First, let me get these two gems out of the way:

23 questions: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5097

5 questions: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5094

Now, for the purpose of this rant...That Cowherd guy was completely missing my point in terms of the "dumbing down" of sportscenter. Here are a few things that I will concede: 1) ratings for sportscenter is up, 2) more ratings = more immediate revenue with advertisers 3) more people currently like this new style over the style that i like.

Ok, but here are my theories.

First and foremost, there is an unfulfilled demand for a real sports show. Although a minority, the "hardcore sports fan" exist, and are fanatical about their hobby. Create a good show, and you'll have a cult following.

As with all cults, this audience would be loyal and long term. Thus, any decrease in current fan base would be offset by long term stability. The problem with the current SC (as with all fads) is that eventually the fair weather fans will move on. Who wants to be a millionaire, wrestling, etc etc. As high as these shows became, they tumbled down equally quick b/c the fans were just trendy.

Does espn really think that people are going to continue to tune in to hear the new catchphrase of the week? At some point, this is going to get stale and the viewers will tune out. Without your core fan base (who will have now moved onto the internet for sports news), espn will be at square one.

In all forms of media, the second you start altering your product to increase public appeal, you are doomed. It's the classic case of the tail wagging the dog. If something is "good" people will find it. But eventually, things meant to be popular will lose it's audience. Pop songs come in strong and fade. Good music is timeless.

I don't think people are fully aware as to how bad sportscenter is. I spend at least 5 hours a day "learning" about sports. and at no point do i feel a need to put on espn, the channel that's DEDICATED to sports. It's not a sports channel anymore. It's MTV, but without the genius that is real world.