FOX Sports Detroit Plus has established itself as a robust second channel, running 24/7 since launching in 2007. Regularly scheduled from November through April, when the summer months hit, FSD+ looks to provide new and unique programming compared to what is on FOX Sports Detroit. With its HD capability and distribution, FSD looks for ways to remind operators why FSD+ is important during these off-peak months.
One of the programs FSD+ provided this year was exclusive live coverage of batting practice for both teams on four select dates during the Detroit Tigers season. The first date (June 1) was rained out. The special broadcast was available in high-definition on FOX Sports Detroit PLUS and provided viewers with a unique experience of being at the ballpark as doors open to see batting practice.
Justin White (@JustinWhite33), Dana Wakiji (@FSDwakiji), Dave Hogg (@stareagle) shared responsibilities of providing commentary on Twitter during BP using the #TigersBP hashtag.
Here were the dates we utilized the live coverage of BP:
· Wednesday, June 6 – vs. Cleveland
· Tuesday, August 7 – vs. Yankees
· Saturday, August 18 – vs. Orioles (rating .11)
· Saturday, September 1 – vs. White Sox
While ratings didn’t prove a huge success, this experiment is a work in progress. What we learned was:
· It needs to happen more consistently
· Fans appreciated the extra coverage:
o Facebook post from a fan: How long has FSD+ been showing live Tigers batting practice...haha. Better question is why am I watching it? They should do it every game. For some reason I can’t stop watching it.
What we plan to do for the future:
· Build on the marketing
· Look into online capabilities (could be a rights issue)
o Could increase viewership during the week with people at work
· Experiment more with social media
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