Media MonsterNFL

The NFL Network Is Trying To Take Over The World

The NFL Network – where it can be seen, at least – is probably the most prominent of all the major sports’ networks, and now it’s in a position to further its reach. Not only did they officially add Jay Glazer and Daryl Johnston of FOX today, they went after perhaps the biggest NFL media name in the business (though unsuccessfully) and brought in a big-name consultant.

The big name they failed to land: SI’s Peter King. It would have been a major statement for the network to score a significant contribution from King, but according to this writeup from SportsByBrooks, the network “swung and missed” on that one.

However, Brooks focuses on the other talent they managed to bring in – Mark Shapiro, a former ESPN executive who left to run Six Flags, before recently leaving that position as well. Brooks’ writeup says Shapiro will be working with the league on “NFL Network games and studio shows.”

The “studio shows” part is especially significant because Shapiro was behind the creation of both Around The Horn and Pardon the Interruption. Whatever you think of Around The Horn (for example, we know what 30 Rock’s writing staff thinks), people talk about it and it’s still on the air, so people must watch it, too. And Pardon the Interruption – gold, obviously.

However, Shapiro’s stint at ESPN included plenty of programming flops, too. (The linked Sporting News article notes that ESPN under Shapiro contributed a disproportionate number of shows to this list.)

Still, the NFL Network hired Shapiro in a consultant’s role, rather than a top executive position. If he has a good idea – great. If not – well, he’s not running things. It’s a solid chance for the network to take, one that could pay off in a big way if Shapiro gets another PTI-like idea. If only everyone could, you know, watch it if it happens.

Photo via