E60: Another “World Leader” Assumption

For twelve years, HBO’s Real Sports has dominated. They have chronicled athletics as society. They have presented athletes as individuals. Real Sports has highlighted the exemplary, cautionary, and abhorrent. They have incited necessary discussions. They have impaled reprehensible situations.

Recently, I viewed ESPN’s “E60.” Uniquely, the endeavor recounts reporter’s pitches. Viewers witness a story’s conception and execution. Unfortunately, the program skews entertainment. Music splices every segment. “Next” intrusions interrupt commendable reporting.

Obviously, ESPN covets Real Sports province. Alas, E60 is a failure. Tom Friend, Rachel Nichols, Lisa Salters, Jeremy Schaap, and Michael Smith are excellent. However, they are not James Brown, Frank Deford, Bernard Goldberg, and Bryant Gumbel. They cannot overcome network arrogance. ESPN may desire territory. They cannot assume excellence.