The overhaul of ESPNews continues, as the network’s eponymous half-hour newscasts are set to virtually vanish from its schedule.
ESPNews will debut two new shows on Monday that — along with SportsCenter — will make up the network’s entire weekday line-up.
The first of those shows is The Beat, a half-hour “alternative to SportsCenter” that will air at 6 and 6:30 PM ET. Described in an ESPN press release as “an entertaining and quirky look at sports,” the show will feature “stories, highlights, interviews and a variety of segments playing off the show?s name.”
The second show, Highlight Express, will essentially replace the current half-hour ESPNews newscasts. Hosted by a rotating line-up of ESPNews anchors, the show will “present the day?s best highlights and sound bites in a fast-paced half-hour format.” Another description of the show calls it a “pure highlight experience with no news stories, analysis or other elements.”
Highlight Express will air every night at 11 PM ET, re-airing until the next afternoon.
The new shows are part of a complete overhaul of the ESPNews line-up. The highest-profile change has been the addition of seven live hours of SportsCenter each weekday, from 3-6 PM and 7-11 PM.
Despite the changes, half-hour ESPNews telecasts are still scheduled to air on weekends through at least October — generally from 12-3 PM and 8-11 PM on Saturdays and 2-11 PM on Sundays.
(ESPN)
