Meadowlark Media today announced that Jemele Hill and Michael Schur will join the content shop as creative advisers to company founders John Skipper and Dan Le Batard.
In this role, these award-winning creators will participate in idea generation for new Meadowlark projects, provide guidance and feedback on in-progress projects, and assist in business development efforts on an ongoing basis.
“This is a partnership that made too much sense. Skipper was one of my biggest champions while at ESPN and I have such deep, unconditional respect for Dan and greatly admire his boundless creativity,” said Hill. “At this stage in my career, I just want to be aligned with creative people who are like-minded. That doesn’t mean we always have to agree, but there is a core belief system that we share. This partnership checks every box for me.”
Through her production company, Lodge Freeway Media, Hill will provide Meadowlark with a first look on all sports-related projects.
“Three years ago, I flew to Miami to write an article about Dan, Stu, and the Shipping Container of Frightened Refugees responsible for the best sports radio show in America,” said Schur. “At the end of the experience I found myself convinced that they have built something very special – both with the issues they discuss and the way they discuss them.
“Also, at the end of the trip I woke up in an abandoned jai alai court, tied to an old wicker chair, bruised and groggy. Dan and Mike Ryan were shining a bright light into my eyes; Mike had a toothpick in his mouth. In the corner, a Rottweiler was gnawing on what looked like a human femur. All I remember is them telling me that ‘we were all going into business together’ and that I ‘should think very carefully about what I did next.’ So I can’t wait to embark on this new exciting venture, Meadowlark Media, and I am grateful that both I and my family are safe.”
In January, Skipper and Le Batard announced the formation of Meadowlark, a new content company with a creator-centric point of view. Meadowlark will partner with industry-leading storytellers on a variety of content projects with an initial focus on sports.
“We’re quite lucky to have such talented and accomplished people believe in the Meadowlark vision,” said Skipper. “With Jemele and Michael on board, we hope to establish an environment that provides creators with the ideal place to develop, sell and produce their career’s best work.”
“All I want to do the rest of my career is make cool things with friends, laughing with them and learning from them,” said Le Batard. “We’ve been awed by the credentials of the people who are eager to create with us. It’s inspiring, and I’m several exit ramps beyond thrilled that these industry leaders want to be on our team. Jemele is a pioneer in our industry who has trailblazed and been an inspiration, and Michael’s smart comedy stretches across comedy from writing for Saturday Night Live and The Office to creating Parks and Recreation and The Good Place. So let the laughing and learning commence.”