ESPN’s “Around the Horn”: Sales Team’s Pre-Launch Doubts on Ratings Success

End of an Era: The Story Behind Around the horn

After 23 years on the air, ESPN’s Around the Horn (ATH) will air its final episode in May. While the cancellation has sparked discussion, few know the show’s unlikely beginnings. It almost never made it to air.

The Push That Launched a Sports TV Staple

Mark Shapiro, then an ESPN programming executive in 2002 and currently the president and COO of Endeavor and TKO, championed the show. Shapiro had already overseen the success of Pardon the Interruption (PTI) and aimed to replicate that success in the preceding time slot.

However, there was internal resistance.Shapiro recalled the initial skepticism:

“All the sales guys were telling us, ‘It’s gonna hurt SportsCenter. We can’t sell it. It’ll never do ratings. It’ll never hit critical mass,'” Shapiro stated, emphasizing that, “If I wasn’t running programming—and don’t get me wrong, the success of a show has to do with talent and format, and a lot of people deserve credit for that—but in running programming, I was able to kind of stuff it thru.”

this “stuffing it through” ultimately led to the creation of a program that significantly shaped ESPN’s programming.

Expanding the Sports debate Genre

The success of ATH, following on the heels of PTI, helped to solidify and expand the sports debate show format. Shows like Jim Rome is Burning and 1st and 10 emerged,further demonstrating the appeal of this type of programming. The 5 p.m. hour became a crucial block for live sports discussion.

ESPN’s Next Play: Filling the Void

The cancellation of ATH leaves a programming gap, one that SportsCenter will fill, at least initially. The reasons behind the show’s cancellation remain largely undisclosed. Despite solid ratings, notably given the decline in cable viewership, and relatively low production costs, ESPN chose to end the program.

The decision highlights a changing landscape in sports broadcasting, likely influenced by the rise of streaming services and shifting viewer habits. ESPN faces the challenge of maintaining viewership and relevance in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

Full Circle: From Threat to Replacement

The irony of SportsCenter replacing the show once feared to harm it isn’t lost. As Shapiro notes, things often come “full-circle” in the sports broadcasting world.

The Future of ESPN’s 5 PM Hour

The replacement for ATH will inevitably be under scrutiny.The network will need to find a format that resonates with viewers, continuing a legacy of innovation and engagement. The blend of personality-driven debate and fast-fire sports analysis originally pioneered by ATH remains a popular formula.

The fate of cable television and sports programming is an ongoing story. For now, audiences are left to imagine what creativity and show development ESPN will bring to bear for the 5 pm hour.

What are your favorite memories of Around the Horn? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What aspects of “Around the Horn’s” format do you think will have the most lasting impact on future sports debate programming?

End of an Era: A Conversation with Sports broadcasting Veteran,Emily Carter,on Around the Horn’s legacy

As ESPN’s Around the Horn (ATH) prepares to air its final episode after 23 years,Archyde News sits down with Emily Carter,a veteran sports broadcasting producer with over two decades of experience at various networks,including a stint at ESPN during ATH’s early years,to discuss the show’s impact and the future of sports debate programming.

The Unlikely Rise of a Sports Debate Pioneer

Archyde News: Emily, thanks for joining us. Around the Horn’s upcoming finale marks a notable moment in sports television history. From your inside perspective, what made ATH so unique and successful, especially given the initial skepticism surrounding its potential?

Emily Carter: It’s a pleasure to be here.Around the Horn’s success was a perfect storm of factors. You had Tony Reali’s fantastic hosting – his rapid wit and ability to wrangle those strong personalities.But beyond that, the show provided a genuinely innovative format. The scoring system kept things moving, the personalities were engaging, and it was just different from anything else on air at the time. Mark Shapiro’s vision and persistence in pushing it through despite internal resistance were crucial. Let’s be honest, sports debate shows are a dime a dozen now, but ATH was a trailblazer.

Expanding the Sports Debate Landscape

Archyde News: ATH, along with Pardon the Interruption (PTI), seemed to usher in a whole new era of sports debate programming. How do you think these shows influenced the broader sports media landscape?

emily Carter: Absolutely. They validated the concept and proved there was a huge appetite for informed, opinionated, and, at times, humorous sports discussions. They opened the door for shows like Jim Rome is Burning and various others to thrive. The 5 PM hour on ESPN became synonymous with live sports discussion, and ATH played an integral role in that.

The Shifting Sands of Sports Broadcasting

Archyde News: ESPN’s decision to cancel ATH, despite its seemingly solid ratings and relatively lower production costs, raises some questions about the network’s future strategy. What’s your take on this decision, and how does it reflect the changing landscape of sports broadcasting?

Emily Carter: It’s definitely a sign of the times.while the exact reasons remain undisclosed, it’s safe to assume that the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits played a significant role. Cable viewership is declining, and networks are constantly reevaluating their programming strategies to stay relevant. ESPN is under pressure to maintain viewership in an increasingly fragmented media environment. Ending a long-running show like Around the Horn, even a successful one, can be a strategic move to free up resources and explore new formats or platforms.

Filling the Void: What’s Next for the 5 PM Hour?

Archyde News: SportsCenter will initially fill the 5 PM hour slot. However, what types of programming innovations do you think ESPN needs to consider to maintain audience engagement in that critical time slot?

Emily Carter: That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Something that blends personality-driven debate with fast-paced sports analysis will likely be successful. The challenge lies in finding a fresh angle, something that captures the attention of today’s viewers. Perhaps a more interactive format incorporating social media and fan participation could be a possibility. Younger audiences are digital natives, so the replacement programming needs to tap into short-form content and cross-platform engagement. The new program could learn what made ATH successful, but it needs to be tailored to today’s trends

A Thought-Provoking Question

Archyde News: Emily, looking back at Around the Horn’s notable run, what aspect of the show do you think future sports debate programs will try to emulate, and what unique elements might they strive to avoid?

Emily Carter: I think the element of having journalists from different sports or news outlets will stick around.They know what will be the most pressing issues and can give different opinions on it. Though, one thing that new programs should avoid is rehashing the same thing. Over the years, shows such as Around the Horn or Pardon the Interruption have had debates that have been mentioned several times. That is never a good thing. That makes the show look stale, and that is a very fast way to lose viewers.

Archyde News: Thanks for your thoughtful insights, Emily. It’s been a pleasure. For our readers, what are your favorite memories of Around the Horn? Share your thoughts in the comments below!