It isn’t often that we get trash talking between two sports networks. So let’s celebrate while it’s here.
In an interview on SI.com, Richard Deitsch asked ESPN President John Skipper the following question: “How concerned are you about NBC and Comcast creating a national network to rival you?”
OK, Skipper had to know the question was coming. Initially, he was corporate respectful, but then in mid-answer he turned into Rex Ryan.
We know those guys. They have significant resources and smart folks there. They have platforms, so we have a lot of respect for what they do, and we of course pay attention.
Trash talk alert:
However, we’ve been doing this for 32 years and I do think there’s a little too much respect paid to the great brand names. Everybody sort of assumes, ‘Oh, my gosh, NBC is going to a 24/7 network and it’s a two-horse race.” But they don’t look like we look. You guys saw all the stuff today — mobile, Internet. We have more viewers in an average minute on ESPN mobile than they have on NBC Sports Network.
Sure enough, that is the case. During the average minute in TV daytime, there’s 93,999 people using ESPN Mobile and apps compared to 82,421 watching NBC Sports Network, said ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys in USA Today.
Nevertheless, NBC Sports Network wasn’t about to let that shot slide. From USA Today.
NBC Sports Group spokesman Greg Hughes responded Wednesday with a statement suggesting ESPN overcharges TV customers. And that NBC Sports Network provides more value for the buck than the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader in Sports.
“The NBC Sports Group brands are among the most powerful brands in sports. We don’t look like anyone else and we’re very proud of that fact. They’ve been at this a long time and at a significantly higher cost to consumers,” Hughes said. “Our audience and market share are increasing as evidenced by the NHL playoffs and at great value to our viewers.”
Interesting comment. Let’s examine.
Yes, ESPN does charge much more than anyone else. You know why? Because they can. Let’s not kid ourselves, for all the talk of being such a bargain, NBC Sports Network would do the same thing if they could. Comcast isn’t running a non-for-profit.
However, NBC Sports Network can’t reach those pricing levels because its programing doesn’t come close to matching ESPN’s arsenal. And it won’t for a long time with ESPN locking up many long-term deals.
Perhaps that should be ESPN’s retort here. But I’m guessing we have heard enough trash talk for now.