EDITOR’S NOTE: With this multi-week series — the Front Row Forward/Rewind, 2016/2015 — ESPN’s Communications Department takes the pulse of executives throughout ESPN for their views on what’s ahead across ESPN for 2016 and some of what transpired in 2015. The snapshots provide a look at where ESPN has been, where it’s going and how it plans on getting there.
ESPN International
What was the best example of your division’s teamwork in 2015?
ESPN International had a wonderful 2015 thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teams around the world. Great examples of teamwork and global collaboration were reflected in the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup and ESPNCricinfo traffic numbers, the launch of ESPN.com international editions in the UK and Latin America, Special Olympics, numerous programming and affiliate renewals and major rights agreements for Italian Serie A in Latin America and for the Premier League, Bundesliga and La Liga BBVA in Brazil.
What excites you most about 2016?
One of the events we are the most excited about is the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Our teams have been preparing to deliver on all fronts across our rights holder (Latin America and Caribbean) and non-rights holder (USA, EMEA, Pac Rim) regions during the games in August. Our production infrastructure is now firmly in place in Brazil with sets across the city designed to provide Olympic content and analysis for ESPN’s multiple programming platforms. Our branding and promotional efforts are already underway and will become more extensive as the event draws near. We are excited and looking forward to delivering unparalleled coverage to fans around the world!
Soccer
What was the best example of your division’s teamwork in 2015?
The development of the “goal post cam” and its eventual deployment at 2015 MLS Cup. ESPN’s lead soccer director Bob Frattaroli oversaw this project from start to finish working tirelessly with our production operations department and engineers in labs at different locations.
MLS and their strong commitment to technological advancements in soccer coverage was critical in the final on-field delivery of the technology.
#2015MLSCup: replay of that scrum in the 6-yard box – brought to you by #ESPN's latest innovation – "Goalpost Cam" pic.twitter.com/5xp7vrmG4m
— Mac Nwulu (@MacN_ESPN) December 6, 2015
What was the most “social” moment of 2015?
ESPN’s coverage of the FIFA arrests and elections in May, led by Bob Ley. The conversation happening in the digital space concurrent with the linear TV shows – SportsCenter Special, Outside the Lines, ESPN FC TV and more – was my favorite moment in the soccer realm.
I love @BobLeyESPN trying his hardest to translate Sepp Blatter's speech on air! A pro's pro, right there. Doing a great job with this today
— Kyle McClendon (@KyleWMcClendon) May 29, 2015
When @BobLeyESPN ripped up those papers, Sepp Blatter's days were numbered. pic.twitter.com/mAiAHxysyR
— Todd Johnson (@rantoddj) June 2, 2015
What excites you most about 2016?
UEFA Euro 2016: The match and studio talent – a combination of familiar names and some new additions – that will really elevate the production and overall presentation of the month-long tournament in France.
Mac Nwulu contributed to this post.
