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
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
28/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/01/2026
28 01 2026 - Media release Screen Australia refreshes Market & Audience approach...
28/01/2026
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Premieres a New Piano Concerto by Peter and Leonar...
27/01/2026
Click for Japanese version
Tokyo, Japan - January 27, 2026 - Akamai Technolo...
27/01/2026
L-R: Jonathan Cuchacovich, Sonia Kennebeck, Alan Fischer, Daeil Kim, Andrew Sta...
27/01/2026
Today, Spotify is proud to support our partner Backline, an industry-leading men...
27/01/2026
With nearly 29 million monthly listeners and clear momentum on Spotify, Net n Ve...
27/01/2026
January 14, 2026
We are proud to share that 25 Ontario, First Gulf's commercial project located just two minutes from our head office, has been recognized ...
27/01/2026
January 22, 2026
First Gulf is excited to share that a full-building lease has been secured at 625 Bronte Rd in Oakville, part of Bronte Station Business Park,...
27/01/2026
January 23, 2026
First Gulf continues to demonstrate its commitment to high-performance, sustainable real estate with 351 King Street East achieving BOMA BEST ...
27/01/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
27/01/2026
Nielsen will continue to drive growth and provide local audience measurement
in...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
Amagi Media Labs Limited, the only cloud-native SaaS provider offering end-to-end solutions across live production, content preparation, distribution, and monet...
27/01/2026
Miri Technologies Inc. today unveiled its V410 live 4K video encoder/decoder for streaming, IP-based production workflows and AV-over-IP distribution. Designed ...
27/01/2026
The Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell in Massachusetts has chosen Ikegami cameras for incorporation into its broadcast-quality television production facili...
27/01/2026
SipRadius, specialists in secure, low latency media transport, will show the pro AV community its end-to-end solution for high quality content distribution and ...
27/01/2026
Hiltron will highlight the fruits of its 45-plus years of experience in satellite communications system integration and product development at the annual GovSat...
27/01/2026
Klvr will demonstrate how its Charger Pro solution is delivering cost reduction and performance benefits for live entertainment and pro AV markets at ISE 2026 (...
27/01/2026
Amino, a global media technology leader in enterprise video and digital signage, today announced that its Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 booth (4N700) wil...
27/01/2026
ANI, India's leading news agency and a major content provider across the Asia Pacific region, today announced a significant expansion of its long standing p...
27/01/2026
Independent analysis confirms faster encoding, lower CPU usage, and improved perceptual quality compared to CBR and CRF
VisualOn, a leader in multimedia playba...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
27/01/2026
New agreement for uninterrupted UHF connectivity for Australian Defence Force through 2033, With Options Extending to 2041
Luxembourg, January 13, 2026 - Satel...
27/01/2026
Tuesday 27 January 2026
SNL UK creative team expands as Pauli Lovejoy, Annie Ha...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
When It Feels Real, Is It Still a Lie? The Art of Sarah' ...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
That Night premiering on Netflix March 13
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DOWNLOAD THE KEY ART
DOWNLO...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Revealed the Future of Mexican Stories Coming in 2026
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalMexico
Link copied to clipboard
Among t...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Four New Japan Titles Announced for 2026: Viral Hit', On...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
What's Next on Netflix from Japan: Expanding the Possibili...
27/01/2026
AI, graphics and virtual software power new production capabilities...
27/01/2026
RT Supporting the Arts is delighted to support a dynamic programme of cultural events taking place across Ireland this February. From visual art, film, music, ...
26/01/2026
Music videos play a huge part in how fans connect with their favorite songs, but...
26/01/2026
NAIDOC launches 2026 theme 50 Years of Deadly , marks major milestone
25 January, 2026
Media releases
The National NAIDOC Committee has today unveiled its...
26/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
26/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
26/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
26/01/2026
Share Share by:
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Pinterest
Bluesky
Email...
SVG's RSN Summit Draws 200+ to Chicago, Delves into Key Issues Facing Changing Industry By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor 
