ESPN is almost dead IMO (1 Viewer)

[cowboymouth]

I haven't watched an entire episode of sportscenter (start to finish) in over 3 years. ESPN = trash

 

[Jason Wood]

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.

I understand JohnnyU's frustration. I too no longer watch Sportscenter (but I do have ESPN News on quite a lot) and think the NFL Network is a better place for NFL coverage on any given day.HOWEVER, as others have said, we're not the typical sports fans guys. We're fanatics. We are looking for the edge, and aren't really interested in bells and whistles so much as more insight, as fast and accurately as possible.As to Capella's point, even suggesting that someone could take ESPN down belies their standing in the media world. Not only is ESPN the dominant sports media property, IT'S THE MOST PROFITABLE CABLE PROPERTY OF ANY KIND. Period. It's not even close. ESPN commands more money from cable companies than any other bundled media outlet. It's the very nature of their dominance that's allowed ESPN to buy Monday Night Football and turn a profit. Unlike the broadcast networks, ESPN is able to monetize MNF from a combination of advertising AND their cable fees.

 

[Rodeojones]

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

Best part of this post. Ninja Warrior is awesome...

 

[gump]

I work for a company that works with ESPN. Can't locate them at the moment...but I've posted some specifics on this board before...and they're pretty ridiculous. Here's what I remember:

- In 2007, ESPN exceeded 100 Million viewers, website visitors, radio listeners, or mag readers

- ESPN brand is now as recognized as Coke, Chevy, and McDonalds to the target audience (around 18-45 yr old men)

- The average fan watches/listens/reads ESPN 2 HOURS A DAY!!

- ESPNU expanded rapidly to more viewers

- #2 in 18 and under males

- #1 in 19-45 males

The last 2 are little foggy to me...but the bottom line is that, while I agree that they are turning off their hardcore sports fan, ESPN's fanbase is growing.

 

[corpcow]

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.

Are you from Pittsburgh? My wife says this phrase all the time... using "anymore" instead of "lately" And the real problem is that all of them do the same thing. With so much video and content online, it's a different game.

 

[Chase Stuart]

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

 

[ImTheScientist]

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

 

[garyd]

I am a prisoner of the great Time Warner conglomerate, who can't bring themselves to assign one stinking channel to the NFL network. BUT, they will let me watch five different ESPN channels, 2 of them in HD. That should tell you all you need to know right there.

 

[RoosterScott]

After watching the FREE AGENCY PREVIEW on the NFL Network there's a new precident on sports reporting. They are king of pure NFL INFO! Adam Sheftner cannot be touched when it comes to info! Go NFL Network!