TV Writers' Strike Could Put Mixed Martial Arts on Network Television
FanHouse —
Filed under: Fighting, MMAThe Writers Guild of America's strike is causing much of network television to shut down, and the sport of mixed martial arts could benefit from it. Media Daily News is reporting that NBC might join forces with an MMA organization to put together some shows, either in prime time or late night, during time slots that ordinarily would have gone to scripted programming. The best option might be to have MMA during the time slot that currently goes to Saturday Night Live, which will be in reruns until its writers return to work. Meanwhile, UFC is reportedly talking to CBS about putting some of its shows on ...
Report: NBC interested in broadcasting MMA
Five Ounces of Pain —
The website MediaDailyNews is reporting that NBC is the latest major network to express an interest in televising mixed martial arts in light of the current writers strike in Hollywood that has halted production of most major scripted television shows.
With the writer’s strike expected to become protracted, major networks are exploring various programming alternatives. The networks will start running out of fresh shows early next year, at which time it is anticipated that viewers will start being presented with increased offerings of reality television and sports telecasts.
One of the top sports options being explored by major networks in ...
Report: UFC-CBS Deal Could Be Closed This Week
MMAjunkie.com Articles —
UFC programming could soon air on CBS — real, network TV — and the announcement could come this week.
The report comes from David Goetzl of MediaPost Publications, who reports that a UFC-CBS deal is apparently in the final stages. Additionally, he reports that NBC is also now looking into airing MMA content of its own.
Why the change of heart? Has network TV really warmed up to the idea of airing mixed-martial arts in prime-time slots? Not necessarily. The networks are simply working on contingency plans in case the current Hollywood-writers’ strike continues long-term.
The strike, which includes more than 12,000 writers, is directed ...
NBC, CBS Considering MMA Programing
MMAFrenzy.com —
According to reports both NBC and CBS (and likely other major cable channels as well) are considering adding MMA to their lineup. The move is a response to a recent writers strike which has put many sitcoms on indefinite hiatus and sent television stations scrambling to find new programming to fill the void. Most companies are eying additional reality shows and sports programming, which require no script writing, as a temporary solution while contract negotiations continue.
The UFC is reportedly in extensive discussions with CBS to air specials on the network beginning in early-2008. CBS and Spike TV, who recently signed a major multi-year deal with the UFC, are both ...
