Less than two years after sending him into semi-retirement, ESPN wants to expand Chris Berman‘s role. In other news, ESPN is debuting a new BottomLine and the network has extended one of its SportsCenter on Snapchat anchors.
ESPN, Berman, in Talks For Expanded Role
ESPN is exploring an expanded role for former Sunday NFL Countdown anchor Chris Berman, the New York Post reported Thursday. The network wants Berman, whose role was dramatically scaled back in 2017, to have a regular presence on Countdown and potentially host some Sunday night editions of SportsCenter during the NFL season. Berman is said to be interested, but unable to commit to a full-time gig due to previously scheduled plans.
The about face on Berman is in keeping with a broader shift at ESPN from John Skipper-era experimentation to a Norby Williamson-led return to basics. [NYP 8.16]
ESPN to Debut New BottomLine
ESPN will debut a redesigned BottomLine Monday that adds a second line of text, eliminates team logos and sets aside a large portion of negative space to promote events. In addition, text will flip rather than scroll. The current BottomLine had been in use since 2015 and the network last unveiled a major overhaul of the ticker in 2009. [ESPN Front Row 8.16]
ESPN Extends SC Snapchat Anchor
ESPN has announced a contract extension with SportsCenter on Snapchat anchor Andrew Hawkins that will have the former NFL WR continue in his current roles and add appearances on a host of ESPN programs — including NFL Live and the traditional SportsCenter. Hawkins joined ESPN at some point over the past year. [ESPN 8.16]
