OT ESPN cost cutting and layoffs

[TheRainMaker]

Remember when ESPN was good?

Their talent draining from the glory years in the 90’s-2000’s and the internet affected them tremendously as we get news instantly and can look up highlights any time we want.

Now there’s nothing worse than seeing the previews for The Scott Van Pelt Show during MNF. That is the most pointless show on ESPN. In fact, he’s the luckiest guy in the world getting his own show by default with other bigger name guys leaving or unfortunately passing away (Stuart Scott) over the years.

I’ll only watch clips on YouTube of any recent news.

 

[Patsfan1958]

The only time I watch ESPN is for the NFL or the Red Sox if they're not on NESN. I don't watch any of their shows anymore.

 

[Koma]

in the end, only chrome dome Scott Van Pelt will be left

Him and Mike Greenberg.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

It hasn't helped that their Marvel "product" absolutely sucks now.

There cartoon movies are bombing too. Tough all around.

 

[TheBeers]

A comment of being older aged ... ugh
I remember when sports fans would eagerly turn ESPN on in the morning.

I have an early plasma TV in my basement that has the logo and scroll bar line burned into the screen. It was on that crap ALL the time mid/late 2000's. Spygate changed that dramatically, deflategate killed it permanently.

 

[IcyPatriot]

 

[Pape]

I have an early plasma TV in my basement that has the logo and scroll bar line burned into the screen. It was on that crap ALL the time mid/late 2000's. Spygate changed that dramatically, deflategate killed it permanently.

ball-ghazi was the straw that broke the camels back for me... should have been a nothing burger, and all of a sudden its turned into the meta argument on sports, with espn trotting out the crying turd whats his face...

 

[IcyPatriot]

 

[captain stone]

The only time I watch ESPN is for the NFL or the Red Sox if they're not on NESN. I don't watch any of their shows anymore.

Yep, games & draft coverage, and that's it.

 

[captain stone]

I'm afraid old Uncle Al needs to retire, as in like a couple of years (or so) ago...

 

[40yrpatsfan]

The only time I watch ESPN is for the NFL or the Red Sox if they're not on NESN. I don't watch any of their shows anymore.

Well one of their problems is the cable guide says a certain show is on, but when you select it, some other show or game is on. This happens probably 50% of the time I try any of the espn stations. It’s ridiculous, I’ve given up.

 

[FCB02062]

Disney is jacking up the price of ESPN+ by $30/year in addition to cutting staff

 

[TheRainMaker]

I'm afraid old Uncle Al needs to retire, as in like a couple of years (or so) ago...

He's been bad for many years. He recently got heavily criticized for the way he handled the Wild Card game talking about something that had noting to do with the game (he routinely does this) while the Jaguars were attempting and making the game winning kick.

 

[Real fan 02]

They have too many analysts and too many shows. It's a good move.

I don't believe ninko is wondering wesr his next meal is coming from... fortunately he made a good living in the NFL

 

[ErniesPinkStripes]

Remember when ESPN was good?

Their talent draining from the glory years in the 90’s-2000’s and the internet affected them tremendously as we get news instantly and can look up highlights any time we want.

Now there’s nothing worse than seeing the previews for The Scott Van Pelt Show during MNF. That is the most pointless show on ESPN. In fact, he’s the luckiest guy in the world getting his own show by default with other bigger name guys leaving or unfortunately passing away (Stuart Scott) over the years.

I’ll only watch clips on YouTube of any recent news.

It all went downhill when Stuart Scott died.. RIP Stu.. Cooler than the other side of the pillow!

 

[Steve102]

ESPN sucks.

 

[TheRainMaker]

It all went downhill when Stuart Scott died.. RIP Stu.. Cooler than the other side of the pillow!

Stuart Scott was amazing. Many Anchors tried copying him, but it just doesn't work.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

20-30 years ago I watched at least one episode of Sports Center every day. I honestly can't tell you the last time I watched ESPN other than for a live football game or for a 30-for-30 episode, their one good piece of decent programming. Probably not since deflategate. The times I have tuned in for an actual game I have usually turned off the sound, since their on air "talent" is just freakin' awful, as is their pre and postgame analysis.

 

[Vindicate]

Kinda off-topic, but I'd like to hear others' thoughts as well:

There seems to be a point where commentators generally shifted toward ex-players and not career-commentators. Now I don't think all players are bad at calling games, but just because they played doesn't mean they're good. When you want to push through it and make it your career, you develop those idiosyncrasies that accent the "performance" of it all. Chances are you've garnered skills in both interviewing and "reporting", as well and have a more intimate understanding of commentating as a spectator - you know, the thing we're all doing.

It's similar to us choosing famous mainstream actors' voices to do animated movies, instead of actual good voice actors.

 

[Steve102]

Kinda off-topic, but I'd like to hear others' thoughts as well:

There seems to be a point where commentators generally shifted toward ex-players and not career-commentators. Now I don't think all players are bad at calling games, but just because they played doesn't mean they're good. When you want to push through it and make it your career, you develop those idiosyncrasies that accent the "performance" of it all. Chances are you've garnered skills in both interviewing and "reporting", as well and have a more intimate understanding of commentating as a spectator - you know, the thing we're all doing.

It's similar to us choosing famous mainstream actors' voices to do animated movies, instead of actual good voice actors.

Mainstream actors doing animated work and former players calling games have the same cache: name recognition. Easier to sell it.