Despite Business Struggles, Regional Sports Networks Continue to Embrace Innovation

Despite Business Struggles, Regional Sports Networks Continue to Embrace Innovation Leaders from NBC Sports Bay Area, MSG Networks, Chicago Sports Network, and MLB Local Media share how they manage tightening budgets By SVG Staff

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 - 1:25 pm

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While the regional sports network industry continues to face financial challenges, it remains an immensely critical piece of the live sports production ecosystem.

Whether an independent network or part of a larger cluster of networks, RSNs are on the front lines of finding creative solutions to live game production with significant innovation happening on these in-market broadcasts. In a panel discussion at the SVG Summit, leaders from the RSN marketplace discuss the current challenges, opportunities, and innovations that they are employing to entertain and engage with local fans.

This conversation features:

Devon Fox, NBC Sports Bay Area & California, Senior Director of Live Events & Special Projects

Doug Johnson, MLB, SVP and Executive Producer, Local Media

David Schafer, MSG Networks, SVP Product, Technology & Operations

Rob Shaw, Chicago Sports Network, Chief Revenue Officer

Here are some highlights from the conversation:

It's no secret that the regional sports network industry is facing trying financials waters, but that hasn't kept a network like NBC Sports Bay Area continuing to innovate on its live game broadcasts, particularly those of MLB's San Francisco Giants and the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Devon Fox, Senior Director of Live Events & Special Projects at NBC Sports Bay Area & California shares how her team manages budgets while still delivering a top-flight live game production:

The newest Regional Sports Network in the industry launched this fall with the debut of the Chicago Sports Network. Rob Shaw, Chief Revenue Officer of Chicago Sports Network talks about what went into the launch and how the RSN hopes to innovate:

New York-based MSG Networks has turned into the studio for its latest push for broadcast innovation, investing in the construction of a new XR studio. David Schafer, SVP Product, Technology & Operations at MSG Networks shares what went into that project and how the usage of it has gone so far:

Major League Baseball's Local Media division has taken on the unique task of producing and distributing live in-market game broadcasts of numerous clubs with the portfolio expanding this offseason. Doug Johnson, SVP and Executive Producer, Local Media for MLB shared how it has offered a fun challenge of bringing levels of production innovation normally reserved for national broadcasts to a regional telecast. Also, what's been a hit and what's next?:

This panel discussion was hosted at the 2024 SVG Summit on Dec. 17 and was moderated by industry veteran Mike Connelly.

Watch the full discussion now on SVG PLAY:

SVG PLAY is your home for all Sports Video Group live-event and long-form video content. SVG members and sponsors have simple access to all SVG event panels, case studies, keynotes, and more - all in one place. To visit SVG PLAY, CLICK HERE.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2025/01/07/despite-business-struggles-regi...
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