Lee H. Berke specializes in collaborating with sports properties in developing multiplatform media networks and enhancing the value of content rights across a growing array of distribution opportunities. He founded LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media, Inc. in 2001, which has worked on media efforts with over fifty teams and properties across MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR, MLS, Premier League, and Formula E.
On the heels of the NHL announcing its new USA rights partnerships with Turner and ESPN, we check in with Lee on all things TV ratings these days with a special focus on the NHL deal, the parties involved, what it means for hockey fans and more.
Lee provides an update on ratings in the new streaming world, he explains why rights fees continue to go up, while old-school ratings go down and how streaming services impact those ratings.
The NFL Draft last year was a rating hit. The NFL Draft in 2020 broke all records for TV watching and with this year’s draft here, Lee opines on what we may see this year.
It is time for the Kentucky Derby and last year’s Derby ran in September earning it the worst ratings if not ever, then amongst the worst ever. Lee explains why he thinks those ratings will bounce back, but not to those achieved in the old days.
Finally, lurking behind many of these rights deals is Amazon. Lee details the Amazon plan and what it may mean for sports viewers in the future.