Johnny Thinks NBC May Be Grooming Johnny-Type Replacement

Alex Myers with more from Johnny Miller on Tiger's game, the USGA's move to Fox Sports and the future at NBC for himself and his Johnny Miller-type replacement.

"It's not going to really impact my decision on what I do as an announcer," Miller said of NBC losing the U.S. Open. "I really don't know what NBC/Golf Channel has in store for me after two years. I would think they are starting to think about grooming a new Johnny Miller-type announcer but I don't know who it is, and I'll probably do some things, I just don't know how much. We'll just have to see."

Ed Sherman has more from Johnny's chat to promote next week's playoff from Chicago, not that you needed any reminder!

Must Read For American Sports Fans: NY Times' "Remote Control: Inside The Power Of ESPN"

Outside of the USA I can't imagine the three-part NY Times story on ESPN to be of much interest, but in light of the recent Fox Sports deal to acquire USGA events along with ESPN's role in broadcasting the Masters and The Open, and Golf Channel's place in the cable "bundling" world, this three-parter is a must for sports business fans.

Parts one and two of the stories by Steve Eder, Richard Sandomir and James Andrew Miller deal mostly with college football, while part three gets into ESPN's future and the potential for ending the bundling of channels that lets ESPN take in $6 billion before ever selling a single ad.

But Matthew Polka, the industry lobbyist for small cable operators, said, “On à la carte, there was no stronger opponent than Disney and ESPN.”

And ESPN has no more stubborn nemesis than Mr. McCain. This past spring, with cable rates and ESPN’s monthly fees continuing to rise, he revived an effort aimed at undoing bundles.

“Why do I pick on ESPN?” Mr. McCain said in an interview in May. “I’m not picking on them. But they are the most glaring example of what people are required to watch — I mean pay for — even if they never watch it.”

And there was this, which could either be seen as justifying the overpaying for sports rights, or...

Meanwhile, companies like Google, Sony and Intel are planning virtual cable services that would be delivered on the Internet. They could lure consumers from traditional pay television as low-cost alternatives to traditional pay TV while also competing for major sports properties when ESPN’s contracts eventually expire. Mr. Skipper said he would make deals with these upstarts, but only on ESPN’s terms: they must take all of ESPN’s offerings, not just the ones they want.

With the rise of new competition come questions about the fate of existing customers.
Consumers are fleeing pay TV at a quickening pace: 898,000 in the past year, nearly twice the number in the previous year, the analyst Craig Moffett said. And in the past two years, ESPN has lost more than one million subscribers.

What’s more, ESPN ratings plunged 32 percent in the quarter that ended in June.

Mr. Skipper’s task — very different from that of predecessors who built ESPN into a powerhouse — is to negotiate a deeply uncertain future.

“It’s a high-class problem,” he said.

Hicks Thinks Johnny Will Stick Around Post-2014 U.S. Open

Ed Sherman interviews Dan Hicks about taking over announce duties for Notre Dame football and also addresses the "kick to the stomach" of losing the US Open to Fox starting in 2015. But on the minds of most is sidekick Johnny Miller's status, whose passion for the US Open was undeniable.

From the Sherman Report where he posts the interview, and Sherman's Tribune column.

I feel worse for (Johnny Miller) than anyone. He gives so much emotion to that championship. After I talked to (producer Tommy Roy), I called Johnny. You could hear the emotion in his voice.

Miller will be 67 next year. Is there any chance he does one final Open in 2014 and rides off into the sunset?

I don’t know. I don’t think so. I think Johnny is too good to just walk away because we’re not doing the Open anymore. He still wants to do some golf. Our team is tight. If the crew was breaking up, then I could see him leaving.

Sherman's Look At Golf Channel's Player-Analysts

I know as Golf World subscribers you've already opened your magazines or your digital editions to Ed Sherman's behind-the-scenes look at Golf Channel's player-analysts, but just in case you haven't seen it here's the link.

Sherman has all sorts of fun behind-the-scenes detail and info on the cast of characters who, because of golf's longevity, are the expert analysts even though they haven't won majors. Also interesting in the story is learning why Golf Channel won't be leaning on the superstars that sports like the NFL or tennis can look to: golfers have much longer careers. The story also features backstage images from Bob Croslin and Dom Furore.

Oh, and you get to find out how much money they make! Only in Golf World!

No Evidence Of Back9 Network's "Build-Out"

Thanks to reader Brad for Dan Haar's Hartford Courant story on Ahmad Rashad joining the BackNineNetwork as a personality and investor, but even the local paper is skeptical about the golf lifestyle network's planned 2014 launch.

Back9 renovated a floor of the "Boat Building" on Constitution Plaza in downtown Hartford and took space nearby on the plaza, formerly occupied by Spris restaurant, with plans to spend $8 million on a buildout. But that buildout hasn't happened yet, as the fledgling network seeks a deal with a major cable carrier.

Ahmad To Continue Off-Radar Activities, Inks Back 9 Net Deal

Absent from his two-day-a week Morning Drive role at Golf Channel for some time now, it turns out Ahmad Rashad must have been in high-level negotiations to take his earring to Back9Network's vast online audience.

Happier times? Little did I know that it's been reported Ahmad and Kelly Tilghman were not getting along, a report from The Big Lead said back on July 24 and missed by yours truly while vacationing). I've heard it was not true and the two got on fine.

Well there's no Tiger to fight over at Back9Network. And no airwaves yet, either.

For Immediate Release:

Ahmad Rashād Joins Back9Network as Executive Producer and On-Air Host
in Partnership Aimed at Changing the Face of Golf
 
HARTFORD, CONN., August 20, 2013:  Back9Network, the golf lifestyle multiplatform media network, announced today that Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Ahmad Rashād, will join the network as executive producer and on-air host.  Rashād is leaving behind a co-host role at Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.
 
“We are delighted to welcome Ahmad to Back9Network,” said James L. Bosworth, CEO of Back9Network.  “Ahmad’s personal style, love of golf, and desire to grow the game aligns perfectly with the mission of Back9Network.  In addition, Ahmad brings a unique dimension to our network’s programming with his vision and relationships within both the golf lifestyle space and professional sports.”
 
“Back9Network is a special opportunity that I simply could not pass up,” said Rashād.  “I’m excited for the many possibilities that lie ahead.  Co-hosting Morning Drive was a great experience, and I would like to thank Molly Solomon and the Golf Channel for the past year.”
 
After a successful NFL career that included four Pro Bowl selections, Rashād  covered a variety of sports for NBC, ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and Golf Channel.  In his new position with the Back9Network, Rashād will perform a number of roles that will help shape the new network’s identity and programming, including creative and executive team membership, on-air hosting, and the production and execution of special lifestyle event coverage around golf majors and other venues around the world.  Rashād also will continue his executive producer and host roles for the NBA.
 
Back9Network, which made its online debut in 2012, is focused on all the things golf fans love about playing and living the game.  Back9Network’s state-of-the-art TV studio and digital video production facility is located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, which is quickly becoming the sports media capital of the world with ESPN, NBC Sports and YES Network also based in the state.  Back9Network plans to launch its television-programming lineup via cable and satellite in 2014.

Fox Sports 1 Launch: "It is not a hill they have to climb, it's the Grand Canyon."

Joe Flint in the LA Times files a Calendar section front page feature on this Saturday's launch of Fox Sports 1, the future home to USGA golf starting in 2015. He analyzes "the dominant and growing role sports is playing in the modern television industry" and takes us inside Fox Sports to learn more about what the network has planned to get itself into homes (so far not going so well) and attract viewers.

I can't wait for the afternoon roundtable show when this gang--headed by 18-34 yo favorite Regis Philbin--kicks around possible Walker Cup selections, maybe with Reege wondering if any of them go to Notre Dame.

"It is a bit out of left field, but that's what we do," said Fox Sports Co-President Eric Shanks of the hiring of Philbin to host "Crowd Goes Wild," an afternoon round table that will also feature former Baltimore Raven Trevor Pryce, Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay and Katie Nolan, best known for her racy sports-related YouTube videos.

You know when I think left field, I think the USGA!

As for those "racy" videos, think Sarah Silverman…only even less funny, less interesting, less intelligent, but worth bookmarking in your Dry Alternatives To Waterboarding folder.

From the story it sounds like Fox hopes to innovate in the audio department--and we know this new USGA deal is all about the innovation that the USGA didn't get from NBC and ESPN. Though I'm pretty sure that short of mics on players (at USGA events no less!), NBC's award-winning and impressive sound man Larry Cirillo has already been there, done that.

From David Hill of Fox:

Hill, who ran Fox Sports for decades and now oversees among other things "American Idol" and "The X-Factor," is known as an innovative producer. It was Hill who first came up with what now seems like an obvious idea to have the score and time left in a game superimposed on the TV screen. He put microphones inside bases to bring fans closer to the action.

"We spend more time and effort on audio than anyone else," he said proudly. "Close-up audio is far more emotive than close-up video.

And this ought to go over really well when blue blazer types sit down to watch the evening highlights:

Its flagship show "Fox Sports Live" — a nightly three-hour recap of the day's highlights and news — will be anchored by Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole, two unknowns imported from Canada, where they hosted "SportsCentre" for the TSN sports channel there.

The pair are known for their morning zoo style, poking fun at the absurdities of sport with an ironic sensibility inspired by Conan O'Brien and Letterman. While some sportscasters these days are obsessed with statistics and overanalysis, Onrait and O'Toole want to keep it light.

When I think light and ironic sensibilities, I think USGA now and forever.

Jack Welch Blasts CBS '13 PGA Commercial & Chatter Overkill

Longtime readers and I have bonded over the years documenting PGA Championship commercial breaks and relentless fall lineup previews, with occasional interruptions of golf scattered here and there.

Under strict doctor's orders I was not allowed to watch today's 2013 telecast from Oak Hill. I suffer from a rare disease known as How I Met Your Mother Syndrome, which involves getting a migraine if I hear more than one How I Met Your Mother in a weekend.

But the PGA Championship obviously remains hard to watch when Mr. Free Market, Mr. Capitalism and former Mr. NBC Jack Welch takes to Twitter to blast CBS and the PGA for the lack of golf shown.

The first Tweet:

TNT #PGA coverage all golf...CBS coverage all talk and ads...too bad they weren't on in reverse order

— Jack Welch (@jack_welch) August 10, 2013

And a follow up:

#PGA PLEASE DEMAND CBS show golf...Coverage is awful. Really awful

— Jack Welch (@jack_welch) August 10, 2013

The 3rd round highlights, free of plugs and commercials:

Johnny: "I feel bad for the USGA in a way that money was more important than basically a good golf crew."

From Doug Ferguson's story on the new USGA TV deal.

"It was a big bummer," Miller told The Associated Press from his home in Utah. "For some reason, I told Dan Hicks at the U.S. Open this year, 'I don't think we're going to keep the U.S. Open.' I just had a hunch it would be ESPN or Fox that stepped in and made a high bid. I know we tried.

"I feel bad for the USGA in a way that money was more important than basically a good golf crew."

Not April Fools: USGA Announces New TV Deal With FOX Sports On Eve Of PGA Championship

Let's forget for the moment that Fox Sports has NEVER televised golf other than some local team play golf shows.

Let's forget that the USGA is a non-profit organization with a "For The Good Of The Game" slogan currently airing their early round telecasts on ESPN with weekday and weekend coverage from NBC, and a major partnership with Golf Channel.

Let's forget that the USGA does not need any more money than it currently brings in.

No, let's just focus on the unprecedently tacky decision by the USGA (not Fox) to announce a major shake-up in how the USGA does business on the eve of the PGA Championship.

For Immediate Release...

 USGA AND FOX SPORTS  TEE-UP LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP

Tee up? Golf puns? Really?

12-Year Multi-Media Agreement Brings Major Championship Golf to FOX Sports Platforms for First Time Ever, Beginning in 2015

Expands Coverage for U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open & U.S. Senior Open Championships

Elevates USGA’s Amateur Championships with Significant Coverage

Far Hills, N.J., and New York (August 7, 2013) – The United States Golf Association (USGA), the governing body of the game of golf in the United States, and FOX Sports, the No.1 network for sports television since 1997,

Excuse me, did I miss a memo? Did ESPN establish itself in 1998?

today announced a comprehensive multi-media agreement that makes the FOX network and FOX Sports 1 the principal domestic media partner of the USGA and the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open Championships, as well as the USGA’s national amateur championships and other live content, beginning in 2015. The landmark, 12-year agreement, which runs through 2026, brings premier major championship golf for the first time ever to the FOX broadcast network, home to the country’s greatest sports events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, Daytona 500 and World Cup.

The agreement was announced today

...today, in an utterly low class, ungentlemanly fashion on the eve of the PGA Championship which happens to be run by the organization that did not support us on the anchoring ban. Coincidence?

by USGA President Glen D. Nager and USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and FOX Sports Co-Presidents and COOs Randy Freer and Eric Shanks.

“This is an exciting and remarkable day for the USGA, as our partnership with the FOX Sports is a game-changer for our organization and for the game of golf,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager.

Game-changer. Define please.

“The game is evolving and requires bold and unique approaches on many levels, and FOX shares our vision to seek fresh thinking and innovative ideas to deliver championship golf.

Translation: NBC and ESPN were not up to snuff.

This partnership will help us to better lead and serve the game in new and exciting ways.”

And based on Fox's extensive work in golf...oh forget it.

Under terms of the newly executed agreement, the USGA and FOX Sports will deliver a total of 146 hours of championship golf, including a minimum of 70 cumulative hours of live event coverage of the three Opens, making the game compelling, dramatic and fun for an expanded audience. In addition to the rights to the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open Championships, FOX Sports will also be home to the USGA’s national amateur championships and international team competitions, delivering a minimum of 76 hours of live broadcast coverage across its sports platforms, including FOX Sports 1, America’s new sports network, launching August 17.

A twelve-year commitment in part to a network that hasn't even launched yet. Wish I thought of that.

“It’s with tremendous excitement and pride that we’ve added events with the prestige and magnitude of the USGA’s U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open to the big events FOX Sports is set to cover for years to come,” said FOX Sports Co-President and COO, Randy Freer.

“We’re looking forward to FOX Sports becoming home to the preeminent golf championship in the world,” added fellow FOX Sports Co-President and COO Eric Shanks.  “We’re committed to elevating coverage of USGA events on every level, infusing them with a new energy and innovation that will make every championship the best golf event on television.”

This new partnership with FOX Sports also includes strategic elements to help the USGA strengthen its support of the game, including:

Integrating FOX Sport’s wide array of multi-platform assets, including its soon to launch mobile app FOX Sports GO, and innovative production capabilities to establish the U.S. Open Championship as the world’s best golf telecast;

Elevating the visibility of the USGA’s amateur championships and delivering unique storytelling to celebrate the amateur game;

Transforming U.S. Open Week into a powerful showcase and entertaining celebration of the game of golf;

Developing unique initiatives to enhance the USGA Member experience and help grow the Association’s membership community; and

Providing significant promotional support to showcase and advance the USGA’s core services to the game, including the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status, Equipment Standards, Handicapping, the USGA Green Section and the USGA Museum.

“We are thrilled with the commitment that FOX Sports has made to the USGA, our national championships, the strategic growth of our organization and to the game,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “This partnership represents a promising new future for both organizations that will be marked by broadcast innovation, new approaches and fresh thinking. We could not be more energized by what we will be able to accomplish together to make golf better, both now and for future generations of players and fans who love the game.”

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Translation: we took a huge amount of money because are about the good of the almighty dollar.

Most astounding of all, the USGA has just entered an era in which it has streamlined and refined how it announces initiatives. Credit who you like for this improved messaging--Mike Davis, Glen Nager, Joe Goode--it doesn't matter. They did a nice job rolling out the anchoring ban announcement and other "news." And now this?

So forgetting the idea of committing to a network for 12-years that has never televised golf, how does that same non-profit organization pull this stunt on the eve of the PGA Championship.

A dark day for the United States Golf Association and for the game.

Man Escapes Berman: Golf Channel Lands New News Head

Reportedly having served as Chris Berman's writer and producer for many years (Sainthood eligibility...done!), Adam Hertzog has been hired from ESPN by Golf Channel to supervise their news and studio shows.

For Immediate Release:

GOLF CHANNEL HIRES VETERAN ESPN PRODUCER ADAM HERTZOG AS VICE PRESIDENT OF NEWS AND STUDIO PRODUCTIONS
 
With More Than 18 Years of Sports News Production Experience, Hertzog Most Recently was a Coordinating Producer for ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown
 
ORLANDO, Fla. (August 5, 2013) – Golf Channel announced today that Adam Hertzog will  lead the network’s News Department as Vice President of News and Studio Productions and will report to Molly Solomon, Executive Producer for Golf Channel.  Hertzog’s primary responsibilities will include Golf Channel’s daily news programs, including GOLF CENTRAL, MORNING DRIVE and the network’s signature LIVE FROM franchise from golf’s biggest events worldwide, as well as pregame/postgame platforms for Golf Channel and GOLF CHANNEL ON NBC.  Additionally, Hertzog will collaborate with teams responsible for in-studio instructional series and digital media extensions to expand the breadth and depth of Golf Channel’s high-quality content.
 
“Adam has been a driving force behind successful franchises like Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, NBA Countdown and SportsCenter, crafting his skills in producing thought-provoking studio programming,” said Solomon. “His extensive experience and innovative approach to television production, along with a huge passion for golf, will further Golf Channel’s ability to connect the world to golf through the high-quality productions our viewers expect.”
 
Hertzog’s most recent experience as coordinating producer and writer at ESPN included Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown. Additionally, Hertzog was executive producer and creator for ESPYS Countdown, which debuted in 2010, and was a Coordinating Producer for NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC, helping launch a new format in 2011. His previous experience also includes work with ESPN Original Entertainment, HBO Sports, VH1, History Channel, after starting his career as a production assistant with ESPN in 1995.

Hertzog is leaving this...maybe Rich Lerner the impressionist will re-create this to spice up a Live From: