Inside ESPN’s Push Toward Narrative Podcasts and Shows
ESPN recently promoted former sports reporter Pablo Torre to host its flagship show, “The ESPN Daily” podcast, the network’s latest move to grow original narrative podcasts based on investigative journalism. Narrative, story-driven podcasts and shows that rely on ongoing reporting, are a safe bet for ESPN, which, for the first time in its 41-year history, lacks a reliable schedule of sports programming thanks to COVID-19. Tom Ricks, ESPN vice president of audio, digital strategy and marketing, told TheWrap that the company’s podcast division is prioritizing content that intersects with ESPN’s existing broadcast programming. Torre, who began writing for ESPN’s website in 2012 after a stint working for Sports Illustrated, said he plans to run “The ESPN Daily” podcast like a news magazine show that will showcase diverse voices. He takes the mantle of host from Mina Kimes, who will run her own show for ESPN. “I love the show. I love its creative and journalistic potential,” Torre said. “I see ‘The ESPN Daily’ podcast as having a lot of potential in terms of being a kind of news magazine.” Both Torre and Ricks said “The ESPN Daily” podcast will utilize new and existing reporting by ESPN staff to fill the...
Read original story Inside ESPN’s Push Toward Narrative Podcasts and Shows At TheWrap
