NESN Nation Takes Different Swing at Sports FAST Channel

The New England sports network, NESN, believes it can attract fresh viewers by launching a free, advertisement-supported channel that offers content beyond just short clips, archived studio shows, and older games.

NESN, the main network for games featuring the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, is set to debut a new Fast-Action Sports & Entertainment (FAST) channel called NESN Nation. According to CEO David Wisnia, this new channel aims to attract viewers with something unique – original programming that sets it apart from other broadcast outlets.

In a recent interview, he shared that our new project aims to tell distinctive stories relevant to both our audience and spectators about topics that truly matter to them. Our goal is not just to engage viewers within the area we focus on, but also across the entire nation.

Networks such as NESN, which are supported by Fenway Sports Group and Delaware North, are currently facing a new wave of disruption in the realm of regional sports broadcasting. Traditionally, regional sports networks have been able to demand high affiliate fees from cable and satellite providers, but with more viewers opting for streaming platforms and even direct subscription services, the financial backing for these linear assets has weakened. To adapt to this shift, last year, the YES Network and MSG Networks, which air New York sports, established a digital joint venture that streams games featuring teams like the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Yankees.

On NESN Nation, you’ll find over 30 hours of exclusive, live programming every week. This includes live games, pre-game shows, press conferences, interviews, sports betting analysis, documentaries, features, video podcasts, and content from our extensive library. The FAST channel offers four live Red Sox spring training games in February and March, as well as live streams of the “Morning Skates” and “Pregame Skates” studio shows. Additionally, NESN Nation will feature “Unobstructed Views”, an alternative commentary-driven game coverage, and a weekly three-hour block dedicated to Liverpool FC, with match highlights, analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Wisnia, our new president and CEO, states that we will offer an extensive array of unique features that sets us apart from other FAST channels,” he said, having previously worked at Alvarez & Marsal, a renowned global management consulting firm, as a managing director with expertise in media and entertainment operations and strategy. He takes over from Sean McGrail who is retiring after 40 years of service at NESN.

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2025-02-20 17:47