TBS launches MLB Hot Corner Broadband channel for postseason

By
Andrew Lippe

TBS is launching a one-of-a-kind interactive
broadband channel this September called TBS Hot Corner. It will debut on
MLB.com and was created to provide extended online post-season coverage.
The channel will coincide with TBS’ coverage of the Division Series
and the National League Championship Series.

“This channel was designed to enhance
the broadcast,” says Pete Scott, executive interactive producer for
Turner sports and media. “This channel will be an interactive forum
that will complement our games.”

The online spectrum has continued to
grow and TBS has devised a channel that will bring fans closer to the
action. The on-demand channel will contain a multitude of baseball polls
as well as a trivia game for those hardcore fans. There will also be
daily updates of about 90 seconds that will detail the day’s events.
TBS Hot Corner will also feature interviews with many MLB superstars.
They will discuss everything from the playoffs to more intimate questions
like their favorite cars. These interview sessions have been recorded
since May of this year.

“This is our
Entertainment Tonight
brand,” adds Scott. “It will complement the MLB.com chat engine.” The studio crew features studio analyst and
Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., game analyst and fellow Hall of Famer
Tony Gwynn, TNT’s Ernie Johnson, Joe Simpson and Chip Caray.

When the Post-season gets underway
October 3, the playoff telecast will be accompanied by an interactive
pre-game webcast found on the broadband channel. Found only on TBS Hot
Corner, fans will get the chance to interact and ask questions to the
studio host. “It’s like they are on your couch,” said Scott.

TBS will also provide the Dugout Cam.
The Dugout cam is a unique camera view that will put fans inside the
home and visitors dugouts. “It will be a split screen option between
at bats,” says Rodney Vaughn, content producer for Turner Sports.