Jemele Hill to Lead Sports TV Newsmagazine ‘Above The Fold’ for TNT Sports (Exclusive)

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As a long-time sports enthusiast and follower of journalism, I am thrilled to see Jemele Hill taking the lead with her new program, “Above The Fold” on TNT Sports. With over three decades in this industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the days when hard-hitting, deep-dive journalism was the norm. It seems that format has been somewhat forgotten in today’s landscape of opinion and hot takes, so it’s refreshing to see someone like Hill championing this style once again.

Over the past several years, the sports news magazine has faced some challenging times, yet Jemele Hill believes it’s ready for a fresh redesign.

An experienced journalist from ESPN is heading a fresh initiative titled “Above The Fold” for TNT Sports. This show aims to explore significant narratives and discussions revolving around the intersection of sports and societal issues.

Hill describes the program as a “heartfelt tribute to the field that transformed my life,” and its name is a nod to the crucial tales typically highlighted in a daily news publication.

With nearly three decades of experience in this field under my belt, it’s become increasingly apparent that shows like Outside The Lines and E60, which delve deeply into complex issues over extended periods, are struggling to survive. What draws me to this project is the dedication to such in-depth storytelling and journalism, focusing on sports, culture, and events both within and beyond the usual boundaries.

Hill also emphasizes the importance of recognizing that while the contentious aspect of sports may be appealing, there’s a deeper side to sports as well – one where we learn about the mechanics of sports themselves, and more importantly, appreciate the individuals in sports who give them significance.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when reflecting on the recent changes in sports journalism. Last year, after an impressive 33-year run, ESPN decided to put their groundbreaking newsmagazine, Outside the Lines, on hold. It still exists, just in a different form, as a segment on SportsCenter and digitally. Similarly, HBO bid farewell to Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, a program that had been a staple of their lineup since the mid-90s. These changes have left a significant gap in the sports journalism landscape.

Above The Fold aims to bridge the gap created by previous programs and simultaneously support TNT Sports’ ambitious new sports venture on TruTV – their freshly launched sports block.

On Tuesday, October 22nd at 5 p.m., “Above The Fold” will make its premiere on TruTV. Subsequent episodes will air every Thursday at 7 p.m. on the same channel as part of TruTV’s recently launched sports programming block. “Above The Fold” will serve as the main narrative-driven show in this block, accompanied by live sports broadcasts, simulcasts, and other sports studio shows. This program is produced by Uninterrupted, a company owned by LeBron James through his SpringHill enterprise.

Hill emphasizes that, regardless of the novelty of the project, it’s the dedicated individuals behind it who truly matter. Here, everyone is fully invested in creating a distinctive sports product that not only appeals to die-hard fans but also captures the interest of more casual spectators who occasionally follow sports.

In the process of expanding TNT Sports’ programming on truTV, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Uninterrupted and Jemele, to produce a show that will be engaging, enlightening, and stimulating. Craig Barry, TNT Sports’ chief content officer, emphasizes this. Known for her powerful voice within the sports community, Jemele offers a distinctive perspective. We can’t wait to create a platform where we can share significant and captivating viewpoints with our audience.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into this exciting new venture, I’ll be exploring captivating tales that intertwine sports and culture, offering a blend of the profound and the playful. I, along with my fellow correspondents, aim to pass on the torch of journalism to a fresh generation, welcoming both seasoned veterans and fledgling TV reporters who are eager to share their insights.

Hill explains that when people learn this is about extensive storytelling, they often assume it’s all about heavy subjects,” he says. “However, while we will indeed tackle some serious topics and deep conversations, a significant portion of our show will focus on the lighter side – the fun and culture associated with sports.

The content will feature background stories about the individuals associated with sports mascots, as well as intriguing conversations with notable figures who share a link to athletics.

This format is likely to be recognizable to enthusiasts of shows like Real Sports or similar programs, yet it’s becoming less common in today’s television environment, which tends to favor opinionated content and trending discussions.

Journalism in this field isn’t easy, especially when data suggests people prefer debates, discussions, and arguments. This can be quite daunting for those who wish to focus on sports storytelling again. However, the chance to collaborate with TNT, Turner, and SpringHill, given their dedication to integrating this project into our sports realm, was an offer I couldn’t refuse.

Jamal Henderson, as the head of content at The SpringHill Company, is thrilled about Jemele Hill and expresses that she’s a favorite. Given our past collaborations, he believes viewers will enjoy her distinctive insights on sports and culture. As a company that champions diverse athlete voices, we’re eager to team up with TNT Sports on truTV to deliver this series weekly.

Jemele Hill will take on the role as the program’s executive producer. Uninterrupted’s executive producers include LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron. Joe Braswell and Steve Barry are serving as executive producers for Kelchris, who have an all-encompassing agreement with The SpringHill Company.

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2024-10-21 18:26