Wide Left Episode 1: Darren Rovell Talks Sports Business, Twitter, TV & More

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Welcome to Wide Left, in audio form. When I signed on to be one of the Lead Writers for Bleacher Report, I did so with the understanding that I'd be bringing a new version of my old show with me.

This is something new, both for me and for Bleacher Report, so I hope you enjoy it and I certainly hope you spread the world.

For this first episode, I am happy to chat with Darren Rovell of CNBC, who hosts the sports business show Game On, every Friday on Versus. Rovell also has more than 135,000 followers on Twitter so if you've come to this site from there, welcome to the show and feel free to follow me too.

We talk about Twitter and the importance of a social media footprint in today's media landscape. We also talk about how "influence" may be more important than ratings when it comes to TV programming, keeping in mind that ratings for live sports are more important than ever. With more and more people using DVR to watch primetime shows—and blow through commercials—we talk about how sports have become one of the last frontiers for live television.

We also talk about the future of the industry, our dependence on mobile viewing and if any of us will even be staring at a TV as our primary source of video in the next five to 10 years.

We talk about who the best commissioner in American sports may be and, without giving too much away, talk about the growth of a league like MLS. How has the league changed since the Beckham Experiment began? Shoot, how has the league changed since the first time Freddy Adu played here? And what, if anything, can other sports learn from their growth?

We close with a discussion about the ongoing NBA lockout. Is it possible to figure out which side is right and which side is wrong, because it sure as heck feels like the players are doing everything right, at least in public. Can the owners—and David Stern—continue to hold on to the leverage when the players are currying so much public favor? And when a deal eventually gets done, what can the league do to make sure fans come back?

If this is your first time hearing me, I sincerely appreciate you listening. Please leave your thoughts in the comments for me, or Darren. You can always email me if you have specific questions or ideas for future guests. (Don't suggest yourself.)

My great thanks to Darren for taking time to be our first guest. Thanks to you for coming along on this ride.