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?

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!

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.

Here's a pretty lengthy discussion on the subject:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/taking-care-business/467718-how-do-i-pitch-show-cable-network.html

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

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.