ESPN (NYSE: DIS) is launching new UK services that begin to suggest a two- or more-screen strategy.
The sportscaster will this weekend launch Extra *Time*, a web-only post-match live soccer analysis segment running for 10 minutes following the end of its live TV transmissions.
The theory is, TV viewers will go online to get Extra Time’s additional interviews and discussion.
It sounds a lot like the Q&A forums the BBC airs on its red button following Six Nations and Formula 1. But ESPN will have to work harder to encourage soccer fans to open their laptop.
ESPN trialled Extra Time on some recent matches. The segment will run to the soccer season’s end this summer.
ESPN holds live broadcast rights to some top-flight UK soccer league matches. Its product roster includes ESPN.co.uk, ESPNCricinfo.com, ESPNSoccernet.com, ESPNScrum.com, ESPNF1.com, ESPN Player (broadband). the ESPN Goals VOD app and an ESPNCricinfo live coverage app.
It is also thought ESPN due to unveil iPad apps in the next few months.