May 17, 2012

“Sunday Night Football” Preseason Schedule Includes Colts At Steelers And Panthers At Jets

April 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – The NFL today announced the national television schedule for the 2012 preseason, which includes two Sunday Night Football games on NBC. The SNF preseason kicks off on Sunday, August 19 when Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Indianapolis Colts, who own the first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The other Sunday Night Football preseason tilt announced today has Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and the New York Jets hosting Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, August 26. Coverage for both games begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst) and Michele Tafoya – all nominated for 2012 Sports Emmy Awards – will call the games.

Sunday Night Football, which has won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Live Sports Series, ranks as the most-watched (persons 2+) and highest-rated primetime show, and the No. 1 program across the key demographics of Adults 18-49, 18-34, 25-54 as well as Men 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54, based on Nielsen live + same day data. Additionally, SNF is the No. 3 show among Women 18-34 and the No. 4 show among Women 18-49.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: NBC, NFL

The “Road To The Kentucky Derby™ ” Continues Saturday With The Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial And Ashland Stakes On NBC

April 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Live Coverage of Three Races from Three Different Tracks This Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC

“He’s as hot as he’s ever been.” – Randy Moss on Bob Baffert

“He is kind of a throwback horse, tough, gritty.” – Moss on Santa Anita Derby favorite Creative Cause

“Gemologist and Alpha both have things to prove because they haven’t been ‘tournament tested.’” – Bob Neumeier on Wood Memorial Favorites

NEW YORK – April 5, 2012 – Live coverage of the Road to the Kentucky Derby™, a series of major prep races for the 2012 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands, continues this Saturday, 4:30-6 p.m. ET with three key races: the Santa Anita Derby, the Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial, and the Central Bank Ashland Stakes for fillies. The Road to the Kentucky Derby™ is a collaboration of The Jockey Club and the NBC Sports Group.

Tom Hammond will host NBC Sports’ coverage this Saturday from Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. He will be joined by analysts Gary Stevens and Randy Moss and reporters Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers and Laffit Pincay, III. Bob Neumeier will host coverage of the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, N.Y., and Mike Battaglia will host coverage of the Ashland Stakes from Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

MOSS ON CREATIVE CAUSE IN THE SANTA ANITA DERBY: “After the loss by Union Rags last week in the Florida Derby, even more attention now is going to be focused on Creative Cause. Arguably he is on even par with Union Rags in the eyes of most Kentucky Derby handicappers. He is kind of a throwback horse, tough, gritty; the kind of horse that always keeps coming. And he seems to be in excellent form right now.”

MOSS ON BOB BAFFERT: “Bob Baffert has three horses in the Santa Anita Derby (Liaison, Paynter, Blueskiesnrainbows), which is one of the biggest storylines in this race. He has had a lot of great seasons, but the first few months of 2012 he’s probably been as hot as he’s ever been. He has had phenomenal success this year.”

NEUMEIER ON THE WOOD MEMORIAL: “Both favorites, Gemologist and Alpha, have taken the path of least resistance to get to this race. They have avoided the likes of Union Rags and Hansen. They both have things to prove because they haven’t been “tournament tested” so far, but I don’t know if people are going to learn so much about them in this race. Todd Pletcher has been quoted as saying that Gemologist is one of the top four three-year-olds in the country and if he says that he means it.”

NEUMEIER ON WHO COULD SURPRISE THE FAVORITES IN THE WOOD: “I look to My Adonis as my third choice, and my sleeper would be Teeth of the Dog, who is a surprise entrant.”

The Road to the Kentucky Derby™ series began March 24 with the Spiral Stakes, which was won by Went the Day Well, and continued last Saturday with the Florida Derby won by Take Charge Indy. The series concludes with coverage of the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland Race Course and the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park, which will air on CNBC on Saturday, April 14 from 6-7 p.m. ET.

REMAINING ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE (All Times ET)

Saturday, April 7, 2012, 4:30-6 p.m. (NBC)

Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial (Aqueduct Racetrack) and Santa Anita Derby (Santa Anita Park), Central Bank Ashland Stakes (Keeneland Race Course)

Host: Tom Hammond

Analysts: Gary Stevens, Randy Moss

Reporters: Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers, Laffit Pincay, III, Mike Battaglia (from Keeneland), Bob Neumeier (from Aqueduct)

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 6-7 p.m. ET (CNBC)

Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Keeneland Race Course) and Arkansas Derby (Oaklawn Park)

Host: Tom Hammond

Analysts: Gary Stevens, Randy Moss

Reporters: Mike Battaglia, Kenny Rice, Katie Mikolay, Jay Privman (from Oaklawn)

# # #

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup, which was broadcast on NBC from 1984-2005. Last year marked the first time that all three Triple Crown races appeared on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001. This year, the NBC Sports Group will present 27 hours of Triple Crown coverage across NBC and NBC Sports Network.

NBC Sports Group is also the home to Summer at Saratoga, Autumn at Keeneland, and, in collaboration with The Jockey Club, the Road to the Kentucky Derby series that will provide live coverage of six major prep races for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

CNBC: With CNBC in the U.S., CNBC in Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, CNBC World and CNBC HD+, CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news providing real-time data, analysis and information to more than 390 million homes worldwide. The network’s 16 live hours a day of business programming in North America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.) is produced at CNBC’s global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC.com and CNBC Mobile Web (mobile.cnbc.com) offer real-time stock quotes, charts, analysis and streaming video.

THE JOCKEY CLUB: The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred racing and breeding, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

Kentucky Derby and The Road to the Kentucky Derby are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

–NBC Sports Group–

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

Every Game. Every Night. Because It’s The Cup.

April 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Every Stanley Cup Playoff game to be televised nationally for first time

NBC, NBC Sports Network, CNBC and NHL Network to carry games

NBC & NBC Sports Network to provide Stanley Cup Final coverage for 7th straight year

NBC Sports Group exclusivity begins with Conference Semifinals

PRESS EVENT SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY

 

NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – For the first time in the 95-year history of the NHL, every Stanley Cup Playoff game will be televised nationally. The NBC Sports Group will provide unprecedented access to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs in April, May and June, televising as many as 105 playoff games and possibly more than 262.5 hours of programming. Games will be presented on NBC, the NBC Sports Network, the NHL Network, and NBCUniversal’s business channel CNBC in primetime.

In addition, five Comcast SportsNets will surround their local teams with live event and/or news coverage, and NBCSports.com will provide comprehensive online coverage of the playoffs with online-only video, contributions from Comcast SportsNet insiders, and constant news updates from ProHockeyTalk.

“The NBC Sports Group is proud to employ all of its assets – broadcast, cable, regional and digital – to surround the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and provide fans and viewers with more live-event and news coverage than any previous post-season in NHL history,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group.

The playoffs begin one week from today on Wednesday, April 11. A Conference Quarterfinal television schedule will be released Sunday or Monday following the conclusion of the 2011-12 regular season.

Below is a round-by-round preview of this year’s playoff coverage.

***************************************************************

PRESS EVENT

On Monday, April 9, the NBC Sports Group and NHL will provide access to executives, commentators and players in preparation for the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Detailed information will be released shortly.

****************************************************************

CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

For the first time in league history, every first-round playoff game will be televised on a national platform. In order to televise as many as four games on a given day/night, the NBC Sports Group will utilize NBC, NBC Sports Network, CNBC and the NHL Network to carry Conference Quarterfinal games.

The NBC Sports Network will be the primary home of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, offering coverage of one or two games virtually every night of the first round. CNBC and the NHL Network will also provide live event coverage in primetime. NBC will present exclusive afternoon coverage during the weekends of April 14-15 and April 21-22. Games airing on NBC Sports Network, CNBC and the NHL Network will be subject to local blackouts in the first round.

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

The NBC Sports Group’s Stanley Cup Playoff exclusivity begins with the Conference Semifinal round for the first time. Beginning in the second round and continuing through the Stanley Cup Final, all games will air exclusively on either NBC, NBC Sports Network, CNBC or the NHL Network.

The NBC Sports Network will serve as the primary home for Conference Semifinal coverage, offering one or two games virtually every night of the second round. CNBC and the NHL Network will again provide live event coverage in primetime, although more infrequently than in the first round. NBC will present exclusive afternoon coverage during the weekends of April 28-29 and May 5-6.

CONFERENCE FINALS

NBC and the NBC Sports Network will team to provide exclusive coverage of the Conference Finals. NBC will broadcast a game each day on the weekend of May 19-20. The remaining games from both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals will be televised exclusively on the NBC Sports Network.

STANLEY CUP FINAL

For the seventh consecutive year, NBC and the NBC Sports Network (formerly VERSUS) will provide exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final. NBC will broadcast Games 1-2 and Games 5-7 (if necessary), with NBC Sports Network televising Games 3-4.

· Last year’s Stanley Cup Final seven-game series, which featured the Boston Bruins defeating the Vancouver Canucks to claim their first championship since 1972, (Games 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 on NBC and Games 3, 4 on VERSUS) averaged 4.6 million viewers and a household rating of 2.7/5, surpassing the 2004 series (3.3 million, 2.2/4 on ABC/ESPN) as the most-watched combined network/cable Stanley Cup involving a Canadian team ever and up 39 percent from that series

· Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, which saw the Boston Bruins defeat the Vancouver Canucks, 4-0, was watched by 8.54 million people on NBC, making it the most-watched NHL game in 38 years, according to The Nielsen Company

PRE-GAME & POST-GAME COVERAGE

NHL Live, NBC Sports Network’s NHL pre-game show, will air every game night at 6:30 p.m. ET. NHL Post-Game will air a 30-minute program following the conclusion of game coverage every night of the playoffs.

COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL COVERAGE

Comcast SportsNet, the local home for the Blackhawks, Capitals, Flyers and Sharks, will air comprehensive coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (for its teams that advance to the post-season), including exclusive regional coverage of all first-round games with pre- and post-game shows.

For teams that advance past the first round, the regional networks will closely follow hometown playoff progress with pre- and post-game coverage as well as breaking news and analysis throughout each team’s playoff run.

Comcast SportsNet New England will air special pre- and post-game coverage for all Bruins games throughout the playoffs, as well as in-depth coverage and analysis of the team’s playoff run throughout all CSNNE programming and online at CSNNE.com.

NBCSPORTS.COM

NBCSports.com’s fast-growing ProHockeyTalk, which has experienced a 140% increase in unique visitors and a 289% in page views compared to last season, will anchor NBC Sports’ online and mobile coverage of the NHL Playoffs.

Featuring writers Jason Brough & Mike Halford, ProHockeyTalk provides unique, informative and entertaining news, commentary and analysis– updated around the clock — on all the stories surrrounding the NHL Playoffs. ProHockeyTalk is also an integral part of the popular NBC Sports Talk app. Other NBCSports.com features will include:

  • The debut of PHT Extra, a multiple-times-a-week. online-only. video segment, featuring ProHockeyTalk’s Brough and Halford
  • Online-only videos featuring NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network hockey commentators previewing upcoming playoff games and wrapping-up all of the NHL action that day
  • Content provided by Comcast SportsNet NHL insiders
  • An NHL Playoffs Channel Finder tool that will help fans locate the times and stations for every NHL playoff broadcast
  • “Second screen” companion programming on NBCSports.com for games airing on NBC will include live, in-game video highlights; a live chat with ProHockeyTalk’s Brough & Halford; “Star Cams” featuring alternating, video coverage of the best players on each team, and a newly-introduced “Spotlight Cam,” a just-above-ice-level/center ice look at the action

SOCIAL MEDIA

In addition to broadcast, cable, regional and digital platforms, the NBC Sports Group will connect with NHL fans via numerous social media initiatives, including social integration, on-air integration and news:

  • Social Integration:
    • #StanleyCup Hash Tag: NHL Fans can join the conversation by using the #StanleyCup hash tag across every game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
    • Milestone Mania: With the launch of the new Facebook Timeline, fans can explore and answer Stanley Cup Playoffs trivia questions
    • NHL on NBC Sports Instagram: NHL fans can upload photos to Instagram and use #instahockey. The NHL on NBC Sports Instagram account “Because It’s the Cup” will feature the best fan photos
    • Live Twitter Chats: Fans will have the opportunity to have live Twitter chats with NHL and NBC Sports personalities and commentators throughout the playoffs
    • PHT Top 10 Countdown – The writers at ProHockeyTalk are providing their Top 10 moments from last year’s playoffs for NHL on NBC Sports’ social platforms.
  • On-Air Integration:
    • Playoff Polls: Fans can weigh in on a variety of NHL themed polls on Facebook and Twitter that commentators will discuss throughout the broadcasts
    • #MVPonNBC – During pre-game, post-game and in-game coverage, fans can tweet who they think the #MVPonNBC is. Commentators will discuss the fan favorites and weigh in with their own opinions.
  • News:
    • Fans can engange with Twitter (@NHLonNBCSports) and Facebook (facebook.com/NHLonNBCSports) to receive the most up to date tune-in information, scores, reports and stories from around the NHL and ProHockeyTalk.

 

–NBC Sports Group–

 

Filed Under: NBC, NBC Sports Network, NHL

U.S. Olympic Committee and NBC Sports Group Announce Schedule For 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Coverage

April 4, 2012 By 1 Comment

A Record 67½ Hours of Trials Coverage; 43 Hours on NBC Sports Network, 24½ Hours on NBC

47 Hours of Live Trials Coverage Including 15½ Hours on NBC in Primetime

Every Night of Swimming Trials Live in Primetime on NBC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. and NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – The United States Olympic Committee and the NBC Sports Group today announced the television schedule for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. A record 67½ hours of event coverage – 43 on NBC Sports Network and 24½ on NBC – will feature 10 sports, including live primetime coverage of trials for diving, swimming, gymnastics and track & field, as well as events for water polo and field hockey.

Trials coverage begins on Sunday, April 22, on NBC Sports Network with wrestling competition from Iowa City, Iowa, and concludes on Sunday, July 8, with the U.S Women’s Water Polo Olympic Team taking on the Chinese Olympic Team.

The 67½ hours of coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network marks the most ever for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, topping the 49 hours of trials coverage in 2008 and 40½ hours in 2004. Additionally, NBC Sports Network and Universal Sports will re-air a combined 117 hours of trials coverage (74 hours on NBC Sports Network and 43 hours on Universal Sports).

“We are thrilled to present a record number of hours of Olympic Trials on NBC and NBC Sports Network – which will serve as the home of Team USA during the London Games” said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics. “Our extensive coverage gives fans a head start to follow the U.S. Olympians as they prepare for London 2012.“

“Over the next 100 days, America’s best athletes will compete for a place on the U.S. Olympic Team, providing fans of Olympic sport with inspiring performances and stories ahead of the London Games,” said Scott Blackmun, chief executive officer, USOC. “NBC is a great partner to the Olympic Movement and NBC Sports Group’s commitment to broadcasting the U.S. Olympic Team Trials will help build interest in the London 2012 Olympic Games while introducing Americans to the athletes who will represent the United States as members of the U.S. Olympic Team this summer.”

Olympic Trials coverage highlights:

  • 47 hours of LIVE trials coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network including 15½ on NBC in primetime;
  • For the first time, every night of the swimming trials live in primetime on NBC;
  • Sunday, July 1: four hours of live primetime track & field, swimming and gymnastics coverage on NBC.
2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and Exhibition Events – Television Schedule
Date Time Network Event
Sun., April 22 4-7 p.m. ET NBCSN Wrestling – Finals (next day coverage)
Mon., April 23 3-6 p.m. ET NBCSN Wrestling – Finals (next day coverage)
Sun., May 13 3-5 p.m. ET NBCSN Volleyball – Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament

Final (next day coverage)
Sun., May 27 3-4:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Water Polo – USA Men vs. Hungary (live)
Tues., June 19 12-2 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving – Semifinals: Men’s 10-meter (live)
Wed., June 20 10 p.m.-2 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving – Semifinals: Men’s 3-meter (live);

Women’s 10-meter (live);

Women’s 3-meter (next day coverage)
Thurs., June 21 10 p.m.-12 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving – Synchro Finals: Women’s 3-meter;

Men’s 10-meter (live)
Fri., June 22 9-11 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field – Finals (live)
11 p.m.-12 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving – Synchro Finals: Men’s 3-meter (live)
Sat., June 23 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Field Hockey – USA Women vs. Argentina (live)
4-6 p.m. ET NBC Diving: Men’s 10-meter – Finals (live)
6-7:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Rowing (from June 11-14) and BMX (from June 16)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field – Finals (live)
Sun., June 24 3-6 p.m. ET NBC Diving: Men’s 3-meter, Women’s 10-meter, Women’s 3-meter – Finals (live)
7-8 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field – Finals (live)
Mon., June 25 6:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
9-11 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field – Finals (live)
Tues., June 26 6:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
Wed., June 27 7-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
Thurs., June 28 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
5:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Gymnastics – Men’s Competition (live)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
9-11 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field – Finals (live)
Fri., June 29 4:30-6 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
6-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field – Finals (live)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
9-11 p.m. ET/PT NBC Gymnastics – Women’s Competition (live)
Satur., June 30 4-6 p.m. ET NBC Gymnastics – Men’s Final (live)
6:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
9-10 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field – Finals (live)
Sun., July 1 6-7 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming – Qualifying Heats (same day coverage)
7-8 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field – Finals (live)
8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
9-11 p.m. ET/PT NBC Gymnastics – Women’s Final (live)
Mon., July 2 8-8:30 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming – Finals (live)
Sun., July 8 6-7:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Water Polo – USA Women vs. China (live)

About the USOC

Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.

About NBC Olympics

A division of the NBC Sports Group, NBC Olympics is responsible for producing, programming and promoting NBCUniversal’s Olympic coverage. It is renowned for its unsurpassed Olympic heritage, award-winning production, and ability to aggregate the largest audiences in U.S. television history.

Having produced every summer Olympic Games since Seoul in 1988 and every Olympic Winter Games since Salt Lake City in 2002, the networks of NBCUniversal are synonymous with the Games in the United States. In 2011, NBCUniversal acquired the U.S. media rights on all platforms to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, and the 2020 Olympic Games. At the conclusion of the 2020 Games, NBCUniversal will have presented 17 total Olympic Games and 11 consecutive, the most for a U.S. media company in both categories.

NBC has won an unprecedented 91 Emmy Awards for its Olympics coverage, as well as a prestigious Peabody Award for its presentation of the Beijing Opening Ceremony in 2008, which USA Today said was “the best overall Olympic experience ever provided by a U.S. network.”

In addition to its unsurpassed heritage and award-winning production, NBCUniversal is known for aggregating large Olympic audiences, as nine of the top 11 most-watched U.S. television events of all time are Olympic Games presented across the networks of NBCUniversal. The Beijing Olympic Games rank No. 1 with 215 million viewers.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: NBC, Olympics

Universal Sports Network and NBC Sports Network Present Six Hours of Coverage of HSBC Sevens World Series from Hong Kong This Weekend

March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Los Angeles and New York – March 22, 2012 – Universal Sports Network and the NBC Sports Network will continue their joint presentation of the 2011-12 HSBC Sevens World Series with six hours of coverage from Hong Kong. During the sixth stop of the World Series, both networks’ coverage will include several full matches during the two-hour telecasts along with highlights from the entire tournament. In addition, UniversalSports.com will provide live streaming of the event for $4.99 or the full season’s offerings for $29.99.

Coverage begins Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. On Sunday, Universal Sports Network begins coverage at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by the NBC Sports Network at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Both networks’ match coverage will feature play-by-play announcer Bill Seward alongside analyst Brian Hightower, former USA Sevens captain.

The Sevens matches will showcase teams from 24 nations, including the current series top five of New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, England and Samoa, as well as other top tier nations including Australia, France and Wales, 13th ranked United States and host country Hong Kong.

Universal Sports and NBC Sports Network Schedule

Date Time (ET) Location Network

March 24 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hong Kong NBC Sports Network

March 25 12:30-2:30 p.m. Hong Kong Universal Sports Network

March 25 2:30-4:30 p.m. Hong Kong NBC Sports Network

April 1 8:30-10:30 p.m. Japan Universal Sports Network

April 1 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Japan NBC Sports Network

May 6 2-4 p.m. Scotland Universal Sports Network

May 6 4-6 p.m. Scotland NBC Sports Network

May 13 10 p.m.-12 a.m. England Universal Sports Network

May 13 12-2 a.m. England NBC Sports Network

Universal Sports Network recently transitioned to a multi-platform, high definition cable, satellite and IPTV service. Currently, DirecTV and several other cable providers offer Universal Sports Network. Viewers whose cable, satellite or IPTV providers are not currently offering the network should call 1-800-55-GET-US or visit www.IWantUniversalSports.com and demand access to the network’s coverage of the world’s biggest championships.

 

Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, LP, is the premier multi-platform media destination for Olympic-related sports programming in the United States. Offering more than 1,200 hours of original programming each year, Universal Sports has exclusive rights to world and national championship events in a wide array of sports, including swimming, track and field, gymnastics, cycling, skiing, figure skating and rugby. Whether on television, online, or on the go with mobile and tablet applications, Universal Sports offers a four-screen experience to fans of global sports every day of the year. For more information, please visit UniversalSports.com.

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Filed Under: NBC Sports Network, Rugby, Universal

Princell Hair Promoted To Senior Vice President, News And Talent, NBC Sports Group

March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

NEW YORK – March 22, 2012 – Princell Hair has been promoted to Senior Vice President, News and Talent, for the NBC Sports Group. Hair, who was previously Senior Vice President, News Operations, Comcast Sports Group, will begin his new role immediately and will report to Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network.

In his new and expanded position, Hair, a veteran of more than two decades in the media industry, including the last 3½ years with Comcast, will oversee all talent recruitment, negotiation and development for the NBC Sports Group, including NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, Golf Channel, and the 11 Comcast Regional Sports Networks, while also consulting with NBC Sports Digital. In addition, Hair will oversee the NBC Sports Group’s newsgathering operations and news strategy.

“Princell’s promotion is emblematic of one of our core strategies; putting talented people in roles that will help the entire group, said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “His track record and experience will add value to every area of the NBC Sports Group.”

“Princell’s work with the regional sports networks has been impressive,” said Flood. “To be able to take his talent and leadership across all platforms of the NBC Sports Group was a natural fit, and we are fortunate to have him overseeing these important departments of our company.”

Hair joined Comcast Sports Group in June 2008, as Senior Vice President, News Operations, overseeing news, studio programming and digital content for the company’s regional sports, news and entertainment networks collectively serving more than 40 million households in leading markets across the country.

Hair’s two decades of national and local programming experience also include senior news programming positions with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS) and Viacom. Hair served as Senior Vice President of Turner Broadcasting’s Strategic Planning Group, Senior Vice President of Program and Talent Development for CNN Worldwide, and Executive Vice President and General Manager of CNN/U.S., where he was responsible for the network’s day-to-day news operations, encompassing all aspects of programming and production, including oversight of CNN.com’s U.S.-based operations. Prior to Turner, he was Vice President of News for the Viacom Television Stations Group, coordinating news coverage for 39 television stations across the U.S.

Hair holds an MBA from Emory University, and a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. He served for five years on the board of directors of the Radio and Television News Directors Association/Foundation (RTNDA/F), and currently serves on the board of visitors at Florida A&M University. He’s been a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Black MBA Association and the National Association of Broadcasters. He and his wife have four children.

Filed Under: NBC

Race To The NHL Playoffs Heats Up On NBC Sports Network With Double-Header This Sunday

March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

NBC Sports Network to Present Three Double-Headers & Seven Games Total Sunday-Wednesday

Exclusive Coverage of Minnesota at Washington, 5 p.m. ET followed by Nashville at Chicago at 7:30 p.m. ET

NEW YORK – (Mar. 21, 2012) – The NBC Sports Group continues its NHL coverage beginning with a double-header Sunday on the NBC Sports Network. First, a battle of East meets West when the Washington Capitals host the Minnesota Wild at 5:00 p.m. ET. Then, the Nashville Predators travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks in a Western Conference primetime battle at 7:30 p.m. ET. It’s the first of three double-headers and seven games overall in four nights on NBC Sports Network.

The NBC Sports Network continues NHL coverage on Mon., March 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Philadelphia Flyers host the Tampa Bay Lightning, then on Tues., March 27, in Boston when the Bruins take on the Lightning at 10 p.m. ET. The week concludes with exclusive coverage of the Columbus Blue Jackets as they host the Detroit Red Wings on Wed., March 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The NBC Sports Network will also air bonus games on Mon. and Wed. nights, when the Los Angeles Kings head to Vancouver to battle the Canucks at 10 p.m. ET, and the Anaheim Ducks host the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET, respectively. The two non-exclusive telecasts will be subject to local blackouts.

The team of Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick (play-by-play) and Pierre McGuire (‘Inside the Glass’ analyst) will call the action for Sunday’s game in Washington, and Dave Strader (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Brian Engblom (‘Inside the Glass’ analyst) will call the game in Chicago. Emrick and McGuire will call Monday’s primetime coverage, with Mike Milbury (analyst) joining Strader and Engblom for Tuesday’s game in Boston. Liam McHugh hosts NHL Live, NBC Sports Network’s pre- and post-game studio show, and is joined by expert analysts Milbury and Keith Jones. NHL Live pre and post coverage telecasts will welcome Jeremy Roenick, Mike Keenan and McGuire next week as guest analysts.

NBCSPORTS.COM: NBCSports.com continues to be the online destination for hockey fans. NHL content areas on the site include ProHockeyTalk, one of NBCSports.com’s popular “Sports Talk” sites that provide fans with day-to-day coverage of the league with sharp analysis on every angle for all the big stories of the day. NBCSports.com also has exclusive NHL videos wrapping-up all of the NHL action that day.

NBC Sports Group hockey schedule (all times ET, subject to change):

Date Game Time Network

Sun., March 25 Minnesota at Washington 5:00 p.m. NBCSN

Sun., March 25 Nashville at Chicago 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Mon., March 26 Tampa Bay at Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Mon., March 26 Los Angeles at Vancouver 10:00 p.m. NBCSN

Tues., March 27 Tampa Bay at Boston 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Wed., March 28 Detroit at Columbus 7:30 p.m. NBCSN

Wed., March 28 San Jose at Anaheim 10:00 p.m. NBCSN

–NBC Sports Group–

Filed Under: NBC, NHL

NBC Sports Group Garners 33 Sports Emmy Award Nominations

March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Total Nominations for NBC Sports Group Up from Last Year

NBC Leads All Broadcast Networks with 23 Nominations

Sunday Night Football & Football Night in America Nominated for Outstanding Live Sports Series & Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly

NBC / VERSUS* Nominated for Outstanding Live Sports Special for 2011 Stanley Cup Final

On-Air Personalities Costas, Michaels, Emrick, Collinsworth, Mayock, Patrick, Tafoya & McGuire Nominated

Bob Costas’ Halftime Essays Nominated for Dick Schaap Writing Award

 

NEW YORK – March 20, 2012 – The NBC Sports Group received 33 total Sports Emmy Award nominations for 2011, the first year it produced programming as a single sports media company. The 33 nominations received by NBC Sports Group is the second-highest number of nominations for any sports media company or network. NBC led all broadcast networks with 23 nominations. The announcement was made today by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The winners will be announced by the Academy on Monday, April 30.

Highlights of NBC Sports Group’s nominations include:

· Once again, Sunday Night Football on NBC was nominated for Outstanding Live Sports Series.

· Football Night in America was nominated for the second consecutive year for Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly.

· NBC’s NFL Wild Card Saturday received its first nomination for Outstanding Playoff Coverage.

· For the first time as a joint production team, NBC / VERSUS* was rewarded with a nomination for Outstanding Live Sports Special for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

· Golf Channel was nominated for Outstanding Live Event Turnaround for Inside the PGA Tour.

· The newly created show, NFL Turning Point, which debuted on VERSUS* in the fall of 2010, received the nomination for Outstanding Edited Sports Series / Anthology in its premiere season.

· NBCSports.com was again nominated for Outstanding New Approaches Sports Programming for its live stream platform, Sunday Night Football Extra.

· Along with co-writer Aaron Cohen, Bob Costas, a 22-time Emmy Award winner, who is again nominated for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host, was nominated for the Dick Schaap Writing Award for his halftime essays on Sunday Night Football.

· Nominations in individual talent categories:

o Bob Costas (Studio Host)

o Al Michaels (Play-by-Play)

o Mike Emrick (Play-by-Play)

o Cris Collinsworth (Event Analyst)

o Mike Mayock (Event Analyst)

o Dan Patrick (Studio Host)

o Michele Tafoya (Reporter)

o Pierre McGuire (Reporter)

*VERSUS was rebranded NBC Sports Network on January 2, 2012.

“I am incredibly proud that the NBC Sports Group has earned an impressive 33 nominations for the work done in our first year together as a company,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “Aligning our assets to produce the highest-quality programming across our national broadcast, cable and digital platforms has clearly made a difference.”

All of the national platforms of NBC Sports Group — NBC Sports, VERSUS*, Golf Channel and NBCSports.com — received a nomination. Most notably, NBC, VERSUS* and NBCSports.com received 16 nominations related to NFL coverage, and NBC / VERSUS* received four nominations for its coverage of the NHL. Golf Channel earned two nominations and NBCSports.com was honored with one.

The complete list of NBC Sports Group nominations are as follows:

  • Outstanding Live Sports Special: 2011 Stanley Cup Final (NBC / VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Live Sports Series: Sunday Night Football
  • Outstanding Live Event Turnaround: 2011 Track & Field World Championships
  • Outstanding Live Event Turnaround: 2011 Tour de France (VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Live Event Turnaround: The USA Pro Cycling Challenge (VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Live Event Turnaround: Inside the PGA Tour (Golf Channel)
  • Outstanding Playoff Coverage: NFL Wild Card Saturday
  • Outstanding Edited Sports Series / Anthology: NFL Turning Point (VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Edited Sports Series / Anthology: World of Adventure Sports
  • Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly: Football Night in America
  • Outstanding Short Feature: Football Night in America – “The Greatest Gift”
  • Outstanding New Approaches Sports Programming: Sunday Night Football Extra (NBCSports.com)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host: Bob Costas
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host: Dan Patrick
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play: Al Michaels
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play: Mike Emrick (NBC / VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst: Cris Collinsworth
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst: Mike Mayock
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Reporter: Michele Tafoya
  • Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Reporter: Pierre McGuire (NBC / VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Technical Team Remote: US Open Championship (Golf Channel / NBC)
  • Outstanding Camera Work: 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship
  • Dick Schaap Writing Award: NBC Sunday Night Football – Bob Costas Essays
  • Dick Schaap Writing Award: The Kentucky Derby
  • Outstanding Graphic Design: Sunday Night Football
  • Outstanding Production Design / Art Direction: Sunday Night Football
  • George Wensel Technical Achievement Award: America’s Cup Highlight Show – Live Line (VERSUS*)
  • Outstanding Sports Promotional Announcement – Episodic:
    • NFL Kickoff
    • 2011 Stanley Cup Final – No Words

A complete list of nominees is available at www.emmyonline.org.

*VERSUS was rebranded NBC Sports Network on January 2, 2012.

– NBC Sports Group –

Filed Under: NBC

The “Road To The Kentucky Derby™ ” Series Reaches The Starting Gate This Weekend

March 20, 2012 By

Live Coverage of the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes This Saturday, 5 p.m. ET onNBC Sports Network

The Jockey Club Collaborates with NBC Sports Group for Four Consecutive Weekends of Key Kentucky Derby Prep Races

NEW YORK – March 20, 2012 – The Jockey Club, in collaboration with the NBC Sports Group, CNBC and six racetracks, will provide live coverage of the Road to the Kentucky Derby™, a series of six major prep races for the 2012 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands to be run over four consecutive weekends. Coverage begins with the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes from Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., this Saturday 5-6 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.

In addition to the Spiral Stakes, which was won last year by eventual Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, NBC Sports Network will present the Bourbonette Oaks, a race for fillies that is an important prep race for the Kentucky Oaks.

Laffit Pincay III will host NBC Sports Network’s coverage this Saturday from Turfway Park. He will be joined by analysts Gary Stevens and Randy Moss; and reporters Donna Brothers, Jay Privman and Millie Ball.

MOSS ON THE SPIRAL STAKES: “The Spiral has produced two Kentucky Derby winners – including Animal Kingdom last year. Maybe we’ll catch another one this weekend.”

MOSS ON THIS YEAR’S CROP OF 3-YEAR-OLDS: “We still have the major preps left to go, so maybe I’m moving too early. But to me, Union Rags, Creative Cause, Hansen and some others make this a solid group of 3-year-olds. And racehorses tend to bring along interesting people and interesting stories, which is always part of the fun.”

The Road to the Kentucky Derby series will culiminate in a 90-minute live broadcast on NBC featuring the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park, the Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and the Central Bank Ashland Stakes for fillies from Keeneland Race Course on April 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The other Road to the Kentucky Derby series telecasts feature the Florida Derby from Gulfstream Park on Saturday, March 31 from 5-6 p.m. ET, which will air on the NBC Sports Network, and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland Race Course and the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park, which will air on CNBC on Saturday, April 14 from 6-7 p.m. ET.

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE (All Times ET)

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 5-6 p.m. (NBC Sports Network)
Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes and Bourbonette Oaks (Turfway Park)
Host: Laffit Pincay, III
Analysts: Gary Stevens, Randy Moss
Reporters: Donna Brothers, Jay Privman, Millie Ball
Track Announcer: Mike Battaglia

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 5-6 p.m. (NBC Sports Network)
Florida Derby and Gulfstream Oaks (Gulfstream Park)
Host: Tom Hammond
Analysts: Gary Stevens, Randy Moss
Reporters: Bob Neumeier, Kenny Rice, Christina Olivares
Track Announcer: Larry Collmus

Saturday, April 7, 2012, 4:30-6 p.m. (NBC)
Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial (Aqueduct Racetrack) and Santa Anita Derby (Santa Anita Park), Central Bank Ashland Stakes (Keeneland Race Course)
Host: Tom Hammond
Analysts: Gary Stevens, Randy Moss
Reporters: Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers, Laffit Pincay, III, Mike Battaglia (from Keeneland), Bob Neumeier (from Aqueduct)

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 6-7 p.m. ET (CNBC)
Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Keeneland Race Course) and Arkansas Derby (Oaklawn Park)
Host: Tom Hammond
Analysts: Gary Stevens, Randy Moss
Reporters: Mike Battaglia, Kenny Rice, Katie Mikolay, Jay Privman (from Oaklawn)

# # #

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup, which was broadcast on NBC from 1984-2005. Last year marked the first time that all three Triple Crown races appeared on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001. This year, the NBC Sports Group will present 27 hours of Triple Crown coverage across NBC and NBC Sports Network.

NBC Sports Group is also the home to Summer at Saratoga, Autumn at Keeneland, and, in collaboration with The Jockey Club, the Road to the Kentucky Derby series that will provide live coverage of six major prep races for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

CNBC: With CNBC in the U.S., CNBC in Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, CNBC World and CNBC HD+, CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news providing real-time data, analysis and information to more than 390 million homes worldwide. The network’s 16 live hours a day of business programming in North America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.) is produced at CNBC’s global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC.com and CNBC Mobile Web (mobile.cnbc.com) offer real-time stock quotes, charts, analysis and streaming video.

THE JOCKEY CLUB: The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred racing and breeding, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

Kentucky Derby and The Road to the Kentucky Derby are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

–NBC Sports Group–

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

Key Sales Promotions Announced At NBCUniversal

March 14, 2012 By

Jim Hoffman, John Kelly and Seth Winter Promoted To Executive Vice President

NEW YORK – (March 12, 2012) Three key promotions have been announced within the broadcast network sales department. Jim Hoffman has been promoted to executive vice president, Sales & Marketing, NBC Entertainment; John Kelly has been promoted to executive vice president, NBC News and Information Media Sales & Marketing; and Seth Winter has been promoted to executive vice president, Sales Marketing, NBC Sports Group.

Marianne Gambelli, President, Network Ad Sales, NBCUniversal, to whom all three report, said, “I’m extremely proud to announce these very well-deserved promotions. Jim, John and Seth are three of the most talented sales executives in the business. They have tremendous reputations within the industry and have more than earned the respect of their colleagues. We’re lucky to have the benefit of their insight and experience on our team.”

Hoffman has served as senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Network Entertainment since 2004. As executive vice president, he will continue to be responsible for overseeing the network entertainment division’s sales and marketing teams, including Primetime, Late Night and Daytime. Previously, he was the senior vice president for network and cable news sales, where among his accomplishments he integrated MSNBC’s sales organization with the network. Prior to that, he was the vice president of sales for NBC’s news properties. Hoffman began his career with NBC in 1989 and held various sales roles in the company, including sports and at CNBC.

Kelly has served as senior vice president, NBC News and Information Media Sales & Marketing, since 2004. As executive vice president, he will continue to lead the national advertising sales and marketing efforts for the broadcast, cable and digital news and information media properties at NBCUniversal, including the Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and MSNBC. Kelly joined NBC in 2000 as the senior vice president of NBC Cable, managing the regional sales operations for CNBC, MSNBC and CNBC.com. He was promoted in 2001 to oversee the national sales efforts for CNBC. In 2004, Kelly was appointed sales integration leader for the NBC Universal merger, steering and supervising the ad sales integration team.

Winter has served as senior vice president, Sales Marketing, NBC Sports Group since 2006. As executive vice president, he will continue to oversee marketplace sales and marketing strategy for many of the NBC Sports Group’s assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, Golf Channel, the NBC Sports Network and their respective digital assets. He will also continue to be responsible for sales and marketing for many of sports’ most prestigious events, including the Olympics, Sunday Night Football, the NHL, PGA TOUR and Kentucky Derby. Prior to his role in sports, Winter was vice president, Digital Sales for all of NBCUniversal, and before that, he was the vice president, Sales for NBC News Networks. He joined NBC in 2000 as vice president, Sales for MSNBC.

Filed Under: NBC, Universal
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