SVG's RSN Summit Draws 200+ to Chicago, Delves into Key Issues Facing Changing Industry By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor
Tuesday, July 5, 2022 - 3:54 pm
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
SVG's RSN Summit returned in person last week to reunite the regional sports industry for the first time since the summer of 2019. At the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel on June 29-30, the event brought together RSN leaders and content creators to network and exchange ideas about the pertinent issues facing the regional sports sector as the business undergoes seismic change on multiple fronts. These leaders addressed how RSNs are being challenged to produce more events and content at lower costs while also navigating new pandemic-era realities and building beyond the linear-distribution model.
The event kicked off on June 29 with an opening-night reception along with a dinner presented by ProCrewz and Program Productions, which also served as title sponsor for the event.
Day 2 opened with a panel on New Production Models for a New Normal , which addressed how the pandemic dramatically transformed regional sports networks' live-production operations over the past two-plus years. To limit crew travel for safety and cost-saving reasons, RSNs have increasingly relied on enhanced world feeds and new REMI production workflows that leverage their broadcast facilities at home. As the RSN world returns to something resembling normalcy, Kendall Burgess, Bally Sports, VP of Technical Operations; Kenny Elcock, NESN, VP of Engineering; Jeff Filippi, MSG Networks, SVP of Programming & Production, Executive Producer; Devon Fox, NBC Sports Bay Area & California, Senior Director of Live Events & Special Projects; and Doug Johnson, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, VP and Executive Producer discussed how they are mixing established pre-pandemic production models with the new at-home workflows like MTVG's Cloud Control, Game Creek's GCV Anywhere, and Remote Access Productions (RAPs).
Next up was the hottest topic of the moment for the industry: The state of labor and how RSNs are managing a shrinking freelance workforce. ProCrewz Chairman of the Board and CEO Bob Carzoli addressed the exodus of sports-production professionals during the pandemic when many industry veterans opted to retire or find new career paths. As a result, RSNs find themselves searching desperately for talented engineers and production crew to work the thousands of regional broadcasts they deliver each year. Carzoli presented an overview of the state of the current market, how it has evolved, and what to expect in the future.
Next up, Imagine Communications' Bob Bolson talked with NESN VP of Engineering Kenny Elcock during a case study Q&A on planning and implementing the innovative technology behind the RSN's successful broadcasts in native 4K/HDR. Later in the day, Sportradar's Director of Broadcast Sales Patrick Murphy chatted with Marquee Sports Network graphics and EVS operator Nick Helling on enhanced storytelling through automated statistics.
As RSNs look to capitalize on the expected revenue boost offered by legalized sports betting in their respective states, several have launched BetCast alternative presentations of games, wagering-focused studio shows and original programming, predictive-gaming contests for fans, and more. A panel at the event addressed how RSNs are incorporating wagering content into their broadcasts, how they're using gamification to engage viewers, and what the future holds for sports betting at the RSN level. The discussion featured Danielle Cranin, NBC Sports, Director of Content Integration & Partnerships, Betting & Gaming; Talaya Gaines, MSG Networks, VP, Content Strategy and Original Programming; Mike McCarthy, Marquee Sports Network, General Manager; and Howard Zalkowitz, NESN, Executive Producer.
The first session of the afternoon focused on DTC and Authenticated Streaming and featured Ahmed Darwish, NESN, Chief Marketing Officer; Amy DesLauriers, Midco Sports, Senior Associate Product Manager - Sports/Advertising; Michael Schneider, Bally Sports, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager; and Scott Young, Transmit, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. As consumer viewing habits evolve and carriage disputes become more frequent, RSNs are looking for new ways to deliver live games and original content directly to consumers. Some - including Bally Sports and NESN - have launched their own DTC streaming platforms - or have announced plans to do so - in order to reach fans directly while others launched dedicated apps and streaming experiences for authenticated cable subscribers. RSN leaders discuss best practices in designing a live-streaming app, avoiding potential pitfalls, enhancing fan interactivity, differentiating the digital experience, and leveraging non-game content for streaming/OTT outlets.
The topic of REMI/remote production echoed throughout the entire days sessions and took center stage during a panel entitled At-Home and in the Studio: From Announcers to Editors, How RSNs Are Embracing Remote Workflows . In the midst of the pandemic, RSNs were forced to shift production almost entirely to remote operation - from announcers calling games off monitors to editors creating content from their homes. Although staffers have gradually returned to onsite broadcast, many RSNs have opted to keep some crew and on-air talent at home. Pac-12 Networks EVP of Content Larry Meyers moderated a session featuring Jared Boshnack, YES Network, VP, Production; Brett Opdyke, Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun, Executive Producer; AJ Ponsiglione, Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, Senior Coordinating Producer, Studio and Live Events; and Mike Santini, Marquee Sports Network, SVP, Programming and Production.
The day closed with an RSN production tech roundu
Most recent headlines
04/08/2024
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, is excited to announce Santiago Solanas as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)....
03/06/2024
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, a...
28/04/2024
Mediahaus delivers the first SRT live-streaming sports production over 5G with U...
26/04/2024
Sundance Film Festival CDMX 2024 kicks-off today with screenings in 5 theaters in Mexico City and the opening-night film, FRIDA, directed by Carla Guti rrez...
26/04/2024
[Editor's Note: This interview is part of a larger feature about the women d...
26/04/2024
Once again this year, SGL Carbon opened its doors to interested children and young people. On the occasion of the German Girls and Boys Day, which took place on...
26/04/2024
Orders1 of $5.5 billion; book-to-bill of 1.06x
Revenue of $5.2 billion, up 17%,...
26/04/2024
Five Considerations For Communications Modernization In The 21st Century
In the digital-enabled battlespace, the Joint Force needs to shoot, move and communica...
26/04/2024
CBS Sports has launched Champions League as a new, 24-hour streaming channel that will serve as the year-round destination for nonstop highlights of the UEFA ...
26/04/2024
Despite tough competition in the streaming space, Roku reported solid results in Q1 2024, beating revenue expectations, with total net revenue up 19% YoY to $88...
26/04/2024
LONDON AND TORONTO Pinewood Toronto Studios has appointed Sarah Farrell as general manager of the Studios in downtown Toronto....
26/04/2024
Quantum to Offer Advanced Filesharing Technology and Performance in StorNext and...
26/04/2024
FilmLight Colour Awards welcomes 2024 entries and introduces new Emerging Talen...
26/04/2024
Picture Shop Announces Chris Evans as Head of Unscripted
Brie Clayton April 26, 2024
0 Comments
Picture Shop announced Chris Evans will lead Unscripte...
26/04/2024
Participate in a Survey - The Impact of AI on Media and the Creative Industry
Pascal Wagner April 26, 2024
0 Comments
By participating in this survey,...
26/04/2024
Toy maker Mattel said it is working with Samsung to launch its first free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels later this year....
26/04/2024
Trusted Media Brands (TMB) said it named Marty Moe as president....
26/04/2024
Ron Howard is the director on Jim Henson Idea Man, a documentary that premieres on Disney Plus May 31. Henson of course created Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big...
26/04/2024
The ice continues to melt under the regional sports network business as the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League have made a long-term deal to broadcast...
26/04/2024
Heading into the upfronts, Warner Bros. Discovery said it launched Olli, a first-party data platform advertiser can use for converged, targeted advertising camp...
26/04/2024
CBS has renewed the drama The Equalizer, which will see season five on in 2024-2025. Queen Latifah stars....
26/04/2024
The CW has entered into an exclusive multiyear broadcast partnership for the Miss USA Pageant and the Miss Teen USA Pageant. The 73rd Miss USA Pageant will air ...
26/04/2024
Fuse Media isn't mincing words in a campaign urging its young viewers to register and participate in the 2024 elections....
26/04/2024
Dead Boy Detectives, a series from Neil Gaiman about a detective agency staffed by ghosts, debuts on Netflix April 25. George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri are in t...
26/04/2024
The Story Collective has gradually repurposed the former Mortlake Brewery to include production offices, workshops and sound stages
By Matthew Corrigan
Publi...
26/04/2024
Perkett joins the company following a 25 year career in product management, product marketing, engineering and user experience (UX) across multiple industries
...
26/04/2024
Teradek, the industry leader in wireless video transmitters and receivers, announced today the launch of new Bolt 6 LT 750 and Bolt 6 Monitor Module 750 RX with...
26/04/2024
NEW YORK Amagi has appointed Richard Perkett chief product officer (CPO)....
26/04/2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the results of the 2024 NAB Radio and Television Board of Directors elections. The...
26/04/2024
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & NEW YORK Mattel has announced a deal to launch its first three 24/7 free ad supported streaming (FAST) channels on Samsung TV Plus, Samsung...
26/04/2024
PORTLAND, Maine Viewers here can now receive the NextGen TV signals of five local stations with the launch of ATSC 3.0 service from host station WPFO, which is ...
26/04/2024
TORONTO Rogers Communications has signed a 10-year agreement with Comcast to bring the latest Xfinity products and technology to Canadians....
26/04/2024
Calrec is very pleased to announce the benefits of its highly flexible approach to customer service has been recognized with a third award for the Argo range. T...
26/04/2024
New Adobe Photoshop with Advanced Generative Fill and Generate Image Brings New ...
26/04/2024
Trends And Takeaways From NAB Show 2024
Melanie Ciotti April 25, 2024
0 Comments
NAB's Eric Trabb (right) awards SNS with two NAB Show Product of ...
26/04/2024
Sony's Ci Media Cloud Keeps NHRA Moving
Brie Clayton April 25, 2024
0 Comments
Cloud-Based Media Asset Management and Collaboration Platform Accel...
26/04/2024
Capitol Broadcasting & Leadership Triangle Collaborate for Third Year
Capitol B...
26/04/2024
The staff at CBC Radio have been hard at work creating several new features for listeners and viewers. Several debuts are taking place this spring.
I have nev...
26/04/2024
26 Apr 2024
Cricket Finds Its Digital Home in Bangladesh: VEON's Banglalink...
26/04/2024
NBA Playoffs 2024: ESPN Rolls Out Huge Production Operation for Busy First Round Tech deployments include miked on-field personnel, shot-distance tracking, AR g...
26/04/2024
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: ESPN Ops Team Navigates Both Sides of the Border With ...
26/04/2024
Behind the Scenes at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit (Photo Gallery) After just the first round, the 2024 NFL Draft has already made quite an impression in Detroi...
26/04/2024
NFL Draft 2024: Van Wagner Powers Onsite Entertainment Experience for Record Cro...
26/04/2024
Rohde & Schwarz presents spectrum dominance in all domains at AOC Europe Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems and sensor fusi...
26/04/2024
MCine Mauritius is to use Qube Wire for all future DCP deliveries across their e...
26/04/2024
Skeem Saam' May Spoiler: Has Lehasa killed Khwezi?The Skeem Saam' May teasers mention Lehasa being apologetic about killing someone. Is it his baby mam...
26/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 25 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African s...
26/04/2024
Prison Journalism: Some issues to considerWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's rese...
26/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: A line is crossed and a mother starts to lose focusDon't miss Friday, 26 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! o...
SVG's RSN Summit Draws 200+ to Chicago, Delves into Key Issues Facing Changing Industry By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor 
