Leadoff LA, Access SportsNet: Dodgers drive studio programming
As the No. 1 overall seed in the MLB Postseason and holder of the league’s best record, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been slated for the World Series from start to finish. Now that they’re about to face the New York Yankees in tonight’s Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, Spectrum SportsNet LA, the club’s home regional sports network, is populating the airwaves with studio programming from its facility and the ballpark.
“This year’s plans feature similar programming [to the COVID-affected World Series 2020],” says AJ Ponsiglione, senior coordinating producer, Spectrum SportsNet. “The experience will differ, with games held in home stadiums and fans being involved.”
Planning for the Playoffs: Preparation Begins Early in the Regular Season
With a 162-game schedule to cover in the regular season, there’s never a perfect amount of downtime for planning coverage of a deep run in the postseason. Luckily, the Dodgers were in the driver’s seat all season and were poised for a playoff appearance early in the final weeks of games. Ponsiglione and his team capitalized on this fact and planned out their roadmap prior to the team’s clinching their third consecutive National League West title, their 11th in 12 seasons.
From left: John Hartung, Jerry Hairston Jr., Nomar Garciaparra, and Orel Hershiser on the set at Dodgers Stadium after NLDS Game 5
“Our network has been fortunate to have the Dodgers advance to the postseason each year since our inception [in 2014],” he adds. “This has established a routine for covering the team during the playoffs.”
In addition, this is the Dodgers fourth World Series in eight years. More appearances translate to more attempts to fine-tune programming, which is a massive advantage for viewers who expect expert analysis and behind-the-scenes access to their favorite team.
“Our team has a lot of experience covering the Dodgers in the postseason,” says Ponsiglione. “It’s more challenging without your own game crew onsite to support your pregame and postgame coverage, but our network receives great support from the Dodgers and the same level of access as we do during the regular season.”
Pre/Postgame at Dodgers Stadium: Network Goes All Out on Studio Programming
With so much sustained success, the biggest challenge for Spectrum SportsNet LA is differentiating the coverage from that of previous playoffs. The opponent and storylines change, which alters talking points discussed and features produced, but the core programming is driven by two tentpole programs: Leadoff LA and Access SportsNet: Dodgers.
Reporter Kirsten Watson (left) interviews reliever Brent Honeywell in the clubhouse during the NLCS celebration.
World Series editions of these shows began with press conferences and interviews at Media Day on Thursday, Oct. 24, but the dynamic of each show will shift from Dodgers Stadium on game day. Leadoff LA will begin one hour before the game and be followed by Access SportsNet: Dodgers 30 minutes before game time. Both shows will include player interviews, team highlights, and in-depth analysis by host John Hartung, analysts Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jerry Hairston Jr., on-field reporter Kirsten Watson, and radio reporter David Vassegh.
With all games beginning at 8:08 p.m. ET, the shows will have the same cadence throughout the Series. Leadoff LA begins at 7 p.m. ET, Access SportsNet: Dodgers Pregame will be next at 7:30 p.m., and Access SportsNet: Dodgers Postgame comes up immediately after the game’s conclusion. The only difference from the postgame is that the shows will be extended to 60-90 minutes based on the action to be recapped.
Operationally, there are few pivots for postseason programming. The network will produce studio shows without a mobile unit and with a smaller crew since non–live-game coverage doesn’t require many resources from the venue. Game highlights will be provided by exclusive World Series broadcaster FOX Sports, which is a common practice from the regular season. Though not handling live broadcasts of the games, the network dedicates energy to getting fans excited for first pitch and informing them after the final out.
“We would like to think we go all out for every studio show all season long to provide the most comprehensive Dodgers coverage,” says Ponsiglione. “While there are some restrictions based on the exclusivity of the national broadcaster, we strive to deliver the best coverage possible.”
Access SportsNet: Dodgers aired a special episode to honor the life and legacy of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela on Oct. 23.
During the lead-up to the World Series, Spectrum SportsNet LA needed to adjust to the sudden passing of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela on Oct. 22. The announcement came only two days after the Dodgers defeated the New York Mets to clinch the National League pennant. The loss of the six-time All-Star, the 1981 World Series champion, the only player in MLB history to win the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year Award in the same season, and one of two non–National Baseball Hall of Famers in Dodgers history to have his number retired by the organization hit the fanbase extremely hard. The network responded by dedicating a 90-minute edition of Access SportsNet: Dodgers to honor his life, career, and memory.
Champagne on Ice: Production, Ops Teams Hope To Highlight Dodgers Championship
Regional sports networks dream of being in this position during this time of the MLB season: on the verge of spotlighting a championship-winning team and covering a victory parade and everything that comes with lifting a trophy. Getting get to that point requires a well-oiled production and operations machine.
“We have a great staff that works together to achieve our goals throughout the postseason,” says Ponsiglione. “The content, technical operations, and engineering departments work together to make sure our shows run smoothly and seamlessly. It truly is a team effort, and I cannot emphasize enough the dedication and hard work our staff puts in to provide Dodgers fans the best TV coverage.”
