NBC Sports To Back Maria Taylor, Lorne Michaels Doc Series On ‘The History Of The Black Quarterback’
Maria Taylor, one of today’s Super Bowl hosts, will be executive producer on a documentary series for NBC Sports on The History of the Black Quarterback. Longtime Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels and his media company, Broadway Video, will join her as coproducers. The series will air on Peacock during the 2023 Super Bowl week. The History of the Black Quarterback will span eight one–hour episodes as it explores trailblazing Black quarterbacks who faced bigotry and prejudice as they progressed. “This history and these stories are something I’ve wanted to do for some time, as they are reflective of our much larger national conversation,” said Taylor. “And almost as soon as I started at NBC, Broadway Video and I began discussing it with Pete. To see it being done on this level is thrilling.” Taylor joined NBC after a controversial exit from ESPN. While there, she hosted the pre-game show NBA Countdown.
- 2/13/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Katie Nolan, the sportscaster who has made a name for herself in the world of digital content, is taking her talents to NBC Sports.
Nolan is joining the NBC Olympics team, and is expected to create daily short-form content, which will be distributed across both traditional and digital platforms.
“We are excited to welcome Katie to Team NBC Olympics, where her unique storytelling ability will be utilized across multiple platforms,” said Rebecca Chatman, vice president and coordinating producer for NBC Olympics, in a prepared statement. Nolan left ESPN in September.
“I always dreamed I’d go to the Olympics one day,” Nolan said in a statement. “Technically in the dream I was winning gold for Team USA, but I’m thrilled at the chance to win one with Team NBC Olympics. We get medals for this, right?”
With Nolan’s hire, NBC Sports is showing increasing interest in the talents...
Nolan is joining the NBC Olympics team, and is expected to create daily short-form content, which will be distributed across both traditional and digital platforms.
“We are excited to welcome Katie to Team NBC Olympics, where her unique storytelling ability will be utilized across multiple platforms,” said Rebecca Chatman, vice president and coordinating producer for NBC Olympics, in a prepared statement. Nolan left ESPN in September.
“I always dreamed I’d go to the Olympics one day,” Nolan said in a statement. “Technically in the dream I was winning gold for Team USA, but I’m thrilled at the chance to win one with Team NBC Olympics. We get medals for this, right?”
With Nolan’s hire, NBC Sports is showing increasing interest in the talents...
- 2/3/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
When the mixed doubles round-robin matches begin in curling Wednesday morning in Beijing, so too will Xiv Olympic Winter Games, underway in China less than six months after the torch was extinguished to wrap up the delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics.
It will kick off a record 2,800 hours of Olympics coverage from February 2-20 across U.S. rightsholders NBC and its network siblings USA Network (400 hours of coverage planned beginning February 2) and CNBC (80 hours planned). Coverage is also available at NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app via authentication as well as on the Peacock streaming service, which is ramping up from its Tokyo debut and will air every event from all 15 sports live in real time via its premium tier as well as offer full replays.
NBC’s main coverage launches its primetime coverage on Thursday, February 3, with live team figure skating getting underway along with men’s and women’s moguls,...
It will kick off a record 2,800 hours of Olympics coverage from February 2-20 across U.S. rightsholders NBC and its network siblings USA Network (400 hours of coverage planned beginning February 2) and CNBC (80 hours planned). Coverage is also available at NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app via authentication as well as on the Peacock streaming service, which is ramping up from its Tokyo debut and will air every event from all 15 sports live in real time via its premium tier as well as offer full replays.
NBC’s main coverage launches its primetime coverage on Thursday, February 3, with live team figure skating getting underway along with men’s and women’s moguls,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Malika Andrews will replace Rachel Nichols as the face of ESPN’s regular NBA coverage, in a move executives no doubt hope will bring a difficult era at the Disney-backed sports-media giant to an end.
ESPN said Andrews, who is extending her contract, will anchor “NBA Today,” a new weekday basketball program that will air starting October 18, just a day before the big basketball league starts its next season. The new program will replace “The Jump” as ESPN’s daily NBA studio show, and that program will air its final episode on October 8.
Nichols had become embroiled in a controversy after a video recording of her complaining about a colleague, Maria Taylor, getting a role she had been promised surfaced at the network, spurring internal complaints and division within the Disney-owned sports-media giant. Taylor recently left ESPN and moved to NBC Sports and ESPN took Nichols off the air while...
ESPN said Andrews, who is extending her contract, will anchor “NBA Today,” a new weekday basketball program that will air starting October 18, just a day before the big basketball league starts its next season. The new program will replace “The Jump” as ESPN’s daily NBA studio show, and that program will air its final episode on October 8.
Nichols had become embroiled in a controversy after a video recording of her complaining about a colleague, Maria Taylor, getting a role she had been promised surfaced at the network, spurring internal complaints and division within the Disney-owned sports-media giant. Taylor recently left ESPN and moved to NBC Sports and ESPN took Nichols off the air while...
- 9/20/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Sportscaster Maria Taylor has moved into a new role at NBC Sports, where she made her first appearance Friday during the network’s Olympics coverage. The move comes days after Taylor exited ESPN following controversy that erupted over remarks made about her by a fellow employee.
The popular sportscaster, who parted ways with ESPN earlier this week, appeared on camera Friday night during NBC Sports’ coverage of the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremonies, where she narrated a short feature on the U.S women’s gymnastics team.
NBC Sports said Taylor will work across various NBC Sports properties, including as a host for “Football Night in America” and NBC’s coverage of Super Bowls. At the Tokyo Olympics, she will join Mike Tirico as a host for some late-night coverage, and will also work as a correspondent.
“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will...
The popular sportscaster, who parted ways with ESPN earlier this week, appeared on camera Friday night during NBC Sports’ coverage of the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremonies, where she narrated a short feature on the U.S women’s gymnastics team.
NBC Sports said Taylor will work across various NBC Sports properties, including as a host for “Football Night in America” and NBC’s coverage of Super Bowls. At the Tokyo Olympics, she will join Mike Tirico as a host for some late-night coverage, and will also work as a correspondent.
“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will...
- 7/24/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Two days after it was announced Maria Taylor was parting ways with ESPN, the network’s former NBA Finals pregame and halftime host made her debut on NBC, doing Olympics coverage, no less.
NBC Olympics mainstay Mike Tirico introduced Taylor, whom he called a new member of “our NBC Sports and NBC Olympic family,” on Friday during coverage of the Opening Ceremony. He then followed with, “Maria, Welcome to Tokyo and the team.” Taylor posted the moment on her personal Twitter account.
Olympic dream come true ❤️@nbc #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/Qlcoz8rBVh
— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) July 24, 2021
NBC in a release said Taylor would be a host for the Olympics and NFL games, including Football Night in America and Super Bowls, and will work across the NBC Sports properties. In Tokyo, she will joins Tirico as host for Prime Plus, and will also serve as a correspondent, according to the network.
NBC Olympics mainstay Mike Tirico introduced Taylor, whom he called a new member of “our NBC Sports and NBC Olympic family,” on Friday during coverage of the Opening Ceremony. He then followed with, “Maria, Welcome to Tokyo and the team.” Taylor posted the moment on her personal Twitter account.
Olympic dream come true ❤️@nbc #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/Qlcoz8rBVh
— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) July 24, 2021
NBC in a release said Taylor would be a host for the Olympics and NFL games, including Football Night in America and Super Bowls, and will work across the NBC Sports properties. In Tokyo, she will joins Tirico as host for Prime Plus, and will also serve as a correspondent, according to the network.
- 7/24/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
As many expected, ex-ESPN anchor Maria Taylor has landed at NBC Sports.
Taylor made her debut Friday during NBC's coverage of the Tokyo Olympics' Opening ceremonies; Taylor is on-site in Tokyo. In addition to the Olympics, Taylor will be a host for NBC's coverage including "Football Night in America" and Super Bowl Lvi next February.
For the Olympics, Taylor will join Mike Tirico as host for Prime Plus, and will also serve as a correspondent. “It is an honor to be a part of this team, and the Olympic legacy,” Taylor said, after being introduced by Tirico on Friday.
Welcome to the @NBCSports and Olympic family, @MariaTaylor! #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/DoEXAVaNf5
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 23, 2021
“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will be a powerful addition to our team. We are always looking to improve, and Maria is going to make us better.
Taylor made her debut Friday during NBC's coverage of the Tokyo Olympics' Opening ceremonies; Taylor is on-site in Tokyo. In addition to the Olympics, Taylor will be a host for NBC's coverage including "Football Night in America" and Super Bowl Lvi next February.
For the Olympics, Taylor will join Mike Tirico as host for Prime Plus, and will also serve as a correspondent. “It is an honor to be a part of this team, and the Olympic legacy,” Taylor said, after being introduced by Tirico on Friday.
Welcome to the @NBCSports and Olympic family, @MariaTaylor! #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/DoEXAVaNf5
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 23, 2021
“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will be a powerful addition to our team. We are always looking to improve, and Maria is going to make us better.
- 7/24/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Just a few days after leaving ESPN, Maria Taylor has found a new TV home.
Taylor has joined NBC Sports, making her debut for the network during its primetime coverage of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonies. Taylor, who covered the NBA Finals earlier in the week, was in Tokyo for the Olympics by Friday.
“It is an honor to be a part of this team, and the Olympic legacy,” Taylor said, after being introduced by Mike Tirico.
NBC says Taylor will be a host for its NFL and Olympics coverage, including for Sunday Football Night in America and the network’s Super Bowl ...
Taylor has joined NBC Sports, making her debut for the network during its primetime coverage of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonies. Taylor, who covered the NBA Finals earlier in the week, was in Tokyo for the Olympics by Friday.
“It is an honor to be a part of this team, and the Olympic legacy,” Taylor said, after being introduced by Mike Tirico.
NBC says Taylor will be a host for its NFL and Olympics coverage, including for Sunday Football Night in America and the network’s Super Bowl ...
- 7/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Just a few days after leaving ESPN, Maria Taylor has found a new TV home.
Taylor has joined NBC Sports, making her debut for the network during its primetime coverage of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonies. Taylor, who covered the NBA Finals earlier in the week, was in Tokyo for the Olympics by Friday.
“It is an honor to be a part of this team, and the Olympic legacy,” Taylor said, after being introduced by Mike Tirico.
NBC says Taylor will be a host for its NFL and Olympics coverage, including for Sunday Football Night in America and the network’s Super Bowl ...
Taylor has joined NBC Sports, making her debut for the network during its primetime coverage of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonies. Taylor, who covered the NBA Finals earlier in the week, was in Tokyo for the Olympics by Friday.
“It is an honor to be a part of this team, and the Olympic legacy,” Taylor said, after being introduced by Mike Tirico.
NBC says Taylor will be a host for its NFL and Olympics coverage, including for Sunday Football Night in America and the network’s Super Bowl ...
- 7/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ESPN said Wednesday that it is parting ways NBA Countdown and NBA Finals host Maria Taylor after failing to come to terms on a contract extension. The news comes a day after what has turned out to be Taylor’s final assignment: covering the deciding Game 6 of the NBA Finals won by the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content, in a memo today. “There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor had been the subject of leaked comments made by one of ESPN’s highest-profile female hosts, Rachel Nichols,...
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content, in a memo today. “There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor had been the subject of leaked comments made by one of ESPN’s highest-profile female hosts, Rachel Nichols,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN analyst Maria Taylor is parting ways with the network, weeks after an internal controversy involving Taylor and ESPN anchor Rachel Nichols was made public.
The cable net announced on Wednesday that Taylor and ESPN were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, making Taylor’s NBA Finals coverage on Tuesday night her final assignment for the network.
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The cable net announced on Wednesday that Taylor and ESPN were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, making Taylor’s NBA Finals coverage on Tuesday night her final assignment for the network.
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- 7/21/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
ESPN and Maria Taylor, an up-and-coming on-air personality, have parted ways in the wake of an internal controversy that spilled into the public arena and drew new scrutiny of diversity policies at the Disney-owned sports-media giant.
“There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, in a prepared statement. “While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor’s last on-air appearance for ESPN came Tuesday night during coverage of the last game of the NBA Finals.
Her departure would seem to cap a period of inner discord at ESPN. In July of last year, basketball correspondent Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James...
“There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, in a prepared statement. “While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor’s last on-air appearance for ESPN came Tuesday night during coverage of the last game of the NBA Finals.
Her departure would seem to cap a period of inner discord at ESPN. In July of last year, basketball correspondent Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James...
- 7/21/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Maria Taylor is leaving ESPN after she and the network jointly announced Wednesday that they were unable to reach a contract extension.
Taylor’s contract with ESPN expired Tuesday, July 20, and Taylor’s assignment during last night’s NBA Finals was her last with the network.
Taylor is leaving ESPN following the uproar over comments made by her colleague Rachel Nichols in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race. Nichols’ comments drew swift backlash and public support of Taylor, who had been a rising star at ESPN.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic. There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity,...
Taylor’s contract with ESPN expired Tuesday, July 20, and Taylor’s assignment during last night’s NBA Finals was her last with the network.
Taylor is leaving ESPN following the uproar over comments made by her colleague Rachel Nichols in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race. Nichols’ comments drew swift backlash and public support of Taylor, who had been a rising star at ESPN.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic. There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Tim Baysinger and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Maria Taylor is on the move.
The ESPN host and reporter, who has led the channel’s NBA pregame show NBA Countdown, is leaving the channel after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement. “There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we ...
The ESPN host and reporter, who has led the channel’s NBA pregame show NBA Countdown, is leaving the channel after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement. “There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we ...
- 7/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Maria Taylor is on the move.
The ESPN host and reporter, who has led the channel’s NBA pregame show NBA Countdown, is leaving the channel after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement. “There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we ...
The ESPN host and reporter, who has led the channel’s NBA pregame show NBA Countdown, is leaving the channel after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement. “There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we ...
- 7/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
ESPN host and analyst Jay Williams has tested positive for Covid-19, and will miss the remainder of the NBA Finals.
The news is yet another broadside in ESPN’s coverage of the games. Reporter Maria Taylor’s contract runs out July 20, just before Game 6, which could mean she no longer would be available.
Williams said in an online video that he has been vaccinated and is “doing Ok.” He will miss the rest of the series where he provides analysis on ABC’s studio coverage alongside Taylor, Adrian Wojnarowski and Jalen Rose.
“The last couple of days for me have been challenging. But I wanted to be the first to tell you guys that you will not see me at Game 5, Game 6 or a potential Game 7 of the NBA Finals because I have tested positive for Covid. I have received both my shots. I am fully vaccinated. But this is our new normal.
The news is yet another broadside in ESPN’s coverage of the games. Reporter Maria Taylor’s contract runs out July 20, just before Game 6, which could mean she no longer would be available.
Williams said in an online video that he has been vaccinated and is “doing Ok.” He will miss the rest of the series where he provides analysis on ABC’s studio coverage alongside Taylor, Adrian Wojnarowski and Jalen Rose.
“The last couple of days for me have been challenging. But I wanted to be the first to tell you guys that you will not see me at Game 5, Game 6 or a potential Game 7 of the NBA Finals because I have tested positive for Covid. I have received both my shots. I am fully vaccinated. But this is our new normal.
- 7/17/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
In the latest TV ratings, ABC’s Wednesday-night coverage of the NBA Finals Game 4 easily hit an audience high for this year’s championship series, drawing 7.4 million total viewers (per fast affiliate numbers). That total will of course swell once the Nielsen finals trickle in.
CBS’ Big Brother (3.5 mil/0.8) took a hit week-to-week opposite ABC’s pre-game programming and was down a tick from Sunday, while Love Island (1.7 mil/0.3) was steady for a fourth straight outing.
More from TVLineSunday Ratings: Big Brother Continues to Outdraw Previous SeasonRatings: NBA Finals Dominate Tuesday With Game 1, Up 13 Percent YOYRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC,...
CBS’ Big Brother (3.5 mil/0.8) took a hit week-to-week opposite ABC’s pre-game programming and was down a tick from Sunday, while Love Island (1.7 mil/0.3) was steady for a fourth straight outing.
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- 7/15/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
An increasing amount of what ESPN does isn’t going to be seen on good ol’ ESPN.
“Sunday Night Baseball” has been a mainstay of the Disney sports network since the show’s launch in 1990, but on August 8, the program will air on ESPN’s corporate cousin, ABC. When ESPN this fall launches its first NHL season coverage in a decade and a half, a good chunk of the games will be made available for viewing by ESPN digital subscribers on Hulu. In 2024, portions of ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage will turn up on ABC and the streaming outlet ESPN Plus. And in 2026, when Disney gets the rights to its first Super Bowl in 20 years, ESPN’s chief expects viewers will be able to watch several different broadcasts of the game across multiple networks, some potentially with unique camera views and others with celebrities and athletes joining the conversation.
“We had...
“Sunday Night Baseball” has been a mainstay of the Disney sports network since the show’s launch in 1990, but on August 8, the program will air on ESPN’s corporate cousin, ABC. When ESPN this fall launches its first NHL season coverage in a decade and a half, a good chunk of the games will be made available for viewing by ESPN digital subscribers on Hulu. In 2024, portions of ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage will turn up on ABC and the streaming outlet ESPN Plus. And in 2026, when Disney gets the rights to its first Super Bowl in 20 years, ESPN’s chief expects viewers will be able to watch several different broadcasts of the game across multiple networks, some potentially with unique camera views and others with celebrities and athletes joining the conversation.
“We had...
- 7/15/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In a memo sent to ESPN employees on Friday, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro addressed what he called “nuanced and complicated personnel matters” related to “recent events.” Those events revolve around leaked comments made by one of the the network’s highest-profile female hosts Rachel Nichols, who is white, and another of the network’s highest-profile female hosts Maria Taylor, who is Black.
Subsequent to the revelation of Nichols’ comments and her on-air apology to Taylor, the network announced that Taylor would be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, which began last week. Those duties have been at the center of the controversy. In her comments as reported by the Times, Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, worried about Taylor potentially assuming the Finals hosting role, which she also coveted.
ESPN said last week that Nichols would no longer would be the network’s...
Subsequent to the revelation of Nichols’ comments and her on-air apology to Taylor, the network announced that Taylor would be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, which began last week. Those duties have been at the center of the controversy. In her comments as reported by the Times, Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, worried about Taylor potentially assuming the Finals hosting role, which she also coveted.
ESPN said last week that Nichols would no longer would be the network’s...
- 7/14/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN plans to drill deeper into issues of diversity and inclusion, going as far as to examine the exit interviews of recently departed employees, in the wake of a dispute that has engulfed two of the network’s basketball reporters, the chairman of the Disney-backed outlet told staffers in a memo.
“Change takes time, and I ask for your partnership on this journey,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said to employees in the memo, which was circulated last week. “Know that our leadership is committed to accelerating our efforts and working toward a collective goal — an ESPN where everyone feels they belong.”
The note surfaced just days after ESPN tried to put out an inflammatory situation that has been heating up for months. In July of last year, basketball reporter Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host...
“Change takes time, and I ask for your partnership on this journey,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said to employees in the memo, which was circulated last week. “Know that our leadership is committed to accelerating our efforts and working toward a collective goal — an ESPN where everyone feels they belong.”
The note surfaced just days after ESPN tried to put out an inflammatory situation that has been heating up for months. In July of last year, basketball reporter Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host...
- 7/13/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In a memo to staff, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro addressed the steps the company has made “to improve the experiences of Black employees at ESPN” and discussed the controversy involving two of the company’s key on-air NBA talents, Maria Taylor and Rachel Nichols.
“We respect and acknowledge there are a variety of feelings about what happened and the actions we took,” Pitaro wrote in the memo, which was sent to ESPN staff on Friday. “The details of what took place last year are confidential, nuanced and complicated personnel matters. But understand this – we have a much better story ...
“We respect and acknowledge there are a variety of feelings about what happened and the actions we took,” Pitaro wrote in the memo, which was sent to ESPN staff on Friday. “The details of what took place last year are confidential, nuanced and complicated personnel matters. But understand this – we have a much better story ...
- 7/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a memo to staff, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro addressed the steps the company has made “to improve the experiences of Black employees at ESPN” and discussed the controversy involving two of the company’s key on-air NBA talents, Maria Taylor and Rachel Nichols.
“We respect and acknowledge there are a variety of feelings about what happened and the actions we took,” Pitaro wrote in the memo, which was sent to ESPN staff on Friday. “The details of what took place last year are confidential, nuanced and complicated personnel matters. But understand this — we have a much better story ...
“We respect and acknowledge there are a variety of feelings about what happened and the actions we took,” Pitaro wrote in the memo, which was sent to ESPN staff on Friday. “The details of what took place last year are confidential, nuanced and complicated personnel matters. But understand this — we have a much better story ...
- 7/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Stephen A. Smith says he’s “sincerely sorry” for his comments about baseball star Shohei Ohtani.
The ESPN commentator tweeted out a lengthy apology on Monday after his statements on the morning talk show First Take — that Ohtani, a native of Japan, “contributes to harming the game” by not speaking fluent English and using a translator — went viral and drew widespread backlash.
More from TVLineESPN's Stephen A. Smith: Japanese Baseball Player Who's Not Fluent in English Is 'Harming the Game' — WatchRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC, After Remarks About ESPN Colleague Maria Taylor Come to LightSportsCenter Host...
The ESPN commentator tweeted out a lengthy apology on Monday after his statements on the morning talk show First Take — that Ohtani, a native of Japan, “contributes to harming the game” by not speaking fluent English and using a translator — went viral and drew widespread backlash.
More from TVLineESPN's Stephen A. Smith: Japanese Baseball Player Who's Not Fluent in English Is 'Harming the Game' — WatchRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC, After Remarks About ESPN Colleague Maria Taylor Come to LightSportsCenter Host...
- 7/13/2021
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith on Monday said that celebrated Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani is “harming the game” of baseball because Ohtani, who is Japanese, uses the help of an English translator during press conferences.
Smith’s comments were made during First Take, during a discussion of Ohtani, whose Era is 3.49 and who will both pitch and hit in the upcoming All-Star Game — the first player in Major League history to be chosen for both positions.
More from TVLineStephen A. Smith Apologizes, Says His Shohei Ohtani Comments Were 'Clearly Insensitive and Regrettable'Rachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC,...
Smith’s comments were made during First Take, during a discussion of Ohtani, whose Era is 3.49 and who will both pitch and hit in the upcoming All-Star Game — the first player in Major League history to be chosen for both positions.
More from TVLineStephen A. Smith Apologizes, Says His Shohei Ohtani Comments Were 'Clearly Insensitive and Regrettable'Rachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC,...
- 7/12/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Paige Bueckers, point guard for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team and Best Female College Athlete winner at the ESPYs on Saturday, devoted her acceptance speech to Black women, whom she said do not get enough credit for the contributions they have made to both basketball and society as a whole.
“With the light that I have now as a white woman who leads a Black-led sport and celebrated here, I want to shed a light on Black women,” Bueckers said. “They don’t get the media coverage that they deserve. They’ve given so much to the sport, the community and society as a whole and their value is undeniable.”
"To all the incredible Black women in my life, on my teams. To Breonna Taylor and all the lives lost. To those names I have not yet learned but I hope to share — I stand behind you...
“With the light that I have now as a white woman who leads a Black-led sport and celebrated here, I want to shed a light on Black women,” Bueckers said. “They don’t get the media coverage that they deserve. They’ve given so much to the sport, the community and society as a whole and their value is undeniable.”
"To all the incredible Black women in my life, on my teams. To Breonna Taylor and all the lives lost. To those names I have not yet learned but I hope to share — I stand behind you...
- 7/11/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
The National Association of Black Journalists are demanding a meeting with top ESPN and Disney brass in the wake of Rachel Nichols’ comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where Nichols, who is white, suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because she is Black.
“The Nabj Board of Directors is disturbed to learn the details of this situation and what appeared to be a lack of accountability and a desire by ESPN to provide accommodations for a white employee who mocked diversity and a well-qualified co-worker while seemingly ignoring how Taylor and others who later heard the conversation may have been affected,” said Nabj president Dorothy Tucker. “The silence and apparent inaction by ESPN leaders over the last year is deafening and, as a result, Nabj is requesting a meeting with Bob Iger, executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN; Bob Chapek,...
“The Nabj Board of Directors is disturbed to learn the details of this situation and what appeared to be a lack of accountability and a desire by ESPN to provide accommodations for a white employee who mocked diversity and a well-qualified co-worker while seemingly ignoring how Taylor and others who later heard the conversation may have been affected,” said Nabj president Dorothy Tucker. “The silence and apparent inaction by ESPN leaders over the last year is deafening and, as a result, Nabj is requesting a meeting with Bob Iger, executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN; Bob Chapek,...
- 7/7/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
In the latest TV ratings, ABC’s coverage of the NBA Finals opener averaged 6.4 million total viewers and a 2.1 rating, down 13 and 18 percent from the preliminary numbers for last year’s Game 1 (which was pandemic-delayed until August) yet still easily topping Tuesday in the demo and expected to report the night’s largest audience once the final numbers trickle in.
Opening ABC’s night, the Jimmy Kimmel special did 4.6 mil/1,2, followed by NBA Countdown‘s 3.8 mil/1.1.
More from TVLineRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC, After Remarks About ESPN Colleague Maria Taylor Come to LightRatings: Sunday Night Football Steady,...
Opening ABC’s night, the Jimmy Kimmel special did 4.6 mil/1,2, followed by NBA Countdown‘s 3.8 mil/1.1.
More from TVLineRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC, After Remarks About ESPN Colleague Maria Taylor Come to LightRatings: Sunday Night Football Steady,...
- 7/7/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has weighed in on the ESPN dustup involving two of the sports giant’s on-air NBA reporters and anchors, Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor. On Tuesday, ESPN said that Nichols would not be handling sideline reporting duties for the NBA Finals (instead the job would go to Malika Andrews) but that she would continue to host her afternoon show The Jump.
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has weighed in on the ESPN dustup involving two of the sports giant’s on-air NBA reporters and anchors, Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor. On Tuesday, ESPN said that Nichols would not be handling sideline reporting duties for the NBA Finals (instead the job would go to Malika Andrews) but that she would continue to host her afternoon show The Jump.
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
Shortly before tip off of the first game of the 2021 NBA Finals, league commissioner addressed the turmoil at one of the league’s premiere TV partners, ESPN, surrounding hosts Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor.
Asked by reporters about the controversy over Nichols leaked comments regarding ESPN and Taylor, Silver called the situation “disheartening.”
“I think it’s particularly unfortunate that two women in the industry are pitted against each other,” he continued. “I know that both Rachel and Maria are terrific at what they do. They work extraordinarily hard.”
The usually-politic Silver also added a more pointed remark seemingly directed at the reaction to Nichols’ comments about Taylor saying that “we should be judging people by the larger context of their body of work and who they are and what we know about them.”
The popular Silver saw the league through a pandemic, a playoff bubble and, in the middle of that,...
Asked by reporters about the controversy over Nichols leaked comments regarding ESPN and Taylor, Silver called the situation “disheartening.”
“I think it’s particularly unfortunate that two women in the industry are pitted against each other,” he continued. “I know that both Rachel and Maria are terrific at what they do. They work extraordinarily hard.”
The usually-politic Silver also added a more pointed remark seemingly directed at the reaction to Nichols’ comments about Taylor saying that “we should be judging people by the larger context of their body of work and who they are and what we know about them.”
The popular Silver saw the league through a pandemic, a playoff bubble and, in the middle of that,...
- 7/7/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
On the day of the start of the NBA Finals, ESPN’s premiere daily NBA show was missing from the network’s schedule. Instead, according to the New York Post, viewers who tuned in on Tuesday found the two-man team of Jalen & Jacoby, who are usually The Jump‘s lead-in. A subsequent Jump schedule spot was filled by the network’s Highly Questionable.
According to Post media columnist Andrew Marchand, “the plan is to have it on tomorrow.”
News: ESPN canceled Rachel Nichols' The Jump for today, The Post has learned.
The plan is to have it on tomorrow.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 6, 2021
The scheduling changes came just minutes after ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of The Jump,...
According to Post media columnist Andrew Marchand, “the plan is to have it on tomorrow.”
News: ESPN canceled Rachel Nichols' The Jump for today, The Post has learned.
The plan is to have it on tomorrow.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 6, 2021
The scheduling changes came just minutes after ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of The Jump,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 10:30 a.m: After three days of turmoil, ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, about Taylor potentially assuming that role.
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
- 7/6/2021
- by Bruce Haring and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Rachel Nichols will not be suiting up as sideline reporter for this year’s NBA Finals, in the wake of her year-old comments about ESPN colleague Maria Taylor coming to light.
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
More from TVLineRatings: Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Hits Audience High, Bachelorette Tops NightSportsCenter Host Kenny Mayne Leaving ESPN After 27 YearsESPN's Pedro Gomez Dead at 58
Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
More from TVLineRatings: Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Hits Audience High, Bachelorette Tops NightSportsCenter Host Kenny Mayne Leaving ESPN After 27 YearsESPN's Pedro Gomez Dead at 58
Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
- 7/6/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich and Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
ESPN had to devise a new game plan for the NBA Finals.
The Disney-owned sports-media giant said it would move its veteran basketball reporter Rachel Nichols off sideline duties for the NBA Finals, slated to be broadcast tonight on ABC and feature the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Phoenix Suns, and utilize Malika Andrews instead as it grapples with new scrutiny over how it handled a bizarre leak of Nichols on video appearing to disparage last year’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,” ESPN said in a statement Tuesday, referring to its daily basketball-news program.
Executives at the sports outlet no doubt hope the decision will put to rest a period of inner discord. In July of last year, Nichols...
The Disney-owned sports-media giant said it would move its veteran basketball reporter Rachel Nichols off sideline duties for the NBA Finals, slated to be broadcast tonight on ABC and feature the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Phoenix Suns, and utilize Malika Andrews instead as it grapples with new scrutiny over how it handled a bizarre leak of Nichols on video appearing to disparage last year’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,” ESPN said in a statement Tuesday, referring to its daily basketball-news program.
Executives at the sports outlet no doubt hope the decision will put to rest a period of inner discord. In July of last year, Nichols...
- 7/6/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update: An earlier version of this article incorrectly displayed a photo of actress Rachel Nichols (I) and linked to her page. This has now been corrected. We regret this error.
ESPN has benched Rachel Nichols for its coverage of the NBA Finals, following the uproar for her comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race.
Malika Andrews will serve as the sideline reporter during the 2021 Finals; Nichols had held that position throughout the playoffs as part of ESPN’s top broadcast team with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Nichols will still host her daily ESPN show “The Jump” on-site during the series.
Taylor will host the pre-game and halftime studio coverage, as she’s done all postseason. The NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix on ABC.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,...
ESPN has benched Rachel Nichols for its coverage of the NBA Finals, following the uproar for her comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race.
Malika Andrews will serve as the sideline reporter during the 2021 Finals; Nichols had held that position throughout the playoffs as part of ESPN’s top broadcast team with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Nichols will still host her daily ESPN show “The Jump” on-site during the series.
Taylor will host the pre-game and halftime studio coverage, as she’s done all postseason. The NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix on ABC.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Rachel Nichols typically uses the opening moments of the ESPN basketball program, “The Jump,” to talk about the latest news in the NBA. On Monday, she used it to address a growing story that has her at the center.
In July of last year, Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host “NBA Countdown” during 2020’s NBA Finals. Her comments were recorded by a video camera she had left on and uploaded into ESPN’s system, where the footage was discovered and distributed by an employee. Nichols was frustrated that she hadn’t gotten the role, and suggested that ESPN’s interest in paying more attention to diversity was a factor in the decision.
Her comments leaked and have continued to generate disruption at the Disney-owned sports-media giant. In a story published Sunday, the New York Times reported that Taylor,...
In July of last year, Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host “NBA Countdown” during 2020’s NBA Finals. Her comments were recorded by a video camera she had left on and uploaded into ESPN’s system, where the footage was discovered and distributed by an employee. Nichols was frustrated that she hadn’t gotten the role, and suggested that ESPN’s interest in paying more attention to diversity was a factor in the decision.
Her comments leaked and have continued to generate disruption at the Disney-owned sports-media giant. In a story published Sunday, the New York Times reported that Taylor,...
- 7/5/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Rachel Nichols addressed the controversy from The New York Times’ report regarding a leaked conversation the ESPN reporter had in 2020 in which she suggested Maria Taylor was picked over her to cover the NBA Finals because of her race.
Nichols opened her ESPN show “The Jump” on Monday by saying, although she didn’t want to make herself the story, she brought up the elephant in the room. “But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN. How deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be a part of this team.”
Nichols has been the main sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage, though ESPN has not officially announced reporting assignments for the NBA Finals, which tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix.
Nichols opened her ESPN show “The Jump” on Monday by saying, although she didn’t want to make herself the story, she brought up the elephant in the room. “But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN. How deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be a part of this team.”
Nichols has been the main sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage, though ESPN has not officially announced reporting assignments for the NBA Finals, which tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix.
- 7/5/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
The closest thing to sports running on the Freeform cable network since it came under Disney ownership in 2001 might be “Make It Or Break It,” a soapy series about the lives of young gymnasts hoping to get to the Olympics. On Sunday, Freeform will really be taking the field.
Viewers who tune to Freeform looking for “Hunger Games,” “Alice in Wonderland” or one of the movies Freeform typically shows each weekend will at 1 p.m. tomorrow find themselves part of a massive sports play. Freeform will show –of all things — an NFL Wild Card match between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. Nickelodeon and Telemundo, two other TV outlets known for things other than sports, will also try football on for size this weekend.
“It’s an experiment. We’ve never done it before,” says Sarah Lindman, senior vice president of content planning and strategy at Freeform, in an interview.
Viewers who tune to Freeform looking for “Hunger Games,” “Alice in Wonderland” or one of the movies Freeform typically shows each weekend will at 1 p.m. tomorrow find themselves part of a massive sports play. Freeform will show –of all things — an NFL Wild Card match between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. Nickelodeon and Telemundo, two other TV outlets known for things other than sports, will also try football on for size this weekend.
“It’s an experiment. We’ve never done it before,” says Sarah Lindman, senior vice president of content planning and strategy at Freeform, in an interview.
- 1/9/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN has expanded its first “MegaCast” of Sunday’s NFL Wild Card playoff game to include streaming service ESPN+ and five Disney networks: ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, Freeform and ESPN Deportes.
The Baltimore Ravens-Tennessee Titans matchup will also include a halftime performance by DJ Khaled airing exclusively on Freeform, during a “watch party” hosted by the network.
The game kicks off at 1Pm Et in the middle of a six-game weekend playoff blitz. The NFL added an extra wild card team to both of its conferences before this season, in a bid to heighten the postseason drama. Heading into yesterday’s games, as many as 35 different game combinations were possible before the final matchups were determined.
The MegaCast will see the traditional telecast on ESPN and ABC, with enhanced production elements. The Monday Night Football commentator team of Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick and Lisa Salters with officiating...
The Baltimore Ravens-Tennessee Titans matchup will also include a halftime performance by DJ Khaled airing exclusively on Freeform, during a “watch party” hosted by the network.
The game kicks off at 1Pm Et in the middle of a six-game weekend playoff blitz. The NFL added an extra wild card team to both of its conferences before this season, in a bid to heighten the postseason drama. Heading into yesterday’s games, as many as 35 different game combinations were possible before the final matchups were determined.
The MegaCast will see the traditional telecast on ESPN and ABC, with enhanced production elements. The Monday Night Football commentator team of Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick and Lisa Salters with officiating...
- 1/4/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform’s part in ESPN’s multi-network “MegaCast” of this Sunday afternoon’s NFL Wild Card game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans will include a halftime show hosted by DJ Khaled (watch teaser above) and a “Watch Party” featuring, among others, stars of the cabler’s assorted series.
While ESPN and ABC offer a “traditional” simulcast of the Jan. 10 NFL game, Freeform’s coverage will feature a “Watch Party” during which guests delve into an array of topics (about the game and pop culture) with ESPN’s Jesse Palmer and Maria Taylor — in a multi-window format that always keeps the gridiron action on-screen.
While ESPN and ABC offer a “traditional” simulcast of the Jan. 10 NFL game, Freeform’s coverage will feature a “Watch Party” during which guests delve into an array of topics (about the game and pop culture) with ESPN’s Jesse Palmer and Maria Taylor — in a multi-window format that always keeps the gridiron action on-screen.
- 1/4/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
When Walt Disney’s ESPN airs a Wild Card game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans this Saturday, viewers will be able to get a little bit of everything.
Interested in chatter about sports betting? A simulcast of the game running on streaming outlet ESPN Plus will have it. Want to talk about pop culture and celebrity gossip? Check out the game on Freeform, the Disney cable network devoted to younger audiences. Have a craving to hear the game broadcast in Spanish? ESPN Deportes will deliver. The game will also air on ESPN, ABC and ESPN2.
The “mega cast” of one of the last pre-championship games of the season aims to show how Disney can bring new and varied audiences to NFL contests, one of the demands the league has put to its media partners as they all look to renew crucial rights pacts that give Disney and rivals like NBCUniversal,...
Interested in chatter about sports betting? A simulcast of the game running on streaming outlet ESPN Plus will have it. Want to talk about pop culture and celebrity gossip? Check out the game on Freeform, the Disney cable network devoted to younger audiences. Have a craving to hear the game broadcast in Spanish? ESPN Deportes will deliver. The game will also air on ESPN, ABC and ESPN2.
The “mega cast” of one of the last pre-championship games of the season aims to show how Disney can bring new and varied audiences to NFL contests, one of the demands the league has put to its media partners as they all look to renew crucial rights pacts that give Disney and rivals like NBCUniversal,...
- 1/4/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago-area radio host Dan McNeil was fired by the station’s owner, Entercom, on Tuesday after a “degrading a humiliating” tweet about ESPN reporter Maria Taylor.
On Monday, McNeil compared Taylor’s outfit — she was working as the sideline reporter for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” game between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers — to that of a porn star. In a since-deleted tweet, McNeil said, “NFL sideline reporter or a host for the Avn (Adult Video News) annual awards presentation?”
McNeil worked for Am station 670 The Score.
Entercom fired him Tuesday morning and apologized to Taylor. “For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility how we choose to use our voices. Last night’s tweet, and its degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable,” Rachel Williamson, regional president for Entercom,...
On Monday, McNeil compared Taylor’s outfit — she was working as the sideline reporter for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” game between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers — to that of a porn star. In a since-deleted tweet, McNeil said, “NFL sideline reporter or a host for the Avn (Adult Video News) annual awards presentation?”
McNeil worked for Am station 670 The Score.
Entercom fired him Tuesday morning and apologized to Taylor. “For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility how we choose to use our voices. Last night’s tweet, and its degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable,” Rachel Williamson, regional president for Entercom,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
The world’s top female athletes, leaders in sports media and industry figures gathered this week for three empowering and inspirational days packed with impactful conversations that went way beyond their love of sports.
From pro athletes overcoming depression and suicidal thoughts to the peril of having lipstick on your teeth when interviewing President Obama, no topic was too taboo or ridiculous at the 10th annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit.
Hosted by “SportsCenter” co-anchor Sage Steele, with a team of ESPN on-air talent taking the stage including Julie Foudy, Cari Champion, Sarah Spain, Katie Nolan, Jessica Mendoza and Maria Taylor, the event celebrated its decade milestone at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California.
Also Read: Rachel Nichols and 'The Jump' to Take Over for 'NBA Countdown' as ESPN's Top NBA Pregame Show
On Tuesday night, “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts shared countless stories from her illustrious career...
From pro athletes overcoming depression and suicidal thoughts to the peril of having lipstick on your teeth when interviewing President Obama, no topic was too taboo or ridiculous at the 10th annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit.
Hosted by “SportsCenter” co-anchor Sage Steele, with a team of ESPN on-air talent taking the stage including Julie Foudy, Cari Champion, Sarah Spain, Katie Nolan, Jessica Mendoza and Maria Taylor, the event celebrated its decade milestone at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California.
Also Read: Rachel Nichols and 'The Jump' to Take Over for 'NBA Countdown' as ESPN's Top NBA Pregame Show
On Tuesday night, “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts shared countless stories from her illustrious career...
- 10/25/2019
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
The team behind CBS format Million Dollar Mile hope that tweaks and international ratings success for the LeBron James-exec produced competition challenge can help give the show another life in the U.S.
The ten-episode series, which is produced by James and Maverick Carter’s Springhill Entertainment, Big Brother producer Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television, has been adapted in France and Germany with a number of small changes designed to give a local flavor.
In Germany, the series has aired as a four-part run of 120-minute episodes on Pro7, while the format, set in the famous Stade De France, airs later this month on France 2.
The format sees contestants have the chance to win a major cash prize every time they run the Million Dollar Mile. Standing in their way is the most challenging course ever designed and a group of elite athletes...
The ten-episode series, which is produced by James and Maverick Carter’s Springhill Entertainment, Big Brother producer Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television, has been adapted in France and Germany with a number of small changes designed to give a local flavor.
In Germany, the series has aired as a four-part run of 120-minute episodes on Pro7, while the format, set in the famous Stade De France, airs later this month on France 2.
The format sees contestants have the chance to win a major cash prize every time they run the Million Dollar Mile. Standing in their way is the most challenging course ever designed and a group of elite athletes...
- 10/10/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
As expected, Michelle Beadle will no longer host ESPN’s NBA pregame show, “NBA Countdown,” but the network is making more changes than that. Rachel Nichols and her daily afternoon studio show, “The Jump” will now serve as the pre-eminent pregame show for ESPN and ABC’s marquee games.
“The Jump” will become the on-site pregame show for all Saturday night games that air on ABC, as well as the Christmas Day game and the NBA Finals. “The Jump” will still air daily at 3 p.m. Et.
“NBA Countdown” will still serve as the pregame studio show for the rest of ESPN and ABC’s NBA schedule, with Maria Taylor taking over as host from Beadle. An individual with knowledge of the plans told TheWrap that Beadle and ESPN are close to finalizing an agreement for the two to mutually part ways.
Also Read: ESPN to Launch Daily Sports Show...
“The Jump” will become the on-site pregame show for all Saturday night games that air on ABC, as well as the Christmas Day game and the NBA Finals. “The Jump” will still air daily at 3 p.m. Et.
“NBA Countdown” will still serve as the pregame studio show for the rest of ESPN and ABC’s NBA schedule, with Maria Taylor taking over as host from Beadle. An individual with knowledge of the plans told TheWrap that Beadle and ESPN are close to finalizing an agreement for the two to mutually part ways.
Also Read: ESPN to Launch Daily Sports Show...
- 10/8/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Vulture Watch
Do we have a winner? Is the Million Dollar Mile TV show cancelled or renewed for a second season on CBS? The television vulture is watching all the latest TV cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Million Dollar Mile, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
A CBS high-stakes obstacle course reality series, Million Dollar Mile is hosted by NFL vet Tim Tebow, with Los Angeles Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt “Money” Smith and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serving up color commentary. Each time the contestants run the “Million Dollar Mile,” they have a chance to win $1,000,000. Their biggest obstacle is “The Defenders,” an international team of top-ranked athletes which has but one mission — to...
Do we have a winner? Is the Million Dollar Mile TV show cancelled or renewed for a second season on CBS? The television vulture is watching all the latest TV cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Million Dollar Mile, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
A CBS high-stakes obstacle course reality series, Million Dollar Mile is hosted by NFL vet Tim Tebow, with Los Angeles Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt “Money” Smith and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serving up color commentary. Each time the contestants run the “Million Dollar Mile,” they have a chance to win $1,000,000. Their biggest obstacle is “The Defenders,” an international team of top-ranked athletes which has but one mission — to...
- 5/21/2019
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Is the first season of the Million Dollar Mile TV show on CBS worth the price of admission? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Million Dollar Mile is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustration when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we'd like to offer you the chance to rate all of the Million Dollar Mile season one episodes here. *Status update below.
A CBS high-stakes obstacle course reality series, Million Dollar Mile is hosted by NFL vet Tim Tebow, with Los Angeles Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt “Money” Smith and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serving up color commentary. Each time the contestants run the “Million Dollar Mile,” they have a chance to win $1,000,000. Their biggest obstacle is “The Defenders,”...
A CBS high-stakes obstacle course reality series, Million Dollar Mile is hosted by NFL vet Tim Tebow, with Los Angeles Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt “Money” Smith and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serving up color commentary. Each time the contestants run the “Million Dollar Mile,” they have a chance to win $1,000,000. Their biggest obstacle is “The Defenders,”...
- 5/5/2019
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
CBS already trotted out one new reality TV series, The World's Best, this year, now the Tiffany Network is introducing the Million Dollar Mile TV show. Does this new physical competition have the right stuff to score a big win in the Nielsen ratings? Will Million Dollar Mile be cancelled or renewed for season two? Stay tuned. *Status update below.
A CBS high-stakes obstacle course reality series Million Dollar Mile is hosted by NFL vet Tim Tebow, with Los Angeles Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt “Money” Smith and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serving up color commentary. Each time the contestants run the “Million Dollar Mile,” they have a chance to win $1,000,000. Their biggest obstacle is “The Defenders,” an international team of top-ranked athletes which has but one mission -- to stop the contestants from finishing the race and winning the prize.
A CBS high-stakes obstacle course reality series Million Dollar Mile is hosted by NFL vet Tim Tebow, with Los Angeles Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt “Money” Smith and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serving up color commentary. Each time the contestants run the “Million Dollar Mile,” they have a chance to win $1,000,000. Their biggest obstacle is “The Defenders,” an international team of top-ranked athletes which has but one mission -- to stop the contestants from finishing the race and winning the prize.
- 4/9/2019
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
After only two episodes in its Wednesday time slot, CBS is pushing LeBron James’ “Million Dollar Mile” to Saturdays.
The move comes after the show has posted lacklustre ratings so far, with a soft 1.0 rating debut in the key 18-49 demographic and 4.1 million viewers, which then dipped to a 0.8 rating and 3.4 million viewers for the second episode. Beginning May 4, it will air the rest of its season on Saturdays at 8 p.m.
The show, hosted by Tim Tebow, involves contestants running the titular race in order to earn $1 million. Between the runners and their cash prize is a group of elite athletes bent on stopping the contestants. Matt “Money” Smith, play-by-play announcer for the La Chargers, and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serve as commentators.
The series comes from executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan with Fly on the Wall Entertainment and James and Maverick Carter with SpringHill Entertainment, as...
The move comes after the show has posted lacklustre ratings so far, with a soft 1.0 rating debut in the key 18-49 demographic and 4.1 million viewers, which then dipped to a 0.8 rating and 3.4 million viewers for the second episode. Beginning May 4, it will air the rest of its season on Saturdays at 8 p.m.
The show, hosted by Tim Tebow, involves contestants running the titular race in order to earn $1 million. Between the runners and their cash prize is a group of elite athletes bent on stopping the contestants. Matt “Money” Smith, play-by-play announcer for the La Chargers, and ESPN reporter Maria Taylor serve as commentators.
The series comes from executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan with Fly on the Wall Entertainment and James and Maverick Carter with SpringHill Entertainment, as...
- 4/5/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
CBS has shared the full schedule for its reality series programming for the rest of the season, including new competition shows “The World’s Best” and “Million Dollar Mile.”
The second season of “Big Brother: Celebrity Edition” is set to premiere on Monday, Jan. 21, airing multiple nights per week for a three-week run. The two-hour series finale will air Wednesday, Feb. 13.
The cast for the celebrity installment has not yet been announced, though the network has confirmed that Julie Chen Moonves will return as host for the upcoming season. Her continued involvement with “Big Brother” and CBS had somewhat been in question after her husband, Leslie Moonves, was ousted as CEO amid a sexual misconduct scandal.
Also Read: 'MacGyver' Star George Eads to Exit CBS Drama
Immediately following “Super Bowl Liii” on Sunday, Feb. 3, CBS will debut one of two reality competition series that the network is on betting big this season.
The second season of “Big Brother: Celebrity Edition” is set to premiere on Monday, Jan. 21, airing multiple nights per week for a three-week run. The two-hour series finale will air Wednesday, Feb. 13.
The cast for the celebrity installment has not yet been announced, though the network has confirmed that Julie Chen Moonves will return as host for the upcoming season. Her continued involvement with “Big Brother” and CBS had somewhat been in question after her husband, Leslie Moonves, was ousted as CEO amid a sexual misconduct scandal.
Also Read: 'MacGyver' Star George Eads to Exit CBS Drama
Immediately following “Super Bowl Liii” on Sunday, Feb. 3, CBS will debut one of two reality competition series that the network is on betting big this season.
- 11/27/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
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