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TWC Los Angeles Reduces Staff

Jason Barrett

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An unspecified number of layoffs and programming cutbacks have taken place at Time Warner Cable’s El Segundo-based TWC SportsNet —home of the Lakers— SportsNet LA —home of the Dodgers— and TWC Deportes, according to several sources and confirmed by the company this morning.

Details on how many were let go and how it broke down by departments was not detailed. Sources indicated more than 30 people have been let go at Deportes, including all of its on-air talent, meaning no more pre- or post-game shows for the Galaxy or any kind of programming not related to live event coverage.

TWC SportsNet will also cut back on ancillary coverage surrounding the Lakers, Sparks and Galaxy. The Dodgers’ SportsNet LA will stop producing news shows such as Dodgers Clubhouse and Larry King At Bat.

The popular “Backstage” shows, which are produced in-house, will remain, a spokesman said.

A TWC statement on the matter: “We recently made some changes to our programming for Time Warner Cable SportsNet, Time Warner Cable Deportes and SportsNet LA. As we fine-tuned the programming, it naturally meant that we would make some staffing changes as well. Like many other networks, we’re now past the ‘start-up’ stage and we have a greater handle on what our viewers want to see, and how to staff for that.”

TWC SportsNet and the Spanish-language Deportes, owned by TWC, launched in Oct., 2012. The launch of SportsNet LA, owned by the Dodgers and distributed through TWC, came in Feburary, 2014.

In a memo to staff employees, TWC Sports indicated the struggling ratings were the reason for the cutbacks.

Ratings are related to sluggish distribution.

The Dodgers’ SportsNet L.A. continues to struggle creating a carriage deal with main carries such as DirecTV, Dish, Verizon FIOS, AT&T Uverse. Time Warner Cable, recently purchased by Charter, remains the two major distributors in Southern California.

Sources also say that because of the Charter merger with Time Warner Cable, these kind of business moves are not uncommon in the consolidation process.

The Galaxy released a statement: “Time Warner is a valued partner. We’ll continue to work with them to provide the most robust coverage of the Galaxy in LA.”

Credit to the LA Daily News who originally published this story

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Bob Cole, Voice of ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ Has Died

“Thank you for decades of love for his work, love of Newfoundland and love of hockey.”

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Photo of Bob Cole, the voice of Hockey Night in Canada
Credit: Evan Mitsui/CBC

Bob Cole, the legendary voice of ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ has died at the age of 90.

“Thank you for decades of love for his work, love of Newfoundland and love of hockey,” his daughter, Megan Cole, told CBC News. She said her father had been healthy “up until the very end.” 

Cole began his tenure as the play-by-play man on Hockey Night in Canada way back in 1969 when the games were carried by CBC Radio. When HNIC moved to TV in 1973, Cole came along. He was best known for his “Oh, baby!” catchphrase.

Fifty years later, Cole was finally done as a hockey broadcaster. He announced that 2018-19 would be his final season in the booth before the season had begun. April 6, 2019, his career came to an end with a Maple Leafs’ shootout loss to the Montreal Canadians.

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Report: Bill Belichick to Have Recurring Role on ManningCast

The report he also notes there could be a podcast in the works for Belichick through Omaha Productions.

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Pictures of Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Bill Belichick

Last week an ESPN.com report on former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said he was close to signing a deal with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. A new report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic says all signs point to Belichick being a recurring guest on Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, also known as the ManningCast.

Belichick recently announced on The Pat McAfee Show he will take part in their Draft Spectacular on Thursday night for day 1 of the NFL Draft. McAfee has stated on a couple of occasions that he would like to have Belichick as a regular guest on his show, as he has done previously with Aaron Rodgers and Nick Saban.

In Marchand’s report he also notes there could be a podcast in the works for Belichick through Omaha Productions. The Athletic and ESPN have previously reported Belichick is also writing a book which will focus on leadership.

So, while not coaching this season, Belichick looks to stay very busy. Those close to the second winningest NFL head coach of all time, believe his plans are to be back on the sidelines next season.

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Joy Taylor, MJ Acosta-Ruiz to Co-Host Fuse Media ‘Like a Girl’ Series

“We remain steadfast in our mission to create and distribute content that ignites the ambitions of the next generation of trailblazing women.”

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Joy Taylor, MJ Acosta-Ruiz
Courtesy: Fuse Media

Fuse Media is embarking on a second season of Like A Girl, which includes conversations with athletes, executives and coaches who own the aforementioned phrase. The series grants viewers perspectives regarding issues that women face on and off the field, including equal pay, mental and reproductive health and race inequality. The company named Joy Taylor and MJ Acosta-Ruiz the hosts of the show, building off their chemistry that began with a friendship while attending Barry University.

Taylor and Acosta-Ruiz are also executive producers of the show, which will premiere over the summer. Outside of her work with Fuse Media, Taylor is the host of Speak on FOX Sports 1 featuring LeSean McCoy, Emmanuel Acho and James Jone. Additionally, she co-hosts the Two Personal lifestyle podcast with Taylor Rooks. Acosta-Ruiz is the host of NFL Total Access and co-host of the El Huddle Podcast through NFL Media. Moreover, she works with women’s empowerment groups including A Seat at the Table and aspires to continue amplifying voices of marginalized communities.

Previous guests on the show have included Olympic medalist April Ross, WNBA player Angel McCoughtry and Paralympic three-time champion Anastasia Pagonis. The first season of the series was a six-part program that was previously hosted by Beija Marie Velez that premiered last March.

In addition to the return of Like A Girl, Fuse Media has announced the creation of She Leads, a series of short-form videos that aim to inspire the next generation to shatter glass ceilings. The series will be focusing on highlighting the women who break barriers and subsequently inspire others. The short-form videos are aimed to connect with social media-focused audiences and encourage women to advocate for themselves and defy stereotypes.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to create and distribute content that ignites the ambitions of the next generation of trailblazing women,” Tania Campos, head of affiliate marketing and special projects at Fuse Media, said in a statement. “By amplifying women’s voices, we not only celebrate their leadership but also catalyze meaningful action through an engaging mentorship series, impactful narratives, and entertaining content.”

Last week, Fuse Media agreed to a partnership with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and the El Rey Rebel FAST Channel to start a Friday Night Fight series set to commence on Friday, May 3 at 8 p.m. EST. The series will look back at memorable fights of the past, including De La Hoya’s bout against Luis Ramon “Yori Boy” Campas.

On the following Saturday, May 11, the company will air Combate Global MMA, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise that is exclusive to Fuse Media in English. Lucero “La Loba” Acosta will square off against Alejandra “Azul” Lara in a three-round flyweight main event live from Miami airing on Fuse at a start time to be determined.

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