

CBS and football commentator Tony Romo have agreed to a massive new contract that could set a record and make Romo the highest paid sportscaster. About to become a free agent, with his contract expiring over the weekend, Romo - the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback - and the network have reportedly agreed to a new multi-year deal worth $17M a year. Also, You Tube TV has agreed to extend its carrying of Sinclair's regional sports networks, including YES, while negotiations on a new deal continue. I have that and more in a special edition of the Sports Media Beat.  Links to stories discussed in this podcast: Tony Romo and CBS agree to new contract You Tube TV and Sinclair continue talks Golf and hockey ratings

CBS and football commentator Tony Romo have agreed to a massive new contract that could set a record and make Romo the highest paid sportscaster. About to become a free agent, with his contract expiring over the weekend, Romo - the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback - and the network have reportedly agreed to a new multi-year deal worth $17M a year. Also, You Tube TV has agreed to extend its carrying of Sinclair's regional sports networks, including YES, while negotiations on a new deal continue. I have that and more in a special edition of the Sports Media Beat.

The Dallas Cowboys remain 'America's team' even though they have not been to a Super Bowl since 1996.  Why is that.  And You Tube TV drops regional sports networks.  I talk about this and much more.  Links to stories below: You Tube drops regional sports networks ESPN audio dominates Tony Romo to hit open market Dallas Cowboys remain 'America's team' ACC spring football Big 3 basketball returns to CBS Soccer issues a challenge to baseball NASCAR ratings for Las Vegas XFL ratings down again NBA ratings increase

In this episode of the Sports Media Beat, I quote network executives on why the Dallas Cowboys remain "America's Team," even though they have not appeared in a Super Bowl since 1996. Plus, You Tube TV is dropping 17 regional sports networks and YES. I also discuss ratings and much more.

Like a home run, the Oakland Athletics are saying bye-bye to their flagship radio station opting to present their audio play-by-play on the app TuneIn.  And as it turns out, the ratings for the Daytona 500 were down because of Sunday's postponement.  I talk about this and link to other stories discussed in the podcast: Daytona 500 ratings ESPN baseball broadcasting crews Oakland Athletics ditch radio NFL would expand playoffs XFL ratings Kostis rips CBS and the PGA NHL Stadium Series AT&T not getting price for RSNs

The Oakland Athletics have ditched radio for its immediate market and present their baseball games on the TuneIn app, another sign of a media landscape in flux. The change will begin with the coming 2020 baseball season and it has stirred a lot of comment. Meanwhile, the final numbers for the Daytona 500 are in and I review the results. I also talk NFL, XFL and more in the latest podcast.

Ratings for NASCAR's Daytona 500 on Sunday accelerated, although the numbers for Monday's conclusion to the race are not yet known, as of this podcast.  Also good news for the NBA All-Star game.  Here are the links to the stories I covered in this edition of the Sports Media Beat. NASCAR ratings NBA All-Star game Commissioner Adam Silver NBC's streaming services at odds? IMG Arena and NHL expand deal Sinclair turns to streaming for Regional Sports Network MLB and players association could cut back their video Mike Breen and Michael Wilbon receive Curt Gowdy Award Marv Albert not ready to retire Dan Lovallo's interview with legendary Curt Gowdy

NASCAR ratings for the Daytona 500 showed a tremendous increase in the overnight ratings, as did the NBA All-Star game on TNT. Meanwhile, NBC is sending conflicting signals with its streaming service, although an email from the network states such is not the case. I have all that and more on my latest Sports Media Beat podcast.

In its debut weekend, the XFL was a hit on television, especially with the younger demos.  As it turns out, more people watched the Super Bowl than first reported.  And how the Yankees calculate their ratings on the YES Network could mean more ad revenue and be a trend setter.  I run it all down with links below on my latest Sports Media Beat. Here are the links to the stories: XFL opening ratings Super Bowl audience larger than first thought AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Duke-UNC college basketball NBA on ABC NBA All-Star game ads CBS Sports cuts deal with William Hill MLB could expand playoffs San Francisco Giants will split TV broadcast crew YES to raise ad rates Jessica Mendoza stays with ESPN, abandons Mets NASCAR ads wagering

In the debut weekend of the XFL, ratings for the games were very good. That's the lead for my latest Sports Media Beat. Plus, the Super Bowl audience may have been larger - much larger -than first reported. In fact, there is a connection between the Super Bowl audience gauge and the YES Network, home of the New York Yankees. It has to do on how ratings are calculated and it could lead to more ad revenue for the network. I explain it all in the podcast.

The XFL debuts this weekend and sportscaster Dan Lovallo talks about the games on the schedule in addition to some other interesting facets about the new league.  Super Bowl ratings were mixed, although slightly up on television overall.  Dan has the numbers.  Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is not happy with national broadcasters who also work for other clubs in the administrative end.  Lovallo will explain.  Plus much, much more on the Sports Media Beat.

The XFL debuts this weekend and sportscaster Dan Lovallo talks about the games on the schedule in addition to some other interesting facets about the new league. Super Bowl ratings were mixed, although slightly up on television overall. Dan has the numbers. Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is not happy with national broadcasters who also work for other clubs in the administrative end. Lovallo will explain. Plus much, much more on the Sports Media Beat.

Coverage for the Super Bowl is swinging into high gear with the game this season to be televised by Fox with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman at the mics.  Here are links to other stories covered in this edition of the Sports Media Beat with Dan Lovallo: Rerun of Kobe Bryant's final NBA game Is Jessica Mendoza out of Sunday booth? NHL All-Star ratings dip ESPN will air all of women's NCAA hoop tournament NBC may join sports betting world ESPN rolling out 500 shows for social media Hackers nail NFL teams and ESPN accounts Sean McVay joins ESPN Super Bowl coverage Super Bowl LIV coverage details What $5.6M could get you in digital marketing

Super Bowl LIV coverage is in high gear with ESPN planning a four-hour pregame show. And that network isn't even carrying the game. Plus, ESPN is increasing its social media platform in a big way. Baseball plans to mic its umpires to explain video replay calls and much more on Dan Lovallo's latest edition of the Sports Media Beat.

CBS sportscaster Jim Nance is class personified,says Dan Lovallo in his latest Sports Media Beat.  Network executives are also beaming over the NFL.  For that matter, Fox is even beaming over the 2019 World Series.  Here are the issues discussed and the links in the latest podcast: NFL title games see ratings drop NFL TV ad revenue grew in 2019 Spotify in talks to buy The Ringer Mountain West Conference inks deals with CBS and Fox Zion Williamson gives NBA ratings a boost NBC streaming service big on sports NBC sports and Snapchat cut a deal ESPN+ adds Spanish-speaking broadcasts

CBS sportscaster Jim Nance is class personified. In his latest podcast, sportscaster Dan Lovallo explains why. Lovallo also looks at the latest ratings, including what Zion Williamson means for the NBA. Plus Lovallo explains why network executives are beaming over the NFL and for that matter, even the 2019 World Series.

Major League Baseball's revelation that the Houston Astros cheated in the 2017 season, by going beyond the use of technical equipment to steal signs, dominated the sports media coverage this week.  The scandal also led to the dismissal of three managers.  Other topics in this podcast that were covered by Sportscaster Dan: College Football National Championship game between LSU and Clemson a big hit for ESPN CBS Sports HQ gains NFL Playoff ratings Tony Romo Keith Hernandez NBA doubleheader on ESPN College basketball English Premier Soccer NASCAR and Verizon Super Bowl ads Ad execs love ESPN NFL ad revenue up in 2019

Is Tony Romo about to become the highest paid sportscaster in history? One website is reporting the CBS football analyst is about to sign a record deal with ESPN. Plus 2019 television was dominated by the NFL. And all hands are on deck for Monday night's college football national championship game between LSU and defending national champion Clemson. Sportscaster Dan Lovallo covers all that and more on the latest Sports Media Beat. Topics covered in the podcast: Tony Romo about to make sportscasting history? Vikings-49ers game Titans-Ravens game NFL leads TV's most-watched programs NBA, NHL, UConn-Baylor ratings ESPN has LSU-Clemson covered Champion leaving ESPN Van Pelt moving show to D.C. Drew Brees could go to TV  

Is Tony Romo about to become the highest paid sportscaster in history? One website is reporting the CBS football analyst is about to sign a record deal with ESPN. Plus 2019 television was dominated by the NFL. And all hands are on deck for Monday night's college football national championship game between LSU and defending national champion Clemson. Sportscaster Dan Lovallo covers all that and more on the latest Sports Media Beat.

The NBA and Turner Sports have announced they have extended their deal with Twitter, meaning more games will be presented on the social media platform.  It is a sign the times are changing in the world of sports media.  Dan Lovallo covers that topic and more, including the following stories: SEC closing in on deal with ESPN WWE rakes in big You Tube revenue Super Bowl ads feature candidates College basketball ratings, NBA, PGA Kostis tweeks PGA  

The NBA and Turner Sports have expanded their arrangement with Twitter. It means more games and coverage will be made available on the social media platform. Also, former CBS golf analyst Peter Kostis, dismissed by the network last year, sent out a couple of Tweets critical of the PGA. Plus, the SEC seems closer to a deal with ESPN. All that more sports media news and commentary with host Dan Lovallo.

Speculation is rising that their could be a shakeup in the Monday Night Football ESPN broadcast booth.  And there is conversation about this, even though the series had a ratings increase this season.  That is among the topics explored by Dan Lovallo.  Other topics explored by Dan: NFL ratings for wild card weekend: Bills-Texans NFL ratings for wild card weekend: Seahawks-Eagles Sports ratings up across the Pond XFL wants betting on the up-and-up Internet media jobs triple in last decade  

Will there be a shakeup in the Monday Night Football booth on ESPN? NY Post sports media critic Andrew Marchand is speculating that change maybe afoot. Plus, the changing face of the sports media. Host Dan Lovallo talks about that and gives the latest ratings for football and soccer.

Saturday night's New England Patriots-Tennessee Titans NFL wild card playoff game was a hit for CBS in prime time, attracting 31.4M viewers.  In this latest podcast, host Dan Lovallo breaks down the numbers from the January 4 game.   Other stories covered by Dan: Citrus Bowl ratings Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl Week 17 for NFL on FOX NHL Winter Classic Sports Illustrated employees vote to unionize Be sure to subscribe to the Sports Media Beat in your favorite podcast directory and thank you.

The New England Patriots-Tennessee Titans NFL wild card playoff game on Saturday, January 4, produced huge prime time ratings for CBS. In this edition of the Sports Media Beat, Dan Lovallo breaks down the ratings. He also looks at numbers for the various college bowl games and talks about how Sports Illustrated writers have overwhelmingly voted to unionize.

The College Football Playoff semifinals scored big ratings on ESPN last Saturday.  Meanwhile, the NFL, which rakes in the money now, is on the verge of an even bigger pay day.  Here are links to the stories we covered on the Sports Media Beat: CFP semifinals score big Orange Bowl a tune out CBS finishes regular season NFL with highest ratings in three years NBC with ratings high on Sunday Night Football Kentucky a winner for college basketball on CBS Duke Castiglione gets promotion at Channel 5 in Boston NFL on verge of big payday Both AFC playoff games on Saturday