FanNation - The Republic of Sport

In response to:
Tough times at NFL Films?
There are fewer faces these days around NFL Films, which in part promoted the dinosaurs and the calls of concern. The company laid off 21 of 283 employees earlier this year in the wake of suggestions that its epic style of filmmaking had fallen out of favor with viewers and the NFL's corporate hierarchy, which is focused on pumping up the struggling NFL Network. "It seemed to be sort of an emotional and sentimental thing with people," Steve Sabol said. "They've been calling to ask if we're doing OK." In fact, Sabol said, things are fine. After a year in which the NFL Network seemingly struggled to find a role for NFL Films, the company is developing three new series that will air on Thursday nights this fall.

This is disturbing and disappointing.  I love NFL Films!  The only reason I don't watch them more often is because the NFL Network is not part of basic cable.  Take a hint NFL Network.  You are charging a premium for your channel while it is being constructed.  That is ridiculous.  Especially so in today's economic environment.

Nevertheless, I have had the chance to view your channel.    Why don't you broadcast NFL programming 24 hours of each day?  I would prefer NFL Films to some of the infomercials currently running in the AM.  The network is not an objective source for NFL coverage so why not give me some early fantasy football coverage?

The NFL Network doesn't have to re-invent the wheel.  Take note from some other media outlets.  How about the NFL Network's version of Pimp My Ride or NFL Training with (insert a featured player).  Each of these shows could be used to show another facet of your players as people who would be of interest to young males.  How about a show entitled At Home with (insert a featured player)?  This one could feature players' home lives.  Maybe NFL Wives could focus on players' wives and detail what it takes to be successfully married to an NFL player.  This one would appeal to my wife and probably a large female audience.

All these shows are cheap to produce requiring no writers just producers and camera crews.  This is a win for everyone.  The Network gets programming that is relevant to their audience.  The audience gets closer to the players.  You can grow your female segment.  The players get more camera time to become the full fledged celebrities they aspire to be.

Additionally, none of the footage has to be wasted.  All the excess can be presented on the NFL web site to drive traffic there along with a lot of minute details that the hard core fans of your new found programming will love.  Stuff like what parts and paint went on a player's car.  A printable version of a player's workout and nutrition plan could be presented.  Those added eyes spending more time on your web site can only enhance web advertising revenues.

Lastly, why aren't NFL Awards handed out at the year's end as part of the ProBowl Weekend?  Could you stage some kind of made for television banquet and/or show broadcast on the Network.  It could include a wide array of musical artists and perhaps some other actors and actresses who are NFL fans.

Now that the blueprint for how to build a profitable network based on the sport I love has been provided, it will be interesting to see what happens.  Unfortunately, I already know the answer, but I have more ideas just in case anyone in the League Office is listening.