New Studio Show "Women’s Sports Now" to Launch on Roku Channel
In a time where women’s sports are on the rise in terms of viewership, interest, and lucrative TV deals, Roku, along with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and Rich Eisen Productions, has announced the upcoming launch of a new studio show dedicated to women’s sports. This weekly series, called "Women’s Sports Now," will be hosted by former WNBA star and current Atlanta Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery, alongside comedian Sarah Tiana and veteran sports reporter Suzy Shuster, who will also serve as the executive producer of the program.
Miller Lite Announced as Presenting Launch Sponsor
The show plans to take a broad look at the world of women’s sports, covering various sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, college sports, and more. According to Shuster, the concept for the show stemmed from her own experiences as a sports journalist and a mother to a young aspiring athlete.
The Importance of Representation in Women’s Sports
Shuster shared, "I have an 11-year-old daughter who is heavily involved in sports and idolizes athletes like Caitlin Clark. However, there is a lack of representation for young girls in mainstream sports media. I wanted to create a show where my daughter and others like her could see themselves reflected."
Roku’s Strategy to Cater to Underserved Audiences
Roku views this new show as an opportunity to reach an audience that is often underserved elsewhere. While women’s sports may be featured on sports studio shows and pre/post-game segments, the dedicated nature of "Women’s Sports Now" is expected to fill a gap in the market. Joe Franzetta, Roku’s head of sports, expressed the platform’s eagerness to provide a unique perspective to their sports programming.
Bringing a Unique Format to Women’s Sports Coverage
The show’s format will feature highlights, clips, banter, studio segments, and special guests in each episode. Montgomery emphasized the show’s goal of making women’s sports more accessible and enjoyable for all sports fans, regardless of their level of knowledge about the players or stats.
Hello Sunshine’s Mission to Elevate Female Voices
Sara Rae, head of unscripted programming at Hello Sunshine, highlighted the importance of comedy and levity in the show, emphasizing the company’s mission of putting women at the forefront of media and entertainment. Hello Sunshine aims to be a part of changing the narrative surrounding women in sports and female athletes by contributing to the ongoing positive shift in representation.
In conclusion, "Women’s Sports Now" is set to make a significant impact in the world of sports media by offering a fresh perspective on women’s sports coverage. With a focus on entertainment, accessibility, and representation, the show is poised to become a staple in the sports viewing experience for fans of all levels.