Awful Announcing
"We came quite close to securing a deal with The Athletic, close enough that the founders came to New York for an entire week of meetings to sort through every detail."
That rate would still exceed NBC's average of around $8 million per spot in February.
The Savannah Bananas keep getting bigger.
"We're always willing to have a conversation with the NFL in an effort to find new opportunities for growth."
The distributor wants assurances that NFL Network will continue to hold a seven-game NFL package, rather than those games shifting to ESPN or ABC in future years.
Disney and Paramount secured the vast majority of rights across South America, Central America, Mexico, and Canada.
Disney's view on a potential ESPN spinoff could shift "over the next six to nine months."
The news solidifies prior reporting that an ESPN spinoff was unlikely to happen.
The process would subject Disney to lengthy hearings in which the company would be forced to defend and justify its broadcast licenses in eight markets.
Advertisers are pushing back at the $10 million ask for a 30-second Super Bowl LXI spot.
The news comes amid a recent report that ESPN will slash 30 jobs.
Longtime sportscaster Chris Berman will be given the ultimate honor from ESPN's parent company by being named a Disney Legend.
The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament would offer the network its best opportunity to match "The Bachelorette" viewership.
"The Playback team has joined Disney Entertainment + ESPN, where we’ll be part of the product and technology team building the future of interactive sports media..."
Straight from Hockey Island, the Inside Out Classic.
The outgoing Disney CEO is stepping down on March 18.
"This expanded agreement reflects the incredible growth and fan demand surrounding Banana Ball."
"I believe that ESPN is a big part of the Walt Disney Company’s strategy and future."
The network's spinoff was not discussed with Disney's CEO candidates as part of the selection process.
"Everyone wanted to be ESPN. Those days are over."
"I think this is the right time to set that asset free."
Conversely, the NFL will have an opportunity to increase its stake at the same time.
Disney CEO Bob Iger didn't have much to say about the ESPN-NFL deal, but the company did reveal the cost of its YouTube TV dispute.
The company is expected to name his successor this month.
