“What they don’t see”- David Hill of LIV Golf discusses “horrendous truth” of golf television and discovering young talent
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LIV Golf’s David Hill
David Hill has good and bad news about golf television. Bad news? Golf TV is dead. What’s better? He’s saving it. After beginning his role as a broadcast consultant for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, the famed sports television producer (and former Executive Producer at Fox Sports) has focused a significant portion of his attention and efforts on golf broadcasting in the months since assuming the job.
He, along with a seasoned group of producers and broadcast specialists, is responsible for bringing the up-and-coming sports league to public attention. And after putting a significant amount of thought into the matter, he has come to the conclusion that golf television is on the verge of a catastrophe.
David Hill claims that majority of golf viewers are 65+
“How long?” Hill said this week on The Ourand and Marchand Sports Media Podcast, “50% of golf’s TV audience is 65+, which implies they’ll be dead in 25 years. 78% were 50-plus. Then what? The audience is dying.”
LIV Golf, Hill’s employer, has marketed to younger audiences. “It’s no accident”, he claimed. “I haven’t been to either of the two tournaments, but apparently, according to the guys who were there, is that the people who were turning up were like 35 and under,” Hill said. “So it’s fresh, it’s new and it’s different. There you go. It’s simple as that.”
Hill’s business is persuading people to watch golf tournaments, not attend them. LIV has been recruiting high-profile on-air talent to join its staff. David Feherty is the league’s greatest addition thus far, but speculations persist about Gary McCord.
“We had our first meeting after I returned from John Madden’s funeral,” Hill added. “That showed how important announcers are. Key announcer. Because sports are about people, and the announcer does that. There are great, good, and bad announcers.“
Charles Barkley, a non-golfer, could be LIV’s biggest broadcast target. Barkley’s name has been linked to LIV since he dined with Norman. He’s waiting for the league to make him an offer, but he’d jump at the proper price. Hill said, “I don’t know what Charles and Greg discussed. But Charles must contribute to the commentary. Charles may be more energetic. What if?
David Hill and LIV must offer something to alter the sport’s tide (and a TV contract wouldn’t hurt). “We’re playing LIV Golf with Arlo White and David Feherty, who injects comedy into the discussion. We’re searching for more players,” Hill remarked. “Commentary is the key. They’re a producer’s best weapon.”
Also read| “You suit better with Shaq” Charles Barkley set to lose $75 Million after LIV Golf keep him hanging
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