First Take is making the move from ESPN 2 to ESPN at the beginning of the year and there was a lot of speculation on why that move was made.
I had an opportunity to speak to ESPN’s Vice President Audio network content David Roberts who is overseeing First Take’s transition.
Mr. Roberts has been in the news and sports media industry for over 25 years including being the first black news director in Atlanta back in 1996, so he is someone who has seen all the various changes in our industry.
RL: What was the motivation for moving First take to ESPN?
DR: The process has been in the works long before I came along. it is about leveraging the strengths of the company and its highest profile programs.
RL: What do you say about people who say First Take was only moved to ESPN because of Skip Bayless moving to FS1?
DR: It is just smart business to pay attention to what is going on in the competitive landscape. The bottom line is we aren’t reacting, it is an overall strategic plan for what is best for the company.
RL: What are your thoughts on the show now that Skip is gone and it is Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman?
DR: Stephen A. Smith is one of the most dynamic sports personalities in the media industry and his work ethic is unmatched, he is a tremendous asset who delivers results.
Max Kellerman is no stranger to sports, he’s hosted a successful radio program and SportsNation. We will continue to encourage for Max to Max and not try to emulate Skip Bayless.
RL: As you were going through the business, what was some of the struggles did you have as an African-American in the business and what advice would you give young people of color and women trying to make it in this industry.
DR: The reality is as person of color or a woman in this industry you have to work harder, smarter and distinguish yourself, so you don’t seem like a quota number. Always come to the table well prepared, with points of differentiation and lead by example.
What I would say to other african-americans in media is try make a difference, don’t forget where you came from and help other people along the way.
RL: Do you feel ESPN has set a good example of hiring minorities and women?
DR: ESPN has set a clear leadership position of putting people of color and women in high-profile positions. Projects like the Undefeated some people would call a risky move, but it underscores the commitment that ESPN has towards diversity.
RL: How do you feel about First Take in speaking out racial, social, political issues?
DR: First Take will not run away from social topics. We will always make an effort to be balanced and bring in people who will make sure all angles are covered. Everything we do will have a foundation of journalism.
DR: What do you say to the people who believe that First Take has lost some journalistic credibility and it is more about fluff and entertainment?
DR: The opinions are rooting in the basis of facts which comes from strong journalism standards. For those who say the show has veered away from journalism, we know what the mission is for the program, what makes a successful program and we will continue meet the expectation of the company.
Mr. Roberts really shed a lot of light on what goes on behind the curtain of ESPN, so I think you will enjoy it.
Go to 37 minute mark of the podcast for the full interview.
https://soundcloud.com/dripdrophour/kanye-crazy-joe-mixon-punch-stupid-bowls-interview-with-espn-david-roberts-more-ep-54#t=36:45
Here is some more information about some of the changes that will happen at ESPN at the beginning of the year.
First Take, ESPN’s lively weekday morning studio debate show featuring Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and host Molly Qerim, will move to ESPN at 10 a.m. ET beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. The live two-hour program will continue to focus on the most compelling and entertaining topics of the day from the world of sports.
The two hours of SportsCenter currently airing on ESPN from 10 a.m. – noon will move to ESPN2, also on January 3. SportsCenter Face to Face, an interview-based program hosted by Hannah Storm, will air from 10 – 11 a.m.
The two-hour SportsCenter Coast to Coast, hosted by David Lloyd in Bristol and Cari Champion in Los Angeles, will air from 11 a.m. – noon on ESPN2. The second hour of SportsCenter Coast to Coast will remain on ESPN, with the exception of January 3 – 6 when the final week of His & Hers, hosted by Jemele Hill and Michael Smith, will air on ESPN from noon – 1 p.m. Hill and Smith will become co-anchors of the 6 p.m. SportsCenter on ESPN beginning February 6, 2017.