ESPN exec Burke Magnus downplays YouTube TV impact on college football ratings
Did the YouTube TV impasse have a negative impact on college football ratings? One ESPN executive has a different idea.
Did the YouTube TV impasse have a negative impact on college football ratings? One ESPN executive has a different idea.
"There's a full appreciation at ESPN of how compelling their content is from an entertainment perspective."
"I think it was the right decision because we were still searching for the perfect combination."
"I like the new arrangement better because at least it draws clear lines between what he's doing for us, and what he's doing outside of us."
"She is so relevant with an audience that is not insignificant and is very important to the future of our business."
"They're gonna do literally every playoff night for us through the Finals."
"As we sit here today, I could not imagine our daytime schedule without his show."
“It will be as close to that as we can possibly get”
Burke Magnus left the door open for First Take's next host to be an external hire.
"The one thing that was unexpected was the timing of all this."
"Another way not to get stories like this out there, is don't get mad at a low-level assistant when you're shown swinging and missing against a softball player."
"At what point are we just going to f*cking just leave us the f*ck alone, almost?"
"...he’s one of those guys that I believe can pull it off."
ESPN wants to build "the ultimate sports destination" on digital platforms for fans. That means more than just buying live sports rights.
"I could give you a whole host of reasons why it was not the normal circumstance, but at the end of the day, that was just a horrible error that was made by a group of really well-intentioned people who feel terrible about it."
"We're going to have a conversation with him after the season, see where things are."
"We're not locked into that."
"We don't want to change it. We don't want to interject new talent into it."
"Shams is one of the most well-connected and accomplished journalists in sports and we’re proud that he will now call ESPN his home."
"I would be lying if we said we weren't interested in Charles."
Major changes are coming behind the scenes at the Worldwide Leader.
"I’m hearing he could announce his reorganization strategy as soon as next week."
The WNBA CBA allows postseason expansion, but many believed ESPN broadcast windows were dictating the playoff format since 2016. A new deal opens up new possibilities.
"It is our platform at the end of the day."
"There is a wealth of talented people out there who, if given the chance, I think could also become superstars very easily on our platform."