|
Update: September 26, 2006
The scheduled broadcast time for episode #8 (Finals) of WSOD program series, has been changed. It is now
scheduled to air Friday, September 29th at 3:00 PM on ESPN2.
*************************
Sighting poor initial viewer ratings, ESPN has pulled the World Series of Darts programming
from its original prime time slot on ESPN-1, and have now relegated it to limited, off-hour broadcast positions on their lesser-viewed sister channel ESPN-2.
(New schedule times/dates shown below.)
“The ratings were the bottom line” commented WSOD Series Producer, David Cook of Embassy
Row, “the executives at EOE (ESPN Original Entertainment) were very happy with the production of the show, but not enough people were watching.
This happens in television; it was a very competitive time slot. Basically we came after SportsCenter which rates over a 1.0 rating regularly (approximately one million viewers), and then into Poker which also rates around 1.0. The WSOD premiered at approximately a .43, then starting sliding for episodes 2 and 3 respectively.”
“Of course, there are a number of different things that hurt us,” Cook said,
“one, in particular, was our West Coast air time of 4:00 PM, which really pulled down the overall rating. And, of course, no Americans won, save for Johnny. In truth, America can't be expected to go crazy for darts overnight...”
Commenting on the news of the revised broadcast schedule, Jay Tomlinson, publisher of Bull’s-Eye News magazine, added, “To say that we were disappointed to learn of this programming change would be a truly gross understatement; this is decidedly not good news for the dart players, avid fans and the 300,000+ viewers who were tuning in every week. But, to be perfectly honest, it was also not an entirely unexpected turn of events. As we have been saying from the very beginning, the television ratings game is a tricky business, and breaking in any kind of new programming on TV is always an uphill climb.”
“Sure, it would have been fantastic if the initial episodes of the WSOD programming had been
an unequivocal hit, but that would have made it the exception and not the rule in the world of broadcast television here in America. Breakthroughs like this
always take time. Even a phenomenal hit like the World Series of Poker was not an overnight hit.”
“In terms of the big picture, we can’t lose sight of the fact that, while this is
disappointing news, it doesn’t change the fact that the inaugural WSOD has been a complete success and still represents a major breakthrough for darts in North
America. It’s just a start, and a great one at that. Add a bit more promotion next year, a few minor production changes, more seasoned American players to toe
the line, and a high-profile presenting sponsor for the 2007 series and we still have a recipe for a major TV success.”
“In other words, we’re just get started...” Tomlinson said.
Editors Note: Reader “To-Do’s”
First, make note of the new broadcast schedule below and reset those VCRs and DVRs; you won’t
want to miss a minute of the action in the remaining episodes!
Secondly (and just as importantly), before you log off today —RIGHT NOW—
click here and tell ESPN’s programming department how you feel about this hasty programming change! Tell them you’ve been watching and want to continuing doing
so! Tell them you want MORE darts on TV! 
ESPN Revised World Series of Darts Broadcast Schedule:
Episode 1 - Thursday 10 August, 2:00 PM
Episode 2 - Thursday 10 August, 3:00 PM
Episode 3 - Thursday 10 August, 4:00 PM
Episode 4 - Thursday 10 August, 5:00 PM
ESPN-2
Episode 4 - Friday 18 August, 12:00 AM
Episode 5 - Tuesday 05 September, 3:00 PM
Episode 6 - Wednesday 06 September, 3:00 PM
Episode 7 - Tuesday 12 September, 2:00 AM
Episode 8 - Monday 25 September, 4:00 PM
Episode 8 - Friday 29 September, 3:00 PM
There are currently no confirmed repeats scheduled.
Related News:
ESPN Premiere: Darts in Prime Time
A Call to Action: Tell ESPN You’re Watching
Official ESPN Program Schedule Information @ ESPNTV.com
World Series of Darts Expanded Coverage Web site
Spoiler Warning: Our “Special Coverage” Web site includes detailed news and event results. If
you’d prefer to hang on the edge of your seat throughout the ESPN broadcasts, DO NOT visit this site now!
|
