Sports Event for TV Broadcast? at DVinfo.net

Eric Larson · October 14th, 2010, 08:39 AM

I purchase the video rights to an annual world championship sporting event. And I make decent money selling DVDs from the event and a Video on Demand online to people who compete in the sport. I'm now looking to branch out and somehow get this in front of people who don't compete in the sport. ESPN used to air some shows featuring the sport but not this particular event. But they stopped doing it a few years back.

My question is I'm interested in putting together an edited for TV 1 hour 1 time "show" of the event. And would like to know if it is possible to somehow get a cable network to pick it up and air it? I know nothing about television stations or cable. I just believe that this content is compelling and there could be a market for it out there.

Any suggestions on whether this is a feasible idea? And if so how to get the ball rolling? What steps need to be taken to get started? Or is this just a pie in the sky idea and the chance of anything coming of it would be nil?

David W. Jones · October 14th, 2010, 10:46 AM

I guess it really depends on the topic, and if the network feels it would draw viewers and revenue.

I do voice work on a number of outdoor shows that air on ESPN as well as other networks, ranging from opens/bumps/bills to complete narration. And a large content provider for ESPN is located a mile from me.
If you don't mind me asking, what world championship event are you doing?

Good Luck!

Adam Gold · October 14th, 2010, 12:13 PM

There are a lot of threads in this forum about pitching new ideas and shows to established cable networks. Not all are exactly the same as your situation, but all are worth reading to understand how the National Cable business works.

Just search back a ways and you'll find all the info and advice you need.

Bottom line: Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No.

But you could always just buy the time locally.

Adam Gold · October 15th, 2010, 06:44 PM

Here's a pretty lengthy discussion on the subject:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/taking-c...e-network.html

Eric Larson · October 15th, 2010, 07:03 PM

Thanks I'll do further search for older posts on the subject to.

Adam Gold · October 15th, 2010, 07:18 PM

That thread actually contains the links for most of the older relevant threads as well. And you could come up with even more by doing a search for "pilot" in the TCB forum.

October 14th, 2010, 08:39 AM	#1
Eric Larson Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arlington, VT Posts: 88	Sports Event for TV Broadcast? I purchase the video rights to an annual world championship sporting event. And I make decent money selling DVDs from the event and a Video on Demand online to people who compete in the sport. I'm now looking to branch out and somehow get this in front of people who don't compete in the sport. ESPN used to air some shows featuring the sport but not this particular event. But they stopped doing it a few years back. My question is I'm interested in putting together an edited for TV 1 hour 1 time "show" of the event. And would like to know if it is possible to somehow get a cable network to pick it up and air it? I know nothing about television stations or cable. I just believe that this content is compelling and there could be a market for it out there. Any suggestions on whether this is a feasible idea? And if so how to get the ball rolling? What steps need to be taken to get started? Or is this just a pie in the sky idea and the chance of anything coming of it would be nil?

October 14th, 2010, 10:46 AM	#2
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	I guess it really depends on the topic, and if the network feels it would draw viewers and revenue. I do voice work on a number of outdoor shows that air on ESPN as well as other networks, ranging from opens/bumps/bills to complete narration. And a large content provider for ESPN is located a mile from me. If you don't mind me asking, what world championship event are you doing? Good Luck! __________________ David W. Jones www.joneshdfilms.com

October 14th, 2010, 12:13 PM	#3
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	There are a lot of threads in this forum about pitching new ideas and shows to established cable networks. Not all are exactly the same as your situation, but all are worth reading to understand how the National Cable business works. Just search back a ways and you'll find all the info and advice you need. Bottom line: Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No. But you could always just buy the time locally. __________________ "It can only be attributable to human error... This sort of thing has cropped up before, and it has always been due to human error."

October 15th, 2010, 06:44 PM	#4
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	Here's a pretty lengthy discussion on the subject: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/taking-c...e-network.html __________________ "It can only be attributable to human error... This sort of thing has cropped up before, and it has always been due to human error."

October 15th, 2010, 07:18 PM	#6
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	That thread actually contains the links for most of the older relevant threads as well. And you could come up with even more by doing a search for "pilot" in the TCB forum. __________________ "It can only be attributable to human error... This sort of thing has cropped up before, and it has always been due to human error."

October 15th, 2010, 07:03 PM	#5
Eric Larson Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arlington, VT Posts: 88	Thanks I'll do further search for older posts on the subject to.