As gambling has taken root with media in the past few years , gaming, casual gaming and engagement companies continue to become even more influential in the ecosystem. At the crux of that engagement are a handful of companies including FanHub, which has Australian roots but now has ramped up its activity in the past two years in North America, building casual gaming experiences and partnerships for everyone from MLB and the NFL to Australian Rules Football and the ATP. Where is the free-to-play market going from a business side? We asked Head of Business Development, Americas, Phil de Winter to loop us in. de Winter on FanHub: Our ability to deliver premium products at affordable prices has been key, as has our constant passion for great service. However, our constant drive to deliver high value commercial outcomes for our partners, whether that’s sponsorship revenue, data acquisition or increased fan engagement has been paramount. More and more, the key outcome partners are looking for is providing value for partnerships with sportsbooks. Having extensive experience in achieving this in international markets where sports betting has been legal for decades, this has been really helpful in the US market. On the value of casual gaming: There have been countless studies that find that fans who play free to play games over index in almost all areas whether that’s buying tickets, watching broadcasts, consuming content, purchasing merchandise or spending time with partners – the list goes on. We have been using casual games in Europe and Australia to funnel fans to gaming partners since our inception. Take Buffalo Wild Wings and MGM for example. They are changing the sports bar experience. The free to play game we have built is just one way they entertain fans in store, making Buffalo Wild Wings much more than a restaurant – they’re an industry leader in entertaining customers on site. I believe the MGM and Buffalo Wild Wings partnership is one of enormous potential and is going to be one to keep a close eye on. On Free-to-Play Gaming : While we have dabbled in paid to play games, the real core of our business is free to play. Our partners understand the value of the data our products generate. Once they learn more about their fans, they can use that data in powerful ways to drive high value commercial outcomes. It’s important to note growth won’t only be driven by betting related opportunities, but a continued focus on the value of user data – for example, our clients are using products to drive subscriptions to OTT products, sell tickets and in general expand their database with intelligent information. Who does the space best? For a long time, it was our friends at the NBA leading the way. They were first to market in a lot of initiatives. However, you are starting to see other leagues catch up, like the NFL and MLB. All the major leagues now have partnerships and some of them have multiple. This is a trend that will continue for quite some time. On who does the space best: For a long time, it was our friends at the NBA leading the way. They were first to market in a lot of initiatives. However, you are starting to see other leagues catch up, like the NFL and MLB. All the major leagues now have partnerships and some of them have multiple. This is a trend that will continue for quite some time. PROGRAMMING
The battle between LSU and Alabama proved its mettle among audiences, as the SEC battle scored as the highest-rated regular season game in eight years on any network, according to Nielsen, as CBS saw LSU’s win on Saturday drawing a fast national household rating/share of a 9.7/24, up 47% over last year’s 6.6/13 rating/share in primetime. The 9.7/24 is the highest-rated regular-season college football game (excluding Conference Championships) on any network in eight years. Through the first 11 weeks of the college football season, the SEC ON CBS’ season-to-date viewership is the network’s tops for college football at this point in the season since 1990, growing 39% with 7.091 million viewers compared to last year’s 5.088 million. LSU/Alabama scored with an average of 16.636 million viewers. Speaking of CBS, Bloomberg reports that the network acquired US broadcast rights to the UEFA Champions League, taking over for three seasons from Turner Sports starting in 2021. The report states that Univision Communications keeps the Spanish-language rights, which it has held since last year. Games in the package will air on CBS as well as its sports cable network. ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio inked a new multi-year agreement with that company that will see him expand his role by serving as in-booth analyst for an NFL game on ESPN Radio. As part of the new extension, “Sal Pal” will also continue to cover the NFL for SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL Live and Fantasy Football Now, and will remain host of the long-running NFL Matchup show on Sunday mornings. In addition, he has a regular presence at NFL Draft and the owners meetings, and reports on other sports and major stories throughout the year. The NWHL and Twitch released viewership data from the league’s first month of hockey games on the platform, with the 14 games streamed on NWHL and NWHL2 on Twitch between Oct. 5 – Oct. 27, drawing 949,065 total viewers, with an average of 67,790 per game. The most watched game was Buffalo/Boston on Oct. 12 which saw 145,172 total viewers. “These numbers are a solid start for the NWHL, proving that Twitch has been a remarkable partner in shining a bigger spotlight on our players and teams,” said Commissioner Dani Rylan. “There’s no doubt that having all of our games on Twitch has helped the game of hockey reach new fans. Now it’s on all of us to continue to build our community and connect with the great fans of the NWHL.” NBC Sports added bonus coverage for tonight’s NHL Veterans Appreciation Night as Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals host Phil Kessel and the Arizona Coyotes at 7p on NBCSN. Navy Federal Credit Union is the official partner for the holiday showdown. John Walton (play-by-play) and Pierre McGuire (‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst) will have the call from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Ahmed Fareed will host coverage on NHL Live alongside analysts Keith Jones and Anson Carter. The Pac-12 announced that the University of Washington and Tulane University will meet in 2020 in the sixth edition of the Pac-12 China Game presented by Alibaba Group. Federation of University Sports of China (FUSC), which operates under China’s Ministry of Education, will serve as the co-host for the game. “As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of our Pac-12 China Game and nearly a decade of the Pac-12 Global Initiative, we look forward to the continued relationship between the Conference and our China partners in welcoming Washington and Tulane in 2020,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. “The tenet of our Pac-12 Global Initiative is that higher education and sports have the power to foster learning, understanding and togetherness between people and cultures. We’re proud to work with Alibaba and the FUSC in continued efforts to engage our universities and student-athletes in global experiences.” Major League Fishing closed a deal to acquire Fishing League Worldwide bringing together the league behind Bass Pro Tour and the “largest grassroots organization in the world.” MLF previously announced an expanded 2020 schedule for the FLW Series and Bass Fishing League (BFL), including reduced entry fees for both. The FLW Pro Circuit (formerly FLW Tour) will include expanded digital and linear television coverage throughout the 2020 season as a result of this acquisition, as well as offer anglers a path to the Bass Pro Tour. |
| 2 DAYS LEFT! The Cynopsis Best Of The Best Awards Featuring The Rising Stars Awards Gala: Feb 6 in NYC The Cynopsis Best Of The Best Awards salute excellence in national TV programming, from writing and directing to casting and hosting. We’re also looking for stand-out performers, innovators and emerging leaders in the TV Media industry f or the 7th Annual Rising Star Awards . These young professionals’ experience spans research, sports, digital, content and marketing. Enter by Wednesday, NOV 13! RISING STAR INFO BB CATEGORIES MORE INFO |
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SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
African soccer’s ruling body pulled the plug on a $1 billion television and marketing rights deal with Lagardere Sports following separate judgments that it breached competition rules, according to the New York Times. Lagardere stated that it would fight to enforce the contract, calling the Confederation of African Football's move "unlawful, unreasonable and unjustified" and said it would defend its agreement with CAF that spans from 2017 to 2028. DIGITAL, DATA & TECH
FOX Sports reports that the company finished October 2019 with an all-time monthly high 762 million video views and 3.9 billion minutes consumed across live streaming and social platforms, showing overall year-over-year digital growth in video views (+62%) and consumption minutes (+66%), recording an average monthly increase of 82 million video views YoY during that time. Average time-spent viewing has increased 17% over the last 12 months compared to the previous 12 months and is up +3% year-over-year in October. The Spirit Golf Association is tapping ThePostGame to develop a comprehensive, year-round, content and media rights strategy. “We feel this property has been something of a hidden gem in the golf industry,” said Eric Herd, President and CEO of ThePostGame. “With the unmatched level of talent coming out of The Spirit, the prestige of Whispering Pines and the vision of the Robertson Family backed by the leadership of Todd Alfred, we believe SGA has immense potential. We are developing innovative content and business development strategies that will showcase and elevate this great organization to golf fans around the world.” The ATP launched a new official mobile app , developed in partnership with Infosys. ATP Tour will serve up official live scores, stats, news and video as well as a personalized feed that showcases fans’ top players and tournaments. ESPORTS
Multiple reports now that Echo Fox is closing its doors following multiple legal issues that led to the departure of its co-founder Rick Fox. WIN.gg reports that Echo Fox investors have confirmed that the team has been completely dissolved and let go of all of its players and staff. The team was founded in 2015 and had been a mainstay in multiple titles. With millions watching from around the world as FunPlus Phoenix captured their first League of Legends World Championship with a clean sweep over G2 Esports, Riot Games announced that Shanghai would serve as Host City of 2020 Final. The 10th World Championship Finals next year will be held in Shanghai Stadium, the current home of the Chinese Super League reigning championship, with the city previously hosting the 2017 World Championship semifinals. Locations for the Play-In, Group, and Knockout Stages will be revealed in the future. FanDuel announced that its was now the first online sportsbook to offer esports betting, taking wagers for the weekend’s League of Legends World Championship. The platform is taking online bets from FanDuel customers in New Jersey. Bleacher Report debuted Battlestations , designed to provide an “inside glimpse at the gaming lives of today’s pro athletes.” The series is hosted by four-time Call of Duty Champion Doug “Censor” Martin, with episode one looking at Sacramento Kings star De’Aaron Fox’s gaming setup. Battlestations will initially be developed for Bleacher Report’s owned and operated channels. THE MAIN EVENT
Seahawks/49ers on ESPN at 8p. |
ON THIS DAY in 1996
The Braves' John Smoltz wins the NL Cy Young Award. In the Know
John Smoltz was part of the Braves’ “Big Three,” which also included which other starting pitchers? (Email cpursell@cynopsis.com with your answer and be sure to include your company and city). Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
This weekend saw the New York Jets and New York Giants face each other in a rare regular season NFL meeting. Other than NY and NJ, the two teams played a regular season game in a third location one time. Where was that game played in 1974? Answer: The Yale Bowl. Kudos: Pete Gautieri-A&E Networks/NY; Michael Ritz-Northwestern Mutual/NY; S teve Scheer-FOX Sports/NY; Julio Marenghi-CBS Television Stations/NY; Peter Lasser-Lasser Productions/Atlanta; Christopher Kull-The Nielsen Company/Oldsmar; Michael Goodman-Radio One/Atlanta; Kristen Liebmann-Zenith/Atlanta; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station; Rich Wolfe-Lone Wolfe Press/Scottsdale; Larry Hutchings/Nipomo; Larry Taman-Brand Positioning Doctors/Walnut Creek; Jack Simmons-US Army Reserve/LA; Bob Ware-NBC Palm Springs/Univision/Palm Desert
Later - Chris |
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Skycastle Digital Studio
NYC
Specialize in ideating and articulating content strategies in response to client RFPs.Min BA deg & 3+ yrs paid content creation exp or journalism exp, ideally in a full-time writing or editing position with a news publisher or agency
Full info HERE VP, PROCUREMENT >>
A+E/NY : Build best-in-class procurement capabilities. Lead function to create value, drive improvement, & provide realized savings. Lead strategic sourcing process while developing appropriate risk mgmt strategies. YOU NEED: BA/BS, MBA preferred. 10+ yrs relevant strategic/operational exp in a procurement org. CPM/CPSM/CSCP cert preferred. Full info HERE (11/26)
MANAGING EDITOR >>
KNBC/LA: Exp’d, creative and motivated leader w/10 yrs newsroom exp to partner with the Vice President of News to manage aspects of the station’s News department including daily coverage, long and short-range planning. 5+ yrs exp req’d in mngng role. Full info HERE (11/22)
ASSOCIATE EDITOR >>
Skycastle Digital Studio/NYC: Specialize in ideating and articulating content strategies in response to client RFPs.Min BA deg & 3+ yrs paid content creation exp or journalism exp, ideally in a full-time writing or editing position with a news publisher or agency. Full info HERE (11/22)
DIRECTOR, SPORTS INSIGHTS & POSITIONING >>
NBCU/NYC: Drive research innovation, measurement opportunities and forward-thinking sales solutions for NBC Sports properties. 7+ yrs of exp rsrch, measurement or insights within the media industry, ideally with direct exp in linear TV. Full info HERE (11/21)
INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY ENGINEER >>
A+E/NY : Evaluate existing security infrastructure & propose changes that reduce the company’s risk level. Dvlp security standards, procedures & processes. A BS in computer science or IT, 5+yrs exp in cyber security plus 3+ yrs exp in ntwk & platform security, exp w/firewall design & configuration. Apply HERE (11/20)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE >>
Tennis Channel/Santa Monica:
Maintains existing and forges new relationships with agencies and clients to maximize revenue for the network. Minimum 5-7 yrs advertising sales experience, preferably in the cable or sports television arena. Full info HERE (11/19)
DIR OF INTEGRATED MARKETING >>
REVOLT TV/NY: Seeking candidate to support Ad Sales Integrated Mktg teams in NY. Must be able to creatively write sls deck’s/mktg presentations. Manage execution of sold campaigns from launch to completion. Min of 3.5 yrs Sr Mngr/Dir level exp with a strong affinity/passion for Hip Hop Culture. Full info HERE (11/19)
DIR OF AUDIENCE INSIGHTS >> POP TV/LA: Seeking self-starter with the ability to initiate and supervise multiple projects as well as collaborate with other team members on day to day operations. Min 7 yrs exp at a network, studio or agency and must be proficiency with Nielsen systems. Full info HERE (11/19)
SR. ANALYST, CROSS-PLATFORM RESEARCH >>
A+E Networks/NY: Provide analysis, insights & reporting to the A+E Distribution Sales and Marketing teams with the goal of maximizing A+E subscribers across traditional and emerging Pay TV platforms. Full info HERE (11/19)
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR >>
9story Media Grp/NY: Skg oper hands-on candidate to support Production team on a new animated children’s series. Focus on audio and music prod. Must be organized and detail oriented. 2+ yrs production exp, Audio production exp is a plus. Knowledge of SAG-AFTRA Animation agreements. Full info HERE (11/15)
MGR, AD SALES PARTNERSHIPS >>
A+E Networks/NY: Manage the departmental activities for monetizing network content and assets to drive national ad sales revenue. Full Info/Apply HERE (11/15)
ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY >> WHEELHOUSE GROUP/LA: Exp (5-7yrs) attorney versed in unscripted prog negotiations, Prod Svc, Co-Prod, Talent and Dev Agrmts. Plus, practical prod exp overseeing and directing prod personnel on prod issues, rights & clearance, risk asmt, and overseeing watch-downs and assoc legal issues. Full info HERE (11/15) MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER >> ION MEDIA/NY: Resp for design and creation of high quality, on-brand, multimedia graphics for print, digital, and outdoor media, plus sales prsnts and collateral. Min 3 yrs exp. Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Prod Ste, Mac and PC oper sys, Microsoft Off Ste and PPT. Full info HERE (11/14). SALES RESEARCH, DIRECTOR >> ION MEDIA/NY: Dir to oversee Sales Research team to arm Sales grp with network perf metrics and competitive advantages. Collect, analyze and interpret audience data for Sales reports and ad hoc requests. Must have 7 yrs exp with knowledge of Nielsen systems and other research tools. Full info HERE (11/14). PRIVACY COUNSEL >> A+E/NY: Oversee data privacy & sec compliance, best prac & risk mgmt, to align the networks’ intl procedures, extl vendor & client rel with shifting legal privacy frameworks & defend against security threats. Must have JD, min 5yrs legal exp pref within media or tech fields, extensive knwl of domestic & int’l data privacy & sec legal frameworks. Apply HERE (11/14) MANAGER, MARKET RESEARCH ANALYSIS >> CMA/NSH, TN: Seeks candidate to o rg and mine CMA’s current subs. Create research, presentations, white papers, newsletter, etc. Support ad-hoc events and init which require mkt and data inputs/insights. BA/BS, 3 yrs exp in mkt res and analytics, mktg or related field. Media or music ind exp preferred. Knwl of media and data tools. Full info HERE (11/14) CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR >> THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/LA: Seeks individual to c ollect, track, audit and monitor all pertinent data and information from production, talent, and license contracts. BA required with 2 yrs exp in a law firm, network, or studio. Exp with guild agreements a plus. Full info HERE (11/13) MANAGER, RESEARCH ANALYTICS >> Viacom/NY: Resp for leading research analytics and reporting for sr channel partners across linear and non-linear properties. Must have hands-on tech skills, using reporting tools and industry specific tools. Full info HERE (11/13)
MGR, MULTIPLATFORM PROGRAMMING >>
BET/NYC: Manage and schedule content to our VOD and EST (Electronic Sell Through) partners. Previous exp in TV programming and/or scheduling. Great organizational & communication skills a must. Full info HERE(11/13)
DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS >>
National Geographic/LA: Run point on major NGC public relations campaigns for upcoming 2.0 tentpole projects, with a primary focus on scripted content. also be responsible for planning and overseeing assigned shows and talent at key industry events. 10 yrs relevant exp. Full info HERE (11/13)
COORDINATOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT >>
VENN/NYC: Assist the department with planning, organization and execution. Candidate must have knowledge of, and passion for the media and gaming industries, staying up to date across the latest trends. Full info HERE (11/12)
MGR, PRODUCTION ACCOUNTS >>
Nickelodeon/NYC: Supervise logistic and financial elements of Nick Experience projects. Manage aspects of production, including but not limited to legal, risk assessment and financial. 4 yrs of exp in prod. accounting or prod management. Full info HERE (11/12)
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE >>
Major League Soccer/NYC: Establish/maintain company-wide KPI measurements and associated processes to drive strategic decision making. 8+ years of experience, preferably in business intelligence, analytics or relevant data driven support roles. Full info HERE (11/12)
VP, ANALYTICS >>
Major League Soccer/NYC: Dive integration of advanced analytics projects throughout the enterprise & lead a team that will transform data thru application of advanced data modeling techniques. 12+ yrs of exp working in data science and/or advanced analytics w/ track record of delivering insights & business impact. Full info HERE (11/12) |
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