The low ratings for the college football playoffs has hurt ESPN more than anticipated. The sports network owes advertisers $20-million in "makegoods" because the ratings for the two game semifinals under delivered.
For once, I feel kind of bad for ESPN. The whole "we're creating a new tradition" thing was shoved down ESPN's throat over their vehement objections.
You guys should listen to the Fox Sports college football podcast "The Audible" where Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman interviewed Bill Hancock about the low playoff ratings.
Hancock came off as full of chit when he said they don't make any decisions based on television ratings (which is complete BS). Feldman then called him out on the hypocrisy of saying that college football fans should change their viewing habits for the playoff but on the other hand talking about respecting the tradition of the kickoff time for the Rose Bowl.
Now I will concede, the fact the two games weren't very good could have had something to do with the ratings, and only time will tell for sure. I just have a problem with the arrogance of the playoff committee and Hancock in particular in trying to dictate "a new tradition" that is so obviously not a very good idea.
For once, I feel kind of bad for ESPN. The whole "we're creating a new tradition" thing was shoved down ESPN's throat over their vehement objections.
You guys should listen to the Fox Sports college football podcast "The Audible" where Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman interviewed Bill Hancock about the low playoff ratings.
Hancock came off as full of chit when he said they don't make any decisions based on television ratings (which is complete BS). Feldman then called him out on the hypocrisy of saying that college football fans should change their viewing habits for the playoff but on the other hand talking about respecting the tradition of the kickoff time for the Rose Bowl.
Now I will concede, the fact the two games weren't very good could have had something to do with the ratings, and only time will tell for sure. I just have a problem with the arrogance of the playoff committee and Hancock in particular in trying to dictate "a new tradition" that is so obviously not a very good idea.
