Game 7s, Duke's Prime Video Deal, and a Conversation with Northwestern's J.A. Adande
In this episode of Sports Media Watch, hosts John Lewis and Armand Brody discuss the shifting landscape of sports broadcasting, from the decline of traditional studio shows to the rise of streaming and podcast platforms, highlighted by a conversation with former ESPN analyst and Northwestern professor J.A. Adande. They analyze the impact of strategic scheduling, such as NBC’s Kentucky Derby lead‑in to Game 7 of the 76ers‑Celtics series, and examine recent media deals—including ESPN’s lucrative NBA contract, the NHL’s strong ratings on ESPN/ABC, and Prime Video’s acquisition of three Duke men’s basketball games—while debating the implications for leagues, networks, and fans. Adande offers academic and insider perspectives on how these trends reshape the industry’s economics and content distribution.
Final Four Ratings Preview, March Madness Announcer Reviews, MLB-Netflix, WNBA, Tiger and More
The episode dissects the surprising UConn upset over Duke and its impact on the Final Four ratings, highlighting how teams like Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois boost viewership despite UConn’s historically low draw. Hosts John Lewis and Armand Brody debate the...