Amazon’s Hail Mary play to bring the NFL to streaming looks like a touchdown in Week 1.
The September 15 primetime Thursday Night Football gridiron battle on Prime Video between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers scored 11.9 million viewers just on the Jeff Bezos-founded streamer, according to Nielsen. The debut of the franchise on Prime Video actually bops up a bit more to 13 million when you add in local affiliates broadcasting of the tight game.
Overall, it looks like Tnf’s premiere on Prime Video further moved up to around 15 million sets of eyeballs when viewership on various devices is factored in, Amazon says. Gamer-focused streaming platform Twitch, out-of-home sites like bars and restaurants and the NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, are also part of the mix.
The stats back up what Jay Marine, VP Prime Video, Global Head of Sports, told staffers in a memo...
The September 15 primetime Thursday Night Football gridiron battle on Prime Video between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers scored 11.9 million viewers just on the Jeff Bezos-founded streamer, according to Nielsen. The debut of the franchise on Prime Video actually bops up a bit more to 13 million when you add in local affiliates broadcasting of the tight game.
Overall, it looks like Tnf’s premiere on Prime Video further moved up to around 15 million sets of eyeballs when viewership on various devices is factored in, Amazon says. Gamer-focused streaming platform Twitch, out-of-home sites like bars and restaurants and the NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, are also part of the mix.
The stats back up what Jay Marine, VP Prime Video, Global Head of Sports, told staffers in a memo...
- 9/22/2022
- by Dominic Patten and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
On Thursday, the home page of Amazon.com and is mobile apps transformed into a full-bleed video ad promoting Thursday Night Football, reminding the company’s millions of customers that the NFL is entering a new era, and that Amazon is at the center of it.
The tech giant will debut its first regular season Thursday Night Football game tonight, with high expectations and significant ramifications.
As the NFL’s first exclusive national streaming rights deal, Tnf could pave the way for other deals in the future, and with the company leaning into the internet’s ability to remix and personalize content, the viewership experience could be very different than other NFL coverage … if viewers want it.
“NFL fans have a very definitive expectation when they turn on the television,” says Tnf executive producer Fred Gaudelli, speaking to reporters at a recent press conference.
On Thursday, the home page of Amazon.com and is mobile apps transformed into a full-bleed video ad promoting Thursday Night Football, reminding the company’s millions of customers that the NFL is entering a new era, and that Amazon is at the center of it.
The tech giant will debut its first regular season Thursday Night Football game tonight, with high expectations and significant ramifications.
As the NFL’s first exclusive national streaming rights deal, Tnf could pave the way for other deals in the future, and with the company leaning into the internet’s ability to remix and personalize content, the viewership experience could be very different than other NFL coverage … if viewers want it.
“NFL fans have a very definitive expectation when they turn on the television,” says Tnf executive producer Fred Gaudelli, speaking to reporters at a recent press conference.
- 9/15/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nielsen and Amazon have reached a landmark deal for measuring the viewership of Thursday Night Football, which begins an unprecedented run next month as a streaming exclusive on Prime Video.
Beginning next month, pregame, in-game and postgame elements of the broadcast will count toward the rating, both on Prime Video and Twitch. Over-the-air local TV station carriage in both teams’ local markets — guaranteed under longtime NFL rules — and out-of-home viewing will also be added to the metric, enabling it to be a more robust (if not entirely apples-to-apples) figure to compare with Sunday and Monday NFL games.
The 3-year pact represents the first time a streaming service will be included in Nielsen’s national TV measurement service, and also a first for a live streaming program. Nielsen for the past two years has captured total streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Hulu, adding Apple TV+ and HBO Max along...
Beginning next month, pregame, in-game and postgame elements of the broadcast will count toward the rating, both on Prime Video and Twitch. Over-the-air local TV station carriage in both teams’ local markets — guaranteed under longtime NFL rules — and out-of-home viewing will also be added to the metric, enabling it to be a more robust (if not entirely apples-to-apples) figure to compare with Sunday and Monday NFL games.
The 3-year pact represents the first time a streaming service will be included in Nielsen’s national TV measurement service, and also a first for a live streaming program. Nielsen for the past two years has captured total streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Hulu, adding Apple TV+ and HBO Max along...
- 8/16/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 10:54 Am: Charissa Thompson, a veteran of Fox Sports and ESPN, is joining Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football team as the host of its pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage.
Thompson will anchor the streamer’s wraparound coverage alongside Tony Gonzalez, Richard Sherman, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. She will continue to host Fox NFL Kickoff each Sunday.
“We are excited to welcome Charissa to the Tnf team,” said Jared Stacy, Prime Video’s director of Global Live Sports Production. “Her infectious enthusiasm, quick wit and strong NFL credentials make her perfectly suited for this role. We look forward to seeing her elevate conversations and connecting with viewers every Thursday night.”
Previously, June 21: Prime Video announced today that former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who retired in the offseason, will be joining its NFL pregame, halftime and postgame coverage this fall when the service presents its exclusive Thursday Night Football package.
Thompson will anchor the streamer’s wraparound coverage alongside Tony Gonzalez, Richard Sherman, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. She will continue to host Fox NFL Kickoff each Sunday.
“We are excited to welcome Charissa to the Tnf team,” said Jared Stacy, Prime Video’s director of Global Live Sports Production. “Her infectious enthusiasm, quick wit and strong NFL credentials make her perfectly suited for this role. We look forward to seeing her elevate conversations and connecting with viewers every Thursday night.”
Previously, June 21: Prime Video announced today that former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who retired in the offseason, will be joining its NFL pregame, halftime and postgame coverage this fall when the service presents its exclusive Thursday Night Football package.
- 6/28/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Charissa Thompson, a regular presence at Fox Sports, is broadening her horizons.
The sportscaster, known for hosting “Fox NFL Kickoff” on Sundays during the NFL season, will also be working Thursday nights. Amazon’s Prime Video has selected Thompson to host its pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of “Thursday Night Football,” of which the first season under its aegis will launch this fall. When it does, Prime Video will become the first streaming service to air a season-long exclusive national broadcast package with the NFL. Veteran Al Michaels is moving to “Thursday Night Football” from NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” where he will be joined by ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.
“We are excited to welcome Charissa to the Tnf team,” said Jared Stacy, Prime Video’s director of global live sports production, in a statement “Her infectious enthusiasm, quick wit, and strong NFL credentials make her perfectly suited for this role.
The sportscaster, known for hosting “Fox NFL Kickoff” on Sundays during the NFL season, will also be working Thursday nights. Amazon’s Prime Video has selected Thompson to host its pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of “Thursday Night Football,” of which the first season under its aegis will launch this fall. When it does, Prime Video will become the first streaming service to air a season-long exclusive national broadcast package with the NFL. Veteran Al Michaels is moving to “Thursday Night Football” from NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” where he will be joined by ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.
“We are excited to welcome Charissa to the Tnf team,” said Jared Stacy, Prime Video’s director of global live sports production, in a statement “Her infectious enthusiasm, quick wit, and strong NFL credentials make her perfectly suited for this role.
- 6/28/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video announced today that retired NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will be joining its NFL pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage team this season as the streaming service presents exclusive coverage of “Thursday Night Football.” Fitzpatrick, who played in the NFL for 17 seasons, joins Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and Richard Sherman on the streamer’s wraparound coverage for every “Tnf” game.
“Although my playing career has come to an end, my love for football has not,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’m excited to start this new chapter with ‘Thursday Night Football’ and looking forward to sharing my unique experiences and perspectives with football fans.”
Fitzpatrick joins an expanding roster of Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” on-air talent that also includes legendary play-by-play announcer Al Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit. Fred Gaudelli, producer of seven Super Bowls and a recent inductee into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, will serve...
“Although my playing career has come to an end, my love for football has not,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’m excited to start this new chapter with ‘Thursday Night Football’ and looking forward to sharing my unique experiences and perspectives with football fans.”
Fitzpatrick joins an expanding roster of Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” on-air talent that also includes legendary play-by-play announcer Al Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit. Fred Gaudelli, producer of seven Super Bowls and a recent inductee into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, will serve...
- 6/21/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
Al Michaels may be leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” but he’s not leaving NBC.
The veteran broadcaster, who revealed in March that he planned to lead Amazon’s new streamcast of “Thursday Night Football” in the fall, is keeping a foothold at NBC Sports. Michaels will have “emeritus” status, and is expected to contribute across the NBC Sports portfolio, including, the company said, to the NFL Playoffs and the Olympics.
“Revered by viewers and colleagues, Al has been the soundtrack for many of the greatest moments in sports television history,” said Pete Bevacqua, chairman of NBC Sports, in a statement. “We are thrilled that he’s staying in the family and raising the stature of our events for years to come.”
Michaels has has covered more major sports events than any sportscaster, and has, on occasion, found himself narrating history as well as a particular event. He’s...
The veteran broadcaster, who revealed in March that he planned to lead Amazon’s new streamcast of “Thursday Night Football” in the fall, is keeping a foothold at NBC Sports. Michaels will have “emeritus” status, and is expected to contribute across the NBC Sports portfolio, including, the company said, to the NFL Playoffs and the Olympics.
“Revered by viewers and colleagues, Al has been the soundtrack for many of the greatest moments in sports television history,” said Pete Bevacqua, chairman of NBC Sports, in a statement. “We are thrilled that he’s staying in the family and raising the stature of our events for years to come.”
Michaels has has covered more major sports events than any sportscaster, and has, on occasion, found himself narrating history as well as a particular event. He’s...
- 5/24/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Melissa Stark clearly knows the value of staying in touch.
The veteran sportscaster served as the sideline reporter for “Monday Night Football” between 2000 and 2002, when she was just 26 and the game — then one of TV’s biggest weekly events — was still broadcast on ABC. She worked with everyone from the legendary TV executive Don Ohlmeyer to “Mnf” announcers like John Madden and Dennis Miller — and with Fred Gaudelli, the producer who would move on to work for NBC Sports and oversee “Sunday Night Football,” then all of NBC’s NFL coverage. With four young children at home, and having logged stints at ABC, NBC News’ “Today” and MSNBC, Stark in 2008 eventually chose to cut back on TV duties and focus on family. In 2011, she had the chance to take up new duties at NFL Network, and asked Gaudelli for his counsel on the move. “He has always been a mentor and a sounding board,...
The veteran sportscaster served as the sideline reporter for “Monday Night Football” between 2000 and 2002, when she was just 26 and the game — then one of TV’s biggest weekly events — was still broadcast on ABC. She worked with everyone from the legendary TV executive Don Ohlmeyer to “Mnf” announcers like John Madden and Dennis Miller — and with Fred Gaudelli, the producer who would move on to work for NBC Sports and oversee “Sunday Night Football,” then all of NBC’s NFL coverage. With four young children at home, and having logged stints at ABC, NBC News’ “Today” and MSNBC, Stark in 2008 eventually chose to cut back on TV duties and focus on family. In 2011, she had the chance to take up new duties at NFL Network, and asked Gaudelli for his counsel on the move. “He has always been a mentor and a sounding board,...
- 4/19/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Al Michaels, considered the dean of NFL announcers, will helm Prime Video’s exclusive Thursday Night Football livestreams this fall, alongside ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.
Amazon made the news official today, though it has been in the wind (at least the Michaels part) for months. The tech giant will kick off its 11-year rights deal on September 15, the first time a streaming platform will have a weekly NFL exclusive. While the company has not confirmed the price it paid for rights, numerous reports have pegged it at $1 billion a year. The weekly showcase of 15 regular-season games will add some potent fuel to Amazon’s burgeoning efforts to scale its video advertising business, across Prime Video, IMDb TV and Twitch.
Michaels, 77, had a 15-year run on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and before that became a national figure during his tenure at ABC, which encompassed Monday Night Football as well as baseball and other sports.
Amazon made the news official today, though it has been in the wind (at least the Michaels part) for months. The tech giant will kick off its 11-year rights deal on September 15, the first time a streaming platform will have a weekly NFL exclusive. While the company has not confirmed the price it paid for rights, numerous reports have pegged it at $1 billion a year. The weekly showcase of 15 regular-season games will add some potent fuel to Amazon’s burgeoning efforts to scale its video advertising business, across Prime Video, IMDb TV and Twitch.
Michaels, 77, had a 15-year run on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and before that became a national figure during his tenure at ABC, which encompassed Monday Night Football as well as baseball and other sports.
- 3/23/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Fans of “Thursday Night Football” will next season hear one of TV sports’ most recognizable voices calling the games for a rather sizable upstart hoping to gain new yards off his play.
Michaels, who has offered play-by-play patter for “Monday Night Football” and “Sunday Night Football” since 1986, will lead a new effort by Amazon’s Prime Video, which has gained sole rights to telecast the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” in the fall. Starting Thursday, September 15, Michaels will team up with analyst Kirk Herbstreit, known for his college football prowess at ESPN, to lead coverage of the games as Amazon becomes a bigger player in TV sports rights — which have largely been the domain of traditional broadcasters. They will be part of a team that also includes Fred Gaudelli, the veteran “Sunday Night Football” producer who will remain part of the NBC Sports executive team. NBC is collaborating with Amazon in its production.
Michaels, who has offered play-by-play patter for “Monday Night Football” and “Sunday Night Football” since 1986, will lead a new effort by Amazon’s Prime Video, which has gained sole rights to telecast the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” in the fall. Starting Thursday, September 15, Michaels will team up with analyst Kirk Herbstreit, known for his college football prowess at ESPN, to lead coverage of the games as Amazon becomes a bigger player in TV sports rights — which have largely been the domain of traditional broadcasters. They will be part of a team that also includes Fred Gaudelli, the veteran “Sunday Night Football” producer who will remain part of the NBC Sports executive team. NBC is collaborating with Amazon in its production.
- 3/23/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
There will be a lot of music in Sunday’s Super Bowl Lvi telecast, and no, we’re not talking about the halftime show — rather, the music at the start of the show and throughout the game itself.
John Williams’ “Sunday Night Football” march is expected to open the broadcast. “That’s our theme,” says Super Bowl executive producer Fred Gaudelli. “There’s a grandeur to it, an importance, that lets you know that a big game is about to begin. And there is no bigger game than the Super Bowl.”
But, Gaudelli adds, a great deal of other music will be heard as the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams take to the field, much of it in the tradition of televised sports themes dating back to the 1960s: appropriately muscular music to accompany modern-day gladiators into the arena for battle.
“It’s all storytelling,” says Adam Taylor, president and CEO of Apm,...
John Williams’ “Sunday Night Football” march is expected to open the broadcast. “That’s our theme,” says Super Bowl executive producer Fred Gaudelli. “There’s a grandeur to it, an importance, that lets you know that a big game is about to begin. And there is no bigger game than the Super Bowl.”
But, Gaudelli adds, a great deal of other music will be heard as the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams take to the field, much of it in the tradition of televised sports themes dating back to the 1960s: appropriately muscular music to accompany modern-day gladiators into the arena for battle.
“It’s all storytelling,” says Adam Taylor, president and CEO of Apm,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
NBC plans to inject some Hollywood tinsel and technicolor into its Super Bowl broadcast.
Taking a cue from the Big Game’s location, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, NBC plans to kick off Super Bowl Lvi at 6 p.m. with an opening vignette featuring Halle Berry and a bevy of stars and athletes. The event marks the first time the Super Bowl has been played in Los Angeles in nearly three decades.
The vignette will offer a tribute to football and movies, and showcase many top movies involving the sport. In addition to Berry, the feature will include appearances by Kevin Hart and Carrie Underwood, along with football stars like Marcus Allen, James Harrison, Ronnie Lott, Peyton Manning, Joe Namath and Mike Singletary. Underwood has been a part of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” opening since 2013.
NBC shot the opening over two days at Universal Studios Hollywood, with additional scenes shot in Nashville and Denver.
Taking a cue from the Big Game’s location, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, NBC plans to kick off Super Bowl Lvi at 6 p.m. with an opening vignette featuring Halle Berry and a bevy of stars and athletes. The event marks the first time the Super Bowl has been played in Los Angeles in nearly three decades.
The vignette will offer a tribute to football and movies, and showcase many top movies involving the sport. In addition to Berry, the feature will include appearances by Kevin Hart and Carrie Underwood, along with football stars like Marcus Allen, James Harrison, Ronnie Lott, Peyton Manning, Joe Namath and Mike Singletary. Underwood has been a part of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” opening since 2013.
NBC shot the opening over two days at Universal Studios Hollywood, with additional scenes shot in Nashville and Denver.
- 2/9/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
TNT edged ESPN for the most trophies at the 42nd annual Sports Emmy Awards, which were handed out tonight in a livestreamed virtual ceremony. The Worldwide Leader turned the tables on Turner Sports for the most wins by network group, however.
See the list of wins by network and network group here and wins by program below or here.
TNT scored seven statuettes to ESPN’s six, after the latter came into the night with a dominant 51 nominations. FS1 was third with five wins, NFL Network had four and a half-dozen nets tied with three apiece. ESPN won the network group race with nine trophies to Turner’s seven, with Fox Sports Media Group next with five.
Seven programs earned two nods apiece to lead that race: NBA on TNT, the NFL Wild Card Game on Nickelodeon, NFL Network’s NFL 360, HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Netflix’s Rising Phoenix,...
See the list of wins by network and network group here and wins by program below or here.
TNT scored seven statuettes to ESPN’s six, after the latter came into the night with a dominant 51 nominations. FS1 was third with five wins, NFL Network had four and a half-dozen nets tied with three apiece. ESPN won the network group race with nine trophies to Turner’s seven, with Fox Sports Media Group next with five.
Seven programs earned two nods apiece to lead that race: NBA on TNT, the NFL Wild Card Game on Nickelodeon, NFL Network’s NFL 360, HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Netflix’s Rising Phoenix,...
- 6/9/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
You’d think Lisa Salters would have seen everything by now, but the woman who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving sideline reporter in the history of “Monday Night Football” will soon encounter something that has never been part of covering an NFL game.
When ESPN launches this season of “Mnf,” Salters will likely find herself working the game from empty stadium seats, in an area now being referred to as “the moat.” Other reporters who have her role, like CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson and NBC Sports’ Michele Tafoya, are in a similar position: reporting from a game’s sidelines when that area will be off-limits due to restrictions posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s going to challenge me to think outside the box, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” says Salters, getting ready for her ninth season with the football broadcast. “I have to find a...
When ESPN launches this season of “Mnf,” Salters will likely find herself working the game from empty stadium seats, in an area now being referred to as “the moat.” Other reporters who have her role, like CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson and NBC Sports’ Michele Tafoya, are in a similar position: reporting from a game’s sidelines when that area will be off-limits due to restrictions posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s going to challenge me to think outside the box, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” says Salters, getting ready for her ninth season with the football broadcast. “I have to find a...
- 9/10/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Professional football has long been considered one of the last remaining pillars holding up the legacy television model. In 2020, the league will have to play the part of Atlas. College football is missing half of its schools, including Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon. Broadcast TV is starting its 2020-21 season with more acquired programming and non-scripted fare than usual as it waits for its primetime series to get back behind the camera. The NFL, which kicks off its 2020 campaign on Thursday night, will have to navigate through a still-raging pandemic as the calendar shifts to fall and winter, around the time many health experts fear the country could see a resurgence of the Covid-19 disease. No pressure, guys. Also Read: 'Hard Knocks' Directors Think Covid-19 Made NFL Show More Relatable Than Ever “We feel like we have a solid plan to start the season but know full well that we...
- 9/10/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
NBC’s perennially top-rated Sunday Night Football broadcasts will sound fairly normal this fall, executive producer Fred Gaudelli promised Thursday, but they will feature fewer crowd shots due to few if any fans attending games.
Gaudelli joined play-by-play voice Al Michaels, analyst Cris Collinsworth and sideline reporter Michele Tafoya for a media conference call ahead of next Thursday’s start to the 15th season of Snf. Discussion of Covid-19 adjustments outweighed any talk about Xs and Os, though Collinsworth pronounced himself ready for the ritual, however different it may be.
“I can’t remember a year when I’ve been more excited for football,” Collinsworth said. “To get something back to normal, to get anything back to normal. We all understand – there’s a lot going on in the world. … But first and foremost, we’re excited for football.
The season starts next Thursday night at Kansas City’s Arrowhead...
Gaudelli joined play-by-play voice Al Michaels, analyst Cris Collinsworth and sideline reporter Michele Tafoya for a media conference call ahead of next Thursday’s start to the 15th season of Snf. Discussion of Covid-19 adjustments outweighed any talk about Xs and Os, though Collinsworth pronounced himself ready for the ritual, however different it may be.
“I can’t remember a year when I’ve been more excited for football,” Collinsworth said. “To get something back to normal, to get anything back to normal. We all understand – there’s a lot going on in the world. … But first and foremost, we’re excited for football.
The season starts next Thursday night at Kansas City’s Arrowhead...
- 9/3/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Football fans are about to get a bird’s-eye view of gridiron proceedings when they tune in to NBC.
The network plans to offer stunning overhead shots thanks to the use of a C360 camera that will be stationed on the bottom of the event’s SkyCam and can provide zoom-in shots of specific players as well as wide looks of plays along the sidelines or views of players on the line of scrimmage. The camera shoots in 8K and records in a 180-degree immersive field of view, and has already been used in NBC Sports’ Nascar broadcasts.
“You’re able to now really scan the entire field, but do it in an intimate way,” says Fred Gaudelli, executive producer of “Sunday Night Football,” in an interview. His team will even be able to freeze an overhead image, then zoom in on a player’s hands if possession becomes an issue,...
The network plans to offer stunning overhead shots thanks to the use of a C360 camera that will be stationed on the bottom of the event’s SkyCam and can provide zoom-in shots of specific players as well as wide looks of plays along the sidelines or views of players on the line of scrimmage. The camera shoots in 8K and records in a 180-degree immersive field of view, and has already been used in NBC Sports’ Nascar broadcasts.
“You’re able to now really scan the entire field, but do it in an intimate way,” says Fred Gaudelli, executive producer of “Sunday Night Football,” in an interview. His team will even be able to freeze an overhead image, then zoom in on a player’s hands if possession becomes an issue,...
- 8/27/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran sports producer Fred Gaudelli was taking a walk recently to clear his head in tough times when a top executive at the National Football League reached out to him: Do you have any desire to run some of our old football games on TV?
Under normal circumstances, the answer would likely be no. But normal went out the window about two weeks ago.
With live sports telecasts knocked out by the global coronavirus pandemic, the nation’s biggest media companies are subsisting instead on broadcasts of older games. CBS Sports last Saturday and Sunday aired classic Ncaa March Madness tournament games, going back as far as a 1992 championship match between the University of North Carolina and Georgetown. The games proved a substitute for what would normally be rounds of the 2020 Ncaa event.
An old sports telecast used to have the same appeal as a stale pot of coffee. Games...
Under normal circumstances, the answer would likely be no. But normal went out the window about two weeks ago.
With live sports telecasts knocked out by the global coronavirus pandemic, the nation’s biggest media companies are subsisting instead on broadcasts of older games. CBS Sports last Saturday and Sunday aired classic Ncaa March Madness tournament games, going back as far as a 1992 championship match between the University of North Carolina and Georgetown. The games proved a substitute for what would normally be rounds of the 2020 Ncaa event.
An old sports telecast used to have the same appeal as a stale pot of coffee. Games...
- 3/26/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Post-rush hour, the drive from the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills to the Los Angeles Rams’ practice facility in Thousand Oaks, Calif. is a manageable 50 minutes. On Friday, Nov. 15, most of the core broadcast team for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” — analyst Cris Collinsworth, sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, executive producer Fred Gaudelli, director Drew Esocoff and researcher Andy Freeland — make that trip together in a luxury van, departing the hotel shortly after 11 a.m. Laptops open, Collinsworth and Tafoya are prepping for the interviews they will do with players and Rams head coach Sean McVay after they spend more than an hour observing the team’s practice.
But they and the crew members are also talking about the news of the morning — the suspension that the NFL handed down to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett for hitting the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mason Rudolph in the head with the quarterback’s own helmet.
But they and the crew members are also talking about the news of the morning — the suspension that the NFL handed down to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett for hitting the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mason Rudolph in the head with the quarterback’s own helmet.
- 11/24/2019
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
If NFL players choose to kneel during the national anthem at Super Bowl Lii next month, “they’ll be shown live” on NBC, said the game’s executive producer Fred Gaudelli today at TCA. That said, Gaudelli doesn’t expect much to happen. “Since Thanksgiving much of that has dissipated,” he said. But if NFL players decided to kneel, the Ep says the sportscasters will identify the players, provide a brief reason why they’re kneeling, and “then get on with the game.” While the…...
- 1/9/2018
- Deadline TV
Carrie Underwood is "invincible, unbreakable, unstoppable, unshakable."
That's what she sings on her latest track, "The Champion," which she teased in a commercial that aired at halftime during the NFL Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
In case fans missed it, Underwood -- who is still recovering from a freak accident that required her to have 40 to 50 stitches -- shared the clip to her Instagram, which you can watch below:
#Sblii #TheChampion #Repost @snfonnbc ・・・ Check out something special from @carrieunderwood that aired tonight during halftime! #Sblii #TheChampion
A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Jan 6, 2018 at 7:31pm Pst
Variety previously reported that Sunday Night Football executive producer Fred Gaudelli nabbed Underwood last year to write the new track, which will play before Super Bowl Lii.
"I think it's going to become a sports anthem," Gaudelli told the outlet back in September. "It's going to be one...
That's what she sings on her latest track, "The Champion," which she teased in a commercial that aired at halftime during the NFL Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
In case fans missed it, Underwood -- who is still recovering from a freak accident that required her to have 40 to 50 stitches -- shared the clip to her Instagram, which you can watch below:
#Sblii #TheChampion #Repost @snfonnbc ・・・ Check out something special from @carrieunderwood that aired tonight during halftime! #Sblii #TheChampion
A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Jan 6, 2018 at 7:31pm Pst
Variety previously reported that Sunday Night Football executive producer Fred Gaudelli nabbed Underwood last year to write the new track, which will play before Super Bowl Lii.
"I think it's going to become a sports anthem," Gaudelli told the outlet back in September. "It's going to be one...
- 1/8/2018
- Entertainment Tonight
Hamilton is headed to the NFL – sort of.
The string section from the orchestra of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit is behind NBC’s new Thursday Night Football theme music, People confirms exclusively.
Composed and produced by Grammy nominee Jimmy Greco, “Can’t Hold Us Down” will debut Thursday night during the Falcons-Buccaneers game on NFL Network.
First Listen: “Can’t Hold Us Down”
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The musicians performed the song under the direction of violinist and Hamilton concertmaster Jonathan Dinklage, whose brother is Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage.
“It’s...
The string section from the orchestra of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit is behind NBC’s new Thursday Night Football theme music, People confirms exclusively.
Composed and produced by Grammy nominee Jimmy Greco, “Can’t Hold Us Down” will debut Thursday night during the Falcons-Buccaneers game on NFL Network.
First Listen: “Can’t Hold Us Down”
document.createElement('audio'); https://peopledotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/cant-hold-us-down-main-mix.mp3
The musicians performed the song under the direction of violinist and Hamilton concertmaster Jonathan Dinklage, whose brother is Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage.
“It’s...
- 11/2/2016
- by mchiupeople
- PEOPLE.com
This story first appeared in the Aug. 29 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. CBS Sports is gearing up for Thursday Night Football, the NFL's first expansion into broadcast primetime since 2006, when Sunday night games moved from Espn to NBC. But the crew at NBC Sports -- including chairman Mark Lazarus, 51; play-by-play team Al Michaels, 69, Cris Collinsworth, 55, and sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, 49; coordinating producer Fred Gaudelli, 54; and director Drew Esocoff, 56 -- says it is not concerned about the incursion. "We're not playing against anybody," says Michaels. And Lazarus notes that CBS' eight weeks
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- 8/24/2014
- by Marisa Guthrie
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Faith Hill is out and Carrie Underwood is in, football fans. Underwood has become the third singer to join the NBC Sports telecast of Sunday Night Football, TV’s top-rated broadcast. She will offer her rendition of the theme song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.”
This opportunity, announced by THR, became available to the leggy blonde “Blown Away” songstress due to her peer, Faith Hill’s departure from the position.
“For me it just seemed like something fun to do,” said Underwood in a statement, “especially seeing Faith get that hype before the game. It seemed like a good fit and a good time.”
It is quite an opportunity. This is a spotlight that will her voice in the heads of many.
Sunday Night Football producer Fred Gaudelli revealed that Underwood was among the network’s first choices to sing the theme song way back when the series first premiered in 2006. Before Faith Hill,...
This opportunity, announced by THR, became available to the leggy blonde “Blown Away” songstress due to her peer, Faith Hill’s departure from the position.
“For me it just seemed like something fun to do,” said Underwood in a statement, “especially seeing Faith get that hype before the game. It seemed like a good fit and a good time.”
It is quite an opportunity. This is a spotlight that will her voice in the heads of many.
Sunday Night Football producer Fred Gaudelli revealed that Underwood was among the network’s first choices to sing the theme song way back when the series first premiered in 2006. Before Faith Hill,...
- 5/9/2013
- by Sasha Nova
- Boomtron
New York — Carrie Underwood will take over the theme song for "Sunday Night Football," with NBC sticking to the formula of a female country music star for its intro.
Underwood steps in for Faith Hill, who announced last month that she would not be back for a seventh season. Underwood will sing a new version of "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night," the network said Tuesday.
Producer Fred Gaudelli said that after Hill informed him in February, Underwood was the only performer he pursued. She was under consideration for the role when NBC first broadcast the Sunday night NFL games in 2006.
Pink sang the opening tune, set to Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You," for that first season before Hill came on.
"For me, it just always seemed like something that would be fun to do," Underwood said during a conference call. "To watch Faith do it week after week,...
Underwood steps in for Faith Hill, who announced last month that she would not be back for a seventh season. Underwood will sing a new version of "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night," the network said Tuesday.
Producer Fred Gaudelli said that after Hill informed him in February, Underwood was the only performer he pursued. She was under consideration for the role when NBC first broadcast the Sunday night NFL games in 2006.
Pink sang the opening tune, set to Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You," for that first season before Hill came on.
"For me, it just always seemed like something that would be fun to do," Underwood said during a conference call. "To watch Faith do it week after week,...
- 5/8/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
New York (AP) — Carrie Underwood will take over the theme song for "Sunday Night Football," with NBC sticking to the formula of a female country music star for its intro. Underwood steps in for Faith Hill, who announced last month that she would not be back for a seventh season. Underwood will sing a new version of "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night," the network said Tuesday. Producer Fred Gaudelli said that after Hill informed him in February, Underwood was the only performer he pursued. She was under consideration for the role when NBC first broadcast the Sunday night NFL...
- 5/7/2013
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
Are you ready for some football? Carrie Underwood is. The "Blown Away" singer says she's a veteran of "waiting all day for Sunday night" -- all season even. NBC announced Tuesday (May 7) the country superstar will fill the shoes vacated by Faith Hill, performing the weekly NFL "Sunday Night Football" theme song, come fall.
"I am thrilled to be a part of NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' and am so honored they asked me," says Underwood. "I have always loved football season, and it is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night."
After Hill announced her exit last month as the long running NFL opening act, the broadcast's lead producer expressed gratitude to the five-time Grammy winner via Twitter. "Great love and appreciation to @FaithHill for six great years of rocking the Snf open," writes Fred Gaudelli, who now says Underwood was an obvious replacement.
"Carrie Underwood...
"I am thrilled to be a part of NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' and am so honored they asked me," says Underwood. "I have always loved football season, and it is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night."
After Hill announced her exit last month as the long running NFL opening act, the broadcast's lead producer expressed gratitude to the five-time Grammy winner via Twitter. "Great love and appreciation to @FaithHill for six great years of rocking the Snf open," writes Fred Gaudelli, who now says Underwood was an obvious replacement.
"Carrie Underwood...
- 5/7/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Carrie Underwood is ready for some football. Less than a month after Faith Hill announced she would no longer be singing the theme for NBC's Sunday Night Football, the network revealed on Tuesday that Underwood will be taking over. "I am thrilled to be a part of NBC's Sunday Night Football and am so honored they asked me," said Underwood in a statement. "I have always loved football season, and it is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night!" Sunday Night Football producer Fred Gaudelli added, "Carrie Underwood was our first and only choice to perform the Sunday Night Football opening. She's one of America's most popular entertainers and the perfect fit for...
- 5/7/2013
- E! Online
Carrie Underwood is the new voice of Sunday Night Football. Following Faith Hill's exit as the singer of "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night," Underwood comes to the broadcast as the third singer to join the NBC Sports telecast. Photos: Touchdown! Hollywood's Best Football Movies "For me it just seemed like something fun to do," said Underwood during a Tuesday call with reporters, "especially seeing Faith get that hype before the game. It seemed like a good fit and a good time." Sunday Night Football producer Fred Gaudelli added that Underwood was among the network's first choices
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- 5/7/2013
- by Michael O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Weekends just won't be the same now. At least during football season. Faith Hill has announced that she will no longer be heard singing the theme for NBC's Sunday Night Football, "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" before each game. "Amazing 2 have been part of Snf - an honor. I've just let everyone there know it's time 2 let someone else rock the open," she tweeted on Monday, adding: "Difficult decision. Kinda emotional. Love all you guys at Snf--i'll be watching!!!" Sunday Night Football producer Fred Gaudelli, in turn, tweeted to the country singer, "Great love and appreciation to @FaithHill for six great years of rocking the Snf open." No word...
- 4/15/2013
- E! Online
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