2nd Edition
Live Sports Media The What, How and Why of Sports Broadcasting
In Live Sports Media: The What, How and Why of Sports Broadcasting, Dennis Deninger provides an all-encompassing view of the sports television industry from his own perspective as an Emmy Award-winning producer at ESPN, at a time of seismic shifts in the industry. Technological advances and the proliferation of sports content across multiple media platforms have increased accessibility to sports events of all kinds across the world. Shifts in viewing habits and audience preferences are changing the dynamic of sports media and the sports industry as a whole. The result: more power for some sectors and diminished power for many others, to which professionals in the field need to rapidly adapt.
This second edition has been substantially updated to explore the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on sports and the growth of women's sports broadcasting and evolving sports, as well as political statements made in sports: Black Lives Matter, and "taking a knee." It illustrates the origins, impact, reach, economics, production, and presentation of sports on video media – including, but not limited to, television. It takes the reader behind the scenes to describe the forces and processes that have shaped and continue to change sports content, its delivery, and how it connects with fans. Dennis Deninger draws from his experiences as an expert in the industry to expose how the choices and decisions that are now being made affect the programming, content, storytelling, production, advertising, and delivery of the sports broadcasting that we will see next season and how it will evolve in the years to come.
This practical, entertaining book provides insights into sports broadcasting that sports management, media, and journalism students and learning practitioners will not find anywhere else.
1. The Sports and Media Partnership 2. The Beginnings of Televised Sport 3. The Modern Era Creates a New Sports TV Reality 4. Pro Football Was Made for Television 5. ESPN Becomes the First 24/7 Connection to Sports 6. Programming Sports for Viewers and Advertisers 7. Producing Live Sports Broadcasts 8. Live Sports Commentary and Analysis 9. Sports Coverage that Spans the Globe 10. Advertising Drives the Sports Engine 11. The Power Game 12. How Politics and Government Influence Sports Television 13.The Social and Cultural Impact of Televised Sport 14. Coming Up Next
Biography
Dennis Deninger is a multiple Emmy Award-winning television production executive and innovative educator who has produced live sports television from six continents and across the United States. He spent 25 years at ESPN leading production teams for studio programming, live remote events, and digital video platforms. He is a professor of practice at Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University, USA, where he has been recognized for Faculty Excellence in Teaching. He was the founding director of the Sports Communications graduate program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, his alma mater.
"Dennis Deninger’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of sports broadcasting, as well as the various aspects that make it one of the most interesting and complex of topics. You will be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive and insightful treatment. The author is a real pro, one of the sports television production pioneers whose thoughtful essays in this book take the reader inside an industry at the center of American life and one which has undergone profound change. Dennis is a good friend with whom I was honored to work at ESPN in the network’s formative years. His wide-ranging experience allows him to give the reader a unique and broad perspective on the live sports landscape. Anyone interested in sports broadcasting will devour and enjoy this book."
Mike Aresco, Commissioner, The American Athletic Conference
"Live Sports Media is superbly researched and organized. It’s a comprehensive, invaluable resource, highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand how sports broadcasting has grown, and where it is headed next. It’s also a very entertaining read, rich in stories from many broadcasting insiders. I’ve been in the industry for 35 years and still learned plenty from the book. Dennis Deninger’s status as a longtime producer of major live events and studio programming gives him a unique insight and perspective on the many facets of this complex industry."
Chris Fowler, ESPN/ ABC Host and Commentator
"Dennis Deninger’s combination of extensive production experience in sports television and decades as a professor at Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School make this comprehensive look at broadcast sports especially credible.
Bob Costas, MLB Network Host and Play-by-play Announcer, Former NBC Sports Host and Commentator
"Dennis Deninger has skillfully provided the reader a practical 360-degree look at sports media, which is the epicenter of sports business. Dennis’ experience as a sports broadcast executive, his connections in sport and sports media, and his aptitude for teaching make this book a compelling and educational read. This is sure to be beneficial to all who are in or want to enter the sports industry."
Todd Martin, CEO, International Tennis Hall of Fame
"Dennis Deninger does a detailed dive into the history, impact and grip TV sports has on the American public. Good soldiers know their history. By reading this book those entering the business will have a great understanding of where it has been and where it is potentially going. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about entering the business."
Fred Gaudelli, Executive Producer, NBC Sunday Night Football , Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame class of 2020
"Dennis Deninger really knows his stuff and has unique insight into every aspect of sports broadcasting. From soup to nuts, he has a keen understanding of all the ingredients that go into a successful production and an appreciation for the impact sports broadcasting has had in society. His passion for sports media permeates through this book and he loves nothing more than to share that enthusiasm with others."
Ian Eagle, CBS Sports/ YES Network/ Turner Sports Host and Commentator
"Wondering how sports on TV changed America? Read this book and enter the network broadcast booths and stadiums that altered America’s viewing and spending habits. A fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the most important U.S. business sectors."
Rick Burton, David B. Falk Professor of Sport Management, Syracuse University Former Commissioner, National Basketball League, Australia
"Week in and week out, and more than ever before, live sports is the engine that powers the big business of broadcasting. As one of the industry’s leading innovators who kept that engine running at peak performance over an accomplished Emmy Award-winning career, Dennis Deninger provides unique insider perspectives on the fascinating evolution of sports broadcasting, and on its profound impact on American culture. In Live Sports Media: The What, How, and Why of Sports Broadcasting, you’ll learn about an industry that permeates every corner of society from the very best."
Frank Supovitz, CEO, Fast Traffic Events, Former NFL Senior Vice President
How did broadcasting become such a foundational aspect of professional sports? Dennis Deninger takes you behind the scenes to answer that question and reveal the ins and outs of live sports media. Dennis is a multiple Emmy Award-winning ESPN veteran who has also been honored for excellence in teaching at Syracuse University. He has an impressive command of the sports media industry, and I have seen first-hand how passionately he shares his insights with students. This book is a must for all young, aspiring sports broadcasters.
David Falk, Founder and CEO, FAME, Benefactor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University
"Where was this book when I was fighting to learn about and break into sports broadcasting? Deninger’s energy, enthusiasm, and industry intelligence shine through. This is master’s level reading on the ever-changing world of sports, its broadcast connections and inner workings."
Rob Stone, Fox Sports Host and Commentator
