ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitario: New streaming app targets customers on the sidelines

Strategy & Target Audience - The strategy focuses on attracting individuals who have never subscribed to cable TV services, often referred to as "never cord" [2] - ESPN aims to be present on all platforms to serve sports fans, acknowledging the shift towards digital and streaming [4] - ESPN enhances the fan experience within its app, adding value to the traditional pay-TV ecosystem through authentication for existing subscribers [2][3] Business Model & Financial Perspective - The company manages its television assets as one business, integrating linear and digital operations under a unified leadership and bottom line [6][7] - This approach allows for flexibility in how viewers consume content, whether through linear services or digital apps [7] - The company combines linear channels to aggregate subscription fees and advertising revenue, aiming for a larger and more impactful business [11] Cord-Cutting & Market Trends - The company acknowledges the continued decline in linear television subscriptions and has pivoted towards digital platforms [8][12] - The launch of direct-to-consumer services is not expected to stem the losses in linear subscriptions [9][10] - Other companies are exiting the linear business, while this company is combining linear and digital assets [11]