E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV and the Lions announced a new four year partnership that will bring Lions football to fans in Detroit and around the country, via on-air, on-line and mobile, beginning with the 2012 season.
Lions coverage will kick-off in April, with Lions Draft: Before the Snap, a one-hour NFL draft special on 4/26 from 7-8 p.m. During the summer, Lions fans can get a sneak peek at the strategy for the season as WXYZ presents Lions training camp updates from the Lions practice facility during 7 Action News at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.
WXYZ will also be on the field in August for the first preseason snap to will bring you live coverage of the Lions preseason games and pregame specials. WXYZ will produce and broadcast four games in August and September, and offer fans a chance to see the games again with encore broadcasts on Sundays.
Then every Sunday during the regular season, WXYZ will bring fans all the action live from Ford Field on Ford Lions Report LIVE, at 11 a.m. The one-hour program will include live coverage from the field during away games plus insight and perspective from top football analysts. The day after the big game, fans can get the latest with “Schwartz Sez,” an in-depth interview with Coach Jim Schwartz. The Coach will give fans his take on the game on 7 Action News at 7 p.m. The segment will include insight from Coach Schwartz that fans won’t find anywhere else.
Leading up to game day, fans can go Inside the Huddle, with key Lions players. Every Thursday, 7 Action News at 7 p.m. will sit down for a personal one-on-one interview with a favorite Lions player to get a unique perspective on the game and the season.
Game days will wrap up with Sunday Sports Update, Sundays at 11:30 p.m. on WXYZ. The show will include a review of the game and unique, on-the-field insight from key Lions players.
“We are excited that WXYZ will once again be our preseason TV partner,” said Lions President Tom Lewand. “Our first year together was very successful, and we believe this new long-term relationship allows us to maximize opportunities not only from a broadcasting standpoint but also in the Detroit community and throughout Southeast Michigan. WXYZ shares our passion for making a difference in our community, and this relationship collectively makes a significant impact in the Detroit area and beyond.”
