Continuing to sign programming for inventory on both NBC and NBC Sports Network, we find this announcement from the NBC Sports Group that Sports Illustrated magazine will partner to create a new TV newsmagazine. This will air monthly on either NBC Sports Network or NBC. The first edition will premiere on July 24, just three days before the Olympics.
Various SI writers and reporters will appear on the program. No host has been named as of yet.
Here’s the NBC announcement.
“SPORTS ILLUSTRATED”, AN HOUR-LONG SPORTS MAGAZINE TV SHOW, SET TO PREMIERE JULY 24 ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK
New York, NY (July 2, 2012) – The NBC Sports Group and the Time Inc. Sports Group will partner to produce “Sports Illustrated,” presented by Lexus, a monthly, hour-long sports magazine TV show. The announcement was made today by Jon Miller, President of Programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network and Time Inc. Sports Group President Mark Ford. It was also announced that Lexus will be the program’s presenting sponsor.
“Sports Illustrated” debuts Tuesday, July 24, 9:00 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. The show will deliver the magazine’s DNA of award-winning storytelling through feature segments, original reporting and commentary from SI’s trusted journalists. It will also tap into the SI Vault to spotlight great stories from the past, updating our favorite characters and events. Emmy Award-winning Red Line Films has been tapped to produce the show
“Sports Illustrated is an iconic brand and the gold standard in long-form journalism,” said Miller. This programming fits incredibly well with our rich history of storytelling, and partnering with Sports Illustrated for this show adds even more quality programming to NBC Sports Group’s growing portfolio.”
The premiere episode will air just three days prior to the Opening Ceremony from the 2012 London Games with subsequent new episodes originating on either NBC Sports Network or NBC. At least one featured subject from the show will be chronicled in the magazine’s current issue and additional editorial vehicles across SI.com and NBCSports.com will surround and amplify each new episode.
“This is an exciting opportunity to further expand Sports Illustrated storytelling beyond the magazine and our digital offerings,” says Ford. “We have a terrific partner in the NBC Sports Group and are incredibly optimistic about the show’s potential for our franchise and for sports fans.”
“Sports Illustrated’s writing and photography have been intrinsically tied to television sports coverage for nearly 60 years,” said Terry McDonell, Time Inc. Sports Group Editor. “Working with the NBC Sports Group and Red Line Films takes us to a new level.”
The following is the show’s schedule (All times ET):
Episode #1 July 24 9:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Episode #2 September 12 9:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Episode #3 October 13 2:30 p.m. NBC Sports
Episode #4 November 3 2:30 p.m. NBC Sports
Episode #5 December 13 9:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
More later.
