Just sent in from Comcast SportsNet, the local websites of the regional sports networks will be revamped to have them include a local version the NBC SportsTalk web platforms. And there will be local NBC Sports Talk programming integrated into the Comcast SportsNet affiliates in Boston, Mid-Atlantic, Chicago and the Bay Area.
Plus, where there are owned-and-operated NBC affiliates as is the case in Chicago, Washington and San Francisco, there will be synergy between both the local TV stations and the Comcast SportsNet channel.
So NBC Sports is further integrating the Comcast SportsNet affiliates into the Group’s umbrella. We’ll see if this means additional NBC Sports programming on each of the regional sports networks over the next few months.
Here’s the press release which comes from Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.
Comcast Sports Group Launches REDESIGNED LOCAL DIGITAL SPORTS PLATFORMS
Sites’ New Features Include Localized Versions of NBC Sports Talk
PHILADELPHIA (September 14, 2011) – Comcast Sports Group announced a comprehensive redesign of the digital platforms for the company’s regional sports networks. The new sites will feature the debut of localized versions of NBC Sports Talk integrated with the networks’ comprehensive local sports news, opinion and original commentary. CSNPhilly.com will re-launch in September with sites serving Baltimore, Washington, Northern California, Chicago and New England following in October.
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia will launch the revamped CSNPhilly.com in September with the following highlights:
- Local versions of NBC Sport’s successful Talk franchise with Eagles Talk, Phillies Talk, Flyers Talk and Sixers Talk containing continually updated postings from CSNPhilly.com’s Insiders, columnists, staff writers and on-air talent
- The ability to customize the site to feature their favorite teams, writers and social networks
- Enhanced video playback
- Weather forecast and local news provided by WCAU-TV
Since 2010, Comcast Sports Group’s major local sites have each hired team-specific ‘Insider’ correspondents, launched mobile apps, and developed exclusive local online shows and other content. With these and other enhancements, the websites have delivered rapid traffic growth, including a 274% increase in unique visitors from August 2010 to July 2011, according to ComScore.
“Our networks, across multiple platforms, are providing the best local sports experience in the markets we serve,” said Comcast Sports Group Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Eric Grilly. “The new localized ‘SportsTalk’ sites will leverage national NBC sports resources, including ProFootball Talk, Hardball Talk, ProBasketball Talk and ProHockey Talk, by highlighting content that is relevant to fans we serve locally in our markets. We are continuing to make the necessary investments and enhancements to solidify our leadership position and deliver the compelling, relevant and differentiated content that sports fans want.
More coming up later today.
