Stephen A. Smith and colleagues team up for ‘Up for Debate’ docuseries on ESPN

Stephen A. Smith has bridged the gap between old media and new media with many positive moves recently.

Stephen A. Smith and colleagues team up for ‘Up for Debate’ docuseries on ESPN

Stephen A. Smith and his colleagues team up to create 'Up for Debate' docuseries on ESPN outlining how debates have enhanced sports

For a long time now, ESPN and other standard networks were at the forefront of sports media. The way they telecast the games was extremely entertaining.

But more importantly it was their debates live on national television that brought a different level of attention. Now Stephen A. Smith and his colleagues have created a docuseries called ‘Up for Debate’, to showcase the growth of that segment.

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Earlier when games just had commentary, fans would switch off as soon as the game was over. They would then come back to tune in to those networks on game day. In an attempt to keep fans continuing to tune in, debates were brought in. These debates range from talking about the games and in-depth analysis. They also talk about what all has transpired since the game. Now they also preview games, building up the hype before the 1st whistle.

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This is tapped off on the human nature to discuss and argue. Something the likes of Stephen A. Smith has mastered over the years. He and his other colleagues who were once just reporters, have made sports more entertaining by talking about it.

This docuseries was created to showcase the importance of those debates. It also dives into the current situation where new media is challenging the old media which Smith represents. Especially as it comprises of athletes who have or still are playing the game. It has left fans divided over the course of their existence.

Stephen A. Smith has embraced new media over time

When New Media threatened to draw fans from old media, it led to some conscious decisions. Primary of them was when Stephen A. Smith engineered some thoughtful moves to help his company ESPN to benefit in the long run.

First was to convince his bosses to get Pat McAfee and his casual but popular talk show to join ESPN. Then his next masterstroke was to sign Shannon Sharpe to join him on First Take.

But that was just not limited to bringing in two of the biggest stars. He has also embraced the idea of cross marketing, where he engages in discussions about certain points podcast creators have made. For instance, his references to Draymond Green‘s podcast has helped them to bridge the gap between old media and new media.

It helps ESPN stay on top of things even though a new podcast featuring an athlete is cropping up every day. More importantly, the limelight does not stray away from the likes of Stephen A. Smith at any point.

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