SVG Regional Sports Production Summit Examines the Current State of the RSN Industry

More than 250 attendees convened at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel on June 28-29

The regional-sports-network side of the business is at a crossroads, and the unclear future of this sector was on everyone’s mind at the 2023 SVG Regional Sports Production Summit (RSPS). Taking place at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel on June 28-29, more than 250 attendees addressed the pertinent issues and seismic changes as well as covered the latest developments in live-production workflows, DTC streaming, sports betting, 4K and HDR technology, labor and crewing, league and team relationships, and more.

More than 250 industry professionals attended the 2023 SVG Regional Sports Production Summit.

The day was kicked off with an opening presentation that dove deep into the uncertainty of the rapidly changing RSN marketplace. Kosner Media President John Kosner, who previously managed ESPN’s streaming operations and helped guide the NBA’s TV strategy and media operations, offered up advice on how teams, RSNs, and other media organizations can weather the looming storm.

“We’re all here because we appreciate the value of sports, and there’s still room for growth on this side of the business,” says Kosner. “I have no doubt that local sports will continue to thrive and that the individuals in this room will be in high demand.”

The event continued with a conversation about how new workflows, like evolving REMI workflows and the rise of 4K and HDR productions, are creating a new era of production. Moderated by NBC Sports Regional Networks’ SVP, Content and Live Programming, Jon Slobotkin, Bally Sports’ VP, Production, Ron Gralnik; Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA’s Senior Coordinating Producer, Live Events and Special Projects, A.J. Ponsiglione; Marquee Sports Network’s SVP, Broadcast Operations, Debby Schneider; and YES Network’s VP, Broadcast Operations and Engineering, Mike Webb set the tone for the rest of the day.

Next, Ross Video’s Business Development Manager, Sports and Live Events, North America, Shawn Hutcheson, was joined on stage with NBC Sports Chicago’s Director, Studio Content, Kevin Anderson, to discuss how the regional sports network leveraged PIERO Sports Analysis to bring fans closer to the game.

After valuable networking time, an insightful keynote conversation broke down Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s recent relaunch of their RSN, NBC Sports Washington. Headlined by General Manager, Network, Friday Abernethy; President, Media New Enterprises, Zach Leonsis; and CTO Charlie Myers, the trio gave insights into the newly planned local sports streaming app before its launch in Fall 2023, plans for a new two-story production facility and what’s up next for game broadcasts, live-streaming, and alternative feeds.

“We are a unique organization with multiple professional franchises and venues, so it affords us the chance to grow at a larger scale” says Leonsis. “We want to do what’s best to protect and invest in the value of live media rights as well as do right by our fans and customers.”

Then, an important 30-minute panel on the RSN workforce took place. During the pandemic, the industry saw an exodus of sports-production professionals when many veterans opted to retire or find new career paths. As a result, RSNs find themselves searching desperately for talented engineers and production crews to work the thousands of regional broadcasts they deliver each year. Three individuals from Program Productions — Chairman Robert Carzoli; EVP, Operations and COO Jessica Kowatch; and President and CEO Scott West —presented an overview of the state of the current market, how it has evolved, and what to expect in the future.

The session was followed up with a discussion on how authenticated streaming, instant highlights, and other digital trends are impacting operations and productions. As consumer viewing habits evolve and carriage disputes become more frequent, RSNs are looking for new ways to deliver live games and original content directly to consumers. Some have launched their own DTC streaming platforms — or have announced plans to do so — in order to reach fans directly while others launched dedicated apps and streaming experiences for authenticated cable subscribers. WSC Sports’ Business Development, North America, Daniel Pesce, and KISWE’s Chief Strategy Officer Mike Schabel discussed best practices in designing a live-streaming app, enhancing fan interactivity, and differentiating the digital experience.

Prior to lunch, Altitude Sports’ VP/General Manager/Executive Producer Matt Krol spotlighted how his team pulled off back-to-back productions of championship parades for the Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche in 2022 and the NBA Finals Champion Denver Nuggets in 2023.

Later, facilities providers and tech vendors sounded off on how they’re integrating new technologies into their arsenal. Although the pandemic has forced RSNs to focus on efficiency and flexibility, they are still on the look-out for production tools that can offer that “wow” factor within a broadcast. From high-speed and shallow-depth-of-field cameras to augmented reality and virtual graphics to next-gen viewer-engagement tools, a handful of vendors — Mobile TV Group’s COO Nick Garvin; Riedel Communications’ VP, Business Development, Live Production, Greg Macchia; Canon’s Senior Specialist, Product Management Team, Broadcast and Cinema Lenses, Josh Stoner; and Diversified’s VP, Media Innovation, Jared Timmins — gave a look at the most exciting tech toys being deployed by RSNs to enhance fans’ viewing experience.

Lastly, production professionals dissected the concept of alternative broadcasts and how they’re gaining new viewers with these new broadcast ideas. RSNs across the country have begun producing alternative broadcasts of live games in an effort to draw new demographics to their broadcasts. From betting-focused presentations to kids-focused broadcasts, Bally Sports Detroit’s VP and Executive Producer Jeff Byle; NBCUniversal Local Chicago’s VP, Sports Content, John Schippman; and Sportradar’s Director, Broadcast Sales, Patrick Murphy talked about how they incorporate new content into their broadcasts, how they’re using gamification to engage viewers, and what the future holds for alternative broadcasts in regional sports.

This year’s SVG Regional Sports Production Summit was made possible by Title Sponsor Program Productions; Diamond Sponsors Canon, Diversified, Riedel, and Sportradar; Case Study Sponsor Ross Video; Gold Sponsors Calrec, Dalet, LiveU, Sony, and Teradek; and Event Sponsors Haivision, Mobile TV Group, and Stats Perform.