Welcome to the podcast home of Jon Lewis&#39; SportsMediaWatch.com website. Get all the latest news and insight on everything from ESPN, to the over the air networks like: NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC. Critiquing of the shows, the personalities and production of it all is found right here.So, make sure to follow/subscribe to us where ever hear your podcasts with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Google, etc.!

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner dive into all the reporting surrounding NBA rights negotiations. To start, the crew discusses whether NBC&#39;s huge bid could mean the end times for the NBA on TNT or if WBD will find a way to match NBC&#39;s deal, or split the package between them. They also discuss possible landing spots for the Inside the NBA crew should TNT miss out on NBA rights. Then, Jon and Drew go over NBA playoff ratings thus far, before returning to a discussion of the live sports rights market writ large, debating whether a huge financial windfall for the NBA bodes well for the MLB and NHL when they go back to market. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Comcast's huge NBA offer, can TNT match, and what it means for the marketplace

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner take a look at recent reporting surrounding the NBA&#39;s media rights negotiations and discuss expectations around the dollar figure the league will ultimately receive, and what the inventory breakdown looks like for the league&#39;s media partners. Then, Jon and Drew go over viewership for the opening weekend of NBA playoffs, and how the postseason is shaping up from a ratings perspective. The crew also takes a look at the substantial year-over-year increase for the NHL&#39;s opening playoff games. To close out the show, Jon and Drew remember ESPN&#39;s Howie Schwab and talk about ESPN under Mark Shapiro. Then Jon has some final remarks on the conversation surrounding the WNBA. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NBA media rights and ratings, hot start for Stanley Cup, Howie Schawb and the WNBA

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner lead off the podcast discussing yet another Caitlin Clark viewership feat -- this time with a record-setting WNBA Draft. Then, the crew takes a look at how NBA regular season viewership fared and looks forward to potential playoff scenarios. Jon and Drew close out the show with a discussion on the subpar Masters viewership, and whether the property is facing decline in the future. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Caitlin Clark boosts WNBA to 24-year high, NBA playoff preview, Masters ratings recap

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner lead off the show with a March Madness viewership discussion, headlined by the massive rating for South Carolina-Iowa in the women&#39;s tournament and why the WNBA can&#39;t seem to capitalize on the successes of women&#39;s college basketball. Then the crew turns its focus to the men, where UConn-Purdue finished a tick up from last year&#39;s title game. Jon and Drew close out the show with a discussion of Norby Williamson&#39;s departure from ESPN. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Women's NCAA title game outdraws men's, can the WNBA capitalize, and Norby Williamson's exit

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner dive deep into the record-setting viewership for Iowa-LSU. The crew covers the 12.3m viewers number in context, what this number means for the Final Four games this Friday, where expectations should be set for women&#39;s college basketball next season without Caitlin Clark, and if this was the most heavily anticipated viewership number ever. Then, Jon and Drew discuss whether or not ESPN&#39;s broadcast of the game was able to meet the moment. They also go over numbers for last weekend&#39;s men&#39;s Elite Eight and the impact of the Easter holiday on out-of-home viewing before closing out the show with a discussion on what it would take to replicate a phenomenon like Caitlin Clark. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Iowa-LSU record audience, reviewing ESPN's coverage, and can the Caitlin Clark phenomenon be repeated?

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner discuss viewership for both the men&#39;s and women&#39;s NCAA Tournaments, including Caitlin Clark and Iowa&#39;s record-setting numbers, and how the chalky setup for both tournaments can lead to strong viewership here on out. The crew also discusses the impending Washington Post story on Kim Mulkey and a potential Iowa-LSU rematch in the Elite 8. Jon and Drew then shift to the NFL&#39;s announcement that they will play two games on Christmas Day this upcoming season, before closing out the show with a discussion on gambling in the context of the Shohei Ohtani and Jontay Porter stories. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

March Madness ratings, Kim Mulkey, NFL on Christmas and sports betting scandals

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On today&#39;s episode Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner discuss Selection Sunday viewership and the countless comparisons between the men&#39;s and women&#39;s tournaments in the media. The crew also talks about the new College Football Playoff rights deal and the return of the national title game to ABC. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NCAA men's and women's hoops comparisons, CFP media rights deal and more

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner discuss a potpourri of sports media topics, starting with the huge viewership that women&#39;s college basketball had last week, and whether the sport can sustain that strength post-Caitlin Clark. Then, the crew hits on a few storylines in men&#39;s college basketball including Greg Gumbel&#39;s absence from the CBS studio this year, Ian Eagle taking over the top play-by-play spot, and Bill Walton missing time due to health issues. Jon and Drew end with some quick hitters including the NBA&#39;s exclusive negotiating window opening up, reports that NBC looks likely to pick up a package, WBD turning TruTV into a sports channel, and FOX announcing a Friday night college football package. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

More Caitlin Clark ratings, NCAA Tournament announcers, NBA TV deal and more

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner dive into the impact Caitlin Clark is having on women&#39;s basketball. The crew covers the recent viewership records that Clark has helped set, whether a deep run by Iowa in the tournament could threaten to post bigger viewership numbers than the men&#39;s tournament, what Clark&#39;s viewership impact will be for the WNBA, and if she has earned a spot on the USA Olympic team. Jon and Drew close the show with a brief discussion on the legacy of Chris Mortensen. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Caitlin Clark ratings and the future of WCBB and WNBA; plus, passing of Chris Mortensen

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner take a look at all things NBA, starting with whether the league suffers from its &#34;activist&#34; label stemming from the 2020 season. Then, the crew previews the exclusive negotiating window that starts next month between the league and its incumbent media partners ESPN and TNT. Jon and Drew close out the show talking about how NBA media coverage contributes to the negative perception of the league writ large. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

State of the NBA: Ratings, rights deals and media coverage

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner start off by discussing NBA All-Star Weekend, which Sports Media Watch was on-site to cover. The crew talks about viewership, if the format can be changed for the better, and the NBA Tech Summit. Then, Jon and Drew discuss the ongoing uncertainty amidst the College Football Playoff, if ESPN would ever actually pull the agreement, and whether the ESPN-FOX-WBD joint entity could entice a bid from NBC or CBS. The show closes with a discussion on ESPN and FS1&#39;s breaking news coverage during the Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting last week. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NBA All-Star Weekend recap, CFP future, Kansas City shooting coverage, Daytona 500

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On the latest edition of the Sports Media Watch podcast, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner discuss the Super Bowl ratings, Tony Romo&#39;s performance on the &#34;Big Game,&#34; the new College Football Playoff extension with ESPN, JJ Redick&#39;s promotion to the NBA Finals broadcast team and more. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Super Bowl ratings, Romo, CFP rights deal, Redick's promotion and more

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner are joined by the voice of Patrick Star, Bill Fagerbakke, to discuss his role in the upcoming Nickelodeon Super Bowl broadcast. To start the show, Jon and Drew talk about the joint sports streaming venture announced by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros Discovery. The crew also previews Sunday&#39;s Super Bowl and discusses the NFL&#39;s announcement of a Friday game from Brazil during Week One of next season. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

ESPN-Fox-WBD joint venture, Super Bowl, NFL in Brazil, and Spongebob's Bill Fagerbakke

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On the 50th episode of the Sports Media Watch Podcast, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner break down viewership for the Championship Weekend games, how the Swift-NFL discourse has reached its inevitable conclusion, Tony Romo&#39;s AFC Championship Game performance, and Greg Olsen&#39;s future in the top Fox booth. Then the crew closes the show with more top broadcaster drama, speculating about reports that ESPN may add JJ Redick to its NBA Finals team following Doc Rivers&#39; return to coaching. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NFL playoff ratings, Super Bowl preview, futures of Romo, Olsen and Doris Burke

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner discuss viewership for the NFL divisional round, including over 50 million for Bills-Chiefs on Sunday night, and then previews the conference championship games. The crew then talks about Netflix inking a deal with WWE for the &#39;Raw&#39; franchise, and if Netflix could be a serious player for other upcoming live rights properties. Jon and Drew close out the show discussing the news surrounding Sports Illustrated. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Massive NFL ratings and the out-of-home factor, Netflix-WWE, downfall of SI

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner discuss the NFL&#39;s Super Wild Card Weekend, including the viewership success of the Peacock exclusive game. The crew then talks about the possible strategic partnership between ESPN and the NFL, questioning whether it makes sense for either side. Jon and Drew close out the show discussing the odd decision for NBC to tout its Peacock viewership numbers during halftime of Rams-Lions, and then preview the divisional round. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NFL-Peacock ratings, ESPN-NFL partnership and Divisional Round preview

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner dive into the controversy surrounding Pat McAfee, Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Kimmel, Norby Williamson, and Disney/ESPN. Then, the crew jumps into how NFL regular season viewership fared, the schedule for Super Wild Card Weekend, and ESPN reportedly bidding to extend its exclusive rights for the expanded College Football Playoff. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Pat McAfee vs. Norby, NFL ratings, CFP media rights and Peacock's playoff game

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon Lewis and Drew Lerner run through the past two weeks in sports viewership starting with the College Football Playoffs and New Year&#39;s Six bowl games. Then, the crew discusses Amazon&#39;s 24% increase year-over-year for Thursday Night Football. Jon and Drew also cover how Peacock&#39;s NFL exclusive fared and what to think of the NFL-NBA competition on Christmas Day. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Ratings catchup: CFP, Thursday Night Football, NFL on Peacock, NBA on Christmas

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On today&#39;s episode, Jon and Drew are joined by industry veterans John Kosner and Ed Desser for a big picture look at sports media. John Kosner previously served as the NBA&#39;s VP of Broadcasting during the Dream Team era and most recently served as ESPN&#39;s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Digital and Print Media before beginning his consultancy firm Kosner Media. Ed Desser served as a senior executive in the NBA&#39;s Commissioner&#39;s Office and as President of NBA Television where he negotiated numerous media rights deals for the league and has run his consultancy Desser Sports Media since 2005. The crew covers the NBA&#39;s upcoming media rights negotiations, the state of linear television and the transition to digital, fragmentation in the industry, Disney&#39;s trial balloon for divesting ABC, and possible strategic partners at ESPN. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

NBA media rights, Disney's future and more with guests John Kosner and Ed Desser

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On today&#39;s episode, ESPN&#39;s Hannah Storm joins the show to discuss her prolific career on television including her start at CNN Sports, calling the inaugural WNBA season, hosting an NBA Finals with Jordan&#39;s Bulls, her time at The Early Show, the challenges she has faced as a woman in sports media, and more. To start the show, Jon and Drew cover the news that Amazon may be interested in a strategic partnership with Diamond Sports that would put the Bally Sports RSNs on Amazon Prime. They also cover last week&#39;s NFL ratings and look ahead to the Christmas Day triple header and how the NBA can reclaim some of the Christmas real estate it has lost to football. Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Guest Hannah Storm, plus Amazon-Diamond Sports, NFL vs. NBA on Christmas

Welcome to the podcast home of Jon Lewis' SportsMediaWatch.com website. Get all the latest news and insight on everything from ESPN, to the over the air networks like: NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC. Critiquing of the shows, the personalities and production of it all is found right here.

So, make sure to follow/subscribe to us where ever hear your podcasts with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Google, etc.!