Sports Media Watch
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
📤 3634
📥 45
📝 975
Sports media news and information. Run by Jon Lewis.
Back on YouTube TV for the first time in three weeks, Disney networks ESPN and ABC sweep the top four college football audiences of week twelve:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-foot...
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College Football TV Ratings
College football TV ratings for the 2025 regular season, bowls, College Football Playoff and National Championship.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/
about 1 hour ago
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Chiefs still lighting up the ratings as they slide down the standings:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/chie...
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Chiefs still lighting up the ratings as they slide down the standings
Even in a down season, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to establish themselves as the new "America's team."
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/chiefs-ratings-high-despite-record-nfl-week-11-viewership-recap/
about 2 hours ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
USA Sports president Hong sees GolfNow-style side businesses as key to new company's future:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-...
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The future is GolfNow: USA Sports' Hong sees side businesses as focus
For the new USA Sports and its parent company Versant, the future may lie in the businesses adjacent to its sports TV properties.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-sports-future-golfnow-side-businesses-linear-tv/
about 10 hours ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
about 7 hours ago
The sideline reporting playbook on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
: Jackie Redmond explains how she covers hockey for the "NHL on TNT."
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MLB officially announces new deals with ESPN, NBCUniversal and Netflix:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mlb-...
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MLB officially announces deals with ESPN, NBCU, Netflix
A saga that began with ESPN's opt-out in February has ended with three new rights deals -- and two new partners -- for Major League Baseball.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mlb-announces-deals-with-espn-nbcu-netflix/
about 8 hours ago
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USA Sports president Hong sees GolfNow-style side businesses as key to new company's future:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-...
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The future is GolfNow: USA Sports' Hong sees side businesses as focus
For the new USA Sports and its parent company Versant, the future may lie in the businesses adjacent to its sports TV properties.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-sports-future-golfnow-side-businesses-linear-tv/
about 10 hours ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
about 11 hours ago
New on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
:
@mlb.com
media rights deals with
@espn.com
, NBC Sports and
@netflix.com
are reportedly going to be announced Wednesday; Netflix reveals its NFL Christmas Day broadcast team; and more sports media news.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mlb-...
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News: MLB rights, Disney-Sling, Netflix and more
MLB is reportedly announcing new rights deals; Disney is denied a preliminary injunction in Sling lawsuit; and more sports media news.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mlb-media-rights-disney-sling-orange-netflix-nfl/
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ABC and ESPN college football audiences rebound with big games and return to YouTube TV:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/abc-...
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ABC, ESPN, CFB audiences rebound with big games, return to YouTube TV
Boosted by big games, ABC scored its most-watched college football Saturday in weeks after its return to YouTube TV.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/abc-most-watched-college-football-since-week-one-return-youtube-tv/
1 day ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
1 day ago
New on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
: The sideline reporter playbook, with insights from Jenny Dell, Kathryn Tappen, Jenny Taft, John Giannone, Kendra Douglas, Hannah Mears, Jackie Redmond, Michael Grady, Katie George, Vanessa Richardson and Jared Greenberg.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/smw-...
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The sideline reporting playbook: What it takes to succeed in a changing landscape
Sideline reporters from national and regional television networks discuss their craft and how they approach the job in the "SMW Playbook."
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/smw-sideline-reporting-playbook/
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New on SMW,
@derekfutterman.bsky.social
goes in-depth with sideline reporters from around the industry to discuss the ins and outs of the job:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/smw-...
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The sideline reporting playbook: What it takes to succeed in a changing landscape
Sideline reporters from national and regional television networks discuss their craft and how they approach the job in the "SMW Playbook."
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/smw-sideline-reporting-playbook/
1 day ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
MLB media rights deal has yet to be announced, but ESPN has "finalized" its acquisition of MLB[.]tv, per John Ourand of Puck.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/espn...
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ESPN acquisition of MLB.tv finalized, but not yet announced
The new MLB media rights deals have yet to be announced, but ESPN's acquisition of MLB.tv has reportedly been finalized.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/espn-mlb-tv-acquisition-finalized-still-not-announced/
2 days ago
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MLB media rights deal has yet to be announced, but ESPN has "finalized" its acquisition of MLB[.]tv, per John Ourand of Puck.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/espn...
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ESPN acquisition of MLB.tv finalized, but not yet announced
The new MLB media rights deals have yet to be announced, but ESPN's acquisition of MLB.tv has reportedly been finalized.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/espn-mlb-tv-acquisition-finalized-still-not-announced/
2 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
2 days ago
New on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
: The NFL is looking at more markets for international games; Sinclair has interest in potentially merging with Scripps; and more sports media news.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nfl-...
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News: NFL, Sinclair-Scripps, ESPN and more
The NFL is exploring more markets for international games; Sinclair could potentially merge with Scripps; and more sports media news.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nfl-sinclair-scripps-espn-nba-countdown/
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Drew Brees returns to NFL broadcasting on Sunday's Packers-Giants game. On the latest "On the Air," Armand Broady examines Brees' comeback and what he needs to do differently to succeed this time:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/on-t...
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On the Air: Drew Brees gets a second chance
Armand Broady takes a look at Drew Brees' second chance calling NFL games, and what he will need to do differently to succeed this time.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/on-the-air-drew-brees-second-chance-nfl-broadcasting-robbie-hummel-rise/
4 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
New SMW Podcast: NBC, Amazon and T'Wolves voice Michael Grady joins the pod for a discussion about his new roles this season, his career journey, influences and much more:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
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Emerging NBA voice Michael Grady on his dual NBC-Prime roles, his journey and much more
Podcast Episode · Sports Media Watch Podcast · 11/15/2025 · 1h 1m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-nba-voice-michael-grady-on-his-dual-nbc-prime/id1670516721?i=1000736880273
4 days ago
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New SMW Podcast: NBC, Amazon and T'Wolves voice Michael Grady joins the pod for a discussion about his new roles this season, his career journey, influences and much more:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
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Emerging NBA voice Michael Grady on his dual NBC-Prime roles, his journey and much more
Podcast Episode · Sports Media Watch Podcast · 11/15/2025 · 1h 1m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerging-nba-voice-michael-grady-on-his-dual-nbc-prime/id1670516721?i=1000736880273
4 days ago
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More Pirates discussion at the top of College Gameday than during any October MLB telecast in the past decade.
5 days ago
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Disney and YouTube TV reach deal, ending blackout before it stretched into a third-straight football weekend:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/disn...
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Disney, YouTube TV, reach deal to end two-week blackout
The Disney-YouTube TV dispute will not extend into a third weekend, as the sides reached an agreement to end their impasse Friday night.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/disney-youtube-tv-reach-deal-end-blackout/
5 days ago
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MLS-Apple TV contract reportedly set to expire three years early as part of modified rights deal:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mls-...
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MLS-Apple deal to run through '29 under modified terms
The Major League Soccer-Apple TV media rights deal will end three years ahead of schedule, just the latest change to the MLS TV setup.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mls-apple-deal-reportedly-ending-three-years-early/
5 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
6 days ago
New on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
: Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company is "working tirelessly to close" a licensing deal with YouTube TV;
@mls.bsky.social
will adopt a new league calendar in 2027; and more sports media news.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/disn...
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News: Disney-YouTube TV, MLS, Larry Brooks and more
The impasse between Disney and YouTube TV reaches two weeks; MLS approves a scheduling change; and more sports media news.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/disney-youtube-tv-mls-larry-brooks
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
"Monday Night Football" back over 20 million in second week of YouTube TV-Disney dispute:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mnf-...
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"MNF" back over 20 million in second week of YouTube TV dispute
Blacked out on YouTube TV for a second-straight week, Monday Night Football bounced back in the Nielsens with more than 20 million viewers.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mnf-viewership-youtube-disney-dispute-week-10-nfl-ratings-recap/
7 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Apple to end MLS Season Pass, move matches to base Apple TV tier, per report:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mls-...
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Apple TV to end MLS Season Pass, move matches to base tier, per report
The MLS Season Pass subscription service, which has been a core element of the league's Apple TV deal, is reportedly being discontinued.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mls-season-pass-discontinued-apple-report/
6 days ago
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Imagine saying 5-6 years ago that the NBA would be on NBCSN and the NHL would be on TNT.
6 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
NBA viewership still up more than a third as new partners settle in:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nba-...
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NBA viewership still up more than a third as new partners settle in
NBA viewership is beginning to stabilize after a hot start out of the gates, but still remains well above a year ago.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nba-ratings-up-big-three-weeks/
7 days ago
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Apple to end MLS Season Pass, move matches to base Apple TV tier, per report:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mls-...
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Apple TV to end MLS Season Pass, move matches to base tier, per report
The MLS Season Pass subscription service, which has been a core element of the league's Apple TV deal, is reportedly being discontinued.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mls-season-pass-discontinued-apple-report/
6 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
New USA Sports announces Pac-12 rights deal:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-...
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New USA Sports announces Pac-12 deal
One day after officially announcing the USA Sports brand, Versant on Thursday announced a new rights deal with the reconstituted Pac-12.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-sports-pac-12-media-rights-deal/
7 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
New NBCSN to launch Monday, will include mix of Peacock-exclusives (including NBA) and NBC broadcast network staples (ex. Kentucky Derby). NBC announcement mentions "dozens" of baseball games in yet-to-be-announced agreement with MLB:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nbcs...
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NBCSN to launch Monday, will air NBA, MLB and more
The new NBCSN is launching next week and has unveiled a programming lineup of NBA, Major League Baseball and much more.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nbcsn-launch-monday-will-air-nba-mlb-more/
7 days ago
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New USA Sports announces Pac-12 rights deal:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-...
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New USA Sports announces Pac-12 deal
One day after officially announcing the USA Sports brand, Versant on Thursday announced a new rights deal with the reconstituted Pac-12.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/usa-sports-pac-12-media-rights-deal/
7 days ago
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New NBCSN to launch Monday, will include mix of Peacock-exclusives (including NBA) and NBC broadcast network staples (ex. Kentucky Derby). NBC announcement mentions "dozens" of baseball games in yet-to-be-announced agreement with MLB:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nbcs...
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NBCSN to launch Monday, will air NBA, MLB and more
The new NBCSN is launching next week and has unveiled a programming lineup of NBA, Major League Baseball and much more.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nbcsn-launch-monday-will-air-nba-mlb-more/
7 days ago
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NBA viewership still up more than a third as new partners settle in:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nba-...
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NBA viewership still up more than a third as new partners settle in
NBA viewership is beginning to stabilize after a hot start out of the gates, but still remains well above a year ago.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nba-ratings-up-big-three-weeks/
7 days ago
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"Monday Night Football" back over 20 million in second week of YouTube TV-Disney dispute:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mnf-...
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"MNF" back over 20 million in second week of YouTube TV dispute
Blacked out on YouTube TV for a second-straight week, Monday Night Football bounced back in the Nielsens with more than 20 million viewers.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mnf-viewership-youtube-disney-dispute-week-10-nfl-ratings-recap/
7 days ago
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"Don't take our secret sauce to their boring show" -- Shaq to Kenny re: "NBA Countdown" *on* ESPN.
7 days ago
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ABC tops yet another college football weekend amid YouTube TV blackout, but trails in two of three windows for the first time all season:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/abc-...
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ABC tops CFB charts again amid blackout, but trails in afternoon windows
Still blacked out on YouTube TV, ABC topped another college football weekend but for the first time this season trailed in two of three windows.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/abc-college-football-ratings-youtube-impact-cbs-fox/
7 days ago
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ABC tops a tenth-straight college football Saturday, but network not as dominant on its second-straight weekend blacked out on YouTube TV:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-foot...
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College Football TV Ratings
College football TV ratings for the 2025 regular season, bowls, College Football Playoff and National Championship.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/
7 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
8 days ago
New on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
:
@paramountplus.com
is raising prices in January as its new UFC deal begins; FanDuel Sports Network to add programming from
@the-ringer.bsky.social
; and more sports media news.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/para...
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News: Paramount, FanDuel Sports Network, CBS Sports and more
Paramount+ will raise prices next January; FanDuel Sports Network is adding shows from The Ringer; and more sports media news.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/paramount-fanduel-sports-network-the-ringer-cbs-sports/
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Disney-YouTube TV blackout drags on past second Monday night; Google reportedly wants lower rate from Disney than any other distributor:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/disn...
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Disney-YouTube TV blackout drags on through second Monday night
The Disney-YouTube TV blackout extended past a second Monday night, and it remains unclear whether an end is in sight.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/disney-youtube-tv-blackout-continues-second-monday-night/
9 days ago
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NFL's Schroeder floats possibility that Sunday afternoon slate could eventually "evolve" to include digital platform:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/schr...
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NFL's Schroeder floats digital partner for Sunday afternoon games
The decades-long rhythm of Sunday afternoon NFL games could eventually "evolve" beyond broadcast television, per a top league executive.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/schroeder-nfl-sunday-afternoon-evolve-digital-platform/
9 days ago
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Breaking down the viewership in year one of NASCAR's rights deal. NASCAR is taking multiple strategies to varying results: multiplatform, cable-heavy, broadcast-exclusive -- but what is the best road for it to go down?
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/the-...
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The Needle: NASCAR takes multiple roads to varying results in year one of deal
Viewership fell as expected in year one of the new NASCAR media deal, and the where and why could have implications for the remaining years.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/the-needle-nascar-viewership-decline-year-one-rights-deal/
9 days ago
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Former NFL commissioner Tagliabue passes away:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/paul...
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Former NFL commissioner Tagliabue dies
Paul Tagliabue, the Pete Rozelle successor who as NFL commissioner set the table for the success the league now enjoys, died Sunday at age 84.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/paul-tagliabue-ex-nfl-commissioner-dies-84/
10 days ago
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On a new "On the Air," Armand Broady takes a look at Joe Davis' dual roles as the voice of the World Series -- and its dynastic champions.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/on-t...
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On the Air: Joe Davis, voice of the Dodgers vs. Joe Davis, the Fox announcer
On the latest "On the Air," Armand Broady examines Joe Davis' dual roles as the voice of the World Series -- and its dynastic champions.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/on-the-air-joe-davis-fox-dodgers-roles-dick-vitale-return/
11 days ago
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As you hear Adam Amin call today's NFL game from Berlin, listen to his recent appearance on the Sports Media Watch Podcast below:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...
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Rising star Adam Amin talks technique, influences, partners, and that Mariners-Tigers call
Podcast Episode · Sports Media Watch Podcast · 11/01/2025 · 44m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-star-adam-amin-talks-technique-influences-partners/id1670516721?i=1000734557412
11 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
New SMW podcast: -- The Disney-YouTube TV blackout and whether ESPN runs the risk of fans learning to live without it -- Plus a World Series ratings recap
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
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The Disney-YouTube TV blackout and what it means for ESPN; World Series ratings recap
Podcast Episode · Sports Media Watch Podcast · 11/08/2025 · 42m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disney-youtube-tv-blackout-and-what-it-means-for/id1670516721?i=1000735891771
11 days ago
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New SMW podcast: -- The Disney-YouTube TV blackout and whether ESPN runs the risk of fans learning to live without it -- Plus a World Series ratings recap
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
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The Disney-YouTube TV blackout and what it means for ESPN; World Series ratings recap
Podcast Episode · Sports Media Watch Podcast · 11/08/2025 · 42m
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disney-youtube-tv-blackout-and-what-it-means-for/id1670516721?i=1000735891771
11 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Fox Sports officially drops Mark Sanchez, adds Drew Brees:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/fox-...
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Fox Sports officially drops Mark Sanchez, announces Drew Brees hire
Fox Sports on Friday announced the hiring of Drew Brees as an NFL analyst and confirmed that it has dropped Mark Sanchez.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/fox-hires-drew-brees-drops-mark-sanchez/
12 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Derek Futterman
12 days ago
New on
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
: Comcast reportedly hires bankers amid Warner Bros. Discovery interest;
@espn.com
"College GameDay" will be available on X for a second consecutive week; broadcasters for the NFL Madrid Game; and more sports media news.
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/comc...
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News: Comcast-WBD, ESPN, Netflix and more
Comcast reportedly hires bankers amid WBD interest; ESPN will offer "College Gameday" on X again; and more sports media news.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/comcast-wbd-espn-college-gameday-netflix/
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Fox Sports officially drops Mark Sanchez, adds Drew Brees:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/fox-...
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Fox Sports officially drops Mark Sanchez, announces Drew Brees hire
Fox Sports on Friday announced the hiring of Drew Brees as an NFL analyst and confirmed that it has dropped Mark Sanchez.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/fox-hires-drew-brees-drops-mark-sanchez/
12 days ago
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Dramatic MLB Postseason hits multi-year viewership high:
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mlb-...
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MLB Postseason viewership finishes at multi-year high
One of the most memorable postseasons in Major League Baseball history saw viewership rise in line with the drama.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/mlb-postseason-viewership-multi-year-high/
13 days ago
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reposted by
Sports Media Watch
Richard Deitsch
13 days ago
NEW PODCAST:
@sportsmediawatch.bsky.social
comes on where discuss: • MLB's massive World Series viewership • Will MLB be hot in 2026 • Can the Colts, Broncos, and Patriots draw nationally? • Drew Brees • Kenny Smith calling NBA games for ESPN
link.chtbl.com/SportsMediaP...
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Sports Media with Richard Deitsch
The Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch is a weekly show that features interviews with members of the sports media about their work, as well as roundtables with sports media reporters about tele...
https://link.chtbl.com/SportsMediaPodcast
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NFL enters halfway point of season with nominal gains over last year, capped by a blockbuster audience for Chiefs-Bills. Plus: "MNF" viewership noticeably lower in Week 9 amid Disney-YouTube blackout, but still tops "SNF":
www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nfl-...
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NFL caps first half of season with massive audience for Chiefs-Bills
The NFL entered the halfway point of its season with a blockbuster viewership number for the Chiefs-Bills rivalry.
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/11/nfl-viewership-halfway-season-chiefs-bills-30-million-mnf-espn-youtube-impact/
13 days ago
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ESPN used Ryan Smith as a legal analyst on "SportsCenter" today. Interesting to me, since he's been primarily a SportsCenter anchor during his time with the network. But he did originally come to ESPN from ABC News.
13 days ago
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