Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases
With the retirement announcement of legendary North Carolina men’s basketball coach Roy Williams, ACC Network (ACCN) will present All ACC: Roy Williams Retirement Special today at 4 p.m. ET.
The post ACC Network Presents <i> All ACC: Roy Williams Retirement Special</i> Today at 4 p.m. appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..
Film directed by Robert Abbott debuts April 12, with launch of direct-to-consumer streaming service ESPN+ will also be the exclusive home of the entire 30 for 30 library ESPN’s latest installment in the acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary series, “The Last Days of Knight,” will be the first film in the award-winning series to appear … Read More
The post ESPN+ to Launch with Exclusive <em>30 for 30</em> Documentary “The Last Days of Knight” and Full <em>30 for 30</em> Library appeared first on ESPN MediaZone U.S..
SEC Network concludes producing more than 370 regular-season games in the men’s and women’s basketball schedule with first, second, third and quarterfinal Southeastern Conference tournament games airing on the network, accompanied with a live SEC Now desk on-site throughout each. The 2017 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament also marks the end of SEC Inside’s basketball regular-season … Read More
ESPN Radio will tip off the 2016-17 men’s college basketball season with 12 games from early season events beginning with the Armed Forces Classic doubleheader in Honolulu on Friday, Nov. 11.
Additional Coverage on SEC Network, ESPN3 and ACC Network Extra ESPNU will air six episodes of College Basketball Live in October, covering the media days of six conferences—ACC, American, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and the SEC. Ahead of the 2016-2017 college basketball season, College Basketball Live will preview the upcoming season with Brendan Fitzgerald, … Read More
Duke vs. Wisconsin on CBS Delivers 17.1/27, Up 33%
2015 NCAA Tournament Across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV Garners
Highest Overall Average Rating in 22 Years
NCAA March Madness Live Generates Record-Setting 3.4 Million Live Video Streams
for Championship Game
CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage of last night’s NCAA Tournament Men’s National Championship between Duke and Wisconsin on CBS scored a 17.1/27 HH rating/share to deliver the highest overnight rating for the NCAA Men’s National Championship in the metered markets in 18 years (1997; 18.0/28, Arizona-Kentucky), based on Nielsen metered market ratings. The broadcast’s 17.1/27 is up 33% over last year (12.9/21; Connecticut-Kentucky) and peaked with a 20.1/34 from 11:00-11:30 PM, ET.
Overall, 2015 NCAA Tournament coverage across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV averaged a 7.8/16 overnight rating/share, up 13% and is the best overnight rating in 22 years (7.9/17 in 1993).
Top five rated metered markets for last night’s game:
Additionally, NCAA March Madness Live garnered a record-setting 3.4 million live video streams for last night’s NCAA Championship game and nearly one million hours of live video consumed, also an all-time record. Last night’s live video streams are up 66%, with the live hours of consumption up 69% over last year. NCAA March Madness Live generated 80.7 million live video streams and 17.8 million hours of live video consumption during this year’s tournament, both all-time highs. This year’s live video streams are up 17%, with live hours of consumption netting a 19% increase.
The NCAA Tournament grossed a record 350 million total social impressions across Facebook and Twitter for a 45% increase over 2014.
# # #
Kentucky vs. Wisconsin Across TBS, TNT and truTV Garners Highest Overnight Rating for College Basketball Game in Cable Television History
NCAA Tournament to Date Nets Highest Overnight Rating in 23 Years
NCAA March Madness Live Nets Record 77 Million Live Streams Through Saturday
Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive coverage of last night’s NCAA Tournament National Semifinal between Kentucky and Wisconsin across TBS, TNT and truTV averaged a 13.3/24 overnight rating/share to deliver the highest rating for a college basketball game in the history of cable television and the highest rating for a Final Four game in 22 years (13.8/24 in 1993). The networks’ collective coverage of Kentucky/Wisconsin peaked with a 16.4/30 overnight rating/share from 11-11:15 p.m. ET. The game telecast is up 48% over last year, based on Nielsen metered market ratings.
The NCAA Final Four National Semifinals doubleheader – including Duke vs. Michigan State – averaged an 11.4/22 overnight rating/share to register as the highest average overnight rating for the doubleheader in 20 years (11.6/22 in 1995). Last night’s National Semifinals are up 39% over last year.
The Duke/Michigan State telecast across TBS, TNT and truTV averaged a 9.6/20 overnight rating/share, the highest overnight rating in 10 years (10.3/19 in 2005) and a 30% increase over last year.
Overall, the NCAA Tournament coverage across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is averaging a 7.5/15 overnight rating/share, tied as the best overnight rating in 23 years (7.7/16 in 1992).
Additionally, NCAA March Madness Live has garnered more than 77 million live video streams and 16.8 million live hours of video consumption through Saturday’s National Semifinals, both all-time records. This year’s live streams are up 15% over last year, with live hours of video consumed up 17%. Yesterday, NCAA March Madness Live delivered a record-setting six million live video streams and 1.5 million live hours of consumption for the National Semifinals, up 59% and 53%, respectively.
The NCAA Tournament has grossed a record 306 million total social impressions across Facebook and Twitter through the second Thursday for a 36% increase over 2014.
Source: Nielsen Media Research, Arianna, Live +SD data stream. 3/17/15 – 4/4/15 vs. 3/18/15 – 4/5/15. 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. Conviva, Adobe Analytics for digital metrics. Facebook Insights and Twitter for social analytics.
-30-
Network to Feature One-Hour At the Final Four Presented by Infiniti Sports and Entertainment Show Starring Dennis Miller, Charles Barkley and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at 3 p.m.
The Final Four Show to Offer Comprehensive Game Previews & Special Features
During Two-Hour Pre-Game Program at 4 p.m.
Turner Sports and CBS Sports will provide exclusive coverage of the 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship from Indianapolis with NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game coverage on TBS – Duke vs. Michigan State and Kentucky vs. Wisconsin – beginning Saturday, April 4, at 6 p.m. ET. In addition to TBS’ coverage, TNT and truTV will feature “Team Stream Presented by Bleacher Report” or team-specific presentations tailored to the schools participating in each game. Team Stream coverage for Duke and Kentucky will be available on TNT, with Wisconsin and Michigan State on truTV. Preceding the live game action, TBS will televise three hours of pre-game coverage beginning at 3 p.m.
At the Final Four Presented by Infiniti (3-4 p.m.) will feature Dennis Miller, Charles Barkley and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – star of the upcoming movie “San Andreas” – in a show including a combination of sports and entertainment segments. The show will include appearances by the commentator team of Jim Nantz, Grant Hill and Bill Raftery; studio host Ernie Johnson and analyst Kenny Smith; and “The Rock” talking about his upcoming movie and his experiences at the cross-hairs of sports and entertainment throughout his career.
The Final Four Show (4-6 p.m.) will include Johnson hosting with analysts Barkley, Clark Kellogg and Kenny Smith – joined by Greg Gumbel and analysts Reggie Miller, Seth Davis, Steve Smith and reporter Tracy Wolfson. The two-hour program will also include a feature on the “Pursuit of Perfection” and Kentucky’s run towards the historic mark, along with a profile on Indiana basketball legend Damon Bailey.
Following Saturday’s NCAA Final Four National Semifinals, CBS will broadcast the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6, with pre-game coverage starting at 8:30 p.m. and the game tipping off at 9:18 p.m.
Accompanying the live television coverage, NCAA March Madness Live will once again provide live streaming of the NCAA Final Four National Semifinals — including the Team Stream presentations — and the National Championship Game.
Follow us on Twitter: @MarchMadnessTV and NCAA.com for schedule updates and the latest NCAA Tournament broadcast news and information.
NCAA, March Madness, Final Four and Road to the Final Four are trademarks owned or licensed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
-30-
TBS to Present NCAA Final Four National Semifinals on Saturday, April 4
CBS to Broadcast National Championship Game on Monday, April 6
TNT & truTV to Feature “Team Stream Presented by Bleacher Report”
Team Specific Coverage for National Semifinal Games
CBS Sports and Turner Sports will provide exclusive coverage of the 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship from Indianapolis with Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State and Wisconsin competing for the national championship. TBS will televise the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal games on Saturday, April 4, with game coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET. The network will feature three hours of pre-game coverage beginning at 3 p.m. CBS will broadcast the National Championship on Monday, April 6, with pre-game coverage starting at 8:30 p.m. and the game tipping off at 9:18 p.m.
Saturday’s NCAA Final Four National Semifinals will feature Duke against Michigan State at 6:09 p.m. on TBS. Kentucky against Wisconsin will follow 40 minutes after the completion of the Duke/Michigan State game. Jim Nantz will call the action with analysts Grant Hill and Bill Raftery with reporter Tracy Wolfson. Nantz will be calling his 25th Final Four and National Championship, with Hill and Raftery working the marquee event for the first time this year.
Ernie Johnson will host studio coverage from the Final Four and National Championship with analysts Charles Barkley, Clark Kellogg and Kenny Smith – joined by Greg Gumbel and analysts Reggie Miller, Seth Davis, Steve Smith and college coaches.
In addition to TBS’ Final Four National Semifinal game coverage, TNT and truTV will feature “Team Stream Presented by Bleacher Report” or team-specific presentations tailored to the schools participating in each game. The inventive concept will continue to present the game with unprecedented local flavor including comprehensive team and player storylines, custom graphics, music, graphics and show packaging, additional cameras and team-centric replays, custom halftimes with school features and more.
Accompanying the live television coverage, NCAA March Madness Live will once again provide live streaming of the NCAA Final Four National Semifinals — including the Team Stream presentations — and the National Championship Game.
Team Stream commentator teams include:
“Duke Team Stream” on TNT at 6 p.m.
Tom Werme, play-by-play – Werme is a 20-year broadcasting veteran who has hosted the ACC Blitz and has provided commentary for the ACC Network, ACC Digital Network and Raycom Sports, among others.
Alaa Abdelnaby, analyst – Abdelnaby is a former Duke standout that played for the Blue Devils from 1996-2000 and was All-ACC third team during his senior year. He is currently a CBS Sports Network studio analyst and commentator for Westwood One.
Chris Spatola, reporter – Spatola is a former director of basketball operations at Duke and current CBS Sports Network commentator. He is also the son-in-law of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
“Michigan State Team Stream” on truTV at 6 p.m.
Brian Anderson, play-by-play – Anderson is a veteran and versatile Turner Sports commentator who has done play-by-play for leading properties such as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, NBA on TNT and MLB Postseason on TBS, among others. He has also previously called games for the Big Ten Network.
Mateen Cleaves, analyst – A former Michigan State legend, Cleaves led the Spartans to an NCAA Championship in 2000 and was names the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Cleaves is the only three-time All-American is school history and was named Big Ten Player of the Year twice. Currently a studio analyst for CBS Sports Network, Cleaves’ Michigan State jersey was retired in 2007.
Shireen Saski, reporter – a Michigan State alum, Saski is currently a CBS Sports Network reporter and has previously worked for the Big Ten Network. The veteran broadcaster has also been the recipient of three Michigan Emmy Awards, then working for Fox Sports Detroit.
“Kentucky Team Stream” on TNT (following first game)
Dave Baker, play-by-play – Baker is a long-time sports broadcaster at WKYT in Lexington and television play-by-play commentator for UK/IMG’s University of Kentucky basketball coverage. He has spent more than two decades being involved with broadcasting events surrounding the Southeastern Conference.
Rex Chapman, analyst – A former Kentucky star, Chapman was a two-time All-SEC player who helped lead the team to an SEC Championship and run to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 during his sophomore year. Chapman amassed more than 1,000 points in only two years at Kentucky, which was followed by a 12-year NBA career.
Michael Eaves, reporter – a Kentucky alum, Eaves has previously covered University of Kentucky basketball extensively as a sports anchor, reporter and producer at WKYT in Lexington. He is currently an anchor and reporter for Al Jazeera America.
“Wisconsin Team Stream” on truTV (following first game)
Wayne Larrivee, play-by-play – Larrivee is the radio play-by-play voice of the Green Bay Packers on the Packers Radio Network and has called college basketball for the Big Ten Network. He has also provided play-by-play for Westwood One during the NCAA Tournament.
Mike Kelley, analyst – A former Wisconsin standout, Kelley helped guide the team to the Final Four in 2000 and, during his collegiate career, he helped lead the team to its best four-season win total in school history. Kelley was inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.
Phil Dawson, reporter – Dawson is host of the Badger Radio Network, as well as a talk show host in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
-30-
Albany, Greensboro, Oklahoma City and Spokane Host Cities
The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship Presented by Capital One continues across ESPN, ESPN2 and WatchESPN with the top four seeds advancing to Regional rounds. Coverage tips with No. 1 seed South Carolina facing No. 4 seed North Carolina on Friday, March 27, from the Greensboro (N.C.) Regional at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Action from Greensboro, continues at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2 with No. 2 Florida State against No. 3 Arizona State.
Also on Friday, from the Oklahoma City Regional, is No. 2 Baylor vs. No. 3 Iowa at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2, followed by No. 1 Notre Dame against No. 4 Stanford at 10 p.m. on ESPN.
Top-seeded Connecticut takes to the court against No. 5 Texas on Saturday, March 28, at noon from the Albany (N.Y.) Regional, prior to No. 3 Louisville against No. 7 Dayton, both on ESPN. The Spokane (Wash.) Regional tips at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday when No. 1 Maryland faces No. 4 Duke and No. 2 Tennessee plays No. 11 Gonzaga, at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., respectively, on ESPN.
The Regional Finals will air on Sunday, March 29 and Monday, March 30, on ESPN. Play culminates with the NCAA Women’s National Championship game on Tuesday, April 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and WatchESPN from Tampa Bay, Fla.
All games can be seen on WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
Additional NCAA Championship content will be available across multiple platforms, including espnW.com, SportsCenter, ESPNEWS and ESPN International.
Coverage Highlights
Commentator Highlights
News, analysis and commentary will be provided throughout the women’s tournament leading into the Women’s Final Four in Tampa Bay. Highlights:
For the first time, FiveThirtyEight will cover the probabilistic projections for the NCAA Women’s Championship. On Tuesday, March 17, the website will debut an interactive bracket that calculates each team’s chance of advancing through the rounds. In addition to updating the data in the bracket throughout the week, FiveThirtyEight’s sportswriters will deliver a variety of data-driven stories tied to the tournament.
2015 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship Presented By Capital One Regional Schedule (subject to change)
| Date | Time (ET) | Game/Commentators | Networks |
| Fri, Mar 27 | 7 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 1 South Carolina (Greensboro, N.C.)
Pam Ward, Carolyn Peck, LaChina Robinson |
ESPN / WatchESPN |
| 7:30 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 3 Iowa vs. No. 2 Baylor (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Beth Mowins, Stephanie White, Maria Taylor |
ESPN2 / WatchESPN | |
| 9 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 3 Arizona State vs. No. 2 Florida State (Greensboro, N.C.) | ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| 9:30 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 1 Notre Dame (Oklahoma City, Okla.) | ESPN2 / WatchESPN | |
| Sat, Mar 28 | Noon | Regional Semifinal: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 1 UConn (Albany, N.Y.)
Dave O’Brien, Doris Burke, Holly Rowe |
ESPN / WatchESPN |
| 2 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 7 Dayton vs. No. 3 Louisville (Albany, N.Y.) | ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 4 Duke vs. No. 1 Maryland (Spokane, Wash.)
Dave Pasch, Debbie Antonelli, Allison Williams |
ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| 6:30 p.m. | Regional Semifinal: No. 11 Gonzaga vs. No. 2 Tennessee (Spokane, Wash.) | ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| Sun, Mar 29 | Noon | Regional Final (Greensboro, N.C.)
|
ESPN / WatchESPN |
| 8:30 p.m. | Regional Final (Oklahoma City, Okla.) | ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| Mon, Mar 30 | 7 p.m. | Regional Final (Albany, N.Y.) | ESPN / WatchESPN |
| 9 p.m. | Regional Final (Spokane, Wash.) | ESPN / WatchESPN |
2015 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship Presented By Capital One Final Four Schedule (subject to change)
| Sun, Apr 5 | 6 p.m. | NCAA Women’s Final Four Special Presented by Capital One (Tampa Bay, Fla.)
Kevin Negandhi, Kara Lawson, Rebecca Lobo |
ESPN / WatchESPN |
| 6:30 p.m. | National Semifinal Game 1 (Tampa Bay, Fla.)
Dave O’Brien, Doris Burke, Holly Rowe |
ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| 9 p.m. | National Semifinal Game 2 (Tampa Bay, Fla.) | ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| Tue, Apr 7 | 5:30 p.m. | College Basketball Live: NCAA Women’s Championship Special
Matt Schick, Brooke Weisbrod & Steffi Sorensen |
ESPNU / WatchESPN |
| 7:30 p.m. | NCAA Women’s Championship Special Presented by Capital One (Tampa Bay, Fla.)
Kevin Negandhi, Kara Lawson, Rebecca Lobo |
ESPN / WatchESPN | |
| 8:30 p.m. | National Final (Tampa Bay, Fla.)
Dave O’Brien, Doris Burke, Holly Rowe |
ESPN / WatchESPN |
-30-