YouTube: The Rise and Fall of ESPN

[JR44]

This thread made me realize how long its been since I actually listened to their programming vs watched a ball-game...I think the last time was a post-game after the Vikings were on a national game (and actually won).

I do admit to liking Greenie and maybe 1 or 2 others, but that's about it.

When the Vikes win, I like to watch some of the national shows to see what they are saying about the game, other than that, I prefer to watch the local networks of my teams.  I do like Scott Van Pelt, Eisen and Steve Levy and I will never turn the channel if Kay Adams is on 

[pattersaur]

ESPN is okay. I watch it more than 90% of the other channels if you count the live games, which you should.

The video made it seem like ESPN was burning cash-- they were-- but I'm not sure it was needlessly. Over time the leagues realized how much leverage they had and demanded more money. They weren't oblivious to what ESPN was doing on their end, and the leagues made sure they got their cut. Yes, ESPN had cable by the you-know-what's, but the sports leagues had ESPN in the same fashion. As much as they'd love it to be otherwise, ESPN absolutely needs marquee live games on their network in order to remain relevant. I know many folks who say they "hate" ESPN but watch it all the time for the live games lol. The American boycott!

Whoever said it earlier was spot on with the food network comparison though. ESPN stopped hiring real chefs a long time ago, and started hiring cartoon characters.