REGIONAL SPORTS PRODUCTION SUMMIT
TITLE SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
CASE STUDY SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
SVGRSPS
The Essential Event Labor Management Platform and Mobile App.
Seamless, connected and dependable, ProCrewz® is the digital evolution of event labor management.
Made for event pros, by event pros.
ProCrewz® was created by the experts behind North America’s #1 live event labor management firm - Program Productions - and reduces field overtime by 10% nationally and so much more. Learn more at ProCrewz.com.
REGIONAL SPORTSPRODUCTION SUMMIT SVGRSPS
AGENDA
Day 1 | Wednesday, June 28
5:00 p.m. REGISTRATION OPENS SPONSORED BY
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION in Technology Showcase Area
SPONSORED BY
Day 2 | Thursday, June 29
8:00 – 8:50 a.m. NETWORKING BREAKFAST in Technology Showcase Area
SPONSORED BY
8:50 – 9:00 a.m. DAY 2 WELCOMING REMARKS PRESENTED BY
PRESENTED BY: Scott West, Program Productions, CEO
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. OPENING PRESENTATION: How to Weather Uncertainty in a Rapidly Changing RSN Marketplace
As multiple RSN groups face financial difficulties due to the rapidly changing economics of the regional-sports business, the industry finds itself at a turning point. Leading industry consultant John Kosner, who previously managed ESPN’s streaming operations and helped guide the NBA’s TV strategy and media operations, offers up advice on how RSNs can weather the looming storm.
PRESENTER: John Kosner, Kosner Media, President
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. PRODUCTION PERSPECTIVES:
New Workflows for a New Era of Regional Sports Production
As RSNs navigate the unprecedented headwinds currently facing the industry, innovation has become the name of the game. Hear from regional-sportsproduction leaders on the pertinent issues facing their sector as the business undergoes seismic change on multiple fronts.
MODERATOR: Jon Slobotkin, NBC Sports Regional Networks, SVP, Content and Live Programming
PANELISTS:
Kenny Elcock, NESN, VP of Engineering
Ron Gralnik, Bally Sports, VP, Production
A.J. Ponsiglione, Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, Senior Coordinating Producer, Live Events and Special Projects
Debby Schneider, Marquee Sports Network, SVP, Broadcast Operations
Mike Webb, YES Network, VP, Broadcast Operations and Engineering
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. CASE STUDY:
Breaking it Down – Discover How NBC Sports Chicago Uses
PIERO Sports Analysis to Draw Fans Deeper into the Game
Learn how NBC Sports Chicago has used sports graphics solutions from Ross Video, including its industry-leading PIERO Sports Analysis tool, to tell viewers a more compelling story on-air. With PIERO, NBC Sports Chicago can add industry-leading graphics and effects to more than 20 of the world’s most popular major sports.
PRESENTERS:
Kevin Anderson, NBC Sports Chicago, Director, Studio Content
Bradley Wasilition, Ross Video, Business Development Manager, PIERO Sports Analysis
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. NETWORKING BREAK in Technology Showcase Area
11:15 – 11:45 a.m.
KEYNOTE CONVERSATION:
Inside Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s RSN Relaunch
Later this year, Monumental Sports & Entertainment — the owner of the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and Capitals, and Capital One Arena — is planning a major rebrand and investment in NBC Sports Washington, the RSN it fully acquired from Comcast in 2022. Monumental leaders take the stage to offer a sneak peek at their plans for a new two-story production facility, game broadcasts, live-streaming, alternative feeds, and more.
MODERATOR: Jason Dachman, SVG, Chief Editor and Program Director, SVG Regional Sports Production Summit
SPEAKERS:
Friday Abernethy, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, GM, Network
Zach Leonsis, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, President of Media & New Enterprises
Charlie Myers, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, CTO
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. THE STATE OF LABOR PRESENTED BY PROGRAM PRODUCTIONS
RSNs find themselves searching desperately for talented engineers and production crews to work the thousands of regional broadcasts they deliver each year. Broadcast-production-labor-services provider Program Productions presents an overview of the state of the current market, how it has evolved, and what to expect in the future.
MODERATOR: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
PRESENTERS:
Robert Carzoli, Program Productions, Chairman
Jess Kowatch, Program Productions, EVP, Operations and COO
Scott West, Program Productions, President and CEO
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. NETWORKING LUNCH in Technology Showcase Area
1:15 – 2:00 p.m. DIGITAL PERSPECTIVES: DTC, Authenticated Streaming, and Instant Highlights
As consumer viewing habits evolve and carriage disputes become more frequent, RSNs are looking for new ways to deliver live games and original content directly to consumers. RSN leaders discuss best practices in designing a live-streaming app, sharing instant highlights with fans, enhancing fan interactivity, and differentiating the digital experience.
MODERATOR: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital
PANELISTS:
Michael Allen, Bally Sports, Chief Product Officer
Eric Black, Edgio, CTO and General Manager
Daniel Pesce, WSC Sports, Business Development, North America
Mike Schabel, KISWE, Chief Strategy Officer
David Schafer, MSG Networks, SVP, Product, Technology & Operations
2:00 – 2:35 p.m. NETWORKING BREAK in Technology Showcase Area
2:35 – 3:15 p.m. TECHNOLOGY PERSPECTIVES: Facilities Providers and Tech Vendors Sound Off
From high-speed and shallow-depth-of-field cameras to augmented reality and virtual graphics to next-gen viewer-engagement tools, get a look at the most exciting tech toys being deployed by RSNs to enhance fans’ viewing experience.
MODERATOR: Jason Dachman, SVG, Chief Editor and Program Director, SVG Regional Sports Production Summit
PANELISTS:
Nick Garvin, Mobile TV Group, COO
Greg Macchia, Riedel Communications, VP of Business Development, Live Production
Josh Stoner, Canon, Senior Specialist, Product Management Team, Broadcast and Cinema Lenses
Jared Timmins, Diversified, VP of Media Innovation
3:15 – 4:00 p.m. FROM BETCAST TO KIDSCAST AND BEYOND: How Alternate Presentations Are Changing the Regional Sports Production Game
RSNs across the country have begun producing alternative broadcasts of live games in an effort to draw new demographics to their broadcasts. Regional-sportsproduction leaders will discuss how they incorporate new content into their broadcasts, how they’re using gamification to engage viewers, and more.
MODERATOR: Kristian Hernández, SVG, Senior Editor
PANELISTS:
Jared Boshnack, YES Network, VP, Production
Jeff Byle, Bally Sports Detroit, VP/Executive Producer
Brian Josephs, Sportradar, Regional Head of Sales, U.S.
Kevin Marotta, MSG Networks, SVP, Marketing and Content Strategy
John Schippman, NBCUniversal Chicago, VP of Sports Content
SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY
PRESENTED BY SPONSORED BY
SEE IT. LOVE IT.
REPLAY IT.
REPLAY FOR EVERYBODY, EVERYWHERE – EVEN IN THE CLOUD.
Simplylive SloMo and RiMotion are easy-to-install replay solutions that can be implemented almost instantly in broadcast environments of any scale. They streamline traditional and modern workflows and provide real-time performance, even when working remotely or operating in the cloud.
riedel.net
REGIONAL SPORTSPRODUCTION SUMMIT SVGRSPS
FRIDAY ABERNETHY, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, GM, Network
Abernethy is a strategic dealmaker with high-impact media experience and a proven ability to inspire, grow, and reimagine businesses. An innovative and collaborative leader known for meeting industry disruption head-on, Abernethy has managed billion-dollar revenue streams, reimagined long-time partnerships, and transformed business models to reflect technological advances.
JOHN KOSNER, Kosner Media, President
Kosner is an internet pioneer and four-decade veteran of sports media. Today, he is an investor and advisor in sports tech startups and president of Kosner Media, a digital media and sports consultancy. In 2018, Kosner and the late NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern created Micromanagement Ventures, a portfolio of sports technology start-ups focused on media, betting, and player health.
SPEAKER BIOS
MICHAEL ALLEN, Bally Sports, Chief Product Officer
Allen is responsible for the Bally Sports digital portfolio across multiple media platforms. He oversees all aspects of Bally Sports digital products, including Bally Sports+, the direct-to-consumer subscription service available to fans in all Bally Sports regional markets.
KEVIN ANDERSON, NBC Sports Chicago, Director, Studio Content
Anderson oversees all studio production for NBC Sports Chicago, rights holders for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. Over the past 19 years, has held roles as Associate Producer, Producer, Coordinating Producer, Manager, and now Director.
ERIC BLACK, Edgio, CTO and General Manager, Media
Black joined Edgio in 2023 to lead the company’s Media division. A 20+-year veteran of the digital video/live streaming industry, Black leads the company’s growth in delivering the highest quality linear, live, and on-demand video experiences.
JEFF BYLE, Bally Sports Detroit, VP/Executive Producer
Byle has spent over 28 years in the sports television industry, starting in 1995 as part of the original production team that launched the Golf Channel in Orlando, FL. He went on to be part of the original staff for Fox Sports Detroit, where he served as a live event producer/ coordinating producer for nine years. He returned in 2016.
ROBERT CARZOLI, Program Productions, Chairman
For over two full decades, Carzoli has overseen the astronomical growth of Program Productions, XLT Management Services, ProCrewz, and Kingsbridge Shared Services. Today, these entities make up the industry’s largest labor management group.
NICK GARVIN, Mobile TV Group, COO
Garvin is the chief operating officer for Mobile TV Group (MTVG). This includes all strategic partnerships, management of all day-today operations for its mobile unit fleet covering over 4,000 live events annually, and its audio/video manufacturing facility.
RON GRALNIK, Bally Sports, VP, Production
Gralnik has been with Bally Sports/ Diamond Sports Group, previously FOX Sports Net since 1996. He is responsible for national management and oversight for over 3,000 MLB and NHL broadcasts annually across their regional network.
KENNY ELCOCK, NESN, VP of Engineering
Elcock is responsible for designing and integrating network systems, as well as delivering quality programming and an enhanced gametime experience for viewers and fans of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins.
ZACH LEONSIS, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, President of Media & New Enterprises
Leonsis oversees all of Monumental’s media operations, team rights agreements, and media revenues. Both NBCSW and Monumental Sports Network report directly into Leonsis. In addition, he also oversees all corporate development activities which include M&A, venture capital, and private equity investment opportunities. Leonsis led the acquisition of NBCSW into Monumental and also led additional investments into companies including Team Liquid, Epic Games, Niantic, Dapper Labs, and more.
CHARLIE MYERS, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, CTO
Myers oversees a new department inclusive of information technology, engineering, cyber security, digital development, new technologies & innovation projects, and other critical technology needs. Myers joined Monumental from Sirius XM where he served as vice president and general manager of Media & Development Engineering.
BRIAN JOSEPHS, Sportradar, Regional Head of
Sales, U.S.
Josephs leads revenue and client strategy across all U.S. media and technology clients and partners, who are focused on addressing changing fan engagement patterns due to an increased demand for streaming and interactive solutions, as well as personalized content.
JESS KOWATCH, Program Productions, EVP, Operations and COO
With over 14 years of experience managing projects, Kowatch has served with Program Productions since 2015. Some of her seniorlevel direction duties relate to client resource allocation and communication directives, new business development, national training initiatives, and assisting with labor union negotiations.
GREG MACCHIA, Riedel Communications, VP of Business Development, Live Production
Macchia has 25+ years of experience in the live broadcast production industry. Before joining Simplylive in 2017 to manage the region, he was the SVP, Americas for EVS Broadcast Equipment where he spent over 18 years building the Americas sales and technical operations.
KEVIN MAROTTA, MSG Networks, SVP, Marketing and Content Strategy
Marotta oversees all on and off-air marketing and promotional activities of MSG Networks brands, as well as the development, integration, and implementation of cross-platform content strategies. In this role, Marotta also oversees MSG Networks’ programming and digital initiatives, and has been integral in the design and execution of MSG+.
DANIEL PESCE, WSC Sports, Business Development, North America
Pesce is a team lead in the business development group at WSC Sports. He creates partnerships that harness the power of AI with partners such as AT&T, NFL, and YES Network. His passion for sports tech has spanned his 10+ year career in the industry.
A.J. PONSIGLIONE, Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA, Senior Coordinating Producer, Live Events and Special Projects
Ponsiglione oversees live events and special projects for Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet LA. SportsNet LA serves as the television home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, while SportsNet is the broadcast partner of the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Sparks.
MIKE SCHABEL, KISWE, Chief Strategy Officer
Schabel joined Kiswe in 2016 and has served as the COO and CEO. Prior to joining Kiswe, Schabel worked in the telecommunication industry with a focus on launching new innovative businesses and executing turnarounds of distressed businesses.
KEYNOTE BIOS
CAPTURE EVERY PLAY, ANGLE, & EMOTION.
Nothing heightens the passion of live sports like the cinematic look. Our comprehensive 35mm line starts with the HDC-F5500, the complete system camera that elevates every play with Super 35mm bokeh and global shutter imagery. The full-frame FR7 pan/tilt/zoom enables all-new vantage points with interchangeable E-mount lenses and comprehensive remote control. Using the same lenses, our Alpha full-frame cameras bring viewers directly into celebrations. We have you covered from HD to 8K* and up to 16x slo-motion, with spot on color matching and superb creative freedom. When it comes to capturing gameday action, nobody delivers like Sony.
Visit pro.sony/sports-solutions to learn more.
* 8K: 7,680 x 4,320 pixels.
© 2023 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony.
REGIONALSPORTSPRODUCTION SUMMIT SVGRSPS
SPEAKER BIOS, continued
DAVID SCHAFER, MSG Networks, SVP, Product, Technology & Operations
Schafer oversees all production, engineering, and technical strategy and operations for the network across its linear, digital, and streaming platforms, as well as lead the design and development of new products.
JOHN
SCHIPPMAN, NBCUniversal Chicago, VP of Sports Content
Schippman oversees sports content and studio production across the networks, as well as live game production for the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox. Prior to this role, Schippman was the news director for NBC Sports Chicago and also produced studio programming.
SCHNEIDER, Marquee Sports Network, SVP, Broadcast Operations
DEBBY
Schneider oversees all aspects of operations and engineering for the network since its launch in 2020. Schneider has more than 25 years of experience in the sports media industry, serving key leadership roles with networks including MSG Networks, Fox Sports NY, and Outside TV. She also led broadcast operations efforts for the NHL.
JON
SLOBOTKIN, NBC Sports Regional Networks, SVP, Content and Live Programming
Slobotkin is responsible for all content and live production, which includes more than 1,500 games annually, and leads content and production strategy and execution across platforms. Previously, Slobotkin served as VP and executive producer of live events.
JOSH
STONER, Canon, Senior Specialist, Product Management Team, Broadcast and Cinema Lenses
Stoner is a senior specialist for Canon’s Product Management Team focused on broadcast and cinema lenses. For a majority of his career at Canon, Stoner has served as a repair engineer and field support for customers on the front line of productions.
JARED TIMMINS, Diversified, VP of Media Innovation
Timmins leverages his more than 15 years of industry experience to help deliver future-forward solutions for a changing media landscape. He’s a strategic thinker who is passionate about learning and has an exceptional talent for quickly grasping new technology.
BRADLEY WASILITION, Ross Video, Business Development Manager, PIERO Sports Analysis
Wasilition is an experienced business development manager at Ross Video with a specific focus on supporting the PIERO Sports Analysis group of products. With a passion for sports storytelling, he combines his expertise with cutting-edge technology to assist customers and partners.
MIKE WEBB, YES Network, VP, Broadcast Operations and Engineering
Webb oversees long-range planning, field and studio operations, and engineering at YES. He has played a major role in all of YES’ technical and production innovations over the years, including the design and building of all of the network’s new production and satellite trucks.
SCOTT WEST, Program Productions, President and CEO
West is currently responsible for oversight and management of business operations for Program Productions, its sister company XLT Management Services — a payroll and human resources management firm — as well as Event Software Partners.
Capture
Learn more at: rossvideo com/sports-broadcast
ever y moment of the action and tell a more compelling stor y for fans with power ful spor ts broadcast solutions from Ross.
TAKE A LOOK AT TYPE R FOR TV: THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR YOUR STATION
Earlier this year, experienced A1s Shawn Peacock and Sean O’Gorman at Universal Remote.tv carried out a successful proof of concept with Calrec, to show how remote mixing expands REMI productions without compromising on the audio quality.
We really wanted to work with Calrec because its technology is in 99 percent of the trucks in the US and they are innovative, tried and trusted and rock solid... The Type R really fits this bill as its compact and modular, allowing us to keep all the DSP at the OB truck onsite and then feed the control signals from the A1’s property to the truck.
| Visit calrec.com
Breaking News and Live Sports Don’t
Wait
Capture the action without dropping the feed. Prism Mobile and Teradek Data provide the ultimate combination of mobility and connectivity with a cellular strategy to ensure your video backhaul doesn’t miss a beat. Stream over up to 3 modems across any carrier, all from an ultralight device.
With Teradek Data, select any major carrier, on any SIM, at any time. Giving you the flexibility to tune your Prism Mobile to operate at its best at any location you go live from.
- Shawn Peacock
Visit us in the Urban Blue Room
661-877-9775
Learn how Universal Remote.tv used Calrec's Type R to mix remotely, bringing the OB truck to the A1 SVG - 8.5x5.125in (June 2023).indd 1 14/06/2023 10:02 teradek.com/prism-mobile PRISM MOBILE + TERADEK DATA
Call
REGIONALSPORTSPRODUCTION SUMMIT SVGRSPS
Thank You Regional Sports Production Advisory Committee!
MIKE CONNELLY, Bally Sports Regional Networks, EVP
JEFF FILIPPI, Industry Consultant
ED HALL, Rogers Sports & Media, Executive Producer, NHL Productions
DOUG JOHNSON, MLB, SVP and Executive Producer, Local Media
MATTHEW KROL, Altitude Sports and Entertainment, VP, General Manager, and Executive Producer
LARRY MEYERS, Pac-12 Networks, EVP, Content
AJ PONSIGLIONE, Spectrum Networks, Senior Coordinating Producer
MATT SANDULLI, SNY, VP, Live Game/Long-Form Production
JON SLOBOTKIN, NBC Sports Regional Networks, SVP, Content and Live Programming
KEN STIVER, MASN, SVP, Engineering & Network
MIKE WEBB, YES Network, VP, Broadcast Operations
HOWARD ZALKOWITZ, NESN, Executive Producer
PONSIGLIONE SLOBOTKIN STIVER WEBB ZALKOWITZ SANDULLI
CONNELLY FILIPPI HALL
JOHNSON KROL MEYERS
The Leader in Technology Solutions for Sports and Live Event Venues onediversified.com/venues Engage Fans in the Experience, Anytime, Anywhere Audio Visual Broadcast Cabling IPTV Sound Reinforcement Video Control Room UBS Arena Globe Life Field SoFi Stadium NY Red Bulls