Sports Illustrated is scaling back to once-a-month; the new UEFA-CBS deal could include a number of matches on broadcast television; the future of ESPN’s High Noon is in flux.
SI print issue scaling back to once-a-month
Sports Illustrated will publish just one print issue per month starting next year, with all of the content completed three weeks ahead of publication, Yahoo! Finance reported Wednesday. As a result, the magazine once known for its timely cover stories is expected to shift to more evergreen content.
In addition to the monthly editions, SI will also publish four special editions and its Swimsuit Issue, for a total of 17 issues. It had already scaled back to a twice-monthly publication schedule last year.
The changes to the print issue are the latest shakeup at SI, which is now run by publishing startup The Maven. Last month saw the departure of longtime editor-in-chief Chris Stone and numerous layoffs. [Yahoo! Finance 11.13]
CBS broadcast net to carry “significant” UEFA slate
The CBS broadcast network is likely to carry a “relatively significant number” of UEFA Champions League matches when its rights kick in two years from now, Sports Business Daily reported Wednesday. As SBD reported last week, CBS has won English-language rights to the UCL beginning in 2021, with matches airing on CBS, CBSSN and the CBS All-Access over-the-top service.
When Fox Sports held UCL rights from 2010-17, only the final aired on the FOX broadcast network. [SBD 11.13]
Future of ESPN’s High Noon highly questionable
The future of ESPN talk show High Noon is in flux, the Washington Post reported Wednesday. According to the report, ESPN is currently testing the show in front of focus groups just months before the contracts of hosts Bomani Jones and Pablo Torre are set to expire.
Network executives are said to “both like and appreciate” the duo in their current roles, for whatever that is worth. High Noon debuted last summer and has been part of ESPN’s late afternoon daytime lineup since last fall. [Washington Post 11.13]
