Back in 1980, The Buggles famously sang the following:
“Video killed the radio star.”
Nearly 43 years later, is Jeff Spring the blood-thirsty psychopath lying in wait with a butcher’s knife, poised to permanently put an end to the era of post-produced disc golf coverage?
I asked him about it …
Here’s what he said:
“Absolutely not.
“Post-produced disc golf coverage is a great way to grow disc golf. When done through our partners, not only is it free, but it’s well-produced. It’s compelling, and it’s on its own schedule. It’s a form of media that’s unique to disc golf. As long as our media partners want to dedicate their resources to post-produced coverage, we’re happy to work to provide them with access.
“Also, don’t forget – fans love it. They’re the driving force. If they keep watching, and viewership keeps growing, there’s no reason for it to die. The only way it’d fall by the wayside is if people stop tuning in.”
The state of live disc golf
“Obviously, the rising popularity of live coverage gives place for these kinds of questions. That’s what the Disc Golf Network (DGN) is focused on. But there’s a big difference between live coverage and post-produced viewing. In my mind, they’re two totally different things.
“As far as live disc golf is concerned, the DGN continues to improve the product it puts out. Last season, the production, camerawork and stream quality steadily improved with each event. Our hope is more people watch live disc golf, but you have to understand something …
“Live disc golf is expensive.
“To fund it, we NEED a healthy base of subscribers.
“Though that’s the reality of live disc golf, I never want disc golf fans to feel as if they’re obligated to purchase a DGN subscription. Post-produced tournament coverage ensures that everybody can follow along with the Pro Tour, regardless of their economic situation or viewing preferences.
“We’re lucky to offer both.”
Post-produced partners – or competitors?
“Furthermore, as some might suggest, I don’t know that the DGN gradually claiming post-produced disc golf coverage as its own is destined to happen, either. We are likely building the planet’s most impressive disc golf media library, but our partnerships are everything for us – they are a key part of bringing the action to fans and telling players’ stories.
“For example, working closely with GK Pro and Central Coast Disc Golf has been great. As they should, they continue to publish content on their own channels, but work with the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) and DGN on a regular basis. And let’s not forget about JomezPro …
“They’re pioneers of the current, post-production standard fans love today.
“JomezPro is a beloved brand in disc golf. They’ve been a partner of ours for years. Right now, we’re in the middle of a two-year deal with them. At the end of our current contract, I anticipate continuing our relationship. If anything changes between now and then, I’d hope it would be for the betterment of all parties.
“But again …
“Fans watch post-produced action.
“And our partners have spent years building their own brands …
“I don’t see why anything must change.”
How the DGPT helps its post-production partners
“It’s important for readers to understand that the DGPT actually subsidizes our post-production partners by paying above-market rates for year-long advertising packages. This keeps them solvent and helps them stay out on the road.
“So, not only do we give them valuable media rights, but we pay them to execute and distribute said media. This is the case for GK Pro and Gatekeeper Media. Up to this point, it’s been needed in order to get additional coverage out to our disc golf audience.
“With JomezPro, they have access to the more valuable product – post-produced, lead-card coverage of the MPO division at all Elite Series and Elite+ events. They’ve also built a bigger team to drive value from that product. Therefore, they pay a media-rights fee that represents a portion of the profit they are able to generate from the media rights we grant them.
“Post-produced action is a core component of the DGPT’s media offering …
“As such, we’re happy to pay partners for its execution.”
Post-produced and the growth of disc golf
“Lastly, keep in mind how many people get into disc golf through something they’ve seen on YouTube. It doesn’t matter if it’s GK Pro, JomezPro or Central Coast Disc Golf, what’s most important is that more eyes see what the Pro Tour has to offer. Few pay for a DGN subscription without first getting a taste of the professional scene – our partners help to make that happen.
“Later on, we aim to pull from that base for DGN subscriptions …
“Remember: Live disc golf is expensive.
“In other sports, I get that one league will sometimes take over or absorb another league. Or all audio-visual content is housed on the same channel, but disc golf is different – that’s just fine. The DGPT doesn’t have all the right answers. Our takes and creative direction aren’t perfect.
“Our core media plan is VERY strong …
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
If you’re a fan of post-produced disc golf …
You’re in luck – it’s not going anywhere.
Jeff Spring loves it. The DGPT’s media partners love it.
And most importantly, fans love it, too.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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