Many sporting organizations have been well known for their resistance to new media and Web-based technologies; however, times are quickly changing. The NBA and Turner Sports (a broadcaster for the NBA) are teaming up to offer new technologies like live streaming chats, mobile updates, and live Twitter updates.
It appears that both organizations know where the future is headed, and they want to adjust their approach to how media coverage is done. Utilizing tools like Twitter and Facebook while encouraging the interaction of their fans in Web-based chats is an excellent way to do this. Fans will also be able to check out up to four cameras that are always following the action in the announcer’s booth or the basketball players themselves.
The Dan Patrick Show (available on DirecTV’s 101 Network) — while not a sporting organization, has a die-hard following of sports fans — has already embraced these technologies by offering live chats, polls, and even a live streaming after-show. Needless to say, these fans of the show are totally engrossed, if not obsessed, with this content. If it can work for a single radio and TV broadcaster, it surely can work for Turner Sports and the NBA.
President of Turner Sports David Levy discussed the plans to Reuters in an interview:
Our consumer may not be near a television set, so we want to have them have access to what’s happening whether it be on Twitter or broadband. It’s about engagement with all of our different platforms.
This is a great stance for the NBA to take, and it really allows the fans to get involved with the sports the are so passionate about. It’s just a shame that it has taken this long for these organizations to catch on to the demand.
If you want to see for yourself, check out TNT’s NBA coverage on Thursday night.
As reported by Reuters
