Jim Williams: Is Ted TV around the corner?

Published August 22, 2010 4:00am ET



When it comes to the media business there is an old saying: “content is king.”

Ted Leonsis is the chairman of the Monumental Sports and Entertainment — the owners of the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and Verizon Center, while also being involved in the entertainment production business. That gives Monument Sports and Entertainment all the assets needed for a quality network.

So is Leonsis looking to start his own network?

Leonsis on his present position » We currently have a great relationship with Comcast SportsNet. They are tremendous partners, but it would make financial sense for us to be involved in the distribution of our assets. Some franchises own media outlets while others are financial partners with their [regional sports networks]. Currently we have an agreement with Comcast SportsNet, and we value that partnership. But this certainly is an area of keen interest for us and our teams in the NBA, NHL and WNBA.

JW » You have great interest in movies through your website and production company — along with the entertainment live at the Verizon Center. Do you foresee a hybrid TNT/USA regional network that offers both sports and entertainment?

Leonsis » Our recently created company — Monumental Sports and Entertainment — recognizes that we are both a sports and an entertainment enterprise. I have experience in distributing content through a variety of channels, so I’m open to any number of current, as well as emerging, technologies. Sports, entertainment and media often go hand in hand.

JW » We know content is king. So is the future a combo of traditional/broadband networks where fans can watch their favorite regional teams and movies, concerts, etc?

Leonsis » You are correct, content is king. And it will continue to be king because compelling content is the driver of audience engagement. We live in a fractured media world, and companies need to continually invest in their content if they hope to grow their business. The goal is to generate great content that informs, engages and entertains. If you’re able to do that, you will have created a vibrant community that actively participates with your brand — sports teams, family shows, movies or concerts.

Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!