Root Sports
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Root Sports
| Root Sports | |
|---|---|
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| Launched | April 1, 2011 |
| Network | Fox Sports Net |
| Owned by | DirecTV Sports Networks |
| Picture format | 480i SDTV 720p (HDTV) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Broadcast area | National, through regional affiliates |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington |
| Formerly called | FSN (three affiliates) |
| Website | Root Sports |
Root Sports is the collective name for a group of regional sports networks owned by DirecTV Sports Networks, affiliated with the overall Fox Sports Net system. While previously operating under FSN branding, they re-launched under the Root Sports name on April 1, 2011, coinciding with the start of the MLB regular season.
Collectively, the Root Sports channels serve 8.3 million cable/satellite subscribers in 18 states.[1]
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Contents
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History
Liberty Media originally acquired FSN's Pittsburgh, Northwest, and Rocky Mountain/Utah operations as part of a 2008 deal with News Corporation, who exchanged the networks, $550 million, and their controlling interest in The DirecTV Group for a 16.3% share of News Corp. that had been owned by Liberty.[2] The Liberty Entertainment division (who owned the networks) was spun off and merged with The DirecTV Group in November 2009,[3] followed by the networks becoming a part of a new division, DirecTV Sports Networks.[4]
In December 2010, DirecTV announced that it would be re-branding its FSN affiliates in 2011 under the new name Root Sports. The new brand was created to emphasize connections between the network and fans who passionately support (or "root" for) their local teams. The networks will, according to DirecTV Sports Networks President/CEO Mark Shuken, have a "mindset" that "enables us to go from simply covering teams and games to providing an immersive experience as a fan and for the fan."[1] The name also gives the channels their own unique brand, signifying independence from the Fox Sports Net system (although programming partnerships with FSN are still in place).[5][6]
The Root Sports brand was phased in on the networks during the first quarter of 2011, and officially replaced the channels' Fox Sports Net branding (FSN Pittsburgh, FSN Northwest, FSN Rocky Mountain, FSN Utah) on April 1, 2011, to coincide with opening weekend of the Major League Baseball season, as Root Sports holds broadcast rights for the MLB teams in their respective regions.[1] The Dan Patrick Show launched Root Sports at 9 a.m. EST on April 1, 2011. The start of the 2011-12 Pittsburgh Penguins and Utah Jazz seasons coincided with the launch of new in-game graphics for all Root Sports networks, replacing the old FSN graphics, as well as adjustment to the 16:9 HD television format, which will also take effect when the Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates begin their 2012 MLB seasons.
Networks
The Root Sports group consists of four FSN affiliated sports networks:
- Root Sports Pittsburgh, all Pennsylvania except the Philadelphia market, most of West Virginia, far Western Maryland and parts of Eastern Ohio.
- Root Sports Northwest, serving the Pacific Northwest, covers primarily teams from Washington and Oregon.
- Root Sports Rocky Mountain, serving Denver, and the Rocky Mountains.
- Root Sports Utah, serving Utah
Root Sports Theme Music
The Root Sports Theme Music was composed by Dylan Berry and Noah Lifschey of Levels Music Group. It is notable for its use of on sight live organic elements including stadium bleachers, stomping crowds, chanting, shouts and other live stadium elements used to create the "from the crowd" brand.
References
- ^ a b c "Root Sports to Launch April 1," from Broadcasting & Cable, 3/31/2011
- ^ Hearn, Ted (2008-02-25). "Liberty Media Completes DirecTV Buyout". Multichannel News. http://www.multichannel.com/article/132230-FCC_Approves_Liberty_Takeover_of_DirecTV.php. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
- ^ Tim Mullaney and Kelly Riddell (May 4, 2009). "DirecTV Group to Combine With Liberty Entertainment". Bloomberg News. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=auGzOOELO3.0.
- ^ Liberty Sports Rebrands As DirecTV Sports Networks - Liberty Transaction Triggers New Name For Group FSN NW, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain Multichannel News November 20, 2009
- ^ Press Release on renaming of 'Root Sports' via penguins.nhl.com, 12/17/2010
- ^ "'Root Sports' new name for sports networks". Denver Business Journal. December 17, 2010. http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2010/12/17/root-sports-new-name-for-sports.html. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
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