ESPN is relying more and more on talk shows that resemble the much-maligned First Take, featuring Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless “embracing debate.” Too often, the debate is manufactured, yet, First Take is a ratings success, so the model is being duplicated.
ESPN has a number of shows employing this style, such as Pardon The Interruption, Around the Horn, His and Hers, and even Dan LeBatard’s Highly Questionable. The reason for the proliferation of this programming is simple -- ESPN is losing millions of subscribers every year.
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The Worldwide Leader is losing its grip, according to Hollywood Reporter. ESPN has lost seven million subscribers in just two years, and that has impacted their pocketbook. That has caused hundreds of layoffs, and played a role in the killing of Grantland, a sports and pop culture website founded by Bill Simmons which featured long-form journalism. It has also fostered fertile ground for the talking head format, which costs little to produce.
This has had a negative effect on ESPN’s content too. Smith and Bayless garner big ratings, but they generate constant controversy as well, particularly Smith. The changing culture has also helped push talented, creative minds such as Simmons, and former ESPN radio host Colin Cowherd, out the door.
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On top of dumbed-down programming, many of Grantland’s most-read writers are now appearing on ESPN.com in watered-down fashion. David Shoemaker, a.k.a. “The Masked Man,” is the greatest example. Shoemaker, a WWE writer, can no longer cater to the hardcore wrestling audience as he did on Grantland. His Survivor Series preview included explanations of terms like “house show,” and a description of a move called “The Pedigree,” which were never required. The heavy use of GIFs, occasional curse words, and length are largely gone from the pieces written by the likes of Zach Lowe and Bill Barnwell.
ESPN is in the midst of a major transition, that may save money in the short-term, but leaves the door open for competitors to usurp them in the long haul.
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