ESPN has lost 3.2 million subscribers in a year, according to Nielsen. To put that in perspective, Netflix added 3.3 million subscribers in three months. ESPN reaches 92.9 million households, but with streaming services becoming readily available, subscribers are finding it easier to cut the cord. As a result, ESPN has seen cuts to some of it’s more controversial personalities. First, it was Bill Simmons, then Scott Van Pelt exited, then Keith Olbermann, and now the latest victim: Colin Cowherd. With major networks shifting their approach to on-air talent, folks may wonder, where will Keith Olbermann and others end up next? Lets cross our fingers and hope they end up on HBO.
These types of commentary are what guys like Olbermann and Simmons live for. Olbermann challenged NFL Commissioner Roger Gooddell numerous times during his show and even criticized Penn State university students, calling them “pitiful”; Olbermann was suspended 4 days for his Penn State comments as well. Simmons is currently in talks with HBO for a show. In the era of challenging “the status quo” and promoting creative approaches to commentary, let’s hope HBO has been paying attention and can find a spot for Olbermann or Scott Van Pelt in their weekend lineup as well.
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