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In the free-for-all for global media domination, regional sports networks (RSNs) are the not-so-hidden jewels. Why? We can crunch and project the numbers. But what are the underlying reasons behind the numbers?
Five fundamental facts why the media winner is the one with the most RSNs:
- Lean-In Factor: Longtime friend and former General Manager at Fox Sports Southwest, Jon Heitdke, once said, "We have the lean-in factor." Most everything else we watch on TV is more recliner-worthy than edge-of-the-seat. Why do we lean in?
Getty - Passion: Across the country, you may (not) be a fan of America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys. But if you are from the Dallas-Ft.Worth market and love basketball, baseball or hockey, you follow, watch and listen to all things Mavericks, Rangers or Stars, respectively. Within the region, fans devote heart, mind, body and soul to the team--feeling they can't live without them--providing the lean-in factor. You may love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but you'd get over it if it went on hiatus or they moved the show from Amazon to Netflix. Not so much when the league goes on strike or they move your team to another city.
- Reality: Why do people watch reality shows that aren't even close to reality? Consider The Bachelor. Nearly 100% of viewers will never have 30 models available to date in one lifetime, let alone one season. No one believes the best way to find a spouse is via nationally broadcast faux dating scenarios. But, we watch. Why? Because of the uncertainty and complexity in the outcome. When RSN fans say, "Can you believe that?" it's that something truly amazing happened in real time to players they've seen or even met in person, not dismay that Nick chose Vanessa over Raven.
- Identity: Passionate fans of RSN teams identify themselves accordingly. Roam the streets home to any Fox regional network. You'll find plenty of people wearing hats, shirts, jerseys and jackets from the Diamondbacks, Coyotes and Suns in Phoenix or from the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings in Detroit. The identities of these teams say something about the fans; who they are, where they're from, and what they stand for. You might wear a Home Alone themed shirt, but we're not clear what that says about you.
- Heroes: Super hero characters and movies rule the box office, home video and toy stores. Most of us realize these are made up, cosplay popularity notwithstanding. The same way we identify with the hero in movies, RSN fans identify with players who act out--in real life--the courage, skills and attitudes most admired in society. Because the RSNs broadcast local games of teams covered in-depth by local media, viewers learn much about the players' individual lives, their families, their struggles, and their achievements. When Adrian Beltre retired last week, Texas Rangers fans felt like they lost a personal friend. Or at least I did.
