ESPN sells B.A.S.S.

[Tim_T]

August 3, 2010
ESPN Reaches Agreement in Principle to Sell BASS
ESPN Inc., announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement in principle to sell BASS, LLC to a group of investors led by Don Logan, Jerry McKinnis and Jim Copeland.
BASS is the largest membership organization of bass anglers in the U.S. with more than 500,000 members. It was purchased by ESPN in 2001 and includes several media platforms, including three magazines and a popular web site.
The purchasing party will assume ownership of all BASS’ assets after the completion of the sale.
“The investor group, with its enthusiasm for the brand, will continue to serve BASS’ interests with anglers,” said Traug Keller, ESPN senior vice president, production, business divisions.
As part of the agreement in principle, BASS’ core television programming assets – the Bassmaster Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic – will remain on ESPN networks.
Investor and outdoorsman McKinnis has a long history with ESPN as the host of the network’s second longest-running show, The Fishin’ Hole, which aired from 1980 until 2007.
Retired Time Inc., executive and avid angler Logan at one time oversaw Time Inc., America Online, Time Warner Cable and the Time Warner Book Group before his retirement from the media giant in 2002.
Georgia native Copeland retired as U.S. and Global CEO of international financial services firm Deloitte in 2003 and currently serves on the board of directors of three Fortune 500 companies.
“I am eager to begin working with the anglers, sponsors, and supporters to bring an even more exciting BASS business to its fan base,” said McKinnis.
“This group is looking forward to working with the fishing industry’s strongest brand and plans to make BASS even more relevant in the multimedia world,” said Logan.
Until a sales transaction is finalized, BASS will continue to operate under ESPN’s ownership.

[mhall]

I always liked Jerry McKinnis, ESPN stinks, to me they do very little right.

[Tim_T]

I always liked Jerry McKinnis, ESPN stinks, to me they do very little right.

I think ESPN took it is far as they could. The production value is top notch, but they fall short in some areas. I have already talked to one BASS pro and he was excited about Jerry McKinnis is involved.

[mhall]

Don't get me wrong I loved Tommy Sanders and Zona, but didn't like the format much. They tend to key on certain individuals way too much. I didn't care for the Hip Hop culture they did their darnest to push through either. I mean seriously this is bass fishing, can we leave the 50 cent crap out of it, lol.

[vetsvet]

Don't get me wrong I loved Tommy Sanders and Zona, but didn't like the format much. They tend to key on certain individuals way too much. I didn't care for the Hip Hop culture they did their darnest to push through either. I mean seriously this is bass fishing, can we leave the 50 cent crap out of it, lol.

can we leave the 50 cent crap out of it, at least the "low down" or is it the "down low?

[hairball]

It's about **** time!! ESPN has gotten far too commercialized for my tastes and I think Jerry McKinnis is the antithesis to that mindset. Congratulations to Jerry and the rest of the new crew! I will re-subscribe as soon as the deal is complete and not a second sooner.

[DJD]

Don't get me wrong I loved Tommy Sanders and Zona, but didn't like the format much. They tend to key on certain individuals way too much. I didn't care for the Hip Hop culture they did their darnest to push through either. I mean seriously this is bass fishing, can we leave the 50 cent crap out of it, lol.

I wonder if some of the anglers will have a makeover now??

[21ssExtreme]

What are the three mags? Bassmaster, Bass Tmes, and ???

[BassBandit35]

What are the three mags? Bassmaster, Bass Tmes, and ???

Insider

[Tim_T]

What are the three mags? Bassmaster, Bass Tmes, and ???

The third is Fishing Tackle Retailer.

[Bradd]

I agree with Tim and he knows a lot more behind the scenes than me.

The TV coverage and website coverage including the Bass Insider is awesome. On the weekends during tournament time, I am glued to the coverage. The blogs and on the water updates are excellent. Not sure if the next group can maintain this level of coverage, but I hope so. Sure I liked the TV coverage spread a tournament out over a couple weekends, but the shows may have only been 30 minutes instead of the 1 hour that is today.

I like the old magazine better for different reasons. I understand sponsorships and ads are important to running a business, but too much can get annoying. Sure some guys are more marketable than others. I agree ESPN probably spent more time on these guys, but what can you do. If it is selling product that is probably what I would do too. Hopefully, the new group will find the right balance and improve BASS for everyone.

I am looking forward to it. We will see...