Jul
08

The Future Of SportsNation, Go Inside ESPN

By Fireman Mike July 8, 2009

Could SportsNation ever get moved to ESPN, instead of ESPN2? Ron, Indianapolis

snThat’s the goal actually. We love starting on ESPN 2 because we can take more chances and aren’t as closely monitored by the mustaches (executives). There are some shows on ESPN in the afternoon, that are, let’s just say not exactly fascinating television. Our show has a female component which would break up the factory line of white males during ESPN’s afternoons.

Mike and Mike barely ever talk NBA. Why? Trev, Columbus, OH

mikeandmikeI’m not sure exactly but generally we all talk about what we love. My top markets are very diverse. It benefits me to talk hoops in markets like L.A., Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, NY, Las Vegas, Phoenix and SF. The NBA is a big deal in those markets. The NBA Finals ratings tripled or quadrupled the NHL, and significantly hammered the World Series. Mike and Mike are big in Cleveland and Chicago. The Cavs and Bulls are getting really good, so I’m sure in the next several years they will talk more pro basketball.

I can name about 20 things that aggravate me about my job every day. Is there anything that really bothers you at ESPN? Keith, Athens, GA

jobIt is mostly a great experience. Let’s start with what I love. The cafeteria rocks, the employees are generally happy, the job security in a lousy economy is fantastic and I appreciate the freedom to say what I want while I broadcast across America. The only thing that generally gets under my skin is the provincialism among some execs that have never lived outside the northeast. They need to get out more. They see everything thru Yankee and Red Sox eyes and treat Pittsburgh almost reverentially. Yet, they virtually ignore bigger, more affluent, more sophisticated San Francisco, a city that would love to become a bigger part of our broadcasting features.

Soccer seems to be getting a big push at ESPN. I see more of it all the time and it seems like the suits at ESPN think that soccer is going to be America’s next big thing. Am I right? Dan, Merced, CA

usasoccerWell, one of our top executives believes the World Cup will replace the Olympics in the near future as the sports world’s next big event. I actually agree. As America improves in soccer, as we become more ‘brown’ as a nation, it’s hard to argue. I mean, how many people really watch or care about skiing events? That’s essentially what the winter Olympics are. I watch much more soccer than hockey. I am even talking a little soccer on my radio show, just because I’m interested, not because of any company initiative. Soccer has done a nice job of taking advantage of the slow summer months and making a splash for their sport.

Comments

  1. Sam Gass says:

    Hi Colin,
    Can you please settle an argument with me and my buddies? Up to what age is it acceptable to have a bottle opener on your keychain?

    Thanks, Sam

  2. The Herd's Word says:

    After you receive your college diploma, you should throw your bottle opener in the air with your cap. But don’t look for the bottle opener afterward. There is no defined age, just a level of maturity. Most people will get rid of it at 22 but others will take 8 years to graduate from UMass-Boston’s Phys Ed program. Understand?

  3. Jason says:

    Is there a place where we can see a video of the show? I can\’t watch it live when I\’m at work and haven\’t see a video on espn.com

  4. Gabe says:

    Colin,

    I’m recently divorced. I have a hot young 22 year old girlfriend. I have to hide her around town everywhere we go b/c the divorce isn’t final (trying to figure out a good property settlement agreement). Can anything happen to me if I’m spotted with hot 22 year old if we’ve been apart for 6 months but technically the divorce isn’t final?

  5. John says:

    Do you find it ironic that your name is cowherd and you are full of so much bull?

  6. The Herd's Word says:

    why yes, that is quite ironic!

  7. Ryan says:

    First, I love the show the herd and sportsnation. I agree with almost everything u say. I think you are very funny and great at what u do! Is this really Colin answering back?

    How well do u think coach calipari will do at UK? (Next march, do you think they can make it to the elite eight or farther?

  8. Hey There says:

    Colin, can you please do a poll that will help me settle an argument. Who is the most famous person world wide? Some of my friends say its Michael Phelps, some say its David Beckham, and some say its Tiger Woods.

  9. First, I love the show the herd and sportsnation. I agree with almost everything u say. I think you are very funny and great at what u do! Is this really Colin answering back?

  10. Great post! Maybe you could do a follow up on this topic?

  11. Thanks for sharing this!it IS a great post!

  12. Hey…..nice post!!

    Awesome, No more words to explain :) :) :D just….cool blog.

  13. free porn says:

    @ Gabe

    What do you think might happen? If you\’re spotted with your hot 22 year old girlfriend, everybody will just be jealous of you. That\’s all :-) You\’re getting divorced, relax!

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