2017 RSN Summit

Full Program & Audio Recaps

Tuesday, June 27:

3:30 p.m.: Registration Opens

4:00 – 4:10 p.m.: Welcoming Remarks
Robert Carzoli
, Program Productions, President and CEO
Larry Meyers, SVG RSN Summit, Executive Program Director

4:10 – 4:30 p.m.: The State of the RSN Market, Part 1 – Ratings & Viewership
Regional sports viewers were deeply engaged with their favorite teams in 2016, as RSNs across the country presented thousands of live-game telecasts and a plethora of original programming. Through these moments and more, Nielsen Sports has measured changes in how fans are engaging with RSNs and how they follow sports across multiple media platforms. In this presentation, Nielsen reveals critical information for regional rights holders, including the challenges and opportunities ahead for the business.
Presenter:
Stephen Master, Nielsen Sports, Commercial Managing Director of Americas

4:30 – 4:50: The State of the RSN Market, Part 2 – Rights & Opportunities
This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the current state of the RSN market and how recent media rights deals have impacted the industry. Despite an apparent rise in cord-cutting and questions about the future of niche cable networks, RSNs continue to thrive. Chris Bevilacqua, one of the most respected sports-media minds in the business, address key the market trends, opportunities, and challenges that are shaping the future or the RSN industry.
Presenter:
Chris Bevilacqua, Bevilacqua Helfant Ventures (BHV), Co-Founder

4:50 – 5:30 p.m.: The State of the RSN Market, Part 3: Executive Roundtable
Top RSN executives and industry experts take the stage together to discuss the the unique challenges and opportunities facing the RSN market in 2017. Expect a wide gamut of topics, such as rights and distribution, cord-cutting and OTT, ratings and audience measurement, operations and production techniques, business and programming opportunities, and much more.
Moderator: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Executive Director, Editorial
Panelists:
Chris Bevilacqua
, Bevilacqua Helfant Ventures (BHV), Co-Founder and CEO
Michael Connelly, Fox Sports Regional Networks, SVP/EP
Ted Griggs, NBC Sports Regional Networks, President, Group Leader and Strategic Production and Programming
Stephen Master, Nielsen Sports, Commercial Managing Director of Americas

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Opening Night Reception

Wednesday, June 28:

8:00 – 8:50 a.m.: Registration and Breakfast

8:50 – 9:00 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks
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Robert Carzoli, Program Productions, President and CEO

9:00 –9:45 a.m.: GM and EP Perspectives: View From the Top
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What are the keys to finding success on a regional level? What are the latest production techniques, business challenges, and programming strategies impacting the industry today? General Managers and Executive Producers discuss the state of the business, best practices in management and operations, the challenges ahead, and how to take advantage of new opportunities.
Moderator: Larry Meyers, SVG RSN Summit, Executive Program Director
Panelists:
Jeff Byle
, Fox Sports Detroit, Executive Producer
Jeff Filippi, MSG Networks, SVP of Programming and Production/Executive Producer
Princell Hair, CSN New England, SVP and GM
Ken Miller, Altitude Sports and Entertainment, EVP and General Manager/Executive Producer

9:45 – 9:55 a.m.: Case Study: LTN Global Live Content Transmission Solution
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LTN Global has been providing innovative, cost-effective transmission solutions for high-value content that RSNs need to program their networks. This case study explores solutions for MLS, MLB, MiLB, and colleges that enabled RSNs to increase their content output without sacrificing quality or reliability – all while reducing costs.
Presenter: Tom Buffolano
, LTN Global Communications, VP, Business Development, Sports

9:55 – 10:05 a.m.: Technology Showcase Preview

10:05 – 10:45 a.m.: Networking Break in Technology Showcases Area

10:45 – 11:30 a.m.: League & Team Perspectives: Creating Quality RSN Partnerships
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For RSNs, maintaining a quality relationship with the leagues and teams for which you hold the rights is essential for success. Hear from top league execs and the RSN leaders who with them regarding their view of the current state of the regional sports industry and how they see it evolving.
Moderator: Larry Meyers, SVG RSN Summit, Executive Program Director
Panelists:
David Denenberg
, NBA Entertainment, SVP, Global Media Distribution and Business Affairs
Bernadette McDonald, MLB, SVP, Broadcast Operations
Jon Slobotkin, NBC Sports Regional Networks, SVP, Content and Live Programming
Larry Tiscornia, Major League Soccer, VP, Broadcasting

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Morning Workshop: RSN Facebook Video Boot Camp (Click for full program)
This in-depth workshop features presentations from Facebook staffers and successful RSN users of Facebook Video offering practical tips and best practices on how to make the most out of this new and exciting global broadcast platform. More information on specific sessions will be available soon.

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Inside the Truck: How New Technology Is Changing the Way We Tell the Story
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Today, RSNs have more cutting-edge technology to enrich their storytelling than ever before. Tools like augmented reality, ultra-high-speed cameras, and player-tracking data — once reserved only for high-profile national telecasts — are making their way into regional markets. How are producers making use of these tools, and what is on their wish list for next-generation tools? And how can they embrace these new technologies in a cost-effective manner?
Moderator: Jason Dachman, SVG, Chief Editor and RSN Summit Program Manager
Panelists:
Frank Coll, NEP Group, Senior Account Manager, U.S. Mobile Units
Steve Grigely
, Fox Sports Networks, VP, Technical Operations
Robbie Louthan, SMT, VP, Client Services and Systems
Ken Stiver, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), VP, Engineering/Operations

12:15 – 1:00 p.m.: Networking Lunch in Technology Showcases Area

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.: Extra-Linear Behavior: How OTT, Mobile, Social, and VR Are Parts of the ‘New Normal’
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The digital landscape for RSNs is evolving rapidly. Authenticated in-market streaming of MLB, NBA, and NHL games allows more and more RSNs to connect with local fans on a whole new level. In addition, RSNs must continue to satisfy local fans’ insatiable appetite for information and video content via social media and their own digital platforms. Digital leaders from RSNs and vendors reveal how they build a tighter relationship with local sports fans.
Moderator: Brandon Costa, SVG Digital, Director
Panelists:
Michael R. Hall
, NESN, SVP, Digital
Brian Johnson, TokBox, Global Vice President, Business Development
Zach Leonsis, Monumental Sports Network, VP and GM
Matt Murphy, NBC Sports Regional Networks, SVP, Platforms and Strategy
Michael Spirito, Fox Sports Regional Networks, VP, Business Development and Digital Media

1:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Afternoon Workshop: Technology & Operations Workshop (Click for full program)
This workshop take a deep-dive look at how technology and operations are evolving in today’s RSN market. After kicking off with an Operations Spotlight addressing best practices in RSN ops, this workshop will take a look at how RSNs are preparing for the rise of 4K and HDR, as well as the growing use of at-home-production workflows in the RSN sector.

1:45 – 2:15 p.m.: Networking Break in Technology Showcases Area

2:15 – 3:00 p.m.: Reaching the Regional Fan: Ad Sales and Promos Within Content
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In today’s world, production and operations teams must work hand in hand with ad-sales and promotions departments at their organization. As digital ad insertion and social media open up opportunities beyond the linear telecast, these departments can work together to better engage fans. Leaders from across the RSN landscape take the stage to discuss how to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Moderator: Brandon Costa, SVG Digital, Director
Panelists:
Walter Cade, NBC Sports Regional Networks, SVP, Ad Sales
Michael Connelly
, Fox Sport Regional Networks, SVP/EVP
Doug Johnson, Root Sports, VP and Executive Producer
Nicole Labrow, Home Team Sports (HTS) – A Fox Sports Media Group Company, VP, Partnership Development

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Making Original Programming Work: In the Studio and Behind the Scenes
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Although live game coverage may be the axis on which RSNs spin, original programming and studio shows are integral to the success of any RSN. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes docuseries or a pre/postgame studio show, networks are finding new, innovative ways to serve their fans beyond the live-game telecast — both on the linear network and on digital platforms.
Moderator: Karen Hogan Ketchum, SVG, Senior Editor
Panelists:
Curt Gowdy Jr., SNY, SVP, Production, and Executive Producer
Sarah Lauch, CSN Chicago, Executive Producer, Original Content
Ryan McGuffey, CSN Chicago, Senior Producer, Original Content
Howard Zalkowitz, NESN, Director of Production and Senior Coordinating Producer

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