TMCnet News

DIRECTV and NFL Now Bring Audience To 'The Rich Eisen Show'
[August 15, 2014]

DIRECTV and NFL Now Bring Audience To 'The Rich Eisen Show'


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

DIRECTV and NFL Now are teaming up to launch "The Rich Eisen Show," a new, daily talk show featuring NFL Network's Rich Eisen, which will premiere on Oct. 6 and air exclusively on DIRECTV's Audience (News - Alert) Network from noon to 3 p.m. (EDT).

In addition to Audience Network, "The Rich Eisen Show" will be available digitally on NFL Now, the NFL's next-generation video service, providing fans access to a customized stream of content from the largest digital library of NFL video anywhere across an array of Internet-connected devices.

Originating out of DIRECTV's headquarters in Los Angeles, "The Rich Eisen Show" is a natural progression for the host whose weekly podcast on NFL.com garnered 16 million downloads over its four-year run. In moving to a daily television and digital format, the new show allows Eisen to use his engaging blend of insightful football analysis, with an offbeat mix of humor and pop culture while continuing to attract the most recognizable names in sports and entertainment.

"The Rich Eisen Show" will also be available on DIRECTV's ROOT Sports-branded regional sports networks in Pittsburgh, Denver and Seattle.

"We're looking forward to working with Rich in this new TV format that will really showcase his wit and talent for bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment," said Chris Long, DIRECTV's senior vice president for Original Content and Production. "We think he's one of the best hosts in sports TV and we're thrilled to have him head the new venture."

"I'm thrilled by the opportunity to work with DIRECTV and particularly honored to be following the 'Dan Patrick Show' -- and not just because Dan told me to say that," said Eisen. "I'm equally as elated to stay with NFL Network after all these years and plant the flag for the National Football League in the app world in the same manner I've been fortunate to do on the TV and digital fronts. Plus, after all these years of seeing TV add 10 pounds, I'm hoping phones and tablets will only add 5."

"We are excited to be able to distribute 'The Rich Eisen Show' to fans on NFL Now. Rich's personality and passion for the FL will be an excellent addition to the original and historic content from the very best of NFL Media, the 32 NFL clubs, and NFL Films," said Tom Brady, NFL Media's vice president of Content. "If the growth of Rich's podcast is any indication, this new show will be a 'must watch' for NFL fans around the world."



In addition to the new show, Eisen enters into his 11th season at NFL Network and will continue to host Sunday's Emmy-nominated show NFL GameDay Morning, the most comprehensive NFL pregame show on television, and anchor NFL Network's special on-location coverage of the NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and Super Bowl.

A three-time Sports Emmy nominee in the Outstanding Studio Host category, Eisen was NFL Network's first on-air talent when the network launched in November 2003, and the original host of NFL Total Access, which provides exclusive inside access to all 32 teams, including the latest news, information and live reports coast-to-coast. In 2010, Eisen expanded his presence with the network to include "The Rich Eisen Podcast" on NFL.com which became a staple among athletes, actors, entertainers and football fans across the country. Eisen is represented by CAA.


About DIRECTV

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world's leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 38 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its over 20 million customers access to more than 195 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY (News - Alert) TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 14 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 18 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include two Regional Sports Networks (Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh), and minority ownership interests in Root Sports Northwest and Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.

About NFL Now

NFL Now is NFL Media's next-generation video service, providing fans access to the largest digital library of NFL video anywhere, accessible through apps and browsers across an array of Internet-connected devices. Offered for free with a premium tier, NFL Now allows fans to customize their own video stream of short-form videos and highlights from NFL Media and all 32 NFL clubs.

Through NFL Now, fans can select their favorite NFL teams and players and upload their NFL.com Fantasy roster, and NFL Now dynamically personalizes each fan's viewing experience. In addition to the free version of NFL Now, fans can upgrade their experience to NFL Now Plus which offers the deepest digital NFL highlight experience ever created. Subscribers to NFL Now Plus will have access to instant in-game highlights from each game, as well as the extensive vault of NFL Films shows and documentaries ranging from America's Game to A Football Life.

NFL Now is part of NFL Media which includes NFL Network, NFL.com, NFL Mobile, NFL RedZone, and NFL Films. For more information on NFL Now and NFL Now Plus please visit NFL.com/Now.


[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]