For our last SPIN is a Four Letter Word episode of 2021, we talk with longtime friend and journalist, Roch Kubatko. A 35-year veteran of sports journalism, Roch has seen the transformation of sports reporting through the rise of digital and social media. His story of becoming MASN’s first “blogger” and his decision to take social media by the horns to grow his brand should resonate with all PR and media professionals. We talk with Roch about his current role with MASN Sports and the highs and lows of being a beat reporter in the digital age.
On this episdoe, John and Matt talk with Principal at Team Services LLC, E.J. Narcise, about the new era of name, image and likeness (NIL) in the collegiate sports world. NIL has changed the landscape of college athletics by creating opportunnities for all types of athletes to obtain deals and learn how to market themselves to create or represent a brand. The guys discuss how NIL is effecting athletic budgets across the nation, creating a separation of bigger and smaller market schools and how the transfer portal has majorly impacted athletic programs. Also, how will NIL evolve in the next few years, who will benefit the most, and what will companies, both locally and nationally, need to do to attract athletes. ...
Join John Maroon and Maroon PR Account Director Nicole Durante in having some Bubble Gum Fun with Rob Nelson, inventor and founder of Big League Chew. This iconic bubble gum brand and longtime client of Maroon PR provides a product that is fun, shareable, and high-quality. This partnership is unlike any other with creative and crazy ideas welcomed by both teams. Nicole, who works closely with the brand, discusses their ultimate goal of simplicity in product and branding. The company has stayed true to its roots of a ballplayer’s gum while also utilizing social media and influencers to elevate the brand. The philosophy of trial and error is one shared by both Maroon PR and Rob Nelson and has made for an amazing and bubbly ride. ...
John and Matt are joined by Abe Madkour, Executive Editor and Publisher of the Sports Business Journal. They dive into Abe’s rise from ground level as a journalist at the SBJ to becoming the lead man of the publication. They discuss how sports business has evolved with regard to competition, what SBJ has done to handle the shrinking newsroom and how they continue to outlast others in this space as a multimedia leader. The trio explore the dynamics around the recent television rights deals both the NFL and NHL signed, the “linear” aspect, how streaming plays part in the equation and what that could spell for other major sports leagues in the future. The guys get Abe’s take on the common mistakes sports organizations, leagues and teams continue to make, why there is much more emphasis placed on communications overall and why that is more prominent than at any time ever in the industry. ...
