ESPN analyst Maria Taylor is parting ways with the network, weeks after an internal controversy involving Taylor and ESPN anchor Rachel Nichols was made public.
The cable net announced on Wednesday that Taylor and ESPN were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, making Taylor’s NBA Finals coverage on Tuesday night her final assignment for the network.
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The cable net announced on Wednesday that Taylor and ESPN were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, making Taylor’s NBA Finals coverage on Tuesday night her final assignment for the network.
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- 7/21/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
ESPN and Maria Taylor, an up-and-coming on-air personality, have parted ways in the wake of an internal controversy that spilled into the public arena and drew new scrutiny of diversity policies at the Disney-owned sports-media giant.
“There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, in a prepared statement. “While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor’s last on-air appearance for ESPN came Tuesday night during coverage of the last game of the NBA Finals.
Her departure would seem to cap a period of inner discord at ESPN. In July of last year, basketball correspondent Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James...
“There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, in a prepared statement. “While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor’s last on-air appearance for ESPN came Tuesday night during coverage of the last game of the NBA Finals.
Her departure would seem to cap a period of inner discord at ESPN. In July of last year, basketball correspondent Rachel Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James...
- 7/21/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In a memo sent to ESPN employees on Friday, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro addressed what he called “nuanced and complicated personnel matters” related to “recent events.” Those events revolve around leaked comments made by one of the the network’s highest-profile female hosts Rachel Nichols, who is white, and another of the network’s highest-profile female hosts Maria Taylor, who is Black.
Subsequent to the revelation of Nichols’ comments and her on-air apology to Taylor, the network announced that Taylor would be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, which began last week. Those duties have been at the center of the controversy. In her comments as reported by the Times, Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, worried about Taylor potentially assuming the Finals hosting role, which she also coveted.
ESPN said last week that Nichols would no longer would be the network’s...
Subsequent to the revelation of Nichols’ comments and her on-air apology to Taylor, the network announced that Taylor would be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, which began last week. Those duties have been at the center of the controversy. In her comments as reported by the Times, Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, worried about Taylor potentially assuming the Finals hosting role, which she also coveted.
ESPN said last week that Nichols would no longer would be the network’s...
- 7/14/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Association of Black Journalists are demanding a meeting with top ESPN and Disney brass in the wake of Rachel Nichols’ comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where Nichols, who is white, suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because she is Black.
“The Nabj Board of Directors is disturbed to learn the details of this situation and what appeared to be a lack of accountability and a desire by ESPN to provide accommodations for a white employee who mocked diversity and a well-qualified co-worker while seemingly ignoring how Taylor and others who later heard the conversation may have been affected,” said Nabj president Dorothy Tucker. “The silence and apparent inaction by ESPN leaders over the last year is deafening and, as a result, Nabj is requesting a meeting with Bob Iger, executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN; Bob Chapek,...
“The Nabj Board of Directors is disturbed to learn the details of this situation and what appeared to be a lack of accountability and a desire by ESPN to provide accommodations for a white employee who mocked diversity and a well-qualified co-worker while seemingly ignoring how Taylor and others who later heard the conversation may have been affected,” said Nabj president Dorothy Tucker. “The silence and apparent inaction by ESPN leaders over the last year is deafening and, as a result, Nabj is requesting a meeting with Bob Iger, executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN; Bob Chapek,...
- 7/7/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has weighed in on the ESPN dustup involving two of the sports giant’s on-air NBA reporters and anchors, Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor. On Tuesday, ESPN said that Nichols would not be handling sideline reporting duties for the NBA Finals (instead the job would go to Malika Andrews) but that she would continue to host her afternoon show The Jump.
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has weighed in on the ESPN dustup involving two of the sports giant’s on-air NBA reporters and anchors, Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor. On Tuesday, ESPN said that Nichols would not be handling sideline reporting duties for the NBA Finals (instead the job would go to Malika Andrews) but that she would continue to host her afternoon show The Jump.
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
“It’s disheartening,” Silver said during a press conference tied to the start of the NBA Finals, adding that the only information he had about the matter was from what he had read in The New York Times and elsewhere. “I think ...
On the day of the start of the NBA Finals, ESPN’s premiere daily NBA show was missing from the network’s schedule. Instead, according to the New York Post, viewers who tuned in on Tuesday found the two-man team of Jalen & Jacoby, who are usually The Jump‘s lead-in. A subsequent Jump schedule spot was filled by the network’s Highly Questionable.
According to Post media columnist Andrew Marchand, “the plan is to have it on tomorrow.”
News: ESPN canceled Rachel Nichols' The Jump for today, The Post has learned.
The plan is to have it on tomorrow.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 6, 2021
The scheduling changes came just minutes after ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of The Jump,...
According to Post media columnist Andrew Marchand, “the plan is to have it on tomorrow.”
News: ESPN canceled Rachel Nichols' The Jump for today, The Post has learned.
The plan is to have it on tomorrow.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) July 6, 2021
The scheduling changes came just minutes after ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of The Jump,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 10:30 a.m: After three days of turmoil, ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, about Taylor potentially assuming that role.
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
- 7/6/2021
- by Bruce Haring and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Rachel Nichols will not be suiting up as sideline reporter for this year’s NBA Finals, in the wake of her year-old comments about ESPN colleague Maria Taylor coming to light.
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
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Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
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Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
- 7/6/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich and Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
ESPN had to devise a new game plan for the NBA Finals.
The Disney-owned sports-media giant said it would move its veteran basketball reporter Rachel Nichols off sideline duties for the NBA Finals, slated to be broadcast tonight on ABC and feature the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Phoenix Suns, and utilize Malika Andrews instead as it grapples with new scrutiny over how it handled a bizarre leak of Nichols on video appearing to disparage last year’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,” ESPN said in a statement Tuesday, referring to its daily basketball-news program.
Executives at the sports outlet no doubt hope the decision will put to rest a period of inner discord. In July of last year, Nichols...
The Disney-owned sports-media giant said it would move its veteran basketball reporter Rachel Nichols off sideline duties for the NBA Finals, slated to be broadcast tonight on ABC and feature the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Phoenix Suns, and utilize Malika Andrews instead as it grapples with new scrutiny over how it handled a bizarre leak of Nichols on video appearing to disparage last year’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,” ESPN said in a statement Tuesday, referring to its daily basketball-news program.
Executives at the sports outlet no doubt hope the decision will put to rest a period of inner discord. In July of last year, Nichols...
- 7/6/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update: An earlier version of this article incorrectly displayed a photo of actress Rachel Nichols (I) and linked to her page. This has now been corrected. We regret this error.
ESPN has benched Rachel Nichols for its coverage of the NBA Finals, following the uproar for her comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race.
Malika Andrews will serve as the sideline reporter during the 2021 Finals; Nichols had held that position throughout the playoffs as part of ESPN’s top broadcast team with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Nichols will still host her daily ESPN show “The Jump” on-site during the series.
Taylor will host the pre-game and halftime studio coverage, as she’s done all postseason. The NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix on ABC.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,...
ESPN has benched Rachel Nichols for its coverage of the NBA Finals, following the uproar for her comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race.
Malika Andrews will serve as the sideline reporter during the 2021 Finals; Nichols had held that position throughout the playoffs as part of ESPN’s top broadcast team with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Nichols will still host her daily ESPN show “The Jump” on-site during the series.
Taylor will host the pre-game and halftime studio coverage, as she’s done all postseason. The NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix on ABC.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Rachel Nichols typically uses the opening moments of the ESPN basketball program, “The Jump,” to talk about the latest news in the NBA. On Monday, she used it to address a growing story that has her at the center.
In July of last year, Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host “NBA Countdown” during 2020’s NBA Finals. Her comments were recorded by a video camera she had left on and uploaded into ESPN’s system, where the footage was discovered and distributed by an employee. Nichols was frustrated that she hadn’t gotten the role, and suggested that ESPN’s interest in paying more attention to diversity was a factor in the decision.
Her comments leaked and have continued to generate disruption at the Disney-owned sports-media giant. In a story published Sunday, the New York Times reported that Taylor,...
In July of last year, Nichols was caught on video speaking to representatives of LeBron James about ESPN’s decision to have Maria Taylor host “NBA Countdown” during 2020’s NBA Finals. Her comments were recorded by a video camera she had left on and uploaded into ESPN’s system, where the footage was discovered and distributed by an employee. Nichols was frustrated that she hadn’t gotten the role, and suggested that ESPN’s interest in paying more attention to diversity was a factor in the decision.
Her comments leaked and have continued to generate disruption at the Disney-owned sports-media giant. In a story published Sunday, the New York Times reported that Taylor,...
- 7/5/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Rachel Nichols addressed the controversy from The New York Times’ report regarding a leaked conversation the ESPN reporter had in 2020 in which she suggested Maria Taylor was picked over her to cover the NBA Finals because of her race.
Nichols opened her ESPN show “The Jump” on Monday by saying, although she didn’t want to make herself the story, she brought up the elephant in the room. “But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN. How deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be a part of this team.”
Nichols has been the main sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage, though ESPN has not officially announced reporting assignments for the NBA Finals, which tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix.
Nichols opened her ESPN show “The Jump” on Monday by saying, although she didn’t want to make herself the story, she brought up the elephant in the room. “But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN. How deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be a part of this team.”
Nichols has been the main sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage, though ESPN has not officially announced reporting assignments for the NBA Finals, which tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix.
- 7/5/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Festival to go ahead as a physical event with guests including Thomas Vinterberg and Francois Ozon.
Rome Film Fest has revealed the programme and plans for its 15th edition, which is set to go ahead as a physical event with digital elements from October 15-25.
A total of 24 films and documentaries will comprise the official selection, most of which have proved critically-acclaimed at festivals such as Toronto, with nine having previously received a Cannes 2020 label.
Scroll down for line-up
These include three titles from Steve McQueen’s Small Axe anthology: Mangrove; Lovers Rock; and Red, White And Blue. The...
Rome Film Fest has revealed the programme and plans for its 15th edition, which is set to go ahead as a physical event with digital elements from October 15-25.
A total of 24 films and documentaries will comprise the official selection, most of which have proved critically-acclaimed at festivals such as Toronto, with nine having previously received a Cannes 2020 label.
Scroll down for line-up
These include three titles from Steve McQueen’s Small Axe anthology: Mangrove; Lovers Rock; and Red, White And Blue. The...
- 10/5/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
When Shirley Manson began hosting The Jump last year — a podcast in which she interviews artists on one song that represents their artistic moment of truth — she was incredibly nervous. “It caused me a lot of stress, truth be told,” the Garbage frontwoman tells Rolling Stone. “The first season, I felt like I wasn’t qualified and I had no right to be sitting in that position as a host talking to these amazing artists. But I absolutely loved the experience.”
On Tuesday, Manson will release the second season of The Jump,...
On Tuesday, Manson will release the second season of The Jump,...
- 8/10/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Netflix has planted the seeds for The Big Flower Fight (w/t) – a major new competition format rooted in the UK.
The eight-part series has sprouted from ITV Studios-owned Multistory Media. It comes as Netflix continues to grow out its non-scripted library and builds on hit competition originals including Nailed It! and The Final Table.
The series will see ten duos, including florists, sculptors and garden designers, put to the test as they compete in a series of themed challenges to create large-scale flower installations.
Each episode will test a different set of creative and practical skills, from floristry to carpentry and landscaping. The materials each pair can use to create their installation will vary week-by-week, and participants will be encouraged to think about plants which give back to the environment – such as pollinating, insect-friendly species. One team will be eliminated each week as the competition intensifies, leaving...
The eight-part series has sprouted from ITV Studios-owned Multistory Media. It comes as Netflix continues to grow out its non-scripted library and builds on hit competition originals including Nailed It! and The Final Table.
The series will see ten duos, including florists, sculptors and garden designers, put to the test as they compete in a series of themed challenges to create large-scale flower installations.
Each episode will test a different set of creative and practical skills, from floristry to carpentry and landscaping. The materials each pair can use to create their installation will vary week-by-week, and participants will be encouraged to think about plants which give back to the environment – such as pollinating, insect-friendly species. One team will be eliminated each week as the competition intensifies, leaving...
- 8/8/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment One (eOne) has bolstered its unscripted television team in the UK with the hire of two executives from ITV-owned production companies.
The Designated Survivor studio has hired Matt Pritchard and Matt Walton to the roles of Executive Vice President, Unscripted Television, based in London. This comes after it acquired unscripted production companies Daisybeck Studios and Whizz Kid Entertainment.
The pair have been tasked with building a new development and production unit and managing eOne’s relationship with broadcasters, producers and talent.
Pritchard joins eOne from Extreme Cake Makers producer Boomerang, which is part of ITV-owned Twofour Group. As MD since 206, he has overseen the launch of shows including ITV’s What Would Your Kid Do? Prior to that he was group director of development at Twofour, where he helped create shows including Channel 4’s The Jump and ITV’s This Time Next Year.
Walton joins from ITV Studios’ 12 Yard,...
The Designated Survivor studio has hired Matt Pritchard and Matt Walton to the roles of Executive Vice President, Unscripted Television, based in London. This comes after it acquired unscripted production companies Daisybeck Studios and Whizz Kid Entertainment.
The pair have been tasked with building a new development and production unit and managing eOne’s relationship with broadcasters, producers and talent.
Pritchard joins eOne from Extreme Cake Makers producer Boomerang, which is part of ITV-owned Twofour Group. As MD since 206, he has overseen the launch of shows including ITV’s What Would Your Kid Do? Prior to that he was group director of development at Twofour, where he helped create shows including Channel 4’s The Jump and ITV’s This Time Next Year.
Walton joins from ITV Studios’ 12 Yard,...
- 8/8/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment One has hired Matt Pritchard and Matt Walton to boost its unscripted business in the U.K. and wider Europe.
Independent production and distribution group eOne has been making moves into the unscripted space of late, buying Daisybeck Entertainment. It also owns another U.K. producer, Whizz Kid Entertainment.
Pritchard and Walton will both be unscripted EVPs and based in London. They will jointly build a new development and production unit and manage eOne’s relationships with networks, producers, and talent.
They both report to Tara Long, eOne’s president of global unscripted. “With equally impressive backgrounds and their shared experience building some of the biggest unscripted hits and formats to come out of the U.K., we are eager to have Matt and Matt bring this expertise to our international unscripted team,” she said.
Pritchard joins from Boomerang, where he was managing director. While there, he oversaw the...
Independent production and distribution group eOne has been making moves into the unscripted space of late, buying Daisybeck Entertainment. It also owns another U.K. producer, Whizz Kid Entertainment.
Pritchard and Walton will both be unscripted EVPs and based in London. They will jointly build a new development and production unit and manage eOne’s relationships with networks, producers, and talent.
They both report to Tara Long, eOne’s president of global unscripted. “With equally impressive backgrounds and their shared experience building some of the biggest unscripted hits and formats to come out of the U.K., we are eager to have Matt and Matt bring this expertise to our international unscripted team,” she said.
Pritchard joins from Boomerang, where he was managing director. While there, he oversaw the...
- 8/8/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
YouTube Exec Ben Relles Named Head Of Innovation, Will Lead Platform’s Push Into Interactive Content
YouTube is officially joining Netflix in the realm of interactive content.
The platform revealed today that longtime executive Ben Relles, previously head of unscripted content for YouTube Originals, has been installed in a newly-created role: head of innovation. In this position, he’ll develop a slate of choose-your-own-adventure programming and interactive live specials designed to boost user engagement and explore the reach of interactive technology, Variety reports.
“We now have amazing new tools and opportunities to create and tell multilayered and interactive stories,” Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of original content, said in a statement. “Ben has an intuitive and experienced understanding of how the platform can enhance content making him the perfect choice to develop this exciting new division.”
As head of unscripted, Relles developed series like Kevin Hart’s What the Fit?, Will Smith’s 50th birthday bungee stunt special The Jump, and Katy Perry: Witness World Wide.
The platform revealed today that longtime executive Ben Relles, previously head of unscripted content for YouTube Originals, has been installed in a newly-created role: head of innovation. In this position, he’ll develop a slate of choose-your-own-adventure programming and interactive live specials designed to boost user engagement and explore the reach of interactive technology, Variety reports.
“We now have amazing new tools and opportunities to create and tell multilayered and interactive stories,” Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of original content, said in a statement. “Ben has an intuitive and experienced understanding of how the platform can enhance content making him the perfect choice to develop this exciting new division.”
As head of unscripted, Relles developed series like Kevin Hart’s What the Fit?, Will Smith’s 50th birthday bungee stunt special The Jump, and Katy Perry: Witness World Wide.
- 4/10/2019
- by James Loke Hale
- Tubefilter.com
YouTube has tapped its head of unscripted, Ben Relles, for the newly created role of head of innovation, the company announced Tuesday.
Effective immediately, Relles will have creative oversight of the YouTube Originals slate of interactive programming and live specials. He will continue to report to YouTube’s global head of original content, Susanne Daniels.
“We now have amazing new tools and opportunities to create and tell multilayered and interactive stories,” Daniels said in a statement. “Ben has an intuitive and experienced understanding of how the platform can enhance content making him the perfect choice to develop this exciting new division.”
Relles’ replacement in his previous role has not yet been announced.
Also Read: YouTube Denies Scrapped Plans for High-End Scripted Shows
Relles has been with YouTube since 2011, overseeing all unscripted content since 2015. During that period, he led development for programming including Kevin Hart’s “What the Fit,” “Mind Field” from Michael Stevens,...
Effective immediately, Relles will have creative oversight of the YouTube Originals slate of interactive programming and live specials. He will continue to report to YouTube’s global head of original content, Susanne Daniels.
“We now have amazing new tools and opportunities to create and tell multilayered and interactive stories,” Daniels said in a statement. “Ben has an intuitive and experienced understanding of how the platform can enhance content making him the perfect choice to develop this exciting new division.”
Relles’ replacement in his previous role has not yet been announced.
Also Read: YouTube Denies Scrapped Plans for High-End Scripted Shows
Relles has been with YouTube since 2011, overseeing all unscripted content since 2015. During that period, he led development for programming including Kevin Hart’s “What the Fit,” “Mind Field” from Michael Stevens,...
- 4/9/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
YouTube has tapped Ben Relles as Head of Innovation, a newly created post and division, as part of the platform’s recent shift in focus on unscripted series and specials. Relles is leaving his previous role as Head of Unscripted, a position he’s held since June 2015, to head up the new division. A replacement for Relles will be announced soon.
In his new role, Relles will provide creative oversight of the YouTube Originals slate to develop interactive programming and live specials that showcase what’s possible on YouTube, including how viewers can interact and participate with content.
Relles will continue to report to Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, in the new position which is effective immediately.
The newly created Innovation division will focus on developing shows that are driven by interactivity and will also focus on integrating product features across the global slate of scripted and unscripted YouTube Originals.
In his new role, Relles will provide creative oversight of the YouTube Originals slate to develop interactive programming and live specials that showcase what’s possible on YouTube, including how viewers can interact and participate with content.
Relles will continue to report to Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, in the new position which is effective immediately.
The newly created Innovation division will focus on developing shows that are driven by interactivity and will also focus on integrating product features across the global slate of scripted and unscripted YouTube Originals.
- 4/9/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
YouTube plans to take its original programming into a new dimension — with a new slate of content geared around interactive content and live specials.
The new initiative will be headed by Ben Relles, who previously was head of unscripted for YouTube Originals, a position he held since June 2015. Relles has been named to the newly created role of head of innovation for YouTube Originals, continuing to report into Susanne Daniels, global head of original content.
In the new role, Relles is tasked with overseeing a slate of interactive programming and live specials, designed to boost engagement with viewers and showcasing ways they can interact and participate with content. Relles’ team also will focus on integrating interactive features across the full range of scripted and unscripted YouTube Originals.
“We now have amazing new tools and opportunities to create and tell multilayered and interactive stories,” Daniels said in a statement. “Ben has...
The new initiative will be headed by Ben Relles, who previously was head of unscripted for YouTube Originals, a position he held since June 2015. Relles has been named to the newly created role of head of innovation for YouTube Originals, continuing to report into Susanne Daniels, global head of original content.
In the new role, Relles is tasked with overseeing a slate of interactive programming and live specials, designed to boost engagement with viewers and showcasing ways they can interact and participate with content. Relles’ team also will focus on integrating interactive features across the full range of scripted and unscripted YouTube Originals.
“We now have amazing new tools and opportunities to create and tell multilayered and interactive stories,” Daniels said in a statement. “Ben has...
- 4/9/2019
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Beyonce did Not walk out of a meeting with Reebok because it lacked diversity contrary to reports ... this according to the shoe company. A rep for Reebok tells TMZ ... "The report that Beyoncé walked out of a meeting with Reebok due to lack of diversity is categorically false. Our discussions with Beyoncé and her team continued for several months after our initial meeting. We are disappointed that false information is being reported as fact." It...
- 4/5/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
ESPN said the final episode of its long-running afternoon show SportsNation will air August 24, part of a revamp of the sports network’s afternoon lineup that includes adding a live edition of SportsCenter and shifting High Noon to a half-hour format. The full new schedule will debut September 11.
“SportsNation has been a staple of our afternoon lineup for years, and while we felt it was time for a change, the collection of talented, creative people and content associated with that show has been extremely impressive and groundbreaking in many ways,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s Evp Production and Executive Editor, in sharing the news today.
SportsNation launched in 2009 with Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle co-hosting the show based on ESPN’s polls and fan forum section on ESPN.com. The current incarnation is...
“SportsNation has been a staple of our afternoon lineup for years, and while we felt it was time for a change, the collection of talented, creative people and content associated with that show has been extremely impressive and groundbreaking in many ways,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s Evp Production and Executive Editor, in sharing the news today.
SportsNation launched in 2009 with Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle co-hosting the show based on ESPN’s polls and fan forum section on ESPN.com. The current incarnation is...
- 8/9/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Wildes, former VP of Original Content at ESPN, has joined ABC News’ Good Morning America as executive producer of “Gma Day.”
Gma Senior Executive Producer Michael Corn announced the hire Thursday in a note to staff.
During his tenure at ESPN, Wildes produced shows including NBA Countdown, The Jump hosted by Rachel Nichols, Kobe Bryant’s Detail show for ESPN+ and SportsNation.
Wildes appointment comes on the heels of the announcement that Michael Strahan and Sara Haines will co-host “Gma Day”, the third hour of Good Morning America. It premieres at 1 Pm Monday, September 10, on ABC.
You can read Corn’s memo in full below.
Team,
I am excited to share that Kevin Wildes will be joining the team as Executive Producer of “Gma Day.”
Kevin comes from ESPN where he most recently served as Vice President of Original Content. He has produced many shows we’re all familiar with including NBA Countdown,...
Gma Senior Executive Producer Michael Corn announced the hire Thursday in a note to staff.
During his tenure at ESPN, Wildes produced shows including NBA Countdown, The Jump hosted by Rachel Nichols, Kobe Bryant’s Detail show for ESPN+ and SportsNation.
Wildes appointment comes on the heels of the announcement that Michael Strahan and Sara Haines will co-host “Gma Day”, the third hour of Good Morning America. It premieres at 1 Pm Monday, September 10, on ABC.
You can read Corn’s memo in full below.
Team,
I am excited to share that Kevin Wildes will be joining the team as Executive Producer of “Gma Day.”
Kevin comes from ESPN where he most recently served as Vice President of Original Content. He has produced many shows we’re all familiar with including NBA Countdown,...
- 8/2/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN executive Kevin Wildes will serve as executive producer of the new daytime hour of “Good Morning America” to be hosted by Michael Strahan and Sara Haines, ABC announced on Thursday.
The new hire was announced by “Gma” senior executive producer Michael Corn in an internal staff memo on Thursday.
“Kevin is a skilled producer and brings an enormous amount of live television experience to his new role,” Corn wrote. “He created shows that both informed and entertained a wide fan base which is at the heart of what we do at Gma.”
Also Read: Sara Haines to Exit 'The View,' Will Host New 'Gma' Hour With Michael Strahan
Wildes has served as vice president of original content at ESPN, since 2016 and has produced a number of programs including “NBA Countdown,” “The Jump” hosted by Rachel Nichols, “SportsNation” and Kobe Bryant’s Detail show for the streaming service ESPN+.
The new hire was announced by “Gma” senior executive producer Michael Corn in an internal staff memo on Thursday.
“Kevin is a skilled producer and brings an enormous amount of live television experience to his new role,” Corn wrote. “He created shows that both informed and entertained a wide fan base which is at the heart of what we do at Gma.”
Also Read: Sara Haines to Exit 'The View,' Will Host New 'Gma' Hour With Michael Strahan
Wildes has served as vice president of original content at ESPN, since 2016 and has produced a number of programs including “NBA Countdown,” “The Jump” hosted by Rachel Nichols, “SportsNation” and Kobe Bryant’s Detail show for the streaming service ESPN+.
- 8/2/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Kevin Wildes, a sports-tv executive who has been serving as vice president of original content at ESPN, will take the reins of ABC’s new hour of “Gma Day,” ABC’s new effort to bring its “Good Morning America” franchise to the afternoon.
ABC is expected to launch the show, co-anchored by Michael Strahan and Sara Haines. on September 10. The new hour is expected to be taped live in the mid-morning and then run at 1 p.m. on weekdays. One scenario that has been discussed for the new hour would involve making use of the live, in-studio audience assembled each morning for the 8 a.m. hour of the flagship show. ABC said earlier this year it would replace “The Chew” with the new “Gma” hour.
“Kevin is a skilled producer and brings an enormous amount of live television experience to his new role,”said Michael Corn, senior executive producer of “Good Morning America,...
ABC is expected to launch the show, co-anchored by Michael Strahan and Sara Haines. on September 10. The new hour is expected to be taped live in the mid-morning and then run at 1 p.m. on weekdays. One scenario that has been discussed for the new hour would involve making use of the live, in-studio audience assembled each morning for the 8 a.m. hour of the flagship show. ABC said earlier this year it would replace “The Chew” with the new “Gma” hour.
“Kevin is a skilled producer and brings an enormous amount of live television experience to his new role,”said Michael Corn, senior executive producer of “Good Morning America,...
- 8/2/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Susanne Daniels, global head of original content at YouTube, touched on issues such as the rebranding of YouTube Red as YouTube Premium, longer episode running times and budget strategy during an executive session at TCA.
“You’re probably not going to see us spend that level of money for a Game of Thrones or a comparable series like Westworld,” she said, responding to a question about Amazon’s lavish Lord of the Rings project and Netflix and others spreading cash around. “But I’ve always been a believer that you can make great shows for less money and that it’s not the episodic spend that makes something great.”
In her scripted remarks before the open Q&A, Daniels highlighted some of the dozens of projects in the pipeline for 2018 and beyond. (This year will see 15 new shows debut in the U.S.) Among the projects that typify the kinds of programming YouTube is targeting,...
“You’re probably not going to see us spend that level of money for a Game of Thrones or a comparable series like Westworld,” she said, responding to a question about Amazon’s lavish Lord of the Rings project and Netflix and others spreading cash around. “But I’ve always been a believer that you can make great shows for less money and that it’s not the episodic spend that makes something great.”
In her scripted remarks before the open Q&A, Daniels highlighted some of the dozens of projects in the pipeline for 2018 and beyond. (This year will see 15 new shows debut in the U.S.) Among the projects that typify the kinds of programming YouTube is targeting,...
- 7/27/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s the NBA Draft so nice ESPN is covering it thrice.
The 2018 edition of the annual selection process for the basketball league’s best incoming rookies will see three different teams of broadcasters from the Disney-owned sports empire covering the event, which will be telecast live Thursday evening from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“The NBA Draft Presented by State Farm” will get the usual showcase on ESPN’s main stage, its premium channel. But for the first time ever, sister network ESPN2 will have an entirely separate squad covering the proceedings from a different angle.
To top that off, a third version will get into the game on Twitter, where “On the Clock” coverage will stream during the first round of picks.
Stephanie Druley, senior VP of production at ESPN, explained the decision to triple down on the NBA Draft as an effort to fully...
The 2018 edition of the annual selection process for the basketball league’s best incoming rookies will see three different teams of broadcasters from the Disney-owned sports empire covering the event, which will be telecast live Thursday evening from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“The NBA Draft Presented by State Farm” will get the usual showcase on ESPN’s main stage, its premium channel. But for the first time ever, sister network ESPN2 will have an entirely separate squad covering the proceedings from a different angle.
To top that off, a third version will get into the game on Twitter, where “On the Clock” coverage will stream during the first round of picks.
Stephanie Druley, senior VP of production at ESPN, explained the decision to triple down on the NBA Draft as an effort to fully...
- 6/21/2018
- by Andrew Wallenstein
- Variety Film + TV
[[tmz:video id="0_poezoxm4"]] Espn analyst Byron Scott says the fantasy football auction sketch that aired on the network is "unacceptable" ... but he's not calling for the producer to get fired. The network has already apologized for the sketch which showed a white man auctioning off players (many of them black) to a white crowd. Critics say it resembled a slave auction. Stars like Kevin Durant and Odell Beckham made it clear the sketch was Not cool with them.
- 8/16/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
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