ESPN is almost dead IMO (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

We all know that ESPN has deteriorated the last 10 years. Almost to the point of not being able to watch it. The announcers seem more interested in sensationalism than just reporting sports with a flair. Even the long time staples such as Berman suck anymore. I don't know how much of the "He could go all the...." I can stand. They need a major makeover IMO. Now is the time for another all sports Network to make their move IMO. ESPN has rested on their laurels for too long. If I was in charge of a sports network I would make my move now to surpass ESPN. It's there for the taking.

 

[Mr. Black]

I agree, it's hard for me to watch ESPN. I mostly just watch the news ticker on ESPN NEWS.

 

[Andy Herron]

We all know that ESPN has deteriorated the last 10 years. Almost to the point of not being able to watch it. The announcers seem more interested in sensationalism than just reporting sports with a flair. Even the long time staples such as Berman suck anymore. I don't know how much of the "He could go all the...." I can stand. They need a major makeover IMO. Now is the time for another all sports Network to make their move IMO. ESPN has rested on their laurels for too long. If I was in charge of a sports network I would make my move now to surpass ESPN. It's there for the taking.

I couldn't agree more.And as per the previous post, I'm watching the ESPN news ticker myself right now. Muted, with the stereo on.

 

[FUBAR]

Foxsports could be good, but recently I find myself just watching NFL network and G4's Ninja Warrior.

 

[JPeso]

Fox Sports Network tried and thus far has miserably failed.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Winner winner chicken dinner.

Over/Under 15 times per week

 

[Burning Sensation]

Foxsports could be good, but recently I find myself just watching NFL network and G4's Ninja Warrior.

Other than hockey, football is the only sport i watch, and NFL network RULES!!!!!!!

I can watch the same Total Access three times in a row, Rich Eisen is the man.

 

[JohnnyU]

Foxsports could be good, but recently I find myself just watching NFL network and G4's Ninja Warrior.

IMO, the NFL Network has almost passed ESPN with NFL stuff, and the only reason it hasn't yet is because you don't get NFL Network with basic cable. I think that will change soon. It's clear that NFL Network would run ESPN out of the room if they hit the same amount of living rooms. I'm not sure if you can buy NFL Network stock or not, but if so, now is the time to buy, and lots of it.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Disney backing them scares off a lot of others. Hard to compete with that.

They stink, they have for a long time, and most of the Shark Pool folks that are here right now would agree with you. Put this thread out there in mid August and the mob would want to lop off your head for saying ESPN isn't the bomb.

 

[JohnnyU]

Disney backing them scares off a lot of others. Hard to compete with that.

They stink, they have for a long time, and most of the Shark Pool folks that are here right now would agree with you. Put this thread out there in mid August and the mob would want to lop off your head for saying ESPN isn't the bomb.

I think now is the time for a change. I hope other networks can see now is the time to beat ESPN. They couldn't ask for a better time IMO. I always think in terms of opportunity, and now is the opportunity for other networks to make their move IMO.

 

[AllVolUT]

I agree - about time.

 

[dotman]

I agree as well but I think getting rid of Sean Salisbury was a step in the right direction.

Here's the thing. Somebody must be watching. If you don't like it, change the channel. I hated the week 1 Monday Night Football broadcast so bad the only Monday nighter I watched this past year was when the Eagles were playing. I used to be religous about watching MNF but I couldn't take it anymore. You can't have ESPN on for too long anymore or you just get sick of hearing the same thing over and over. I almost never had it on after the Mike Vick story broke. But they keep going in that direction so obviously someone is watching. Won't be me though.

 

[massraider]

I think the average sports fan thinks ESPN is just fine.

If there were that many fans like us, the NFL Matchup show would have been a massive hit.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the average sports fan thinks ESPN is just fine.If there were that many fans like us, the NFL Matchup show would have been a massive hit.

NFL Matchup was a hit, it just wasn't, and can't be on the same level as ESPN. Now is the time where another ALL sports Network can make their move on ESPN. It's never been more down than it is right now, and the sports hungry audience is prime for something new. I really believe it could beat ESPN right now........right now.

 

[Workhorse]

Someone should do the TV version of "The National" sports newspaper and start raiding good local/regional sports folks to come up with a new sports network.

It's time.

Might make for an interesting thread: Who would you like to see as part of a "new ESPN competitor" (for lack of a better name)?

My first pick would be Sean McDonough. He had a nice radio show for a while in the Boston area and isn't afraid to take fair shots at guys without being overly sensational or inflammatory.

 

[JPeso]

Winner winner chicken dinner. Over/Under 15 times per week

Interesting. I was watching last night before bed 11pm show and heard it 4 times. With that said, I was also brushing my teeth, washing my face, and flossing, so it could have easily happened more than that.

 

[Couch Potato]

Almost dead?

The Sports Bleeder.

 

[JohnnyU]

All I know is that I want 24/7 sports coverage with something that makes me feel excited, not the soap opera bull#### that ESPN feels we need. As much respect that I feel for Chris Berman, I think he should hang it up. I watched the very first episode of ESPN, and Berman was incorporated in shortly after the ESPN inception, and I loved him. It was a network of all sports that was never done before, so yes, it was great. Now Berman feels he is bigger than ESPN, and you have the guys who only seem to go after the controversial stories instead of the meaningful stories. Yes, both could mean the same, but most of the time it doesn't. I am a guy who watched the very first ESPN broadcast, and I'm the same guy who wishes that another Network would run them out of business.

 

[Gottabesweet]

All I know is that I want 24/7 sports coverage with something that makes me feel excited, not the soap opera bull#### that ESPN feels we need. As much respect that I feel for Chris Berman, I think he should hang it up. I watched the very first episode of ESPN, and Berman was incorporated in shortly after the ESPN inception, and I loved him. It was a network of all sports that was never done before, so yes, it was great. Now Berman feels he is bigger than ESPN, and you have the guys who only seem to go after the controversial stories instead of the meaningful stories. Yes, both could mean the same, but most of the time it doesn't. I am a guy who watched the very first ESPN broadcast, and I'm the same guy who wishes that another Network would run them out of business.

ESPN news is good, but it gets repeated frequently. If they extended that a little bit more.

 

[TheWick]

NFL Network and NHL Network is all a man needs this time of year. Baseball Tonight was still a decent show last year hopefully it continues to be about baseball and not which guy is taking what supplements.

The steroid issue has killed baseball for me...not because they were taking steroids but because they won't quit talking about it.

It has to be almost over...doesn't it?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

They aren't dying, they just suck.

Lowest Common? Meet Denominator. Denominator? Lowest Common.

 

[Phurfur]

We all know that ESPN has deteriorated the last 10 years. Almost to the point of not being able to watch it. The announcers seem more interested in sensationalism than just reporting sports with a flair. Even the long time staples such as Berman suck anymore. I don't know how much of the "He could go all the...." I can stand. They need a major makeover IMO. Now is the time for another all sports Network to make their move IMO. ESPN has rested on their laurels for too long. If I was in charge of a sports network I would make my move now to surpass ESPN. It's there for the taking.

I couldn't agree more. I work from home and had ESPN on all day years ago but now I just listen to music. I find it unwatchable.

 

[Couch Potato]

They aren't dying, they just suck.Lowest Common? Meet Denominator. Denominator? Lowest Common.

Funny you should say that. I've always had this mental image of the 'average' sports fan across the country looking and acting like Larry the Cable Guy, half drunk, beer in hand, staring at another idiotic Merrill Hoge monologue, and shouting to his TV "Yeah buddy! I like that Merrill!"

 

[LAUNCH]

I think the problem is that with as much information from the web and the massive coverage of every sport it's hard to be fresh. Look at Inside the NFL, that show used to be a staple, but the highlights have been played out so much on Sunday alone that to be fresh on a Wednesday show is daunting. Even NFL Primetime at the end of its Sunday run was must see TV for fantasy fans, but now you see everything and can see constant stat updates on the web. I think it would be hard for anyone to bring any competition to ESPN other than the sports themselves. Even if ESPN came up with a revolutionary idea on how to bring people highlights we would probably be bored with it after the first month and expect them to do it again, only better.

 

[Pictus Cat]

The 24/7 drill?

Keeping it fresh seems to be daunting in the internet age. Personally, I want my information compact and to the point. On the internet, I can find out what I want to know instead of waiting for a TV show to get around to it.

I think a good point was made that some good stories need to be emphasized over sensationalism. Breaking news and good stories. Of course, I still want the internet version.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I agree. I think ESPN jumped the shark with that miniseries Playmakers back in 2003. It was already getting bad before that point, and that was when the network really started to blur the lines between quality sports coverage and manufactured sports entertainment. Now they are just another MTV where the network has evolved into an unintentional parody of itself. Growing up, MTV and ESPN were two of my favorite channels and now I cringe when I flip through them.

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadoo]

NFL Network and NHL Network is all a man needs this time of year. Baseball Tonight was still a decent show last year hopefully it continues to be about baseball and not which guy is taking what supplements.The steroid issue has killed baseball for me...not because they were taking steroids but because they won't quit talking about it.It has to be almost over...doesn't it?

You know I really thought it was almost over. But then the Mitchell Report came out, and now you can't even flip past ESPN without catching a glimpse of Roger Clemens. I really don't even watch the channel it anymore except for MNF (muted) and occasional basketball and baseball games.I hesitate to say there was a "last straw" per se, but a couple of things that really stood out to me in the last year were cutting away from a (if I remember correctly) preseason NFL game very near to the start of the regular season to interview someone about Michael Vick while the game was being played in the background, and the MLB Home Run Derby coverage: 10 outs, 6-8 minutes or so per batter, then 5 minutes of analysis for each swing. The whole thing used to take an hour, it was like 3 1/2 this year. Bottom line, I wholeheartedly agree- if there was someone else out there that would try to replicate what ESPN was in the mid to late 80's through the mid 90's or so, I would be all over it.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

World Series of Poker is making them a lot of dough.

 

[cstu]

What's this "ESPN"?

 

[toxicbees]

http://www.versus.com/

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

I wonder why CNN/SI never made it.

They were very good. They incorporated a lot of the writers from the mag, and produced some really good and interesting.

And Inga Hammond I watched just for her. (whatever happened to her?)

 

[Duke1948]

haven't watched a sports center in probably 6-7 years, and i watch the games with the sound off. which by the way others should do instead of starting a thread here every week about how bad the announcers are.

 

[Itchy Amos]

I have grown very tired of ESPN. They take themselves too seriously. ESPN used to be about reporting the news, now they hack it up and try to spoon feed us a warped opinion about it. Alot of the talking heads dont seem to be sports fans. Pardon the Interruption, Cold Pizza, Jim Rome, etc. These shows are not what made ESPN popular. Sports used to be a nice break from reality. They were about achievement. Now you have a-holes like Skip Bayless questioning every little thing that someone does. Why does everything need to have a negative slant?

Why do they show so much womens college basketball and why do they put it on the ticker. If they want to show the major college scores, then fine, but I dont care that Iona beat Ryder by a score of 28-14.

They go out of their way to promote shows with high shock value. They have taken sports reporting and turned it into a WWF-like verbal sparring match. Everyone has catch phrases, they all have outlandish monologues, arguments are not settled by reason and logic - but by force. Stephen A. Smith, Merrill Hodge, the dearly departed Sean Salsbury - those guys claim "victory" in arguments by yelling the loudest. It is only a matter of time before they start dressing in costumes.

I think the internet is responsible for ruining ESPN. Ten years ago, the die hard sports fan would turn on ESPN because that was the only outlet for quick sports news. Now, I just go to the internet and find what I want, when I want it. ESPN on TV is largely obsolete for sports news and in an effort to remain relevant, they feel the need to analyze rather then just report. Otherwise, why would anyone watch?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

All I know is that I want 24/7 sports coverage with something that makes me feel excited, not the soap opera bull#### that ESPN feels we need. As much respect that I feel for Chris Berman, I think he should hang it up. I watched the very first episode of ESPN, and Berman was incorporated in shortly after the ESPN inception, and I loved him. It was a network of all sports that was never done before, so yes, it was great. Now Berman feels he is bigger than ESPN, and you have the guys who only seem to go after the controversial stories instead of the meaningful stories. Yes, both could mean the same, but most of the time it doesn't. I am a guy who watched the very first ESPN broadcast, and I'm the same guy who wishes that another Network would run them out of business.

I think 24/7 sports coverage that makes you feel excited is unrealistic. There are many different ways to get your sports out there, I still turn to some form fo ESPN to get mine, especially in the morning or late at night if I'm getting in from being somewhere.I am not saying they're perfect, but back when there was nothing much else but your local sports channel at 11 PM, they were being pioneers. I'm one of those loyal guys who stick with someone/something that has done something special in the past and I've enjoyed it. To me, ESPN has earned my trust in sports. Will I watch the NFL Network for some football, sure I will but I'll also watch ESPN for a myriad of other things.

 

[NEUPJ]

I'm more offended by their website than their network. The main page has so much crap on it you can't even tell what's going on and movies start playing at full volume after load

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Thoughts...

1. The primary obstacle to a better option emerging than ESPN is lack of content. Case in point: the continuous re-airing of "Football Follies" on NFL Network.

2. ESPN should take a cue from CNN and Headline News an put hotties on as anchors so at least there is eye candy to look at.

 

[BoltBacker]

I think 24/7 sports coverage that makes you feel excited is unrealistic. There are many different ways to get your sports out there, I still turn to some form fo ESPN to get mine, especially in the morning or late at night if I'm getting in from being somewhere.

I can sort of understand the late night argument(especially because ESPN has always done a good job of showing replays of games late at night going back to their hockey coverage) but the morning talk shows on ESPN are just brutal. I dare you to turn the channel during those shows whenever they go on about stories revolving around off-field crap. You won't see more than about 15 minutes of programming at a time. Clemens and IU basketball alone will ensure that but there's some cheating/drug scandal in the world of sports every couple of weeks to keep the network running. I wouldn't even mind if they were reporting some "NEWS" on the subject but it's pretty much all the same drivel over and over again. They don't even have anything to report about it. If they reported the accusations one day and reported the penalty or decision handed down another day I'd be fine with it. I don't need hollow "updates" on the situation all day every day that provide no new information. The parade of talking heads that have to give their opinion on each and every subject(that doesn't have anything to do with the sport.... but instead some off field shoot off of the sport) is just brutal.When ESPN came out I thought it was great, but now I just go to the web to get any sports news I'm interested in. The web doesn't do game highlights/playbacks well and IMO that's where ESPN could gain my viewer ship back. Show me replays of the games or at least highlights and analysis of the GAMES.

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

I have grown very tired of ESPN. They take themselves too seriously. ESPN used to be about reporting the news, now they hack it up and try to spoon feed us a warped opinion about it. Alot of the talking heads dont seem to be sports fans. Pardon the Interruption, Cold Pizza, Jim Rome, etc. These shows are not what made ESPN popular. Sports used to be a nice break from reality. They were about achievement. Now you have a-holes like Skip Bayless questioning every little thing that someone does. Why does everything need to have a negative slant?Why do they show so much womens college basketball and why do they put it on the ticker. If they want to show the major college scores, then fine, but I dont care that Iona beat Ryder by a score of 28-14. They go out of their way to promote shows with high shock value. They have taken sports reporting and turned it into a WWF-like verbal sparring match. Everyone has catch phrases, they all have outlandish monologues, arguments are not settled by reason and logic - but by force. Stephen A. Smith, Merrill Hodge, the dearly departed Sean Salsbury - those guys claim "victory" in arguments by yelling the loudest. It is only a matter of time before they start dressing in costumes.I think the internet is responsible for ruining ESPN. Ten years ago, the die hard sports fan would turn on ESPN because that was the only outlet for quick sports news. Now, I just go to the internet and find what I want, when I want it. ESPN on TV is largely obsolete for sports news and in an effort to remain relevant, they feel the need to analyze rather then just report. Otherwise, why would anyone watch?

 

[BoltBacker]

1. The primary obstacle to a better option emerging than ESPN is lack of content. Case in point: the continuous re-airing of "Football Follies" on NFL Network.

True, but I watch the NFL network through the season often because they re-air games I wasn't able to see from the last game day. IMO the primary obstacle is all these leagues now have their own channels and and want to replay their games on their own channel. If there was one network that replayed the close games from the night before(football/basketball/hockey/MLB/major tennis tourneys/major golf tourneys) I'd watch. I just don't think one network will ever get the rights to play all those.I do like the "coast to coast" shows or whatever they are called where they jump in and out of games during prime time. If they had those types of shows at night that covered ALL the games as they happen at night and replayed the close games across different sports during late night and the morning I'd definitely go back to watching ESPN. But I think that would cost the network more than wheeling Skip Bayless out there to scream some idiotic comments I'm not even sure he believes.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I think 24/7 sports coverage that makes you feel excited is unrealistic. There are many different ways to get your sports out there, I still turn to some form fo ESPN to get mine, especially in the morning or late at night if I'm getting in from being somewhere.

I can sort of understand the late night argument(especially because ESPN has always done a good job of showing replays of games late at night going back to their hockey coverage) but the morning talk shows on ESPN are just brutal. I dare you to turn the channel during those shows whenever they go on about stories revolving around off-field crap. You won't see more than about 15 minutes of programming at a time. Clemens and IU basketball alone will ensure that but there's some cheating/drug scandal in the world of sports every couple of weeks to keep the network running. I wouldn't even mind if they were reporting some "NEWS" on the subject but it's pretty much all the same drivel over and over again. They don't even have anything to report about it. If they reported the accusations one day and reported the penalty or decision handed down another day I'd be fine with it. I don't need hollow "updates" on the situation all day every day that provide no new information. The parade of talking heads that have to give their opinion on each and every subject(that doesn't have anything to do with the sport.... but instead some off field shoot off of the sport) is just brutal.When ESPN came out I thought it was great, but now I just go to the web to get any sports news I'm interested in. The web doesn't do game highlights/playbacks well and IMO that's where ESPN could gain my viewer ship back. Show me replays of the games or at least highlights and analysis of the GAMES.

Well, I work days Mon thru Fri so for me, shows during the day really isn't as important. I will say that on days I've had off during the week, I enjoy having a cup of coffee and watching Mike and MIke from 6 am till 10 am. I think they're fun to watch and have some pretty good discussion on topics.I also like when I get home from work PTI and the sports reporter shows. I don't like every episode but I do like the banter and hearing their opinions on pertinent sports topics. They usually do a pretty good job of talking about timely topics, since it's a daily show.I also like the Classics channel. I'm always turning that on to see what's on. Love the boxing stuff, love some of the old college football games and like the idea of the instance classic where you see a game that's very recent that was pretty awesome.Again, they're not perfect but over the last 20 years of my life as a sports nut/junkie, I'd be more inclined to say thanks ESPN and shake their hand than kicking them to the curb.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I dont even watch espn unless its a game.

I watch the NFLN, then the scroll on the ESPNnews if I need a quick score update.

Fox sports is even worse IMO

 

[BoltBacker]

I also like when I get home from work PTI

I will admit that's the one talking head show on ESPN I really do and have always liked. It's fast paced and covers all the sports headlines very well and they don't cover stories unless there's some new development. Plus they have time to include one good interview every day. They don't just trot in some ESPN guy, they get an actual player/coach/gm in sports to talk to. Mike/Mike is ok as a radio show but they rehash a lot of the same old stuff. Do we really need to hear either of their takes on HGH again? Greeny doesn't seem objective to me at all and Golic doesn't every say anything of substance imo, he's just there to be jovial. It's better when they have guests.That cold pizza/first take/whatever show is just unwatchable. Outside the lines is a good idea it's just poorly executed imo. The stories it covers are the same old all-sizzle-no-substance stories that plagues the rest of the network. I haven't seen it at all this week but it wouldn't surprise me if they'll cover Clemens three times this week.I never thought I would long for the days when we spent 5,000 hours discussing Pete Rose.

 

[ShadowPhunk]

Foxsports could be good, but recently I find myself just watching NFL network and G4's Ninja Warrior.

IMO, the NFL Network has almost passed ESPN with NFL stuff, and the only reason it hasn't yet is because you don't get NFL Network with basic cable. I think that will change soon. It's clear that NFL Network would run ESPN out of the room if they hit the same amount of living rooms. I'm not sure if you can buy NFL Network stock or not, but if so, now is the time to buy, and lots of it.

Dish Network just bumpped NFL network from the Top 100 tier to the Top 200 tier - so they have less viewers then last month and a bunch of pissed off fans.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I also like when I get home from work PTI

I will admit that's the one talking head show on ESPN I really do and have always liked. It's fast paced and covers all the sports headlines very well and they don't cover stories unless there's some new development. Plus they have time to include one good interview every day. They don't just trot in some ESPN guy, they get an actual player/coach/gm in sports to talk to. Mike/Mike is ok as a radio show but they rehash a lot of the same old stuff. Do we really need to hear either of their takes on HGH again? Greeny doesn't seem objective to me at all and Golic doesn't every say anything of substance imo, he's just there to be jovial. It's better when they have guests.That cold pizza/first take/whatever show is just unwatchable. Outside the lines is a good idea it's just poorly executed imo. The stories it covers are the same old all-sizzle-no-substance stories that plagues the rest of the network. I haven't seen it at all this week but it wouldn't surprise me if they'll cover Clemens three times this week.I never thought I would long for the days when we spent 5,000 hours discussing Pete Rose.

Don't like Cold Pizza either, in fact I've never watched a full episode, it is boring to me. But I don't like everything about my wife either *looks around to see if she's here*, if you get my point.

 

[Phurfur]

I think the problem is that with as much information from the web and the massive coverage of every sport it's hard to be fresh. Look at Inside the NFL, that show used to be a staple, but the highlights have been played out so much on Sunday alone that to be fresh on a Wednesday show is daunting. Even NFL Primetime at the end of its Sunday run was must see TV for fantasy fans, but now you see everything and can see constant stat updates on the web. I think it would be hard for anyone to bring any competition to ESPN other than the sports themselves. Even if ESPN came up with a revolutionary idea on how to bring people highlights we would probably be bored with it after the first month and expect them to do it again, only better.

And I would still love watching Prime Time between games on Sunday afternoon and Sunday night but that isn't an option. By the time ESPN plays their highlights it is too late.ESPN's problem is that they cover the favorite teams like everyone else. They made their name covering the things no one else would cover; now they are just like every other network. I was so sick of hearing about NE and Dallas I stop watching last year. I knew hardly anything about break out teams Cleveland and GB because they weren't on the ESPN agenda.

In baseball it is all Boston / NYY. Last year before the ALCS they had the nerve to say "Denver and Arizona? There are two teams no one knows about" when it was their fault we didn't know about them.

I agree with the OP that it is time for a new station to fill that niche, maybe NFLN will do that but I think in the end they will follow the same formula and shove the teams they want to down our throats.

 

[teamroc]

If by "almost dead" you mean "bigger then ever" then yes they're almost dead. Showing a number of NFL games (highest rated events every on ESPN) along with the growth of ESPN Deportes, ESPN.com, ESPN is bringing in more and more viewers over the last few years.

Have they alienated the hardcore fan? Maybe. Can they afford to? Of course. Everything mainstream alienates the fringe/hardcore viewer. They want mass appeal. That's where you make the money. And I'm not sure they've sold out, I believe they're forced to change because of the internet. Most people don't need to watch SportsCenter to get the scores, we know the scores when we get up in the morning and surf before or at work.

Why doesn't NBC put a fantasy football hour long show on Thursday from 8-9? It has no mass appeal. Sure hardcore FF people would love it, but the idea is to make money.

I'm not sure ESPN has really changed that much. People will wax poetically about how everything was better 10-20 years ago. TV, movies, Christmas, the weather. And it's not "ripe" for someone else to come along and replace it, it's actually "virtually impossible".

 

[TitusIII]

ESPN News is the no-frills channel you are looking for...that is the true ESPN....

 

[Phurfur]

If by "almost dead" you mean "bigger then ever" then yes they're almost dead. Showing a number of NFL games (highest rated events every on ESPN) along with the growth of ESPN Deportes, ESPN.com, ESPN is bringing in more and more viewers over the last few years.Have they alienated the hardcore fan? Maybe. Can they afford to? Of course. Everything mainstream alienates the fringe/hardcore viewer. They want mass appeal. That's where you make the money. And I'm not sure they've sold out, I believe they're forced to change because of the internet. Most people don't need to watch SportsCenter to get the scores, we know the scores when we get up in the morning and surf before or at work.Why doesn't NBC put a fantasy football hour long show on Thursday from 8-9? It has no mass appeal. Sure hardcore FF people would love it, but the idea is to make money.I'm not sure ESPN has really changed that much. People will wax poetically about how everything was better 10-20 years ago. TV, movies, Christmas, the weather. And it's not "ripe" for someone else to come along and replace it, it's actually "virtually impossible".

You are correct. It is the same reason I stopped reading Sports Illistrated and stopped wtaching Prime Time TV about 25 years ago.

 

[Capella]

I really believe it could beat ESPN right now........right now.

No...they couldn't.CNNSI tried, Fox Sports tried and both failed miserably. ESPN has waaaaay too much of the market share, a contract with all the really major sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, College hoops and football) and the billion-dollar backing of Disney.Absolutely no network has a shot of taking them down. None. Nyet. Period. Just either accept it or enjoy fringe networks like the NFL and NHL channels for diehard viewing. But nobody is going to overtake ESPN for 24/7 sports news and coverage anytime soon.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Thoughts...1. The primary obstacle to a better option emerging than ESPN is lack of content. Case in point: the continuous re-airing of "Football Follies" on NFL Network.

I generally love the NFLN, but this is a good point. They have the keys to the NFL Films vault and this is what they choose to air (and re-air, and re-air, and re-air...)? The NFL Films library is a gold mine of football programming. Why they aren't tapping that mother lode more is beyond me.