EDITOR’S NOTE: During these unprecedented times, ESPN is being creative with how to continue bringing sports news to fans in innovative ways, while also protecting those who make it all possible. Vice President, ESPN’s Stats and Information Group (SIG), Jeff Bennett explains how the team is maintaining the network’s 17 BottomLine updates remotely.
Our SIG team based at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., headquarters continually keeps 17 of the network’s signature BottomLines up and running as a news and information service for fans. With the impacts of the coronavirus COVID-19, the entire group moved to a work-from-home setup beginning last week. The transition has required establishing, adjusting and readjusting workflows to continue delivering data and other content for a seamless fan experience.
Scroll the photos below for more on how SIG’s BottomLine team has adapted to the new setup.
BEFORE COVID-19: “Our office featured 40 televisions to see all of our networks and events, direct communication with Network Control and two monitors at each station.”
GENERAL REMOTE SETUP: “Antonio Rusiñol remotely monitors two of the 17 BottomLines. Bluejeans, Slack, Skype and actual phone calls are among the tools being utilized during this time.”
BREAKING NEWS: “Once everyone was safe, our main focus was ensuring that there were no fan-facing challenges in delivering the frequent breaking news alerts. Examples: Olympics postponement (top) and Tom Brady’s free agency (bottom).”
ANOTHER REMOTE SETUP: “Haleigh Johnston is among the SIG team members who can update news notes on the BottomLine and send breaking news alerts.”
RE-AIR UPDATES: “The BottomLine’s role is more important and visible than ever. Editors are tailoring alerts under all re-airs of live programming to update any outdated content.”
BILINGUAL: “Bristol-based staff produce five Spanish-language BottomLines, including ESPN Deportes (top) and Latin America North (bottom), bolstering stretches without live studio programming.”
Kristie Blasi, senior director, ESPN Stats and Info Group, contributed to this post.
